Sprinkle and Dash

Branwen gets special treatment at Sakin’el, not just because of her years of service for Emmie but because she performs a vital function in supervising the four cats. Part of this treatment is a ‘magic breakfast’ concocted by the Master of the Manor. She sits and monitors the preparation, ever ready to point out some error. First comes a measured 1/3 cup of special ‘senior’ food. Then a bit of herbal blend. Next a sprinkle of pure cranberry juice (no sugar). Then a dribble of flax-seed oil. Lastly a scant hint of something special – people food leftovers, homemade yogurt or molasses. All of this prepared with the accompaniment of boisterous song and spontaneous verse for the day – with Emmie giggling from ‘neath the covers in the another room.

Now, extend this a bit into metaphysics. Regardless of what you considered the ‘source of all’ or ‘your just rewards’, we would be blessed to receive a daily fare such as this.

a full measure of what we need
a dash of what we don’t know we need
a sprinkle of acidity to complement our base nature
a dribble of social lubricant (manners and the like)
an unexpected gift of awe and wonder

what more could a spirit ask??

papa

posted an article and a photo

I posted a portrait of my grandson at: http://afinemes.com/wpress/2007/01/30/your-whole-life-ahead-of-you/
and a revamped article on “Austerity and Being Dutch”: http://afinemes.com/wpress/2007/01/30/austerity-on-being-dutch/

aletta
“We do not write because we want to; we write because we have to.” – W. Somerset Maugham

Honoring Trees

During my research into trees I read about the
Sacred Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.
It is the oldest historic tree in the world (planted),
and I came to know — the most honored.

More than 2400 years ago pilgrims began bringing
scraps of wood to the tree to be burned in an attempt
to prevent marauding elephants from eating the leaves.
Even a tiny sliver of wood could help, and often all
the pilgrims could afford or carry.

To date more than 70 million pieces of wood
have been brought as gifts to the tree,
making it the most honored living thing
in all recorded history –

not a man — just a tree!

papa

Three more chapters

http://afinemes.com/wpress/non-fiction/love-and-other-essentials/
I’ve added on three more chapters/segments today. I am woofed.  Now I am going to put my head down for a bit.

aletta

Abracadabra

Besides “please,” abracadabra is the magic word most children know. It made thing appear and disappear, and colorful scarves fly out of a magicians sleeve.

But it had a far more interesting derivation. It’s a real word, with a meaning every writer and artist will appreciate.

To read the rest of this story, come visit QuinnCreative in her art loft. Join me for cinnamon toast and tea, for in my loft, it is the bitterest part of Winter. If you are not a reader, stop by for the picture of the talisman I designed.  You are always welcome to the cinnamon toast.

emerging from winter’s cocoon

It is time to leave behind the torpor of winter – not that we have really had a winter in my part of the world – we’ve only just had our first sprinkling of snow – for my chitin case is cracking as new spurts of energy make themselves felt.

I have just finished making 3 ATCs for a blind swap (this means that no theme was set and the recipient is happy to receive whatever I choose to send, although in this case she had expressed an interest in lady bugs, butterflies and flowers).

Giving Thanks

Riversleigh is just waking up again from its silence. We are weeping less, and once more turning our faces to the sun. We nod shyly to each other in passing, and our hearts are hungry for companionship. While reading the writings of others, I came across an incredible poem by William Stanley Merwin.  The first verse is below, to read the whole poem, please visit my studio here in Riversleigh.

Thanks
with the night falling we are saying thank you
we are stopping on the bridge to bow from the railings
we are running out of the glass rooms
with our mouths full of food to look at the sky
and say thank you
we are standing by the water looking out
in different directions

Draco de Muse

From the safety of the porch swing
I can look out into the Murmuring Woods
and watch dragons of rebirth and wimsy –
and would not post my thoughts there
‘er I detract from such creativity …

yet, what finer tribute to the poet
that to echo muse with passion,
and therby salute every poet –
and in a way every woman,
as any poet must draw form the rebirth side –

and so I shall,
with crossed arms of pen and sword
bow to the feminine dragon within –
and to the Mothers that make it so,
with a dip of my lance to Monica

faucon of Sakin’el
………………………………………………..

Dragon Lady

Some see Her veiled in misted dawn,
bathed in the dust of silver’d moon.
For many her guiding whispers sing
from shadows cast by a fire small.
There are those that huddle in silence,
while maidens dance in springing joy,
clothed in birth’s unblushing attire.

Yet I do know there is more to Her,
found in my suffer’d yearning tempests
twixt will, spirit and eternity’s call.
My friend of smold’ring fired passion
and sharp icy clasp of ancient truth,
must be a warrior too — a dragon
sourced in Phoenix bond and ever birth.

Her sheltering wings are but Mother’s arms.
Jeweled eyes cut through ready deceit,
yet flaming breath is compassion’s kiss.
Her scales are but reflecting mirrors
in which our self-delusions are held
to be stroked by starlit wisdom.
But talons warn those false of heart.

Slight Autumnal Breeze

Wandering back through the Murmuring Woods I can see Riversleigh in the distance, travellers coming and going, over to the Temple to provide comfort and support, others doing solitary things in various places. The first, quick, high breezes of Autumn are blowing in, and the pool will be quieter in time, making way for other more pensive activities as the weather gradually cools. The summer has been a hot, dry one. Heading to the Temple, glad of the warmth and support already there, and the many talented people who have joined Sybil and made it their place, too.

(copyright Imogen Crest 2007.)

Old project re-editing – love and other essentials

Page: http://afinemes.com/wpress/non-fiction/love-and-other-essentials/

I’ve been editing and older collection of essays into, hop[pefully, a book.  A how to guide to living with people.  I had no idea how much easier it was for me to write about 10 years ago when I first began this project.  Just editing now is taking a bloody age and a half and far from “perfect”. though I am more than familiar with the notion one should never do one’s own editing.  Writing the rest of it will be very hard and I can only hope it will one day be a complete work.  That’s why originally I had abandoned it, after hearing a doctor tell me to get my affairs in order I thought completing it was out of the question, now I am willing to try.  It is non-fiction, and maybe a little dry for some, but if anyone had a little time to spend on it I would very much appreciate the feedback.  It is on my www.afinemes.com/wpress blog along with much of my fiction and poetry, trying to put it in one place, might be easier than all those fragmented posts.  Certainly a better overview for myself.

aletta