Where Does Time Go

 I imagine that the question

could be a statement of sorts

or the mere fact that each letter that turns into words

eats slowly away at time

We mark time from the second of our birth

our birth is marked from inception

and then the page turns

and time is measured by how much is left

for we all have a beginning and an end

and we have little to say on either

we can extend our time, sometimes

we can use our time as we wish

but time wasn't measured in calendars

time pieces or that old grandfather clock

time was measured by the sun,

the sky and the moon

days weren't named for convenience

who determined a minute is the length of seconds

why is a day a day

why do we even celebrate still breathing

knowing that the worms will eventually find a way

to turn us dust and bones

they live within us patiently waiting

for the final grand feast

where does time really go?

Barb

The Loss of Interest

 I was interested.

until the pages of the calendar fell

quietly to the floor

I was interested.

in carving a space in the world

to be there when I'm not.

I was interested.

in the burdens you talk about

trying to get my mind around them.

I was interested.

to give my sage advice and opinion

but they fell silently to the floor.

Now I don't

take time out of my unbusy day.

except to plant my flowers wildly

Life is a one soul thing.

I do not need to solve anything.

if it does not affect me

Wildflowers

those matter to me and no one else.

Barb

The World Was Silent

 I haven't posted since "before the pandemic" and my logical self is asking why? Am I so boring when I don't have a world to explore and enjoy? When I am sitting here by myself faced with what chore should I do to keep my bones from freezing up like the Tin Man. 

I have lost the ability to be social with my only interactions at the grocery store or with neighbors. I am an introvert. Not that I don't enjoy being with people but even "before the pandemic", most believe that I am a very quiet person. A snapshot of my brain in a social setting would be astounding if I say so myself. My lips might not move or words spill out for others to ponder but my brain is talking to me. 

I don't know when this will be over. I am vaccinated, boosted and even have gotten the flu shot [I usually don't]. I wear a mask when out, I use that stuff on my hands and I keep my distance. So, what in the world do I do when I am in this invisible bubble?

I planted an entire wildflower garden taking up half of my yard and a tomato garden that gave me the best tomatoes to freeze for making sauces. Gardening with me is a perpetual experiment. I don't particularly like vegetables, so I decided to grow herbs and seriously you get a lot of herbs from small plants. This winter I am working on soups. I love soups with a lot of broth. My latest attempt will be making my own posole. After a great family gathering on Christmas eve, I made ham hock and beans which was fabulous if I must say so myself. 

Well, now that I have posted after two years of silence, maybe I will return to posting. Maybe not.

Barb

Returning to the Farm

It used to be that everyone had a member of the family

who lived and worked on a farm.

When the day started with the crow

of the only rooster

who despite what many think was the original

alarm clock.

There was no time to dawdle or meander

take in the sweet smell of the haystack

or the pure smell of amonia

as the shovel scooped

a day's worth of milk cow poop

for fertilyzer.

The last generation in my family to be farmers

was the last generation of our country that raised or grew

more of their food than they ever bought.

Gone are the small chicken coops,

the garden and fruit trees

churning butter and saving cream.

I don't know if we are better off

with technology

or if it is making us less productive

less healthy or maybe just forgetful of the past.

I grow fruit and have a garden

Some goes to friends and neighbors

Some is eaten by the yard birds

the rest is put up for the winter.

My backyard farm

produces flavorful and costs me in energy alone

Some years are good and some not so

but it is time to return to being

self-sufficient

and reduce our carbon footprint.

barb

Some Days Bad Luck Rules

 

 

 

What is best

a tornado or life at rest

a stain on your tie

a button missing on your vest

 

luck

brought by chance

I went to Spain

but ended up in France

 

 

If it weren't for bad luck

I would have no luck at all

how sad that would be

to feel beset

by chance

and not by one's own actions

 

After a great week

in Vegas

where I never take a chance

my computer gave

up the lively ghost of life

 

My PT Cruiser

now in the hands of another

gave up the ghost

with noises of horrific pain

 

My condo filled out

luck comes in threes

with a major water leak from above

causing a mess no less

 

I just sometimes wonder

whether black cats are bad luck

walking under a ladder

stepping on someone's grave

 

I like the old tales

superstitions and whispered fears

the old graveyards

under the waning moon

 

Things are things

and even though they divert life

they also make you believe

that sometimes life is just a rollercoaster

and you can't always

get off.

