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!

Dec 21

Free Write Friday #13: Image Prompt

by catnipoflife

FreeWriteFridayBadge

Here we are again on yet another Friday and Kellie Elmore has challenged us to a free write with an image prompt. If this is your first encounter with Free Write Friday, feel free to read the intro on Kellie’s website.

In short, here is what is expected. . .

Do not think. Do not edit. Do not pay attention to spelling, punctuation or form. Just allow the moment, your feelings, your imagination to run free and…

Do not stop until you find yourself forcing your words or trying too hard to complete a thought.

BirdinRain

Pounding Rain

*****************

With head bowed
I feel the rain
Pounding, pounding
But I feel no pain

In spite of cold
I will survive
It’s my life
I decide

To live, to die
To watch, to wait
To live, to live
It’s not too late

Only refreshing
Cleansing desires
Snuffing out
Emotional fires

Soon it will end
But I shall remain
Lifting my head high
With joy, without pain

©2012 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“While the rain pounds, the heart still sings as it releases emotional stings.” ~catnipoflife

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Dec 18

HUGS: The Universal Language

by catnipoflife

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A hug has no boundaries. . . no limitations, no ties to race, religion, creed, politics or anything for that matter.

Hugs are universal!

They offer comfort in the hour of need, hope in times of despair, emotion in the midst of love, warmth in the arms of forgiveness, peace in the soul of tragedy.

Have you given and/or received your hug today? Why wait?

There is no greater moment than the present. . .

bth_dividers

Hugs, hugs and more hugs:

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/love-hugs

http://www.crookedbrains.net/2010/07/animal-photography.html

http://myanimalszoo.blogspot.com/2012/11/funny-animals-hugs.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/28/19-animals-hugging-humans_n_1761381.html#slide=1526268

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Nov 26

The Bench in Waiting

by catnipoflife

Today as I visited Serendipity, which I do quite often for her excellent photography, interesting articles, candid humor and wonderful musings, The Bench in Waiting immediately captured my attention. Thank you, Marilyn for your inspiration that guided me to reflect on The Ol’ Bench. . .

Photo Credit: Marilyn Armstrong

The Ol’ Bench

A resting place, a stopping-off point

Relief from labors along life’s way

The bench beckoned moments for solitude

To ponder reveries of the day

How many have passed this way

Stopped for a moment or two

Rested, mused, wondered

Contemplated what to do?

What decisions were made

Changes to start anew

Thoughts and reflections

Begin again, redo?

Beaten, battered, broken

Life’s pain abates

It holds a lifetime’s worth of stories …

And still, it waits

Awaits the next visitor

To settle down, to rest

To ponder, to wonder

Tomorrow — life’s next test

A resting place, a stopping-off point

Relief from labors along life’s way

The bench beckons moments for solitude

To ponder reveries of the day. . .


©2012 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

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Nov 23

…for love, age does not matter!

by catnipoflife
OldWoman&Cat

… those blessed little creatures will always find a way to remind us that we matter….

Matters of the heart care not whether young or old—
A yearning for love, desire to be wanted, longing to be needed
A rekindling of joyful moments long ago gone cold…

Analogy for Aging

Aging—an ever-changing presence
Mirrors life’s essence

The view atop a mountain’s peek
Echoes not a single word
Music of a baby’s first cry—
Sweetest solo ever heard

Ocean waves during a storm
Crest majestically on their own
Vision of a child’s first steps—
Rocking and reeling, never alone

Fiery aura of dusk and dawn
Casts brilliant hues with every view
Youth’s outlook on love and life—
Promising, yet demanding debut

Natural ambiance of early spring
Unleashes new living entities
Expressive power of a young adult—
Racial, ethical identities

Falling leaves of autumn
Whirl whimsically through the air
Age of midlife crisis—
Unsettled over graying hair

Time for sweet reflection
Sets inner smiles aglow
Twilight years of old age—
Wisdom youth should know


©2012 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“Aging is an inevitable process.
I surely wouldn’t want to grow younger.
The older you become, the more you know;
your bank account of knowledge is much richer.”
—William M. Holden (Author, n.d.)

