Curvature

The view from here is slanted

weathered by the years

is it time to renovate

or time to find escape

through curvature of glass and wood

some beauty still remains

listening intently the building sings

its sweet refrain of usefulness

and purpose for storage shed and home

that now lovingly embraces canvas

for an artists hand

the view from here is slanted

weathered from the years

but inside are stored hidden dreams

painted by the man that

still believes in capturing

simplicity of his unannounced dreams

photo and verse©2009Pauline

Thanksgiving Day Wishes

Wishing you some spot to call your own

Wishing you peace filled quiet roads

Wishing you harmonious meetings
on this Thanksgivings Day!!!

photos and verse by Pauline©2008

Seasonal Shift

Cold Air View

Cold air view
of chimneys
puffing
blankets
play
piggyback
upon chairs
and beds
as though
reunited with
lost relatives
books invite
transcendance
streets
devoid of voices
trees
stoic

writtten by Pauline©2008

Let it Snow...

Unseen Forces

Branches tossed
within the trees
by unseen forces
rain tap dances
on each surface
city streets
devoid of traffic
present the gift
of silence
while prayers
of thanks
for shelter, warmth,
and simple food
we now take time
to offer
nature and its
magic charm
gives us
opportunity to
contemplate
the ordinary comforts
with heartfelt gratitude

written by Pauline 12/16/07

Breathless

Breathless
hearts racing
body heat
perspiration
sidewalks
tend to grow
upon arrival
of the second
snow
wind drifts
hide forgotten
toys not
brought inside
hidden now
beneath
mountainous
reminders
of balmy days
and butterflies


written by Pauline 12/16/07

First Snow

photos by Pauline©2007

Re-Painted

This post a tribute to

autumn's touch

yet today

with all its beauty

the snow falls gently

from above

erasing yesterday

with fallen wisps

of angel dust

each new day lends

a different view of all those

things we wouldn't see

if they were not re-painted

for our second view.

photos and verse

by Pauline©2007

Holiday Greetings

From the north, the south, the east or west

Wishing Everyone the very best

Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!

photo by Pauline©2007

History of the jack-o-lantern

History of the Jack-O’Lantern

Pumpkin carving is a popular part of modern America’s Halloween celebration. Come October, pumpkins can be found everywhere in the country from doorsteps to dinner tables. Despite the widespread carving that goes on in this country every autumn, few Americans really know why or when the jack o’lantern tradition began. Read on to find out!

People have been making jack o’lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed “Stingy Jack.” According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack did not want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the Irish myth goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the tricks Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. The Devil sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the earth ever since. The Irish began to refer to his ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then simply “Jack O’Lantern”

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own version of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o’lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make the perfect jack o’lanterns.

And this is the history of our pumpkins on the steps, our carving of faces upon the pumpkins. I hope you enjoyed this Irish myth

Happy Halloween!!! Love Nana

Source: local news bulletin, October, 2007

this photo from web "not an original by me"

The Sweetness of Her Harvest

She wears several layers
Of sheer clothing in colors
That range from deep green
To shades of muted gold
Her feet set firmly upon
Ballerina like toes
Golden brown hair drops
Tousled playfully swaying
Her fragrance fills the air
Inviting each of us to enjoy
The sweetness of her harvest
A seasonal gift from
The garden embrace

Written by Pauline©2007

photo by Pauline ©2007

Sounds

Ocean waves tossed upon
the shore
sea gulls cry overhead as they
swiftly soar
with silent wings spread
they resemble kites
that ride the winds
stringless
they hold us captive
with their cries of joy
and freedom
in their graceful flight
we find rest
from our thoughts
we are free
of self imposed limitations

written by Pauline May, 15, 2007
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY !

Promises

photo by Pauline April, 2007
copyright

Catching Up!

It is almost two full months
Since Christmas and I really
Have to say I've been a little
Busy with problems life has
Sent our way
Yet today offered me a time
Frame and I quickly took
Advantage
Ran to the attic and packed
Away Christmas
Quickly ran the vacuum over
Telltale signs fallen on the floor
Now Christmas is "officially"
Stored away!
Hopefully next season I will be
Blessed with enough spare time
To decorate our little tree, then
Also to enjoy time to sip hot
Chocolate topped with real whip
Cream then I will ever so casually
wrap "each" ornament and store it
Carefully within its proper time frame.

written by Pauline 2/19/2007

A Valentine Wish

Whether it be
pink envelopes
red roses
hearts entwined
may you all celebrate
a special valentine
may you be happy
if only for one day
may you know love
and its powerful way
Whether you receive
or give may you find joy
and happiness in being
who you are and where
you are to celebrate this
and every other day.

written by Pauline February 14, 2007

Confectionary sugar

My world is clean this morning
City streets, sidewalks, houses
Are draped in light powdery snow
City views are transformed from
Grey and dark street tones to the
Lightness of a confectionery sugar
Coat
I must step out and view quickly
This lovely sight
Before any footstep, dog track, car
Or shovel leave their little marks
For now at this very moment our
City has been dressed in lovely white
Confectionery sugar tops!

written by Pauline January 23, 2007
copyright 2007

Secret Hidings

Inside a holiday gingerbread house
Hidden behind candy canes, frosting
Dollops of chocolate, gum drops too
Are hope, joy, laughter, peace
All secret hidings that wait just for you!

written by Pauline December 13, 2006
copyright 2006

Dressed for the Holidays

Ring ...ring

Am I home to answer that

"Good morning"

I hear myself say

Today?

hesitantly, I think aloud

of lists and things to do

simple things like groceries

a nap would be delightful too

Ring...ring

Am I here to answer that

"Yes"

I will come

No, no it's alright

I was merely thinking out loud

I'll be there

Place your anxiousness aside

I'll be there

written by Pauline December 4,2006

It Must Be Christmas

Quickly moving from room to room
Rushing back and forth
Sometimes I turn in circles
Forgetful of my task
My little dog, she follows me
Getting quite confused
So she decides to just curl-up
Finding her comfort spot
It's then I see and sense a smile
Realizing my quick pace
I do sit down beside the dog
And gently embrace
Her calm, her patience, her
UN-hurried way
Smiling now my thoughts are
It must be Christmas
There is so much to do...
Lost, hurried, circling
And then
This tiny dog
Reminds me of Time-Out!

written by Pauline December 13, 2006
copyright, 2006
Just in case I'm circling, round about I go
Just want to wish all that read the joyfulness
of Christmas Day!