simple thoughts on life

simple thoughts on life

changing year, changing patterns

new fires bring in light

This is the last Wednesday of the year.

This is my last offering for OneShotWednesday.

I am hoping that bright and beautiful things will be ushered in 

in the new year

~2011~

*photo from http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/image_galleries/fireworks07_gallery.shtml?8

The Last Journey

More goodbye hugs were upon us. Oliver faded into memory behind us, as Brett and I set out on our last journey in Arnie. Recollections from our last game drive in Chobe would be held close to heart for a long time to come, but Zimbabwe was in our sights now. It was time for us to shed Arnie, our metal companion, and set out on foot.

Bulawayo served as a resting stop to make a plan and regroup. We inquired as to how to go about selling a South African baby blue Kombi and were met with shaking heads. Try as we might, we would have to return to South Africa to sell the van. It was too complicated to try to sell a South African vehicle in a foreign country. Trying to save miles would add more headaches than we cared to fight with.

We took advantage of the city’s amenities  and decided to take in a movie while we were in Bulawayo. A couple we had bumped into on a few occasions in our travels was going to see “Babe”, so we tagged along. We grabbed popcorn and sank into some lumpy seats to let the African continent slip away. For two hours we watched barnyard friends climb into and out of trouble, and I for one was transported.

Upon leaving the theatre, I blinked at the surreal feelings that lingered. I was in Zimbabwe, Africa. Only days before, I had watched a pride of lions stalk a herd of buffalos across the plains of Botswana, yet had just had a two hour taste of North American life. Canada and home were over 6000 miles away though. God only knew how many more months it would be till I saw my native soil again.

An odd feeling of nostalgia niggled at the back of my mind as we walked the city streets back to our hostel. This was a city and despite feeling dated, it was closer to home than I had felt in a while. Thoughts of home and what waited there still left me with questions though. I could feel a frown around my eyes and shook it off as I re-engaged with my travel companions of the moment.

I was in Bulawayo. I was on an adventure of a lifetime that was transforming me with every mile under my belt and every African breath that I took. We were about to sell our beloved van and a vital companion in our travels. For now though, I rejoined the group’s energy sphere and walked this African city’s streets home. 

Dinner Time

Meal time at my house;

Yeah, not a fun thing at present.

I make a meal,

any meal, be it liked or no

and then commence to nag!

I take a bite of my food,

then say "eat".

I take a sip of a beverage,

then say "Eat".

I stare at my daughter,

then say "EAT!"

and at some point thereafter

I lose it

again.

I have threatened no dessert.

I have threatened no stories.

I have stated that this meal

will be served for dinner tomorrow,

but no one cares.

Do I?

Hell yes, as I am beginning to feel like 

the Wicked Witch of the West!

Eating my meal

with fire in my eyes

and evil in my heart

ready to screech out my hollow wrath

at the drop of a fork

She says she will eat her dinner 

"when she is a Mommy"

I tell her she will never grow to be an adult

without food in her belly,

but unblinking eyes register

NOTHING.

She is not a Mommy yet

and will eat when she is good and ready

apparently.

and apparently

my battles that I wage alone

are not so uncommon,

but I still wish

that this phase would pass...

Christmas Day

Christmas comes,

but once a year.

The house is filled

with warmth and cheer.

A heavenly scent

of  turkey and pie

Saturates the air;

Mmmm, oh my!

The gifts once wrapped

now litter the floor.

With glee and mirth

children scream for more.

The stockings are limp

and so are you

So cheer and rejoice

because now you are through!

Merry Christmas 

To one and all

From 

Katherine

at

A New Day!

A Christmas Toast

Over at One Stop Poetry today, there is a suggestion to write something to honour family at Christmas time. I started with a different thought, but this story of love and generousity was a part of my Christmas a few years ago. It took centre stage, so I let it have reign on my page. I share it to honour my husband and the love and respect that he elicited from all those he touched. Enjoy.

Christmas was upon me.
I could not smile or glee.
It had been mere months
since death had claimed thee.

I pushed myself to function.
I strained myself not to cry,
but my heart lie still in tatters
and I too wanted to die.