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Nov 15

Aw-w-w Precious Moment

by catnipoflife

On November 3, Penny Coho posted Precious – the moment – A  Mother’s Love

This is my Aw-w-w Precious Moment…thank you, Penny, for rekindling a wonderful memory!

Our daughter Nicole and granddaughter Natalie – First Kiss

Kiss of Promise

A gentle kiss on the head
Brought feelings of joy
A new life, the miracle of birth
A promise to always enjoy

A soft kiss on the forehead
Brought security to the night
Tucked in bed, sweet dreams
A promise to always be the light

A playful kiss on the nose
Brought giggles and laughter
Smiles that cheered away the blues
A promise to be there before and after

A sweet kiss on the cheek
Brought strength to cope
Leaving home, on my own
A promise of faith and hope

 A loving kiss on the lips
Not from Mama, Papa, sister, brother
The start of a new life
A promise of belief in another

©2012 Remembering
Sharla Lee Shults

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Nov 8

THE POETIC BOND II (2012)

by catnipoflife

A poem from the catnipoflife collection has been selected for inclusion in THE POETIC BOND II (2012). After months of planning and over 600 submissions, the final forty-six poems from thirty-nine poets from all over the globe, have made it into THE POETIC BOND II.  The ethos of The Poetic Bond is to accept submissions in any form, style, length or subject, and let the theme and content of the anthology emerge organically from the contemporary zeitgeist [The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.].  This produces an eclectic mix which challenges, entertains, and gives a snapshot of our world as it is now!

MEET THE POETS of THE POETIC BOND II, many of them LinkedIn poetry group regulars!

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Oct 26

Free Write Friday #7: Abandoned

by catnipoflife

FreeWriteFridayBadgeKellie’s back! In the midst of the chaos in her life over the last month (or so), and the MIA of FWF, Kellie feels the word desinated below would be perfectly suited for the returning prompt. For those who do not know the events leading up to this week’s prompt, here is a little blurb from Kellie’s blogpost on September 28, 2012:

After the lab tested the materials in our home believed to be asbestos, seems the contractor was mistaken. It tested negative! After five long days away from home, I’m happy to say we will be moving back over the weekend and continuing our remodeling!

Glad to have you back, Kellie♥

Here is the FWF prompt:

a·ban·doned/əˈbandənd

Adjective:
  1. (of a person) Having been deserted or cast off.
  2. (of a building or vehicle) Remaining empty or unused; having been left for good.

Here is my contribution:

Picket Fences

The home place is visible in the distance

Fully laden pecan trees line the driveway

The front porch is in dire need of repair

And the picket fence guards the entrance way

Sounds of laughter, children playing can still be heard

“Don’t leave the backyard,” echoes the wind

As visions of scampering little feet

Turn them quickly around again

Gardens of rose buds, camellias in full bloom

Need nurturing and lots of care

Weeds have grown all round the fence

But sweet aromas linger in the air

Remembrances of family gatherings

Held dear and close to the heart

Are renewed with a walk along the fence line

Remaining very clear until time to depart

Smiles from within follow the picket fence

Along the perimeter of the yard

Securing home and gardens

Like an ol’ soldier standing guard

©2009 Remembering
Sharla Lee Shults

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Oct 25

Reblog: Greatpoetrymhf’s Weblog

by catnipoflife

Sometimes it is not necessary to write a new post; just listen to your followers for their inspiration is what often inspires you!

greatpoetrymhf's avatarGreatpoetrymhf's Weblog

 

Do you ever wonder at the miracle of you?

Think about all the joys, 

 the struggles, the laughter,

and the lessons you have  been through.

You are a miracle.

A bright and shining star.

Now you share your joys and lessons with others.

I love you as you are. 

You teach me so much laughter

You share your strength time and again.

I love the way you talk about dancing in the the rain.

Do you ever wonder at the miracle of you?

I have seen your beauty at  least a thousand times….

You are a miracle to me….in all you say and do. 

