"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales." ~ Albert Einstein
"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." ~ C. S. Lewis
"Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. " ~Langston Hughes
Today it is drizzling rain here. I have always loved rain.I like to here it hitting my roof. I like to see it fill and overflow the buckets sitting on my step. I love the smell and the feel of rain. When others would run through a storm trying to avoid puddles, I would walk slowly through hoping to get soaked to the skin. Dave and I have taken all the children for walks in the rain. Once staying at the beach for a week in the rain we walked all alone on a deserted stretch of sand getting all the best shells. Laughing one night as Jennifer jumped around afraid of the ghost crabs that appeared to also enjoy the soaking rain. Everyone else who camped there that week stayed inside their snug travel trailers and missed all the fun of the giant waves crashing along the shore as the rain fell in softer waves from above. Today's Tale deals with rain and what life might be like without rain. I hope you enjoy My Fairy tale for today! Have a wonderful day!
Patsy
The Last Rain
Lila knelt there, in her shuttered garden room, remembering. She had been four Years old. the same age her grandson Ivan was now. The fat drops had sluiced through her long dark hair. It had fallen across her skinny back in tangles after the drenching. Her Grandma had set buckets out all over their house that day. They had bottled gallons and gallons of water. Scarce even then, Rain wasn't even believed in now. Oh how she wished to see the miracle again. It had been years now since the last rain. Years since she had tasted the lovely droplets. Her own sons had never seen rain. Her oldest Grandson had gone down to the well this morning and came back with only a few small bottles of the precious liquid. Lila wondered how she would water her few garden plants with so little water. But at least she still had plants. So many people didn't even have that much.
The last rain had been fifty years ago. The Grand Government had drilled the now crumbling wells in the third year after that. For a lot of years men and women had drawn water from the deep pits always under the watchful eye of a well keeper. Three years ago they had declared that the cities wells were running dry. People had left the cities and headed for the North. Lila and her sons had decided to stay in the nearly abandoned city. Always hoping for a miracle. Always praying for rain. Lila hoped that they had made the right choice. Picking carefully she gathered food to fix the families one meal of the day.
"Grandma," little Ivan called to her as she worked, " tell me again about the Rain!" "Come along " She answered, seeing the disapproving look her son was casting her way." I'll tell you as we work." Lila knew her children thought she was an old fool. She knew they didn't believe her stories about rain. They had never seen rain. They thought rain was a myth. Something made up by the old ones. But Ivan was young enough to still believe in an old woman's tales.
Late that night Lila was awakened by the squeak of a door. She quietly rose and watched from behind the tattered blinds as her oldest grandson slipped from the nearly vacant High rise and was swallowed by the darkness of the street far below. She knew he was sniffing around one of the few girls still living here in the city. She had seen him hide away a potion of his meal to carry to his secret lover. Lila reckoned that they would soon have either one more or one less mouth to feed. She wanted her family to stay together. She knew what the city held for them. But to go north? Was there more water north? Lila was afraid that the friends who had gone north had not found water at all. No one had come back to tell them. It was as if they had left the city and vanished. She crept quietly back to her bed to toss and turn through the night.
"Grandma! Grandma!" Ivan called; squealing fearfully through the rooms. "Come see the sky! It's turning all Black!" Lila jumped from her bed just as the first rumble echoed through out the city. "What is that her sons yelled at her?" Running from their beds with their hungry wives close behind."Buckets!" Lila screamed at them. "Get buckets and Barrels and pots and anything else that you can find that will hold water. Hurry now! Bring them to the roof. Put them out everywhere.""Grandma?" Ivan squealed as the thunder ripped through the city again, bringing the few remaining inhabitants running into the streets. "What is it?"
"Ivan," Lila said kneeling in front of him as she let loose her Bun, freeing her hair to hang in dark tangles around her hips. " You come with me!" Holding tight to each others hand, they ran into the dusty street just as the first fat, wet, drops splattered onto the parched ground. Together they danced as the buckets and barrels filled and the cities deep wells overflowed. They danced through the empty high rise they called home and Lila gathered all the family close around her as each of them experienced their own very first rain.
written by: Patricia Sawyer
11-8-2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
It's Thursday Already? Wow!
"For me, writing is exploration; and most of the time, I'm surprised where the journey takes me." ~ Jack Dann
"The reason one writes isn't the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say." ~F. Scott Fitzgerald
"The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shock-proof shit detector."
~ Ernst Hemingway
Wow I can't believe it is Thursday already. Normally I would have a story or Fairy Tale on my blog today. This has been a very busy week for me with a lot to do. Last night being Dave's Birthday supper with his sister, Donna and all the kids except for one. I could have pulled a story from my files or wrote one up right quick, ( Y'all think I can actually do that?) but I have decided to just share with you some poems. I have gotten so many prompts this week and haven't even had time to go through them all, but sometimes one immediately causes you to have an image in your mind.
The first poem today is from a list of title prompts that I found on Allpoetry.com. It quickly reminded me of a man that I have seen several times at a Dollar store. The first time I saw him I was saddened by his plight.. The second time I saw him I was there long enough to watch him leave. Enjoy!
Beggar Man
I saw you there resting
your chair near the door.
Long Black hair dirty
Needing a bath. smiling.
Red and green stick figure Jesus
Pictures you offered. Grinning.
I was moved by your plight.
Almost giving you my dollar.
Dark Eyes shining, pitiful.
I prayed Jesus would forgive me.
Poor people's change jingling
as it fell into your bucket.
You paid for a juice with a big bill.
Your chair blocking the long line.
Rolling away to the farthermost space.
Standing to toss your chair into the car.
Counting the ones. Pouring their change
into your backseat bucket. Laughing.
Driving away in your red convertible.
Baseball cap pulled low over shifty eyes.
The blond next to you chattering
no pity for a cripple in her adoring eyes.