Your Co-workers refused to listen
when I tried to decline their cheer.
They insisted I join the revelry
and at their party must appear.

I had no choice, but compliance.
Wiped tears and donned false smiles.
Their hugs of joy were too worthy
for a girl far from love by miles.

We ate, drank and were merry.
Shared stories til speeches were nigh,
then sombre I grew, as attention they drew
to myself  ushered forth to their eyes.

Beautiful stories were issued.
Thoughtful memories were shared to enthrall,
then to my surprise a check materialized
in my name, for my family, from them all.

Speechless, I stood in front of them.
Mine eyes blinking back full disbelief.
How could they know how this touched me so
in my heart shattered still by so much grief.

Their pockets were emptied in your name.
Wealth was shared from men, coast to coast.
And here stood I, staring at nary a dry eye
Trembling as they called for a toast.

To Brad, was the shout from the tables.
To Brad, was  the feeling round the room.
My love, it was beauty at its finest
and their hearts were opened all just for you.

I shook as I raised glass in your name
Tears fell, uncheckered from my heart
They saw the special in you, that I also knew
Their gift, to give me a fresh start.

Your heart, I feel its presence
nearly every day.
Your heart, I know it beats
yet strong for me.

but on that blessed eve
your love's magic it did weave
and not alone was I that night
when I did leave.

    {}{}{}

Merry Christmas to all of you at One Stop
and all of you who have touched my heart over the years
You all help to keep me going & for that I am grateful. 
Blessings to you all.

The End of the (OSW) Year

A Christmas Poem

naw

hmmmm...


what then?

haiku for you

to read, analyze, and rate

against doting peers

well,

that doesn't thrill me

although it fits

cinquain
brave, artless
rhyming, scheming, plodding
this isn't going anywhere
poetry

Lord, this is the last OneShot for the year!
Pressures on...
here we go.


...
.....
The Christmas goose
and Christmas gander
just set loose
for a little wander
where to? they wonder
as their route around
they did ponder
with trailing fox none too confound
A stop upon a little mound
helped the straggler
to make up ground
and sneak in a littler nearer
Feathers flying to the sky high
alas the fox is left with nigh Christmas chicken pie.

Oh, feckless words!
what sonnet is this?
that tries my brain
and poetic nerves
with none a thought
you do deserve
the trash heap abyss
no more to strain
a pen's sweet curves
Ai- just flow is sought
but for today, I will away
and grace One Shot Wednesday with A New Day

Winding down...

Just having a little fun today.

The kids and I hit the mall one more time.

Crazy!

I know,

but they had to get something for Grandma!

and then I forgot about the babysitter.

groan...

Every year I think I am done and then one more thing pops up,

and then another, 

and another.

I am never quite done until Christmas Eve

when the mall doors close

and I sit back

to turn my focus to wrapping.

Yeah.

That is never done until late Christmas Eve

when the kids are in bed.

Christmas carols play softly 

on my sad excuse for a stereo

and a rum and eggnog sits primly

by my elbow

waiting to fill me with cheer.

Ahhh!

But you?

How are you doing with your Christmas prep?

Are your cookies baked 

or bought :-}

Are the presents made/paid for,

wrapped and waiting under the tree?

or are you still scrambling,

 trying to figure out what tree,

and where to put it?

never mind decorations!

ohhh...

Well, the days are winding short.

Perhaps a quick mulled cider

will give the inspiration needed

to hit the stores Christmas Eve

with a flurry of spirit,

spunk and savings

and you can wake

Christmas morn

to cheer

& love

for all

*

Happy Tourists

The sound of Arnie’s engine died away. We shifted and jostled in the van straining to see why all the land rovers and overland trucks were clustered in the area. Buffalos were interesting, especially in a herd as large as this one, possibly upwards of 200 head?  I am a far cry from being able to estimate herd sizes, but I was impressed none-the-less. There was an electric hum in the air though. We could hear people in the other vehicles chattering excitedly in hushed tones, but could not see what all the drama was for.

And then we saw them. Lions. Seven big lions slowly sauntered out of the bush. They paid no mind to the humans and their vehicles strewn about. Their objective was the buffalo. They had dinner on their minds and we were privy to the meal plan.

