Poetry & Prose ~~ "In Memory of You"

    

I can close my eyes

        and vividly see you.

It’s as if you’re forever

        plainly in view.

Your smile never fades

        nor the look in your eye.

The words you so often spoke

        still make me cry.

Your favorite food, activity, and song

        I can readily recall.

When we celebrated those

        we really had a ball.

Framed photos speak volumes

        and bring a smile to my face.

The trips down memory lane

        are filled with such grace.

I’ve stopped counting the time

         since you left this earth.

That exercise is too painful

        so I choose to divert.

All of our days were fashioned

        before one of them dawned.

In a fleeting moment

        it seems as if they’re gone.

My love for you

        will always remain true.

So I’m penning these words

        in memory of you.

        

               

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Writing Techniques - Creativity

                                     







It's hard to imagine from looking at the above picture that it's the first step to a poem, movie or television script, novel, novella, short story, song, memoir, personal essay or speech.

Creative writing is defined as "any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified as an emphasis on narrative, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics." [https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=definition+of+creative+writing]

Before we proceed further, we should probably address the whole "left brain - right brain" issue as well. 

"People who identify as left-brain thinkers might feel that they have strong math and logic skills. Those who profess to be right-brain thinkers, on the other hand, feel that their talents are more on the creative side of things.  Given the popularity of the idea of 'right brained' and 'left brained' thinkers, it might surprise you to learn that this idea is just one of many myths about the brain."  [Chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what%20side%20of%20the%20brain%20is%20the%20creative%20side]

"The left side of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body.  It also performs tasks that have to do with logic, such as in science and mathematics.  On the other hand, the right hemisphere coordinates the left side of the body, and performs tasks that have to do with creativity and the arts." [http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/left-brain-right-brain.htm]

The last time I checked the initials Dr. were not in front of my name, and M.D. did not follow my last name.  Those would apply to the first born of The Tribe of Wood.  However, in checking my family trees on both sides, I made the wonderful discovery of branches containing authors and poets.

I marvel that our Creator has given us the gift of creating written works for the enjoyment of mankind.  Creativity is the gold of the writer's life. Just as the price of pure gold has fluctuated over the decades, there can be times in our writing journeys when we may feel that we have penned something far more valuable than at other times.  We may be surprised to learn later that what we deemed of little value was of great assistance or enjoyment to a reader in a far away land. 

What are some ideas that you have implemented when you find your creativity waning or wanting to take a vacation? Don't get me wrong as I am in favor of vacations ~~ just not of the permanent variety!  

Here are some helpful hints I have used to get my creative juices flowing when necessary:

• I look through my container of handy dandy quotes, pictures, poetry, etc. that I continually collect.
• Read short passages from a completely different genre.
• Take a stroll up and down the aisles of our local book store(s) to drink in the titles, cover designs, and so forth.
• Dial up a brainstorming session with a trusted fellow author who won't just tell me what I want to hear, but who will offer constructive criticism and boatloads of encouragement.
• Give the passage a rest for a short while. When I return to it, I imagine that I am a total stranger reading the description or portion of writing as opposed to being the one authoring it.
• Watch an old movie without offensive language or scenes.

I am presently penning Book Two of The Sabblonti Series which is the fictional saga of several cattle barons and their spreads located in the high desert mountain regions.  Macey Meadows, a nurse at the rural hospital, needed a description, so here's what I imagined she would look like:

"Dr. Shaw was struck with Macey’s milky white teeth showcased inside her lovely pomegranate tinted lips, her olive complexion, high cheekbones, and intense emerald green eyes.  He glanced down at her left hand which revealed no jewelry.  Then again, some nurses do not wear their wedding rings while on shift.  Oh, could he possibly start to get his hopes up once again only to be dashed?  Hope deferred makes the heart sick."

What happens to the country veterinarian and the lovely nurse?  Stay tuned to find out!

My encouragement for your writing journey is to continue writing.  Do what works for you and share your ideas with fellow authors.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, it's encouraging to know that some of the "left brain folks" enjoy reading the creations of the "right brain folks" or however that actually works.

Happy Reading, spend some of that "creative gold" on others, and Write On!

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Writing Techniques - Flow

There are times when aspects of the writing journey can be likened to the great outdoors which contains a myriad of living organisms.  My husband and I were hiking in the state of Colorado a few years back when we came upon the beautiful waterfall featured in the photo above.  I can remember standing very still for a period of time just listening to it and wondering where it ultimately flowed.  The sound of the crashing water echoed down the canyon for miles.  Suddenly, a chilly wind ushered in raindrops.  Our pace quickened as we worked our way down the mountain trail.  We were able to get inside our vehicle and roll up the windows just before the torrential downpour arrived.  Whew, saved by the hiking shoes on that one!

