catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Sep 16

Awakenings: Voyage to America

by catnipoflife

Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor by William Halsall (1882)

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

This Day in History: September 16, 1620

The spirit of European expansion stirred adventurers to set sail for the New World. Having already been discovered much earlier, the richness of this new land beckoned voyagers to set sail in 1620 for a more profound purpose. Such exploits resulted in surveillance of the terrain and possibilities for settlements.

Go to Awakenings for poetry Voyage to America!

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Perhaps some of your ancestors financed or even traveled across the sea to America! How cool is that!

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings PoetrybySharla Scoop.it

2 Comments »
Sep 6

Free Write Friday #29: Fall Word Bank

by catnipoflife

free-write-friday-kellie-elmoreWelcome to Kellie Elmore’s Free Write Friday! New here? Read the intro. Everyone else, let’s get started.

Here is your FWF prompt:

foliage – amber – wicker – aroma – sweater – cocoa

You may use as little as one word or all of them if you choose. Have fun!

‘Til the Last One Falls

Fall

Foliage changes color
Plushest green to amber
Hanging onto life
‘Til last leaves fall

The wicker rocker creaks
As aromas lazily drift
Tickling each nostril
‘Til stars at twilight call

Crispness in the air
Hints a light sweater
Breaking the chill
‘Til warmth arrives

Sounds from behind
Break concentration
A steaming mug of cocoa
Embraces, revives

Smiles from within
Send a new kind of chill
Inside and outside
‘Til nighttime calls

Foliage changes color
Plushest green to amber
Hanging onto life
‘Til the last one falls

©2013 catnipoflife2013 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

Check out these contributions!

~ neenslewy

Loved this prompt – hadn’t planned on using all the words in the bank but just kept on writing. Here’s my Friday token!
http://awritersfountain.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/fwf-free-write-friday-autumn/

~ Author’s Thought

Love the prompt Kellie, here is my link “Fall” http://wp.me/s3dPsw-fall

~ Roberta

~ Terry

Hi Kellie

http://terry1954.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/fwf-free-write-friday-fall-word-bank/

~ graypoet

Thought I would try and post a little of my rambling…. Glad to have a chance to brighten my Friday….

http://graypoet.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/lost-in-thought/

~ Maleko’s Art

Free Write Friday PoetrybySharla

12 Comments »
Aug 13

Basking in the Sunlight of Spirit at Sunset

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – 4businessand life

Counting my blessings There is no second guessing as sunset burrows inside me. It fills up my senses. Removes all my fences. Letting the wondrous glow in. It cleanses my spirit I can almost hear i…

MARY HELEN FERRIS‘s insight:

As the evening closes,

The scent of roses

Caresses the  beams

as they shine.

My life is so full of blessings

As I sit and embrace

Thee divine.

See on greatpoetrymhf.wordpress.com

Author Connections Scoop.it

4 Comments »
Aug 5

Who walks who?

by catnipoflife

Within the catnipoflife are animals of all kinds, shapes and sizes. Not all animals are good pets but those that find themselves at the top of the popularity list are dogs and cats. Then, of course, there are dog people and there are cat people, a topic of discussion all iMarilynts own.

Today, I am going to introduce you to a dog person. Her name is Marilyn and you can visit her @ Serendipity. Marilyn will not only enlighten you with her prolific writing but also her great photography. Her topics are very diverse and she will often take you on a journey back in time that makes you feel you were there. Here is a little tidbit about Marilyn in her own words: 

A friend told me she never knows what I’m going to write about, so it’s always a surprise. That makes at least two of us. Until my little lightbulb goes off, I don’t know what I’m going to say either. I have a lot of varied interests: history, photography, philosophy, religion, politics, ecology, technology. I’m a bit of a geek and I do enjoy my toys. Serendipity is appropriate, I guess. Grab bag would work too. Read MORE about Marilyn @The Me Page!

All I know is she is a terrific asset to the blogosphere and has become a wonderful friend!