I hope your Jesus on torn poster board
forgives YOU! Beggar Man!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
11-13-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This Poem was written from a picture prompt. It also won third place in a contest sponsored by a lady called ~ Jinsays. ( Go ME!)
Outta Here
I stand waiting
watching for you.
Golden sunlight
pouring across my skin.
Why are you always
late? Making me wait
worrying for you;
afraid you won't come.
Have you found another?
Does she set your heart to racing?
Whispering in your ear?
Do you hold her close?
Do you tell her
she means the world
to you?
Just say the words.
You can't hurt me anymore
My heart already broken.
I'm Outta Here!
Written BY: Patricia Sawyer
11-12-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These next poem was written from a prompt from my number two fan! ~ Sunshine.
Thanks Sunshine for your supply of ideas. Enjoy!
Too Soon I Wake Up.
I dream of a land
To where I love to escape.
There are lizards and unicorns
and a friendly ape.
I travel through this land
with a wink and a smile.
I can pass right through or
stay to visit a while.
A beautiful dream.
Too soon I wake up.
written by: Patricia Sawyer
11-12-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you have enjoyed my poems today. Have a wonderful day!
Patsy
"The reason one writes isn't the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say." ~F. Scott Fitzgerald
"The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shock-proof shit detector."
~ Ernst Hemingway
Wow I can't believe it is Thursday already. Normally I would have a story or Fairy Tale on my blog today. This has been a very busy week for me with a lot to do. Last night being Dave's Birthday supper with his sister, Donna and all the kids except for one. I could have pulled a story from my files or wrote one up right quick, ( Y'all think I can actually do that?) but I have decided to just share with you some poems. I have gotten so many prompts this week and haven't even had time to go through them all, but sometimes one immediately causes you to have an image in your mind.
The first poem today is from a list of title prompts that I found on Allpoetry.com. It quickly reminded me of a man that I have seen several times at a Dollar store. The first time I saw him I was saddened by his plight.. The second time I saw him I was there long enough to watch him leave. Enjoy!
Beggar Man
I saw you there resting
your chair near the door.
Long Black hair dirty
Needing a bath. smiling.
Red and green stick figure Jesus
Pictures you offered. Grinning.
I was moved by your plight.
Almost giving you my dollar.
Dark Eyes shining, pitiful.
I prayed Jesus would forgive me.
Poor people's change jingling
as it fell into your bucket.
You paid for a juice with a big bill.
Your chair blocking the long line.
Rolling away to the farthermost space.
Standing to toss your chair into the car.
Counting the ones. Pouring their change
into your backseat bucket. Laughing.
Driving away in your red convertible.
Baseball cap pulled low over shifty eyes.
The blond next to you chattering
no pity for a cripple in her adoring eyes.
I hope your Jesus on torn poster board
forgives YOU! Beggar Man!
written By: Patricia Sawyer
11-13-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This Poem was written from a picture prompt. It also won third place in a contest sponsored by a lady called ~ Jinsays. ( Go ME!)
Outta Here
I stand waiting
watching for you.
Golden sunlight
pouring across my skin.
Why are you always
late? Making me wait
worrying for you;
afraid you won't come.
Have you found another?
Does she set your heart to racing?
Whispering in your ear?
Do you hold her close?
Do you tell her
she means the world
to you?
Just say the words.
You can't hurt me anymore
My heart already broken.
I'm Outta Here!
Written BY: Patricia Sawyer
11-12-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These next poem was written from a prompt from my number two fan! ~ Sunshine.
Thanks Sunshine for your supply of ideas. Enjoy!
Too Soon I Wake Up.
I dream of a land
To where I love to escape.
There are lizards and unicorns
and a friendly ape.
I travel through this land
with a wink and a smile.
I can pass right through or
stay to visit a while.
A beautiful dream.
Too soon I wake up.
written by: Patricia Sawyer
11-12-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you have enjoyed my poems today. Have a wonderful day!
Patsy
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Poetic Wednesday!
"There are two kinds of writer: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder."
~Brian Aldiss
"Forget all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing."
~Melinda Haynes
"I write for the same reason I breathe ~ because if I didn't, I would die." ~ Isaac Asimov
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's poems are all written from different types of prompts that have been sent to me. You will notice that each is different in form than the others. I haven't had much time to write this week. I have been busy with Everyone getting ready for my Dear Husband's Birthday. Yes he's old. Or at least the children say we are. But I have surely missed the time I normally spend writing. Next week I'll have to try and catch up! I hope you enjoy the poems today. Have a wonderful Day!
Patsy
"you'll write in RHYME~ and weave your magick in my mind.TEN LINES ONLY you have to write and cast your spell on me tonight." ~ storm goddess
The Day After Today
Droplets of Mist from a stormy night.
Teeth prints left from a rabid dogs bite.
A jingle of coins both silver and gold
A short man' s beard hair twisted and old.
Sprinkles of Nightmares creeping in the dark.
The song I ripped from the throat of a Lark.
A spell on another you asked me to weave.
But I have spelled you like you'd never believe.
So run along now and plot where you may.
For you will cease to exist the day after today!
written By:
Patricia Sawyer
11-4-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Do you dare to enter? 13 words, dark." ~ Zel
Imprisoned
Darkness wraps itself
Around My heart
Raping my spirit
Keeping me it's prisoner.
written By:
Patricia Sawyer
10-17-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I know everybody has had a tear or two run down their face. Express it in poetry, a healthy outlet." ~ Ativan
My Life Filled With Pain
I hide behind a crooked smile.
Many times I would rather cry.
I feel as if I have no friends.
Ignored by my family.
Trampled on by those I most Love.
My life filled with Pain.
My life filled with Pain.
So long since I wore a smile.
I pretend I don't love.
I try hard not to cry.
Where are my Family?