A manuscript, short story, poem or literary work can be analogous to a living organism in that it seems to have a mind of its own.  The flow of words from our spirit onto the keyboard or paper can be as gentle as a stream or as strong as the water flowing from the featured waterfall.  This corresponds to the rising and falling action within the piece.

During his retirement years, my father spent a lot of time in the high desert mountain regions.  He was intrigued by the intricate dams built by the beavers.  In some cases, these produced jams in the flows of rivers and streams, much to the dismay of farmers and ranchers.  Suffice it to say, it probably takes a lot more work to clear those obstacles than it does for those appearing in our manuscript.

It has been my experience that if I try to force or rush the words, they quickly become quite bellicose.  It’s as if they can speak directly to me and let me have a piece of their mind.  “I don’t want to go there today.”  “Why are you trying to make me do something I don’t want to do?”  “You are putting the cart before the horse on this one.” 

Let’s take a quick gander at the meaning of the word flow which is the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream.  That corresponds beautifully to what our literary goal should be which is to keep those words moving right along until the project is completed. 

If you are experiencing a “log jam” of sorts, talk to that literary piece and figure out where the blockages are located.  You might need to sleep on it overnight, but surely by the next morning the answer will have arrived.

I am enjoying penning fiction far more than I thought I would.  Once the characters are created, it seems as though they take on lives of their own.  One of my tasks is to follow them and find out where they are going.  Occasionally, we need to have a face to face meeting to decide whether or not their arcs are changing from flat, negative, or positive.  In addition, some of them might need to attend an AAM ~~ Attitude Adjustment Meeting.

After Jantzi’s Jokers, Book One of The Sabblonti Series, was published, I started to receive emails and written letters from readers expressing their concerns over the choices the main characters would make in Book Two.  One of the challenges in authoring fiction is keeping our readers happy, but I fully realize this is not entirely possible as some of them may not approve of the choices the characters have made or where the flow of words has taken them.  Welcome to Literary Land!

As a word of encouragement to writers on their writing journeys, if your flow isn’t flowing, have a heart to heart talk with it!

I would love to receive input from you as to methods you have implemented to keep your writing moving continuously.

Best wishes on your writing journeys and Write On!

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Sweet & Savory Thursday ~~ Breakfast Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 slices of bread, cubed with crusts removed
• 1 pound of sausage, browned and well drained
• 9 beaten eggs
• 3 cups milk (or 1 1/2 cups each of milk and half & half)
• 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 3 Tbsp. dehydrated onion
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. salt, optional
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 Tbsp. Cajun Sunshine or hot sauce of your choice
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Paprika

DIRECTIONS:

• Place bread cubes in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish
• Sprinkle browned sausage evenly over the bread cubes
• In a large bowl, beat the eggs well.  Add the milk (or milk and half & half) and all other ingredients.  Mix well.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate over night.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
• Sprinkle paprika over the top.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean
• Serves 12.

This is a great recipe to prepare for the holidays or when you are having out of town company pay you a visit.

Serve with fresh fruit and breakfast rolls.

Happy Breakfasting or Brunching!

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Sweet & Savory Friday - Canadian Bacon Pinwheels

DIRECTIONS:

• Slice loaf of Sourdough Baguette into 1/2 inch slices
• Spread with Creamy Horseradish or sandwich spread of your choice
• Spread with Applewood Smoked Bacon Mustard or mustard of your choice
• Include slice of Colby Jack Cheese or cheese of your choice
• Include slice of Canadian Bacon
• Include thin slice of green olive or garnish of your choice

These are so tasty you will be able to polish off a plate of them before you can say, "Bob's your uncle!"  After that, you may ask yourself, "What's the difference between American Bacon and Canadian Bacon?"  Our bacon comes from the belly portion of the pig whereas Canadian Bacon is usually cut from the loin area.  

Happy Dining!

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Writing Journeys - Flow

There are times when aspects of the writing journey can be likened to the great outdoors which contains a myriad of living organisms.  My husband and I were hiking in the state of Colorado a few years back when we came upon the beautiful waterfall featured in the photo above.  I can remember standing very still for a period of time just listening to it and wondering where it ultimately flowed.  The sound of the crashing water echoed down the canyon for miles.  Suddenly, a chilly wind ushered in raindrops.  Our pace quickened as we worked our way down the mountain trail.  We were able to get inside our vehicle and roll up the windows just before the torrential downpour arrived.  Whew, saved by the hiking shoes on that one!