Walking My Dog

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Strolling in the sunshine
Or even in the rain
Time to walk together
Grows to be life’s champagne

Great Griff 12-26-02_edited
Early morning strolls
Through dew-dappled grass
Surpass therapy
Any doctor suggests

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Breaths of clean, crisp air
Refreshed by a mild breeze
Energize critters
Scampering through the trees

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Sight of a cat
Perhaps a squirrel or two
With lightning speed
He’s off into the blue

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Stopping to sniff flowers
Scratching in Mother Earth
Running, barking, howling
Signal moments of mirth

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Walking at his own speed
Happy as can be
I’m not walking him
He’s walking me!

©2013 catnipoflife©2013 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“I took my dog for a walk… all the way from New York to Florida… I said to him “There now you’re done.”
—Steven Wright (American comedian, actor and writer, b. 1955)

Author Connections Featured Photography/Photographer PoetrybySharla

6 Comments »
Aug 3

Free Write Friday #27: Word Bank

by catnipoflife

Welcome to Free Write Friday. New here? Read the intro. Everyone else…let’s go!

free-write-friday-kellie-elmoreThis week’s FWF prompt is a word bank:

blanket – falsetto – cumbersome – cinema – coins

You may use one or all of the words. Don’t force it. If only one speaks to you, that is your muse. If you can use all of them with little effort (no overthinking it) then let it flow. Look forward to reading you.

Come Play With Me!

Narrow prisms of light
Beaming through window panes
Beckon come play with me
Outside in nature’s games

Song birds of the city
Above the noisy streets
Croon soulful falsetto
In half and quarter beats

Five o’clock rolls around
The cinema draws a crowd
Ten dollars plus a few coins
The cost to be allowed

Cushioned rocking chairs
Face an indoor screen
Cola, candy and popcorn
Monopolize the scene

Do I leave the office
Moving from indoor to indoor?
Don’t go from inside to inside
My heart and mind implore

Leave behind, forget
Cumbersome daily chores
Grab a blanket and basket
Enjoy me, the great outdoors

Narrow prisms of light
Beaming through the trees
Beckon come play with me
Come on outside…Geez!

©2013 catnipoflife©2013 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

Other Contributions:

Author’s Thought says:

Hi everyone, new to this and have posted my first prompt. My link is http://soborowsky.wordpress.com/category/writing-2/

seanbidd says:

A small experiment with prompts, something to challenge the time writing loans me in the realm of the free.
http://seanbidd.com/2013/08/03/eucalyptus-punk-a-forest-carnival/

purple says:

http://purplesplatitudes.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/blanket-interruptus/

Thanks for the prompt idea.

Christy Birmingham says:

I wrote this poem, containing ‘blanket’ and ‘coin’ today. Great prompt, Kellie and happy weekend! http://poeticparfait.com/2013/08/02/poem-introspection-and-suffocation/

Lorraine says:

Thanks for the prompt Kellie, here’s mine: http://thetruanttrain.wordpress.com/

Heidi says:

Love word banks! Tried to be a little more fun. Not sure I succeed. :P
http://www.anauthorandhermuse.com/summer-night-funnot.html

buildingalifeofhope says:

Loved this one today! http://buildingalifeofhope.com/2013/08/02/vita-da-sogno/

gotmeghan says:

Hey Kellie, hope you are enjoying your day and enjoy your weekend too! :)

http://gotmeghan.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/fwf-abandoned-memories/

Annie’s Muse says:

OOPS—here is the link:
http://www.anniestexasmusings.com/movie-fest.html

Joseph Hesch says:

Nostalgia seemed the only way to go, Kellie. Once again, I tell a story maybe only an old guy could. (Pssst. second piece of the day, too.)
August Nights http://athingforwordsjahesch.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/august-nights/

K. Smith Matthews says:

Thanks for the free write prompt! I need to get in the habit of doing this more often.
http://krystalarnelle.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/free-write-friday-fwf/

whimsygizmo says:

http://whimsygizmo.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/parlez-vous/

Talicha J. says:

I finally did one on time, the world must be about to end! http://talichaj.com/2013/08/02/the-after-days/