 

barb

 



The Tale of Two Affairs

My 16th Novel is now available on Amazon/Kindle

The Tale of Two Affairs is a story about the illegitimate daughter of Jennifer Cooper and Samuel Little in the mid-eighteen hundred.  Rebecca Cooper is raised by her grandfather in the Catskill Mountains west of Kingston, New York.

This story takes you through her determination to get to know her father and as his only child inherits his vast wealth that is left in a trust controlled by his lawyer.  As his illegitimate daughter, her acceptance in the town of Rhinebeck is less than ideal leading her to look elsewhere to begin her life.

Finding a Union veteran living in her grandfather's cabin, Rebecca decides to engage Ryan Ford in a plan to marry her for one year so that she can control her father's trust.  The plan sounded simple and was beneficial to both of these strangers.  Once they set the plan into action his complicated life entraps them in an emotional tornado that encompasses all of her energy and destroys her silent hope that he would fall in love with her during their plan.

Plans rarely work perfectly and love does not come because one wishes it to.  Rebecca falls victim to her own feelings.

The Tale of Two Affairs

Germaphobic...ick!

Yesterday I started working on the ponds following

a long winter that froze them over almost every day of January and

into February.  Part of the pond spring cleaning is that

over the winter the green hair algae grew so I have to by hand pull it out

then treat the water.  I tell you this because touching icky things

does not phase me whatsoever.

little invisible germs

crawling on the handles and buttons

of public places

left behind by a sneeze or a silly cough

my magnifier in hand

I inspect the silver bars and knobs

the railings and elevator buttons

the pen at the front desk

used by a thousand people before you

that little tickle

running up and down the warm throat

produces a series of sneezes

launched with intent

germs spread around me unabashed

I cringe and step back

use my elbows and backside

so not to be in danger

of picking up a hitchhiking monster

intent to make me sick

my fingers are wrinkled

not from old age but constant washing

I use up the liquid soap

only to realize I touched the button

must wash again

I do believe

that I shall buy little white gloves

as the first line of defense

when wandering into public places

excuse me...don't sneeze.

barb

So Sad that Google is Ending Blogs [and other things]

["Blogger" will not be deleted]

it's so sad...so very sad

when the blank canvas

is rolled up and like Elvis left the building.

Google...what can I say

I got your email today

Dear John is how it politely began.

It's been nice...really

but you didn't come by

enough to make the relationship right.

Oh my...oh my

I tried my very best

but you know life and stuff got in the way.

So for all...friends

internet buddies and all

In April...find me on WordPress.

Barb

Google is closing all Google Pages, etc. due to low usage first of April.   You need to download or like Myspace it will just disappear.I will of course miss spilling my thoughts into the broadband of humanity.

Lost Beyond the Empath's Sight

I can write about love

that tight feeling within your soul

lifting so high

all that is encompassed in its light

love wipes out the dark corners

lifting so high, I note.

Songs of happiness

don't calm me, don't bring me peace

love is something foreign

when the Empath's sight

dims like the day's twilight 

love makes days easy, I sing.

The sadness in my eyes

mirrors the feelings around me

it is my most powerful drug

this sadness encompasses my name

whispering the truth

for it pulls me up not down, I wonder.

Reasoning leaves behind

feelings that should be so unkind

it is where I love to fall

where I find the peace I need

love flees beyond my fingertips

as I rise to sorrow, I sing.

A dance upon the forest floor

I walk with sadness

my destiny never cries or wants

my heart needs to feel

the passion of loss to understand

love is boundless, I twirl.