A manuscript, short story, poem or literary work can be analogous to a living organism in that it seems to have a mind of its own.  The flow of words from our spirit onto the keyboard or paper can be as gentle as a stream or as strong as the water flowing from the featured waterfall.  This corresponds to the rising and falling action within the piece.

During his retirement years, my father spent a lot of time in the high desert mountain regions.  He was intrigued by the intricate dams built by the beavers.  In some cases, these produced jams in the flows of rivers and streams, much to the dismay of farmers and ranchers.  Suffice it to say, it probably takes a lot more work to clear those obstacles than it does for those appearing in our manuscript.

It has been my experience that if I try to force or rush the words, they quickly become quite bellicose.  It’s as if they can speak directly to me and let me have a piece of their mind.  “I don’t want to go there today.”  “Why are you trying to make me do something I don’t want to do?”  “You are putting the cart before the horse on this one.” 

Let’s take a quick gander at the meaning of the word flow which is the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream.  That corresponds beautifully to what our literary goal should be which is to keep those words moving right along until the project is completed. 

 

If you are experiencing a “log jam” of sorts, talk to that literary piece and figure out where the blockages are located.  You might need to sleep on it overnight, but surely by the next morning the answer will have arrived.

I am enjoying penning fiction far more than I thought I would.  Once the characters are created, it seems as though they take on lives of their own.  One of my tasks is to follow them and find out where they are going.  Occasionally, we need to have a face to face meeting to decide whether or not their arcs are changing from flat, negative, or positive.  In addition, some of them might need to attend an AAM ~~ Attitude Adjustment Meeting.

After Jantzi’s Jokers, Book One of The Sabblonti Series, was published, I started to receive emails and written letters from readers expressing their concerns over the choices the main characters would make in Book Two.  One of the challenges in authoring fiction is keeping our readers happy, but I fully realize this is not entirely possible as some of them may not approve of the choices the characters have made or where the flow of words has taken them.  Welcome to Literary Land!

As a word of encouragement to writers on their writing journeys, if your flow isn’t flowing, have a heart to heart talk with it!

I would love to receive input from you as to methods you have implemented to keep your writing moving continuously.

Best wishes on your writing journeys and Write On!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "A Mother's Love"

Mom, your inner beauty flows from deep within

Like the sweet fragrance of a delicate rose,

Gracing our lives with your compassion and love,

As you share your wisdom with all you know.

Your laughter and the twinkle in your eyes,

Always produce a smile upon my face.

Your hugs remind me of the warmth of God’s love,

And the tenderness found in His loving embrace.

You constantly give of yourself in so many ways,

And through the years made many sacrifices for me.

You bring to life the desires residing in my heart,

 And believe in me so I can fulfill my destiny.

I appreciate all the wisdom and insights that you have,

And I thank you for the support you have shown.

You taught me many lessons by your example,

By putting everyone else's needs before your own.

Through the storms of life and upon the raging seas,

You spoke words of faith and hope calming all my fears.

Even when the prickly thorns appeared at my side,

The healing touch of your hand wiped away all my tears.

You have faced the challenges that came your way,

With courage and a never give up attitude.

You taught me to be grateful for all the blessings,

Giving praise to the Lord with heartfelt gratitude.

I cannot adequately express the love I have for you,

As simple words of thank you are not nearly enough.

I pray God's blessings and favor be upon you,

Please never doubt you will always have my love.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence

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Sweet & Savory Tuesday ~~ Moist Molasses Marvels

STEP 1:

• Mix together in mixing bowl:
• 3/4 cup soft shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses

STEP 2:

• Sift together in another bowl:
• 2 1/4 cups Gold Medal flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ginger
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. salt, optional

STEP 3:

• Mix dry ingredients into molasses mixture.

STEP 4:

• Chill dough in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

STEP 5:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees.
• Lightly grease baking sheets.
• Roll teaspoonfuls of chilled dough into balls the size of large walnuts.
• Dip tops in granulated sugar, optional.
• Place cookies, sugared side up, 3 inches apart on baking sheet.
• Bake 10-12 minutes, or just until set, but not hardened.
• Cool on wire rack.
• Yields approximately 4 dozen cookies.

One of the major things I like the best about these cookies is that they do not dry out as some molasses varieties have a tendency to do.

Serve with coffee, hot tea, ice cream, iced tea or milk.  

Happy Baking & Eating.  Enjoy!

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