Terry says:

Hi Kellie
http://terry1954.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/fwf-free-write-friday-6/

Rishal says:

Hey fellow FWFians, here’s my take on this week’s prompt. What a random choice of words Kellie. Quite delightful! Luckily I managed to fit all the words in my poem.
http://rishalb.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/if-wishes-were-horses/

dorothychiotti says:

Kellie … I love these word banks! … Please enjoy this ever-so-brief “Night at the Opera” http://dorothychiotti.com/2013/08/02/fwf-free-write-friday-word-bank-a-night-at-the-opera/ … Cheerz!

arbiterkitty says:

What an interesting choice of words in the bank! I was only able to use two of them, but I had fun writing this :) Thanks for the prompt! I look forward to next week’s.
http://arbiterkitty.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/patchwork-composer-fwf-word-bank-poem/

Suzanne says:

Unwinding after a busy week I offer you this little snippet
http://artifactsandfictions.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/friday-fantasy/
Thanks for the prompt Kellie. I enjoyed the challenge.

Free Write Friday PoetrybySharla

13 Comments »
Jul 15

You have but one life: LIVE IT!

by catnipoflife

Today, inspiration steers me toward sharing with you some of my catnipoflife poetry along with featuring awesome photography so graciously provided by Barbara Beacham @Life in the Foothills. If you have not visited Barbara’s blog, I encourage you to mosey on over right now! You will not be disappointed. In fact, you will probably leave as a new follower. As just a little insight into the awe of Life in the Foothills, the Best Moment Award was bestowed upon Barbara by catnipoflife just recently. Here is what I had (and still have) to say about Barbara Beacham:

Can you imagine Life in the Foothills? I can! after visiting Barb’s blog and her exceptional photography. With just one look, you will be hooked! She will draw you into the lowest valley one minute only to take you to the highest mountaintop the next. She will enlighten you with the wild side of the countryside!

Okay, Barb, you had just better get ready for a visitor one day! I want to experience what life is like living in the foothills! With life being so short and the fact that we only have ONE life to live, it is most befitting to simply LIVE IT! From the inner voice of catnip, “observe life at its best, listen to life’s songs, embrace life’s bounties, breathe the breath of life and savor life to its fullest!”

 

Follow Life’s Echo

 

Echo1

Is it true a mountain echo
Resonates the cry of man
Swallowing up the lonely sound
Just to bring it back again?

Echo2

Reflective in its harmony
Does the echo solemnly rest
On the ears of the crier
Who put it first to its test?

Echo3

Mirrored in the background
Of this shrill, lonely sound
Incredible beauty exists
Sometimes lost, sometimes found

Echo5

Each sunrise and every sunset
Capture life’s true mystery
Echoes of their glory and beauty
Intensify life’s living history

Echo6

Take a long, panoramic look
Marvel as wonders abound
For the echoes of life
Stand stalwartly all around

Echo7

Beautiful rainbows, exquisite stars
Embellish a magnificent sky
Revealing fragileness of life
Gone in the mere blink of an eye

Echo4

Visit the awe-inspiring mountain
Remember to follow the echo
You have but one life: LIVE IT!
Applaud in the blaze of life’s glow

CatnipLogoSm©catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.”

                                                                  —Joan of Arc (National heroine of France, 1412-1431)

A Quote for Today Featured Photography/Photographer Inspiration Nature PoetrybySharla

52 Comments »
Jul 13

Free Write Friday #24: Ponder This…

by catnipoflife

free-write-friday-kellie-elmoreWelcome to Kellie Elmore’s Free Write Friday. Here is today’s FWF prompt…

Today you have been granted the opportunity to go anywhere, do anything, meet anyone, travel in time…whatever you wish, it is yours. Now, there’s a catch. (Isn’t there always?) When you wake up tomorrow… you will not remember any of it.

Like a Lost Dream

Photo by HeartbeatLoveQuotes.com

Do you remember—
Childhood fantasies of the past
Beginnings of the day
Visions for the future?

