Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Monday PhotoPrompt: Beach Wedding


(Thanks to Arleen at Starting Over, Accepting Changes-Maybe)


                                    
 I think I'll be okay if I don't look at the pounding waves. Between the heat, and the strong winds blowing the sand in my face, I hope I'll be able to get through the ceremony. I wish I could remember which groomsman I hooked up with last night after the rehearsal dinner. In the light of day, they all look like Darwin's homo sapien chart during different stages of evolution. Not one of them has even reached the erectus stage yet. Posture people. How could I have been that drunk? Great now sand has blown in my mouth, and I'm not exactly in a position to get rid of it. I can feel my hair frizzing up, and the middle groomsman is winking at me. Oh no that's Kevin's cousin Ted or is it Ned or Ed?  Isn't he engaged to Nancy?  Oh good she's smiling. Nancy was always clueless, but what if what's-his-name tells Kevin?  He would never understand. He's so conservative, but he's smart and dependable, and he laughs at all of my jokes. I really love him, of course I do! Why can't we just fast forward to that part?  Relax, no one would ever believe Ned or Ed anyway. If I could just get through this, I promise to be a better person. Breathe deeply it's almost over. Now my spray tan is running down my dress. I knew I shouldn't have worn white. Maybe no one will notice. Why is the judge speaking in slow motion? Yes, it's official! Finally, we can cool off under the tent! I couldn't be happier! We'll dance the night away under the stars. After all, we are in paradise. Great now Nancy and what's- his- name are coming toward me, and something's not right. Whew, they were just in a hurry to get to the bar. I always knew weddings were stressful, but I never imagined all of the sacrifices that I'd have to make as mother of the bride.
 


Spirited Delores at  thefeatherednest  encourages everyone to write poetry or prose on any or all of the photos featured each week. Be sure to visit these entertaining bloggers, and join in anytime for the Monday PhotoPrompt. 

thecontemplativecat

Starting over, accepting changes-maybe

Austanspace

Elephant's Child

Sweet Tea Reads

That Amy Saia



                              

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

PhotoPrompt: Monday: The Old Barn Door


      Thanks to Susan Kane at thecontemplativecat for providing this PhotoPrompt.


                 
Old Barn Door




Red barn door,
Beaten down by time.
Echoes of paws and hooves,
 Roaming in their prime.

Weathered hides,
Clamoring for attention.
Shinier coats,
Begging for redemption.

Whining, neighing,
Picking, grazing.
The restless cattle,
Required endless praising.

A welcoming entrance,
Has long been hardened.
The first Red Door Salon,
At Elizabeth Arden

To join in Monday PhotoPrompts be sure to visit Delores at  thefeatherednest , as well as these talented bloggers:





 Sweet Tea Reads   
                                    


                                                           

Monday, May 14, 2012

First Loves Blogfest

                                                                


Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting the First Loves Blogfest today where we are asked to write about the first movie, first song/band, first book, and first person we ever loved. Be sure to visit Alex's site to read from this eclectic group of authors and bloggers. 

The first movie that I fell in love with was The Sound of Music. I remember going to the theater to see it twice with my family, and once we even had to sit in the first row. I still remember the words to many of the songs, and loved the chemistry between Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews. At the time, I probably wasn't old enough to appreciate much more than "Do-Re-Mi," and the spectacular color images projected on the large screen. My memory is a compilation of all the additional TV viewings.

While many ten year old girls were swooning over David Cassidy, Bobby Sherman serenaded me with, "Julie Do You Love Me?" I remember rummaging through Tiger Beat magazine looking for Bobby Sherman posters. My classmates were either David Cassidy or Bobby Sherman fans, and Bobby's side part and personalized love song made him the clear choice.

A few years later, the side part sprouted facial hair, and dimples. Freddie Prinze didn't sing, but every time he said "That's not my job" on Chico And The Man was music to my ears. My parents surprised me for my birthday by taking us to see his comedy act at a theater in the round. I was so excited to be seated just a few rows away from him. Sadly, he died about a year later.

The first book that I remember being able to relate to was Beverly Cleary's Ellen Tebbits. It was a comic look through a third grader's perspective about whether her teacher liked her, and being accepted by her classmates. I remember how Ellen was embarrassed about changing for ballet class, because her  mother made her wear long underwear. Fortunately, she befriended another girl with the same dilemma.

For my first love I could write about the boy in my 5th grade class with an overbite who spent more time trying to classify our relationship than actually have one. We would pass notes back and forth during class about how he wasn't ready to go steady, but was willing to ease into "going friendship." I was more turned on by the fact that he could read my handwriting than anything else. When it came time to take the next step by talking on the phone, he chickened out and our relationship was over before it began.