Do I have any friends?
I used to have friends.
My life filled with Pain.
I need my Family.
I fake a lonely smile.
I refuse to Cry!
I am searching for love.
Do you seek someone to Love?
Do you search for friends?
Are those tears that you cry?
My life filled with pain.
I would like to see you smile.
Don't you have a family?
We can't always count on Family.
Some don't know how to Love.
They don't notice that you don't smile.
It's hard to count on Friends.
My life filled with Pain.
They might notice if you cry.
So many times, alone I cry!
I hide it from my loving Family.
My life filled with pain.
I shower them with Love.
I hide it from my friends.
I show them all my crooked smile.
I cry silently for their Love.
My busy family and friends.
My Pain hidden behind my smile.
a sestina
by:Patricia Sawyer
10-15-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hmmmmm...I like flowery words too. Patsy, you do a fine job even with less words! I see all of the poems as if they were pictures in my head. Try these when you are bored...40-50 words (rhyme if you like) escape, travel, love"~ Sunshine
Love Again!
Travel the lonely road.
Kiss a few frogs!
A toad?
Escape the daily drama
Unless you have kids.
You're Mama!
Seek and search and find
A true love?
Never mind!
Does it exist at all?
Can anyone really
truly fall?
Escape the pain!
Don't travel alone!
Let true Love reign.
written by:
Patricia Sawyer
11-12-2008
~Brian Aldiss
"Forget all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing."
~Melinda Haynes
"I write for the same reason I breathe ~ because if I didn't, I would die." ~ Isaac Asimov
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's poems are all written from different types of prompts that have been sent to me. You will notice that each is different in form than the others. I haven't had much time to write this week. I have been busy with Everyone getting ready for my Dear Husband's Birthday. Yes he's old. Or at least the children say we are. But I have surely missed the time I normally spend writing. Next week I'll have to try and catch up! I hope you enjoy the poems today. Have a wonderful Day!
Patsy
"you'll write in RHYME~ and weave your magick in my mind.TEN LINES ONLY you have to write and cast your spell on me tonight." ~ storm goddess
The Day After Today
Droplets of Mist from a stormy night.
Teeth prints left from a rabid dogs bite.
A jingle of coins both silver and gold
A short man' s beard hair twisted and old.
Sprinkles of Nightmares creeping in the dark.
The song I ripped from the throat of a Lark.
A spell on another you asked me to weave.
But I have spelled you like you'd never believe.
So run along now and plot where you may.
For you will cease to exist the day after today!
written By:
Patricia Sawyer
11-4-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Do you dare to enter? 13 words, dark." ~ Zel
Imprisoned
Darkness wraps itself
Around My heart
Raping my spirit
Keeping me it's prisoner.
written By:
Patricia Sawyer
10-17-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I know everybody has had a tear or two run down their face. Express it in poetry, a healthy outlet." ~ Ativan
My Life Filled With Pain
I hide behind a crooked smile.
Many times I would rather cry.
I feel as if I have no friends.
Ignored by my family.
Trampled on by those I most Love.
My life filled with Pain.
My life filled with Pain.
So long since I wore a smile.
I pretend I don't love.
I try hard not to cry.
Where are my Family?
Do I have any friends?
I used to have friends.
My life filled with Pain.
I need my Family.
I fake a lonely smile.
I refuse to Cry!
I am searching for love.
Do you seek someone to Love?
Do you search for friends?
Are those tears that you cry?
My life filled with pain.
I would like to see you smile.
Don't you have a family?
We can't always count on Family.
Some don't know how to Love.
They don't notice that you don't smile.
It's hard to count on Friends.
My life filled with Pain.
They might notice if you cry.
So many times, alone I cry!
I hide it from my loving Family.
My life filled with pain.
I shower them with Love.
I hide it from my friends.
I show them all my crooked smile.
I cry silently for their Love.
My busy family and friends.
My Pain hidden behind my smile.
a sestina
by:Patricia Sawyer
10-15-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hmmmmm...I like flowery words too. Patsy, you do a fine job even with less words! I see all of the poems as if they were pictures in my head. Try these when you are bored...40-50 words (rhyme if you like) escape, travel, love"~ Sunshine
Love Again!
Travel the lonely road.
Kiss a few frogs!
A toad?
Escape the daily drama
Unless you have kids.
You're Mama!
Seek and search and find
A true love?
Never mind!
Does it exist at all?
Can anyone really
truly fall?
Escape the pain!
Don't travel alone!
Let true Love reign.
written by:
Patricia Sawyer
11-12-2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Happy Veteran's Day!
"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, "Mother, what was war?" ~Eve Merriam
"Lord, bid war's trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you."
~Dick Cheney
Today is Veteran's day. Veterans' Day is holiday formerly observed in the United States as Armistice Day in commemoration of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. November 11Th officially became Veterans' Day on May 24, 1954, by act of Congress. A lot of people get Veteran's day and Memorial day confused. Memorial day is for decorating the graves of love ones who have died. Veterans day is to Honor the Surviving Soldiers who have stood in defense of the Untied States. For many years the Vietnam Vets were the largest group of Veterans. It is now estimated that the Veterans of the current war will equal if not surpass the number of Veterans from any previous war.
My brothers, David, Jimmy and Reuben are all Veterans. My Husband Dave, is a veteran. Dave's Dad was a veteran; as is My oldest son Anthony and my nephew David. Two of my Brother-in-laws, Lawrence and Lennie, are also veterans. Both of My Mom's brother's, Robert and JC, were veterans. I have lots and lots of friends including both Artie and Chris who are veterans. My brother Reuben reminded of the fact that we come from a long line of veterans. Thanks Reuben!