In awe, we watched over the next hour as the lions slowly made their way closer and closer to the ever drifting buffalo herd. The sun made its way across the sky, but still the lions stalked their prey apparently unnoticed by the lumbering bovines. Other vehicles stopped to take in this awesome sight and a festive feeling filled the air as flashes could be seen from a multitude of cameras. We opened Arnie’s slider door to better see and photograph this lion hunt in the process. It was invigorating to watch, even at its slow pace across the savannah.

The lions fanned out keeping low in the scrub grass. Somehow they communicated between themselves and seemed to focus their attention to an area at the back of the herd. I know that predators tend to attack the old, weak or young and we guessed at where they would centre their assault. They inched closer and closer to the shuffling buffalos.

When the lions were about ten feet from the herd, the wind shifted. We were a ways off from the activity, but we could clearly see some of the larger male buffalos flick their heads and look around. Disappointment seemed imminent for all the effort that the lions had put in. We could see the lions tense and tensed with them as they debated making a last ditch attack. A hush had fallen over the human observers, but camera bulbs still flashed.

And then the gig was up. One of the buffalos turned and bristled. Four or five of the bulls broke off from the herd, that now hastened its pace away from the perceived threats behind it. They spied the lions and charged at them. The lions knew they had been beat and skulked off from the running bulls. The massive horns on the buffalos heads were an effective deterrent for most beasts to change their minds on an attack. No dinner would be had for the lions tonight.

My tale does not end there though.

It was thrilling to watch the hunt and just as awesome to witness the defeat of it. The lions retreated back towards the bushes from where they had originally emerged. There was no hurry now, so the big cats sauntered away from their spoiled dinner plans, but headed directly towards the watching vehicles. Again, cameras came to life as the lions drew near for spectacular close-ups. What a treat this evening game drive had been for many a happy tourist!

I watched the lions plodding along in fascination, until my mind clicked. I had the slider door open and seven hungry predators were headed in my direction after missing out on a potential meal. The puny sides of our little tin can would be no match for their razor sharp claws, but it would be even easier to snatch a quick bite with nothing in the way but a few articles of clothes.

I quickly pulled my legs back into the van and scrambled to my knees. I grabbed the handle of the slider door and reefed on it to pull it closed. It slid across, bumped into the side of the frame and bounced back.  The door had not closed. As I peered through the crack in the doorframe, I watched the lead lioness sprawl three feet from our front bumper. Another lay down behind us. Still more plunked down just to our left. My knuckles turned white on the handle of the door and my heart tripped into overtime. I could not open the slider to see if I could slam it shut again. What if it didn’t seal and all I accomplished was gaining the attention of the hungry felines that surrounded us?

A whimper escaped from me, as I clung to the handle. We could not start the van and drive away, as so many of the other vehicle were now doing. The starter had not worked on the van in months. Arnie required a push start  before he would acquiesce to spring to life. There was no way that Brett and Oliver would be jumping out of the van to push the vehicle far enough to have it fire to life. There were lions on either side of the front wheels! A passing vehicle informed us that two more males were lying in the bushes just beyond us as well.

Good  Christ, my mind screamed. What were we going to do!

Limp humour from the front seat did not lift my spirits, as the sun marched steadily towards the western horizon. It would be dark soon. Most of the other vehicles were gone as all vehicles were to be out of the park by 6:30 and it was quickly working its way towards 7PM. Brett called over to one of the straggling land rovers to inform them of our dilemma.

“Mind giving us a push,” Brett shouted. “In a bit of a tricky spot and the kombi is a push start at present.”

They conversed back and forth, then the other driver agreed to give it a go, figuring to shove us with his bush bar. I pictured Arnie’s bumper getting mangled days before we were set to sell out, but I preferred that to becoming dinner.