The following year I decided I preferred older men, and had a huge crush on my sixth grade social studies teacher. He was only twenty two, and we seemed to have a similar sense of humor. I'll never forget when he was discussing a historical case in class about a doctor who lost many of his patients. When he asked if anyone in the class knew why I replied, "Because he didn't wash his hands." Shocked by my response, he asked me to act out a likely scenario.

Hence, I proceeded to pretend I was in an operating room while coughing and sneezing all over my hands. I tried to channel Sarah Bernhardt, but came off more like Carol Burnett. Afterward, he told me how I really surprised him by being the only one in class who knew about the dangers of not washing your hands. Apparently, he had never met my mother.



Monday, May 7, 2012

Reflections On Another A to Z

                                                                                    

                                                           
I was hoping to enter the challenge more prepared, but had only written through the letter "G."  I received a lot of encouraging feedback, and before I knew it, the first week had flown by. It was so easy to fall behind, which forced me to work overtime to catch up. Arlee Bird along with all of the co-hosts continually advised the participants to write all of their posts months ahead of time, so I had no one to blame but myself. However, this self-inflicted chaos combined with all of the friendly new followers, only added to the excitement of my second A to Z.

What made this year even more meaningful was that I had a larger support system going into the challenge. Special thanks to  AlAlex,  C. Lee,  DeloresJulie L.G.,  Nancy,  RosalindSusanTonja, and Yvonne.  These dedicated, and affable alphabet savants made a constant effort to make sense of my daily ramblings. We laughed, groaned, and soldiered on together.

In addition to my loyal supporters, I was also fortunate enough to meet a new group of faithful followers: Gossip Girl,  JenJessica,   Libby,   Lynn,  Michelle,   SusanneTracy,  Youmna, and Yvonne S.  I don't know how they found the time to drop in so often, but the camaraderie made the experience all the more worthwhile.

Even bloggers who weren't participating in A to Z caught the fever, and were kind enough to show their support. Carol,  Mary,  Robyn, and  Talli  were wonderful about cheering me on.

I would also like to thank Arlee Bird for organizing another eventful challenge, along with all of the co-hosts. As previously mentioned, co-host  Alex went out of his way to drop in, and miraculously grew more charming with sleep deprivation.  Stephen also made several visits, though I'm not sure if he thought that I was from another galaxy. Overall, I was thrilled to increase my followers, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to comment. I'm sorry if I missed anyone, as I just included the most frequent visitors.

 I'm so grateful that I was a part of another wildly successful A to Z that helped me stretch my boundaries. Though I often write about events in my family, I've never really written about my dad. He died almost 34 years ago, and I finally decided to share some of our experiences in "Yearning For Yesteryear" last Saturday. One week later, a dear family friend phoned my mom to tell her how much she enjoyed the story. Memories of my dad came flooding back to her, and she felt like we were all together again. This was my greatest A to Z achievement.



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

IWSG: Finding Inspiration



 Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting another monthly meeting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Be sure to visit the many talented authors and bloggers who offer their wisdom, encouragement and broad shoulders. 


She stared at the blank screen willing herself to focus, but nothing seemed to work. She thought a change of scenery might do her some good, and went out for a walk in the evening air. It was quite chilly, so she stopped in to warm up at a neighborhood pub. As she drank her coffee, she gazed around the room for inspiration. A moment later, Inspiration walked in the door.

 The writer stopped to check over the opening paragraph, before he hit the delete button. He knew he was better than this, and decided to start fresh tomorrow. Unfortunately, the problem was still there the next day, and the day after that.

Blogger Dysfunction or BD is commonly sweeping through the blogging community, and it's time we opened up about it. It starts out innocently over a few casual posts. After several warm receptions, a string of  meaningless ramblings ensue. Then you decide to check out the competition by offering
your undying devotion, until they return the favor. Euphoria takes over, and you continue to fill them with more promises of a lasting relationship. Unsuspecting, you move in for the next killer comment.

You keep them begging for more. One minute you're a comedian, and the next you're sensitive and caring. They leave satiated, and return the next day in the hope that it will be even more exciting than the blog before. Only the old blog is dusty and shriveled up. The muse is gone, and the mad month of merriment is over.

There is no cure for Blogger Dysfunction, and no little blue pill to lift you out of your rut. Both men and women fall victim to it, but with strength and guidance there is hope. Continue to visit other bloggers at a slower pace. Court them don't cavort them. Take long walks, cool showers, and start a new hobby. When you're relaxed and ready, the words will flow. 

Inspiration walked in the door, and their eyes met. "Why don't you slip out of your coffee stained cargo pantsuit, and I'll give you some of  this inspiration baby!"  On second thought, this BD is aiming to stay awhile.