Some of America's most famous entertainers, such as Clint Eastwood and Tony Bennett, started their career in the armed forces. Before they were famous, many celebrities served in the U.S. military. And famous veterans, such as Tony Bennett and Montel Williams, developed and honed their talents while in the service. These famous veterans are proud to have served their country and most credit their success to the lessons learned while serving. The list of entertainers who have spent time in in service to their country also includes Bob Feller, the legendary pitcher for the Cleveland Indians; Actor, Director, Screenwriter Alan Alda; and Comedian, Actor, Author Bill Cosby. As we celebrate Veterans Day this year, we remember all service members (famous and non-famous) who have served this country. We thank them for defending our rights. And protecting the lives of each of us.
When I was a little girl and even into my teen years we would, every once in a great while, go out to eat after Church on Sunday afternoon. We didn't go to a local restaurant. We didn't go to a fast food joint. We would all load up and drive to Augusta. Where way in the back, between the shoes and the knitting thread, we would all line up and go through the lunch counter line at the K-Mart's diner. There was always an old man there that Daddy said was a Vietnam veteran and Mama said not to look at. Mama was afraid of him I think.
I would sneak looks at him trying to see if I could see what made him frightening . I often got caught looking at him and would get in trouble. He was a stranger and in some ways he was strange. He always wore a black vest with all kinds of badges and buttons on it. He wore holey blue jeans and wore out shoes. He had a dog leash with no dog and just gave the general impression of being not quiet right. He had an American flag sewn crooked across the back of his vest. Sewn on by his own hands I imagined. I spent a lot of time imagining back then and no matter how hard I tried not to look at him, my eyes would go to him again and again.
Years later when I was almost grown I saw him again in the Regency Mall, sitting in a wheel chair then, in the center of the mall still smiling and laughing with his "dog gone" and a few newer stuffed animals in the chair with him. Still wearing his vest full of badges and buttons. This time I got close enough to him to see into the deep sparkling green of his eyes and there, I saw that he had lived through many trials and tribulations. I even spoke to him but it was not until I was turning to walk away and catch up with my friends that I spotted hanging just above his heart Two of the Military's highest honor Badges. The Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
I gave him a big hug that day, praying that Mama wouldn't somehow catch me. He smiled and patted my hand and with a laugh he told me that he sure was glad that I had stopped by for a visit. Mama would have tore me up if she had caught me but I was thrilled to have met him. I often think about him even now. I'm sure he died long ago But something about him touched my heart and made me look twice and even more at him. I can't even imagine what he must have gone through in service to this country, But I'm sure it was no walk in the park. You don't get those medals for walking in the park! Today I am sharing two poems that I wrote about soldiers. I hope you enjoy them. If you know a veteran thank them today for giving their all to defend those of us who live here in America! Have a wonderful day!
Patsy
Just One time Lord
Written By:
"Lord, bid war's trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you."
~Dick Cheney
Today is Veteran's day. Veterans' Day is holiday formerly observed in the United States as Armistice Day in commemoration of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. November 11Th officially became Veterans' Day on May 24, 1954, by act of Congress. A lot of people get Veteran's day and Memorial day confused. Memorial day is for decorating the graves of love ones who have died. Veterans day is to Honor the Surviving Soldiers who have stood in defense of the Untied States. For many years the Vietnam Vets were the largest group of Veterans. It is now estimated that the Veterans of the current war will equal if not surpass the number of Veterans from any previous war.
My brothers, David, Jimmy and Reuben are all Veterans. My Husband Dave, is a veteran. Dave's Dad was a veteran; as is My oldest son Anthony and my nephew David. Two of my Brother-in-laws, Lawrence and Lennie, are also veterans. Both of My Mom's brother's, Robert and JC, were veterans. I have lots and lots of friends including both Artie and Chris who are veterans. My brother Reuben reminded of the fact that we come from a long line of veterans. Thanks Reuben!
Some of America's most famous entertainers, such as Clint Eastwood and Tony Bennett, started their career in the armed forces. Before they were famous, many celebrities served in the U.S. military. And famous veterans, such as Tony Bennett and Montel Williams, developed and honed their talents while in the service. These famous veterans are proud to have served their country and most credit their success to the lessons learned while serving. The list of entertainers who have spent time in in service to their country also includes Bob Feller, the legendary pitcher for the Cleveland Indians; Actor, Director, Screenwriter Alan Alda; and Comedian, Actor, Author Bill Cosby. As we celebrate Veterans Day this year, we remember all service members (famous and non-famous) who have served this country. We thank them for defending our rights. And protecting the lives of each of us.
When I was a little girl and even into my teen years we would, every once in a great while, go out to eat after Church on Sunday afternoon. We didn't go to a local restaurant. We didn't go to a fast food joint. We would all load up and drive to Augusta. Where way in the back, between the shoes and the knitting thread, we would all line up and go through the lunch counter line at the K-Mart's diner. There was always an old man there that Daddy said was a Vietnam veteran and Mama said not to look at. Mama was afraid of him I think.
I would sneak looks at him trying to see if I could see what made him frightening . I often got caught looking at him and would get in trouble. He was a stranger and in some ways he was strange. He always wore a black vest with all kinds of badges and buttons on it. He wore holey blue jeans and wore out shoes. He had a dog leash with no dog and just gave the general impression of being not quiet right. He had an American flag sewn crooked across the back of his vest. Sewn on by his own hands I imagined. I spent a lot of time imagining back then and no matter how hard I tried not to look at him, my eyes would go to him again and again.