Tears are filled with rebirth

warm and soft they fall with purpose

blindness is washed away completely

as new growth breaks ground

loneliness comforts

knowing my heart beats in each

sad song, I sing.

barb

2019 Off to A Bang

I wasn't finished

life took that last turn way too fast

it lost traction

black ice is something

not acknowledged until it can't be ignored.

My mind filled

thoughts of yesterday, plans for the 'morrow

churning without distraction

cementing choices

brushing away doubts and roadblocks.

Life was finally okay

things seemed to be wanting to go my way

releasing my breath

fingers crossed in hopes

that the sun was finally rising for me.

I wasn't finished

not in a long shot was I done

but it didn't matter

not at all

I lost traction and now here is where I lay.

barb

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I WISH EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATES THE CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAYS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

THOSE WHO CELEBRATE THE LOVE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

THE BEST OF ALL THINGS!

THE SERIES "THE VISITOR"

WILL BE FREE TO DOWNLOAD ON AMAZON KINDLE

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

FOR CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 22ND AND 23RD

[Link Below]

Free Download Visitor Series

THE SERIES IS SIX BOOKS SO DOWNLOAD

ALL SIX AND READ WHEN THE DAY IS COLD AND THE COFFEE

IS HOT.

MERRY CHRISTMAS PEOPLE OF THE INTERNET!

BARB

The Visitor Series

Free Download this Weekend

WHEN THE WAR IS OVER

THE BOOK IS FREE TO DOWNLOAD FROM FRIDAY [DECEMBER 7TH] 

THROUGH SUNDAY [DECEMBER 9TH]

ON AMAZON KINDLE

I took the above photo a few winters ago

in the Manzano Mountains that are located South East

of our home.

Download it today.

Memories of Thanksgiving

travelling along the old country lane

a long way I have come

a long time

seeing the landmarks of my youth

the old trees at the bend

welcoming those who come happily

warning those of no good.

Each footstep leaves its mark

from my fine leather boots

in the snow that dusts everything overnight

the sweet smell of chimneys

mingling with the crispness

of the mid-winter freshness in the quiet

journey of days long past.

the goose is stuffed

overflowing with old bread

apples and herbs from the summer

onions baked slowly

sweet potatoes added to the pot

I take myself

through the memories of my past

have I been forgotten

out of sight and out of mind

a whisper in the night

Mother, have ye not had a single word

from that child of thine?

the best to him

as he travels beyond the bend

the laughter comforts me

warmth from the embraces of love

changes will rule this day

as I once again

sit at my mother's table

taking in her tears of comfort

as they cut the Thanksgiving goose.

barb

Horton Hears A Who

When was the last time you read a children's book?

I grew up reading everything

an obsession before I knew what obsession meant

I read all the fairy tales that used to be

in the Encyclopedias

hours upon hours sitting on a neighbor's floor

starting with A and finally ending in Z.

I went to every movie show from Disney

sitting in large theaters with airmen and eating my popcorn

I colored every fairy tale

coloring book that was produced in my time

then I found libraries

it was like giving rich chocolate to a child

a whole building filled with book after book

giving me a new floor in which to sit.

Children's books are stories

the entertain children across the world

written in languages and illustrated to bring words alive

but...

children's books are really lessons

lessons of morals, lessons of love, lessons of compassion

they teach the path of giving, sharing

and just caring.

Horton Hears a Who

is about the importance of each of us

the importance of good against the foes in our path

the importance of standing together

fighting for the right

of each and every individual on this round ball

of humanity.

Dr. Seuss taught many lessons

and we need to raise our voices for good

for rights, for love and for the future.

barb

WordPress For My Published Books

I have started a free page on Wordpress that hosts all of my published books and unpublished short stories.  I'm still learning the site and whether it will work to highlight my writing.