It was at that moment that the lions decided that it was time to move off. The ladies rose and walked off a pace. Brett and Oliver wasted no time in jumping out to race Arnie down the track and mercifully he sprang to life. As we sputtered to life and began to drive, I pulled the door back and swung it closed with a monstrous effort. With that click, I sank back shaking. I finally breathed a ragged breathe and felt adrenaline coursing through me. Lifting my hand, I saw it visibly shake and knew that the threat had been terribly real. We would not be lion steaks tonight though. We had definitely had the excitement that we had been seeking and could leave stating that we were indeed very happy tourists.

 

Stuck

Stuck

my world

a vortex of kids toys

laughter mixed with

yelled threats

forgiven

promises and

anticipation of visitors

anyone!

Please

save me from

going crazy

over holidays

*

The holidays have just begun,

but I am feeling house-bound

and a bit loopy.

Maybe I have licked too many

Christmas card envelopes...

ah well

Bring on the eggnog

and visit the Sunday 160

for some fun 

Christmas Prep

Two batches of Christmas cookies made!

Christmas Party Prep

Presents to wrap.

That should be a snap.

Floor to vacuum & mop.

Veggies to wash & chop.

Dip to make.

Hors d'œuvres to bake.

Makeup to put on

Dress to don

Kids to pickup.

Drinks to sup.

Christmas cheer to toast.

With friends I love the most

I just love this time of year!

*****

That's 55 words for G-Man & you

that I am rattling off

before the hours are through!

Game Viewing in Chobe

I laid my pen to rest and looked at my watch. I could hear rustling outside of the tent and knew that Oliver must be itching to get going. A pang of sadness briefly swept over me, as I was reminded of dear Miki and our bond that we had held. The last time we were to go game viewing, the boys had left us behind. This would not be the case today though. I sighed and tucked my journal and  pen away, to crawl into the afternoon sunshine.

My reminiscing was tucked into a pocket of my mind to be looked at later and I smiled at my remaining travelling companions as I poked my head out of the tent. Of course, they were ready to go. I waylaid them for a moment, with a brief snack to tide us over until dinner when we returned from our game drive. I have to admit that I was pretty excited myself though. I was pushing with all my might when it was time to shove Arnie off into the vast flat plains of Chobe National Park to explore. Arnie fired to life and we chugged off to the main park entrance with hopes of spying lions, cheetahs, jackals or perhaps even a leopard!

A few hours later, we returned to our camp a little dejected. Yes, we had seen the magnificent landscape that was Botswana and driven along the dirt roads that skirted the river. We saw impala, but it was so abundant in any of the game parks that we had been in that it was a bit of a letdown. The best we got was watching some baboons grooming each other in the middle of the road. We were thirsty for something more exciting; something bigger. Our cameras itched to shoot the big game, but we were denied.

Our game drive the next morning was just as disappointing. We searched high and low for sights of a fresh kill being eaten by vultures, a crocodile attacking a zebra too slow at the water hole or even something, anything more exotic than the by now prolific impala. We were jaded and pooh-poohed the beautiful antelope with its warmly coloured reddish brown coat, white underbelly and thin dark line down its back, that further stretched down each hind leg. It could be found everywhere from South Africa to Mozambique, throughout Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, even upwards to Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. We weren’t interested in impalas. We wanted blood.

Undaunted, we planned on a last game drive for that evening. We headed for the river where we had spotted the most game thus far. My thoughts drifted to what I would do once Brett and I sold the van, as we slowly cruised along the dirt roads in the park. I looked up again when the van slowed. Ahead of us I could see several land rovers scattered about. Immediately I perked up and craned my neck to see what all the commotion was about. Oliver scrambled to grab his camera from the floor of the van and I could see Brett’s eyes growing in excitement. Obviously there was some kind of interesting animals up ahead, as the closer we got the more land rovers I counted.

Brett slowed the van down and I noted that a huge herd of Buffalos was gradually making its way towards the river. It was getting on to evening and they were having a last drink before settling down for the night. Despite Arnie being cantankerous at the best of times, we decided to stop and see what all the fuss was about. The buffalos were incredible to behold, but something even more exciting was in the air. We were about to find out exactly what that was.

Cold Toes

Cold toes and quiet

rooms filled with the memory

of those gone before.

The Last Night

My vigil full
with heavy heart
beside you sat
to walk the last night.