Years later when I was almost grown I saw him again in the Regency Mall, sitting in a wheel chair then, in the center of the mall still smiling and laughing with his "dog gone" and a few newer stuffed animals in the chair with him. Still wearing his vest full of badges and buttons. This time I got close enough to him to see into the deep sparkling green of his eyes and there, I saw that he had lived through many trials and tribulations. I even spoke to him but it was not until I was turning to walk away and catch up with my friends that I spotted hanging just above his heart Two of the Military's highest honor Badges. The Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
I gave him a big hug that day, praying that Mama wouldn't somehow catch me. He smiled and patted my hand and with a laugh he told me that he sure was glad that I had stopped by for a visit. Mama would have tore me up if she had caught me but I was thrilled to have met him. I often think about him even now. I'm sure he died long ago But something about him touched my heart and made me look twice and even more at him. I can't even imagine what he must have gone through in service to this country, But I'm sure it was no walk in the park. You don't get those medals for walking in the park! Today I am sharing two poems that I wrote about soldiers. I hope you enjoy them. If you know a veteran thank them today for giving their all to defend those of us who live here in America! Have a wonderful day!
Patsy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Soldier's Prayer
Lord
Hold close
Your children.
Our Pains eased
By your loving touch.
Give us strength to endure.
Wisdom and courage each day.
Keep Our loved ones safe from harm.
Oh Lord, Let our Deaths be not in vain.
Lord Watch over us as the winds of war
Blow us onto paths we fear to walk alone.
We know you walk beside us every day.
Never Forsaking us as we trod.
Let us return home full of pride.
Having served Our Country.
And Our God with Honor.
Hold us safely now
within your hand.
Amen!
Written By:
Patricia Sawyer
2-6-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just One Time
Just One time Lord
I would like
to wake in the
first morning sunshine
without a cloud of dust
swirling into red and gold dunes
of sand!
Just
One time, Lord
I would like
to kneel and pray
for my family and my
fellow soldiers without my
weapon waiting at ready within
my hands!
Just
one time, Lord
I would like
to smile at a child
or a beautiful young woman
without the fear that they conceal
a bomb to explode as soon as they get close
to me!
Just
One time, Lord
I would like
to spend a day here
in this war torn Land
without looking over my
shoulder for an unseen enemy
waiting for his best chance to
kill me!
Just One Time, Lord
I would like
to Walk with My wife
and my children and feel again
whole and pure and freshly clean.
As if I had never smelled the stench of death.
Just one
final time
Lord
Before I die
here in this
war Ravaged place!
Written By:
Patricia Sawyer
3-9-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
for your information~ A "dog gone" for those who don't know is a dog leash with a collar, stiffened with a wire hidden inside. When you walk the collar will swing and sway and it's little bells will ring as if the collar restrains an invisible dog. for a funny story about my own personal "dog gone" be sure and look back to my post called a Double Dog Dare! Thanks!
for your information~ A "dog gone" for those who don't know is a dog leash with a collar, stiffened with a wire hidden inside. When you walk the collar will swing and sway and it's little bells will ring as if the collar restrains an invisible dog. for a funny story about my own personal "dog gone" be sure and look back to my post called a Double Dog Dare! Thanks!
Patsy
Monday, November 10, 2008
I Love Sesame Street!
"Me do anything for cookie!" ~ Cookie Monster
"This is Sesame Street. A place where people, birds, monsters all live in perfect harmony."
~ Phil Donahue
"It's not easy being green." ~Kermit the Frog
"Sesame Street has been brought to you today by the letters W, S and E, and by the numbers 2 and 3." ~Mr. Hooper
On this day, November tenth, in 1969, the very first episode of Sesame Street was aired on public television. I was almost ten years old, but I loved it. It came on at 5 o'clock in the afternoon back then. We watched it on channel 14, the public television station. I had never seen anything like this new show with people and giant fuzzy things called Muppets. I would learn a lot through the years from those crazy creatures. I had found myself a new favorite television show. Apparently a lot of other children loved it too. Sesame Street has become the longest running children's program on American television. The show is now produced in the United States by the non-profit organization Sesame Workshop, formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), founded by Joan Ganz Cooney and Ralph Rogers.
Because of its positive influence, Sesame Street has become one of the most highly regarded educational shows for children in the world. No other children's show has matched its level of international success. The original series has been televised in more than 120 countries, and 25 independent versions have been produced. It is the most viewed children's program in the world. Sesame Street uses combinations of animation, puppets, and live actors to stimulate young children's minds, improve their letter and word recognition, basic math , shapes, simple problem solving, and socialization by showing children or people in their daily lives. Since the shows beginning, they have also added basic life skills, such as how to cross the street safely, proper hygiene, healthy eating habits, and social skills.
The show displays a subtle sense of humor that has appealed to older viewers since it first began ; this was devised as a means to encourage parents and older siblings to watch the series with younger children, and becoming involved in the learning process, rather than having Sesame Street act as a babysitter. A 1996 survey found that 95% of American preschoolers have watched the show by the time they are three years old. I loved the show myself and all of my children watched it. Anthony and I especially loved Oscar the grouch. Cooper always loved Cookie monster the "very best". Emily , David , and Jennifer all loved Kermit the frog. In honor of today being a birthday of sorts for one of our Favorite shows, I will share with you some fast facts about Sesame Street!
1.) ~Big Bird is 8'2" tall.
2.) ~Barkley was originally called Woof-Woof.
3.) ~The Count was born on 9 October 1,830,653 B.C.- ( I love the count too!)
4.) ~ Oscar the Grouch was inspired by two people. His attitude comes from a nasty waiter that served Jim Henson and former director Jon Stone at a restaurant called Oscar's Tavern in Manhattan. The voice was inspired by a cab-driver that used to drive 'Carroll Spinney' to the set every day during the first season.
5.) ~In 2004, Cookie Monster revealed that, before trying cookies for the first time, his name was Sid. ( Mason and I watched that show. Along with other children I was babysitting at the time. Who would have ever guessed his name was Sid?)
6.) ~Snuffy's baby sister is named Alice.
7.) ~ Elmo's goldfish is named Dorothy. ( Mason loves Elmo and he once named a goldfish here Dorothy after Elmo's fish.)