Published Books and Short Stories

Let Go, let go and live

Holding by the last thread of life

a breath lost

in the audible breeze

teasing with adventures upon its breast

Let go, let go and live

there is nothing in life to fear

for at the end of the road

waiting with open heart 

a tear maybe two

our destiny measured in breaths

each one gratefully renewing our existence

in the blink of an eye

the road travels beneath our feet

the wind sings

of our wild spirit and loving heart

emerging from the earthly circle

the leaf

one surely beautifully unlike another

feeds and nurtures

all that exists in the world

from the beginning until eternity

it hangs

golden orange and curling

accepting the cycle

as the audible breeze whispers with confidence

Let go and fly with me

as it rises first up

before catching the currents

living life without fear

of the adventure foretold millions of years ago

all start the same

all end in their own time

Let go.

barb

Free Download of "Ghosts of Tomorrow" this weekend

Ghosts of Tomorrow will be free to download from Kindle

Saturday August 25th and Sunday August 26th

Download Ghosts of Tomorrow

A love story in the middle of the Pacific during WW2

barb

Ghosts of Tomorrow - The Rear Admiral and the Doctor

My 15th Romantic Novel steps away from my favorite historical period

of the Civil War and into the arena of the Pacific Theater

during WWII and particularly the invasion and occupation of the Islands

by the Japanese Imperial Army.

After the death of her father, Doctor Bailey Willow falls into a very

abusive marriage to an older man.  She flees her husband's reach and makes the decision to

disappear forever if necessary knowing that her trust funds are safe

from him getting his hands on the money.  Bailey makes her way to the Philippines

to look for the mother who abandoned her at birth.  Running into resistance

from the villagers who helped raise her, she started searching the

small remote islands.  The Japanese Imperial Army attacked the Philippines

within days of the attack at Pearl Harbor and soon occupied

most of the islands in the Pacific Rim.  Bailey decides to remain on the remote

island until the war was over feeling that it gave her the safe haven that she needed.

The war, however, was not about to let her live in peace.

I have set up a free Giveaway on Amazon for the e-book.

Two free Giveaways

Barb

The Mandolin

Oh, sweet voice

carried upon the warm summer breeze

as I quote from Shakespeare

"Hell is empty and all the devils are here"

What for is each day

toiling upon the early morning

hardship is something we don't appreciate

comparing life then to now.

Sing me a love song

take away my worries post haste

lull me sweetly in another time and place

sleepy-eyed and contented

Wildflowers abundant

across the fields of my dreams

his image tugs upon my common senses

Love invades my dreams.

barb

 There is little between my love of Shakespeare and I passionately love his work, my art that tries so hard to capture romance in glass and my own books dip deep into romance and disappointment.  This Mandolin will be turned into a piece of art.  

My 15th Novel is in the process of being released though it will be a month but it is a story about a young doctor who flees her abusive husband and the need to finally find her mother who abandoned her after birth.  She is stranded in the islands of the Philippines when the Japanese attacks and occupies the entire Pacific Theater in 1941.  It is a good place to hide and heal until she must re-enter the world where she is thrown into a world wind of accepting her past and falling in love.

I honestly am at odds when I am not writing something.  I have always been this way and have to pull myself away from writing to live a normal life.  The Mandolin will be decorated with Dog Roses or something because my ideas aren't always the final decision.  For now, I need to put chicken wings on the BBQ.  I did last night make Waffles and Chicken including adding pecans [crushed] into the batter and whipping my butter.  Too much chicken this week but that's alright because some weeks I eat too many tacos.

barb

Writing Reveals Deep Thoughts

The thoughts turn into words

falling onto the screen

as my fingers mindlessly follow direction

I know not the keys

should you ask me to recreate

the board which I lavish my energy

Tell me a story spin it away

bring forth the roundness

of the characters before my face

The moon and sun spin

romance and evil intertwine

tendrils growing over the gravestone

Traps set within my mind

love is a living creature

found in the hearts of all mankind

Acknowledging with a smile

romance doesn't always fall in line

consequences wait patiently in the weeds.

barb

I am currently working on my 15th Novel which takes place during World War Two in the Pacific Theater.