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Sep 15

Remembering ~ My Hand in Yours, Your Hand in Mine

by catnipoflife

Every once in awhile I compile a post to that is befitting to both Awakenings and catnipoflife. Today was such a day. As I worked on the posting Looking Ahead: National Teddy Bear Day for Awakenings, it occurred to me while I feature Echoes on catnipoflife, perhaps I should start featuring Remembering on her sister site. The genre of both books is poetry. While the first presents echoes of love, life and the past, the second connects the past to the present through remembrances and personal reflection.

National-Teddy-Bear-Day

Looking ahead to American Teddy Bear Day, which occurs on November 14, 2012, the poem Teddy Bear Hugs immediately came to mind. Below is an adapted version of the poem that was published in my book Remembering, My Hand in Yours, Your Hand in Mine. The premise behind this book is to allow you (the reader) to peer into the past and make personal connections. Journal pages are introduced intermittently throughout the book affording the opportunity for reflecting on your life, recalling special moments and recording thoughts to direct your energies toward tomorrow.

In this book, the reader also becomes a writer!

What a great keepsake to pass down to a son, daughter, nephew, neice, cousin – not only for reading the words of the author but for reading in a loved one’s own handwriting that personal connection as he or she peers into the past.

Discount/Autograph Copy
Contact poetrybysharla@gmail.com

Teddy Bear Hugs

there is something magical
in the hugs of a teddy bear
hugging and getting hugged
have a special place anywhere

in times of just not feeling good
moods can suddenly be shifted
bear hugs somehow understand
so spirits are quickly lifted

darkness acquires a new light
when tucked in bed all cozy and snug
dreams and memories are awakened
as sleep begins with a teddy bear hug

cuddled in secure arms, soft and warm
evocative tranquil moments occur
the teddy bear hug is never forsaken
even amidst worn-out spots or frazzled fur

loved by everyone, child and adult
the teddy bear travels anywhere wanted
the more hugs given, the more received
with comfort never ever being daunted

©2009
Sharla Lee Shults

“When a hug comes your way, cherish the moment and then give it away.” ~SLS

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Aug 16

Tears Cleanse the Heart

by catnipoflife

Life can be described as an avalanche of unexpected tears. These may arrive as soft teardrops or unyielding sobbing. There is simply no way around tearful emotions for they constantly simmer within the heart. From the most passionate of lovers to the coldest of cold hearts, tears can be the tie that binds or become the final straw. They may appear within a fleeting moment or build up over a period of time.

From a surprise reaction, a past recollection, a new beginning or an anticipated, as well as unintended, ending, tears can swell so emotively they become hotter than a smoldering cauldron. These are the times when we feel life has thrown a curve that we simply don’t understand. Because of the lack of understanding, emotions can quickly turn to anger. As a result, anger becomes the knife that severs.

Sometimes there is just a need to cry. Let the tears flow for they are the dewdrops of an early morn or the pouring summer rain that cleanse, nourish and refurbish the human soul.

What is life as you see it…

Is it a loving embrace
Or a solitary place?

Does it reflect a sense of devotion
Or is it filled with senseless emotion?

Are there moments of unchangeable dread
Or have you solidified your life’s thread?

How do you greet the morning…

Is it with a gentle smile upon a happy face
Or a frown wishing you were in a different place?

Do you bring sunshine to a rainy day
Or does the rain take the sunshine away?

Are there thoughtful images of someone dear
Or do remembrances of sadness appear?

What awaits you at the close of day…

Is it time with caring family
Or just another anomaly?

Does sunset bring an admiring, restful glow
Or do thoughts detail more than you need to know?

Are you with friends ready to make merry
Or are you alone and solitary?

Life IS as you see it…

As life’s proceedings command a new-found way
Greet each morning as the dawn of a new day

If you are dangling on the edge
Come back with a fresh, new life’s pledge

Be a sister, brother, lover or friend
Cherish each moment to the bitter end

Make the most of it!

Life is filled with countless challenges to endure
Times of uncertainty, times when you are sure

While tears may flow like falling rain
Let them cleanse easing any pain

Within the shadows learn to cope
Keep faith alive as well as hope

©2012
catnipoflife

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