8.) ~Ernie originally had his own bedroom instead of sharing a bedroom with Bert. ( I remember that actually.. I wonder why they changed it?)
9.) ~ After the death of Jim Henson in 1990, the show stopped producing new sketches featuring Kermit the Frog. Kermit appeared only in reruns of old sketches until 1998, when he popped up to do a Sesame Street News Flash when Oscar the Grouch's pet worm Slimy went into space. He appeared again in 2001, reporting on a hurricane with Al Roker. Kermit is now voiced by Steve Whitmire, who has also assumed the role of Ernie since Henson's passing. ( didn't Y'all wonder what had happened to Kermit.. I did!)
10.) ~ To answer the immortal question, here is how to get to Sesame Street: Take the "R" or "V" train to Steinway Street. Stay on back of train. Walk west on 34th Avenue, three blocks to 36th Street. Turn left on 36th Street. The entrance to Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens is mid-block (between 34th & 35th Avenues). And there you shall find Sesame Street! ( or at least the sets where it is filmed!)
I hope you have enjoyed our visit to Sesame Street today. I watched it with my children and we would count and spell and learn together. We would sing and laugh together at the muppets and at each other. Mason still watches it when he is here and sits down long enough to watch Television. Sometimes I just turn it on and enjoy it all by myself. You can laugh at me if you want to. I won't care. I'll be too busy laughing at all the funny creatures That enjoy a good life together down On Sesame Street. If you have small children or any children, I invite you to watch TV with them. If you truly hate Sesame Street~ ( yes, I have met people who do!)~ then choose something else. But sit and relax and simply enjoy the show just for a little while. Give them just a small amount of your time. You might even enjoy it. I promise you that you will build memories and a special bond with your children by sharing fun time with them. Have a wonderful Day and as Cookie monster always says ~ Cowabunga!
Patsy
"This is Sesame Street. A place where people, birds, monsters all live in perfect harmony."
~ Phil Donahue
"It's not easy being green." ~Kermit the Frog
"Sesame Street has been brought to you today by the letters W, S and E, and by the numbers 2 and 3." ~Mr. Hooper
On this day, November tenth, in 1969, the very first episode of Sesame Street was aired on public television. I was almost ten years old, but I loved it. It came on at 5 o'clock in the afternoon back then. We watched it on channel 14, the public television station. I had never seen anything like this new show with people and giant fuzzy things called Muppets. I would learn a lot through the years from those crazy creatures. I had found myself a new favorite television show. Apparently a lot of other children loved it too. Sesame Street has become the longest running children's program on American television. The show is now produced in the United States by the non-profit organization Sesame Workshop, formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), founded by Joan Ganz Cooney and Ralph Rogers.
Because of its positive influence, Sesame Street has become one of the most highly regarded educational shows for children in the world. No other children's show has matched its level of international success. The original series has been televised in more than 120 countries, and 25 independent versions have been produced. It is the most viewed children's program in the world. Sesame Street uses combinations of animation, puppets, and live actors to stimulate young children's minds, improve their letter and word recognition, basic math , shapes, simple problem solving, and socialization by showing children or people in their daily lives. Since the shows beginning, they have also added basic life skills, such as how to cross the street safely, proper hygiene, healthy eating habits, and social skills.
The show displays a subtle sense of humor that has appealed to older viewers since it first began ; this was devised as a means to encourage parents and older siblings to watch the series with younger children, and becoming involved in the learning process, rather than having Sesame Street act as a babysitter. A 1996 survey found that 95% of American preschoolers have watched the show by the time they are three years old. I loved the show myself and all of my children watched it. Anthony and I especially loved Oscar the grouch. Cooper always loved Cookie monster the "very best". Emily , David , and Jennifer all loved Kermit the frog. In honor of today being a birthday of sorts for one of our Favorite shows, I will share with you some fast facts about Sesame Street!
1.) ~Big Bird is 8'2" tall.
2.) ~Barkley was originally called Woof-Woof.
3.) ~The Count was born on 9 October 1,830,653 B.C.- ( I love the count too!)
4.) ~ Oscar the Grouch was inspired by two people. His attitude comes from a nasty waiter that served Jim Henson and former director Jon Stone at a restaurant called Oscar's Tavern in Manhattan. The voice was inspired by a cab-driver that used to drive 'Carroll Spinney' to the set every day during the first season.
5.) ~In 2004, Cookie Monster revealed that, before trying cookies for the first time, his name was Sid. ( Mason and I watched that show. Along with other children I was babysitting at the time. Who would have ever guessed his name was Sid?)
6.) ~Snuffy's baby sister is named Alice.
7.) ~ Elmo's goldfish is named Dorothy. ( Mason loves Elmo and he once named a goldfish here Dorothy after Elmo's fish.)
8.) ~Ernie originally had his own bedroom instead of sharing a bedroom with Bert. ( I remember that actually.. I wonder why they changed it?)
9.) ~ After the death of Jim Henson in 1990, the show stopped producing new sketches featuring Kermit the Frog. Kermit appeared only in reruns of old sketches until 1998, when he popped up to do a Sesame Street News Flash when Oscar the Grouch's pet worm Slimy went into space. He appeared again in 2001, reporting on a hurricane with Al Roker. Kermit is now voiced by Steve Whitmire, who has also assumed the role of Ernie since Henson's passing. ( didn't Y'all wonder what had happened to Kermit.. I did!)
10.) ~ To answer the immortal question, here is how to get to Sesame Street: Take the "R" or "V" train to Steinway Street. Stay on back of train. Walk west on 34th Avenue, three blocks to 36th Street. Turn left on 36th Street. The entrance to Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens is mid-block (between 34th & 35th Avenues). And there you shall find Sesame Street! ( or at least the sets where it is filmed!)