The last night ravaged
Your little soul.
No power had I,
but to share the sorrow.

The sorrow mounted
with gasping breath.
My tears filled up
Your heaving chest.

Your heaving chest
with aching thrusts.
I smoothed the ruffles
with Reiki's trust.

Trust you offered
with pleading eyes.
I feel I faltered
and cannot stem my cries.

My cries drip from me
in unending stream
For the breath has left you
no more to dream.

To dream, to dream
that's what's left twould seem
So I light a candle
and hold vigil bereaved.

~~~

One Shot Wednesday

To Chobe We Will Go

With Miki gone, we knew our time in Arnie was winding to a close. Our little blue kombi had been good to us, but was sorely battered and bruised. For a goodbye trip, we decided a jaunt into Botswana was in order. Brett, Oliver and I would go to Chobe for one last game drive, then head back down to South Africa to sell the van. I had been to Chobe before, but the game viewing in Botswana’s first official game park had been magnificent the first time, so I couldn’t resist.

I waved goodbye to my friends in Victoria Falls and we pulled out our passports to enter a new country. Botswana was a relatively poor neighbor to Zimbabwe, but it seemed to be comfortable in its own skin. Images of poverty did not slap you in the face and gone were the tourist trappings of Victoria Falls. We were guests in a proud nation that seemed to take care of itself in a way that we had not seen thus far. A feeling of peace filled me as we drove towards the park entrance. I smiled at the dry landscape we passed and the beautiful people in their simply constructed rondavel homes. This was the Africa of my dreams.

While Chobe National Park is not Botswana’s largest park, it does hold some of the biggest concentrations of game. There are massive amounts of elephants. Hippos can be seen lazing on river banks or slowly drifting downriver from the multitudes of hungry crocodiles. Assorted deer species such as impala, sable, kudu, eland, bushbuck and waterbuck are found within the parks borders, as well as many of the Big Five (leopard, Cape Buffalo, elephants, rhinoceros and lion). We hoped to see as many animals as we could while we were there and odds were good in this relatively flat country.

 Our drive into the park heavily wetted our appetite for game viewing. Despite it being mid-day, which is not the best time to spy game, we were treated to tonnes of animal sightings. We saw impalas and giraffes, passed baboons and warthogs, and even spied buffalo and zebras. We were thrilled and anxious to set up our camp so that we could go for a proper game drive that evening. We knew that the best times of day for game viewing was between 6 and 9AM or 4 to 6PM. Most animals prefer to sleep during the worst of the heat of the day. We were not immune to the incredibly dry, hot weather either. After setting up camp, we retreated into our tents to snooze away the afternoon before heading out for our highly anticipated evening game drive after our plethora of sightings earlier that day.

Snow + Cold = Xmas Tree

Snow

More snow

Snow forecast all week

More snow

Snow

Ha!

Your afflictions

Born of cold weather

Can’t stop me

Nah!

Tree

Christmas tree

Tucked in the corner

Gathered today

tree

~

Neither snow,

nor this cold's flow

could keep me 

from getting our Xmas tree

or linking me

to the Sunday 160

Saturday Sickies

sniff...

cough...

Now

a

cold.

Achoo!

~~~

Despite being housebound
with all this snow
I still
managed to let germs
catch me
sigh...

The Aftermath

The snow has past,

for now we pray.

I believe it'll last

till Christmas day.

Up to my waist

in the deep back yard.

You should see this place!

I might be forever scarred.

But the sun came out

And schools re-opened for play.

So I just had to run about

For kid-free retail therapy!

Yippee,

55 words to you

from me

to throw at G-Man's flash party crew

A Winter's Day

Late last night

on my little side street

sat a city truck

with flashing lights replete.

My heart it sank

as questions began to mount.

What was going on?

What fresh hell could I now count?

 Early this morning

my fears were realized.

 A knock on the door

brought bad news, I surmised.

"The water'll be turned off,"

a man clad in orange declared.

A water main break;

The cause of this new despair.

So we watched from the window

as a hole was dug.

Morning entertainment; cool!

For another snowy day funk.

Well, on the seventh day of December

the numbers began to add.