What have you forgotten—
Yesterdays’ lost loves
Today’s wrong words
Tomorrow’s hopes?

If given the chance
To do anything you please
Would you readily accept
Only to remember to later forget?

Is it remembering
That is important
Or grabbing the moment
Before it’s lost?

Like a Lost Dream
Quickly fading in the morning
With the only memory
Being you know you dreamed

 Mysterious yet fascinating
Leaving questions, few answers
So, given the chance
Go for it, if only for the moment

©catnipoflife

“Want not, waste not treasured moments that life sends your way.”

Other Contributions:

lozzypower says:

My offering: http://ofbatsandbutterflies.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/the-catch-laura-power-kellie-elmores-free-write-friday/

dorothychiotti says:

Here’s my take on this week’s #FWF: http://dorothychiotti.com/2013/07/12/free-write-friday-ponder-this-no-thank-you/

Terry says:

Hi Kellie!!
http://terry1954.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/fwf-free-write-friday-ponder-this/

Annie (@txstarkeeper) says:

Kellie — you do love to make us sweat!!! Here is my response…
http://www.anniestexasmusings.com/the-promise.html

neenslewy says:

Great to be back and to see how popular FWF has become – loved this prompt – here’s mine
http://awritersfountain.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/fwf-free-write-friday-and-thats-why-we-have-memories/

Lorraine says:

Had some fun with this one! Thanks Kellie:
http://thetruanttrain.wordpress.com/

Heidi says:

Here is mine for this week. I’m a little off today. My response will explain.
http://www.anauthorandhermuse.com/the-price-of-memories.html

Pink Woods says:

Here’s mine! I love this topic… I get to really reflect on it. :)
http://pinkwoods.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/take-me-to-the-sky/

Mark says:

Free Write Friday PoetrybySharla

10 Comments »
Jul 7

Sea, Shells and Smells

by catnipoflife

Summer

Summer shouts VACATION & what better vacation than a trip to the beach—

the essence of the . . .

Sea, Shells and Smells!


A trip to the beach implies—

Seagulls in flight, crashing waves, sandy toes
Ocean spray in a gaping mouth
 Tangy sea air infiltrating the nose

 A walk on the beach uncovers—

Sand castles, starfish, sand dollars, seashells
Sea crabs among beds of sea grass
Aromatic scents of salty sea smells

 A day at the beach commands—

Sun-drenched skin, tan lines
A picnic on a beach blanket
Undertow warning signs

 A ride along the beach means—

Fresh air slapping the face
Sea smells blowing in the wind
Smiles all over the place

What is this pungent sea smell
In the air, in the sand
Among dead crab-shells
Spreading from sea to land?

It’s tiny pearls of inspiration
Scattered along a seashore of decay
Bits and pieces of nature’s poignant gifts
Waiting to be found any given day

 It’s the flight of imagination
Inhaling, exhaling with the tide
Nostalgic moments to be captured
Freeing emotions once held inside

 ©catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“Once your feet have touched the warm sun-drenched sand of the seashore
you will never be the same.” ~Patsy Gant

PoetrybySharla

11 Comments »
Apr 26

Nature’s Doorway

by catnipoflife

Nature’s Doorway video poem was created and posted last year but sometimes repeat performances are called for at just the right time! After viewing the video, take a few moments to step outside and enjoy all the beauty around you!

Have a blessed day!

Inspiration Nature PoetrybySharla Video Clip

6 Comments »
Apr 25

Awakenings: Thank You, Soldiers!

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Sizzlin’ News

Awakenings honors our soldiers, past, present and future…without them, America would not be the America as we know it today. Next time you see a soldier, shake his/her hand and express how much you appreciate the services performed and sacrifices endured by each and every one. They are the life’s blood of American freedom!

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Honor, respect and support the United States of America military!

Visit awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Click the link, scroll through to poetry from Awakenings from Then ’til Now…”Walk among the Wild Flowers”
http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2013/04/thank-you-soldiers.html

Awakenings PoetrybySharla

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