I hope you have enjoyed our visit to Sesame Street today. I watched it with my children and we would count and spell and learn together. We would sing and laugh together at the muppets and at each other. Mason still watches it when he is here and sits down long enough to watch Television. Sometimes I just turn it on and enjoy it all by myself. You can laugh at me if you want to. I won't care. I'll be too busy laughing at all the funny creatures That enjoy a good life together down On Sesame Street. If you have small children or any children, I invite you to watch TV with them. If you truly hate Sesame Street~ ( yes, I have met people who do!)~ then choose something else. But sit and relax and simply enjoy the show just for a little while. Give them just a small amount of your time. You might even enjoy it. I promise you that you will build memories and a special bond with your children by sharing fun time with them. Have a wonderful Day and as Cookie monster always says ~ Cowabunga!
Patsy
Sunday, November 9, 2008
How Many Words?
"Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words." ~ Paul Engle
"Poetry is an orphan of silence. The words never quite equal the experience behind them."
~ Charles Simic
"A poet who makes use of a worse word instead of a better, because the former fits the rhyme or the measure, though it weakens the sense, is like a jeweler, who cuts a diamond into a brilliant, and diminishes the weight to make it shine more." ~ Horace Walpole
How many words does it take to say what I want to say? How many does it take to say all I need to say? I always thought that you should use lots of flowing flowery words to "dress up" any story or poem that you wrote. I even thought that you had to use a certain amount of fancy words just to make it look good. I was recently informed that I was wrong about that. I had always known about word counts. Years ago when I took one of those by the mail writing courses, that were so popular back then, they talked about word counts a lot. Of course they had to set limits because the story did have to actually fit into their magazine with lots of space for the other writers stories and articles too. Not to mention the classifieds and pictures required to make a good magazine.
But word count in poetry? My dark poetry teacher called it the extra word law. He said take out every single word you can! Then read it over a few times to make sure you got them all. But to start out knowing you can only use a set amount, and a small amount at that, of words is often scary. I have tried to entice my poetry club into trying it. So far they all say I am limiting them too much. It is new to them and they can't imagine saying anything with less than a page full of words. I will eventually woo them over to at least try it I hope!
Today's poems were all written by prompts. Each of them gave a one or two word prompt plus a word count limit. So that we not only knew how many words we could use, but also the subject of our poem. However we are always able to interpret the word or words or even sometimes, pictures, in our own way. Maybe some of you have a word in mind and want to send me a word and a word count. Maybe you have a picture you'd like me to try and write something from. Just remember that some subjects require a few more words than others. But being me, I'll give almost anything a try. I hope you enjoy these poems. Have a great day!
Patsy
#1) PROMPTS: spiral, malleable, stranded ~ use one, two or all three.. your choice. 30 (thirty) words. ~ Emma
Behind a Wall
Hammers of your words
strike again and again.
My soul spirals downward
uncontrolled. My malleable
heart forever twisted by
wicked words. My Love stranded
behind an unbreakable wall of Pain.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-21-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#2)PROMPTS: surreal, sunset; use both or use just one. you decide. ENTER♥
~ mesmerized--x
Sunset
Old gray heron
wades knee deep
along ponds edge.
Feeding.
Fiery reflections dance
across still waters.
Bass leaps through
sunset.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-20-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#3) 35 words or less. no rhyme. anger and unrest found in the youth of the worlds cities today.
~ Norman
Pieces Of Me
On City sidewalk corners
stands anger, Desperation and Pain.
Buyers, Sellers, Pushers!
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Stop; Look around
faceless stranger lays dead.
I calmly walk away.
Pieces of me dripping
into the river of unrest.
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-28-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#4) Prompt: Manhattan chill - 30-40 words -Brevity and imagination are the key
~autumn gypsy
A Long Way Up
Big city socialites
Barely there dresses.
Midnight chill kept off
their shoulders by thick
chinchilla fur. Champagne
filled bellies.Strutting their stuff.
A wiggle in their midnight walk.
Frozen smile. Eyes as dead as the
animal about their skinny neck.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-30-2008
"Poetry is an orphan of silence. The words never quite equal the experience behind them."
~ Charles Simic
"A poet who makes use of a worse word instead of a better, because the former fits the rhyme or the measure, though it weakens the sense, is like a jeweler, who cuts a diamond into a brilliant, and diminishes the weight to make it shine more." ~ Horace Walpole
How many words does it take to say what I want to say? How many does it take to say all I need to say? I always thought that you should use lots of flowing flowery words to "dress up" any story or poem that you wrote. I even thought that you had to use a certain amount of fancy words just to make it look good. I was recently informed that I was wrong about that. I had always known about word counts. Years ago when I took one of those by the mail writing courses, that were so popular back then, they talked about word counts a lot. Of course they had to set limits because the story did have to actually fit into their magazine with lots of space for the other writers stories and articles too. Not to mention the classifieds and pictures required to make a good magazine.
But word count in poetry? My dark poetry teacher called it the extra word law. He said take out every single word you can! Then read it over a few times to make sure you got them all. But to start out knowing you can only use a set amount, and a small amount at that, of words is often scary. I have tried to entice my poetry club into trying it. So far they all say I am limiting them too much. It is new to them and they can't imagine saying anything with less than a page full of words. I will eventually woo them over to at least try it I hope!
Today's poems were all written by prompts. Each of them gave a one or two word prompt plus a word count limit. So that we not only knew how many words we could use, but also the subject of our poem. However we are always able to interpret the word or words or even sometimes, pictures, in our own way. Maybe some of you have a word in mind and want to send me a word and a word count. Maybe you have a picture you'd like me to try and write something from. Just remember that some subjects require a few more words than others. But being me, I'll give almost anything a try. I hope you enjoy these poems. Have a great day!
Patsy
#1) PROMPTS: spiral, malleable, stranded ~ use one, two or all three.. your choice. 30 (thirty) words. ~ Emma
Behind a Wall
Hammers of your words
strike again and again.
