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.