Would you care to do the math

for my wintry woes comrade?

12 yellow flags

11 Tonnes of dirt (or something like that to fill the hole in the road afterwards)

10 AM - When I went out with coffees (and to survey the damage)

9 AM - When they started to dig

8 AM - When they knocked on the door

7th Heaven - for me as they plowed the driveway & brushed off the van (in appreciation for coffee)

6 Big orange pylons

5 City workers

4 Cups of coffee (plus 1 tea for the poor guys stuck out in the snow)

3 G-Tel vans (line locating crew)

2 City trucks

and 1 Back hoe to dig the hole...

 Happy Winter Days my friends!
Oh, and I am jumping on early for One Shot Wednesday this week. Enjoy!!

Snow Day

I am calling in a snow day. Today was day two of a snow squall that has settled over my fair city. We have received upwards of 30+cm already and they are calling for that again in the next 24hrs. The schools across the region were closed and we were grounded at home. That being said, I call my own snow day. No work done today, aside from cookie baking & the proverbial dinner. A rousing game of Trouble filled in the afternoon before we went out to shovel again. Now the kids are abed and after the last 36 hours, I think I shall call it quits as well. Be well, stay safe and bless you all my friends for all that you offer me. 

A Lover's Winter Quarrel

I am rap, tap, tapping at your door
in the icy cold lee from the wind
The icicles slip, drip, dripping from my nose
as I wait for you to let me in.

The stair so snow, snow, snowy around my ankles
as a shiver starts up my ill-covered spine.
I keep on rap, tap, tapping on the door frame
praying that forgiveness will rend the door open in time.

I dare not yell, tell, swell my sad story
as to why I quake without coat in the cold.
Rather beg, plead, coerce with remorsefulness,
but the light clicks out in a statement far too bold.

Just a bit of cold, bold poetic fiction for the Magpie prompt this week.

MK - What Have You done to Me!!

I went to meet

Ms Mary Kay.

On wares aplenty

my eyes did play.

Fine food was served,

but not to us.

We got rice

Drowned in thick, gooey sauce!

With faces washed

and colours picked

We dabbed and swiped,

Twas a palette thick.

Well, thick enough

to cause a fright,

as my eyes turned pink

later that night!

Oh woe is me

with delicate skin

For MK’s products

left my vision thin.

I type this now

with vision fair,

But this morning’s visage

was a different affair.

Puffed up eyes

And red rimmed lids

A spectre wild!

That’ll learn me kids!!

So, no makeup for me.

My face will have to stay bare.

Unless I want to appear

As your worst nightmare!

*Photo from Moronface.com

MK - You look Marvelous!

I am going out this evening!

  "Where to", you ask?

Well, I have been invited to a Mary Kay party! I said this to my Aunt this afternoon and she remarked,
   "They're still around?"

Yup, and I get dinner and a makeover out of the deal. Sweet! I expect to be dolled up finer than anything by the end of the evening! Going to be gorgeous, so if you'll excuse me, I am going to change into something sexy to complement my anticipated makeover.

Ready for my photo shoot!

Have a lovely evening all! and babies...
YOU look mahvellous!!!



*Picture found at Flickriver

December 1st

deck the halls with...
hmm, how shall I deck?
garlands add a touch of bliss
plus reindeer, what the heck!

Can I find the snow globes,
maybe a snowman or two?
What happened to Santa's wardrobe?
His hat has been coloured blue!

tum, tee, dum tumm...
There's the angels three
I don't remember where this jingle bear came from,
but there's my old ceramic lit-up tree!

Oh, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
yes, the flakes are in the air
I have started on my shopping checklist
and Bob & Doug McKenzie are singing the 12 days of Christmas without a care

My sides are tickled raw
for their 2 pounds of back bacon and beer in a tree,
yes True Canadians, Hahaha
Oh, let's pull out all the other Christmas CDs!

Well, I should vacuum and dust the house
so that I can place the ornaments just so
ah, my favourite; Mrs. Claus & her spouse!
Yup, December 1st and the festive season has hit me all aglow!

Happy Holiday!
from little ole me
at a New Day
playing the Oneshot Wednesday spree