My soul spirals downward
uncontrolled. My malleable
heart forever twisted by
wicked words. My Love stranded
behind an unbreakable wall of Pain.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-21-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#2)PROMPTS: surreal, sunset; use both or use just one. you decide. ENTER♥
~ mesmerized--x
Sunset
Old gray heron
wades knee deep
along ponds edge.
Feeding.
Fiery reflections dance
across still waters.
Bass leaps through
sunset.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-20-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#3) 35 words or less. no rhyme. anger and unrest found in the youth of the worlds cities today.
~ Norman
Pieces Of Me
On City sidewalk corners
stands anger, Desperation and Pain.
Buyers, Sellers, Pushers!
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Stop; Look around
faceless stranger lays dead.
I calmly walk away.
Pieces of me dripping
into the river of unrest.
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-28-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#4) Prompt: Manhattan chill - 30-40 words -Brevity and imagination are the key
~autumn gypsy
A Long Way Up
Big city socialites
Barely there dresses.
Midnight chill kept off
their shoulders by thick
chinchilla fur. Champagne
filled bellies.Strutting their stuff.
A wiggle in their midnight walk.
Frozen smile. Eyes as dead as the
animal about their skinny neck.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-30-2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Etheree Who?
"Poetry is plucking at the heartstrings, and making music with them." ~Dennis Gabor
"Poetry is truth in its Sunday clothes." ~ Joseph Roux
How to write your own Etheree! ~An etheree is a ten-lined poem whose structure is based on the number of syllables in each line. The first line has one syllable, the second line has two, etcetera, until you reach the tenth line with ten syllables. ~ What do I want this etheree to be about? ~Think of your longer words related to your topic. They will be much more difficult than coming up with your shorter lines. ~Write each line carefully, making sure to count your syllables. If they are not the right quantity, it is not an etheree. ~ Read it through a few times to make sure it makes sense. ~Title it!
When I first started back to writing every day, I decided to learn as much as I could about different forms of poetry. I was amazed at how many different forms there are. Even now I learn of new forms almost every day. I get e-mailed prompts that will tell me what type I am to write each day.. Of course as usual for me I signed up for every prompt I could find so I will be getting way more than I could possibly write each day! But it does give me lots of choices!
One form that I had never heard of but liked right away was the Etheree. The first time I was trying to write one I got a phone call right in the middle of it and when I told my friend I was writing an Etheree she said, "Etheree who?" I laughed because it does almost sound like a woman's name. Today's poems are all Etheree. They are much harder to write than you would think. Extra syllabels will sneak up on you if you don't count them closely. I hope you all enjoy these poems of mine today. Have a great day!!
Patsy
Etheree Who?
Who?
Not Who.
Etheree?
Yes, Etheree!
A poetry form.
Are you sure? She's Foreign?
What country is she from then?
No Not foreign. A poem Type.
Oh I can't type either. She can type?
I'll call you back when Etheree leaves then!
written BY: Patricia Sawyer
11-8-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh Happy day!
How
Many
words does one
Person need to
say Goodbye to you?
The soul mate who has strayed.
No Begging allowed you see.
Just goodbye and you leave us four.
Like the years never touched your heart.
I bid a stranger goodbye this happy day.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-28-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Gypsy Camp
Brass
bells ring
along swamps
shadowy edge.
Children running free;
flutes echoing laughter;
cimmerian eyed beauty
hips swaying to an earthy beat.
Simple suppers roast over fire.
Welcoming the despised plebeians home.
an Etheree
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
11-4-2008
"Poetry is truth in its Sunday clothes." ~ Joseph Roux
How to write your own Etheree! ~An etheree is a ten-lined poem whose structure is based on the number of syllables in each line. The first line has one syllable, the second line has two, etcetera, until you reach the tenth line with ten syllables. ~ What do I want this etheree to be about? ~Think of your longer words related to your topic. They will be much more difficult than coming up with your shorter lines. ~Write each line carefully, making sure to count your syllables. If they are not the right quantity, it is not an etheree. ~ Read it through a few times to make sure it makes sense. ~Title it!
When I first started back to writing every day, I decided to learn as much as I could about different forms of poetry. I was amazed at how many different forms there are. Even now I learn of new forms almost every day. I get e-mailed prompts that will tell me what type I am to write each day.. Of course as usual for me I signed up for every prompt I could find so I will be getting way more than I could possibly write each day! But it does give me lots of choices!
One form that I had never heard of but liked right away was the Etheree. The first time I was trying to write one I got a phone call right in the middle of it and when I told my friend I was writing an Etheree she said, "Etheree who?" I laughed because it does almost sound like a woman's name. Today's poems are all Etheree. They are much harder to write than you would think. Extra syllabels will sneak up on you if you don't count them closely. I hope you all enjoy these poems of mine today. Have a great day!!
Patsy
Etheree Who?
Who?
Not Who.
Etheree?
Yes, Etheree!
A poetry form.
Are you sure? She's Foreign?
What country is she from then?
No Not foreign. A poem Type.
Oh I can't type either. She can type?
I'll call you back when Etheree leaves then!
written BY: Patricia Sawyer
11-8-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh Happy day!
How
Many
words does one
Person need to
say Goodbye to you?
The soul mate who has strayed.
No Begging allowed you see.
Just goodbye and you leave us four.
Like the years never touched your heart.
I bid a stranger goodbye this happy day.
written By: Patricia Sawyer
10-28-2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Gypsy Camp
Brass
bells ring
along swamps
shadowy edge.
Children running free;
flutes echoing laughter;
cimmerian eyed beauty
hips swaying to an earthy beat.
Simple suppers roast over fire.
Welcoming the despised plebeians home.
an Etheree
Written By: Patricia Sawyer
11-4-2008
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