Work Place Blog Hop

I’ve been asked to participate in a work place blog hop by our friend, John W. Howell. I know many of you already know him and find as much delight in his creative ways as I do. Have you purchased Johnny’s novel My GRL yet? You should, if you’re a crime fiction fan of any sort. He’s on my TBR list, but I fear he’s beginning to question the truth behind that admission. I adore his short stories and weekly haiku, as well. He has the best sense of humor and often brightens my day so stop by and say hi, if you can. This hop was created to showcase a writer’s writing space. You can read his post here.

Please excuse the photos, I couldn’t be bothered waiting for the sun to go down. I don’t want to keep John waiting any longer. I’ve missed out on a lot being gone a few days. Thanks for asking me to add my space and for being patient with me, John.

Welcome to my work space:

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Work Place when somewhat tidy.

My desk is found in the corner of two white walls, as white calms my thoughts. Everywhere else, I have loads of color, believe it or not. Do you see my gorgeous brown Gnome with red sunglasses and orange cone hat? He’s been through a lot, but still keeps me company. I’m pretty sure he used to play a lot of jazz. Bass, hopefully. My Kansas State University mug reminds me that I once partied, a lot. A mirror to remind me that I’m not perfect. For me, headphones are a must, as some of you already know. This apple computer station keeps my music running, internet feeding and allows for a large screen on days when I need to properly watch a blog video, like Duke’s weekly Ripping Movie Reviews.

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Maxine and Dotzie

This is the corner behind the desk. When I can, I love to keep the blinds and windows open for clean air and light, but it didn’t work when I tried to take a picture earlier. Apparently, there’s too much light to be had during the afternoon at this angle. Anyway, this is the growing station for two of my most beloved plants. The bigger lily is named Dotzie and the smaller one, Maxine. Dotzie is ten years old. Maxine is twenty-two years old. They were both given in condolence when grandmothers passed away. I keep them close, and only speak to them when I’m cleaning their leaves. They don’t mind being named after dead grandmothers. Both have been near death a few times, but somehow keep coming back. I was given Maxine at an age when nothing should have stayed alive in my care. Somehow, we both survived high school and then college.

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Staged messy desk… 😉

This is how my space looks most of the time. Well, when I have an opportunity to take over the space and stay awhile, that is. My phone, laptop, and Apple computer are all plugged in and being used in some fashion while in writing heaven. Okay, so a few more papers are generally being tossed around, but I tried to tidy up a bit.

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Sitting behind the wheel searching my mind for the perfect word.

In all honesty, when I’m posting a poem, this is what I’m looking at, if my poem is written in the morning. I have some time to listen to music while driving to work, then I take a moment to clear my thoughts before starting my day, which then produces a poem. Staring at this steering wheel might be a source of inspiration, but my guess is that the car’s seat holds me just right. Nothing better than being held just right, you know.

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Work Place most days…

During the school year I become super busy and miss a lot of opportunities to write at a normal desk. I’m often running from place to place, and usually arrive early, which allows for some typing on my Samsung Note while waiting in the car. I do my best to get my writing in every day, even if that means sitting in my car in a parking lot. Teachers wear many hats.

It’s a perfect day when I can write outside and enjoy a finishing view like this one.

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My evening view and sunset spot.

Now for my, as John says, Tagees:

Staci

Kate

Heather

Neha

Beth

Shari

Amy

Cleo

Morgan (Who, I know is currently on leave, but couldn’t leave her out ♡♡ Keeping she and her family in prayer.)

Your Turtles

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“Well, I think you’re brave, Dear.”

“We’ve been through this before, Audrey, I’m always brave.”

“Then why are you denying me eye contact? It seems to me that you’re nervous.”

“I’m not nervous!”

“You look nervous, as you fling that mud through the air, you know.”

“Yes, well, that could be because you keep bringing up tomorrow, Ma’am,” he replies, while standing up.

“Calling me names won’t help you sort your mind. What are you doing digging in the mud, anyway? ”

“Would you like a pie in the face,” he threatens, as mud goes flying through the air. Landing near her feet.

“I think you’re worried about a pie in your face, quite frankly,” she yelps, while she dances over two and three steps.

“I am not! What I’m doing is fishing, you see…”

“Yes, you are, Mister. Fishing? Umm, that’s mud. Just mud. Only mud.”

“Fix it!”

“I can’t fix it. This moment was meant to be, I believe.”

“What if I mess up horridly?”

“What if you do? It won’t change a thing. I’ll still be here, Darling.”

“Why?”

“Well, because I want to be, and you were here supporting me when no one else was, probably, so that makes us…us. You haven’t missed a single moment of mine. How many horrid moments did you encourage me through, Sir?”

“I can’t think of one, actually. No such moments for you.”

“There’s been plenty, ya Goof. Move over, please. What kind of fish are we looking for in here?” She questions, as her hands begin digging.

“Turtles.”

“Turtles?”

“Turtles…”

“…if you’re looking for turtles, then I’m looking for turtles.”

“There won’t be any turtles, I fear.”

“There will always be turtles…”

Good-Bye, Andria

Good-bye not easy
Wishing I could go with you
Lost without your smile

After five weeks of traveling, I returned home and woke twelve hours later to one of my best friends. Andria’s plane landed and I met her for breakfast minutes later. I knew she was flying in from Miami and that we would have one fast paced week together in order to catch up and say everything that needed to be said.

I was connected to her hip. We saw friends, swam, partied, had deep discussions and sat, in silence, feeling content to know we were in the same room together. There is not one moment I would have changed. I could care less about the sleep I missed out on, the housework that was neglected or the writing I didn’t find time to accomplish. I hugged her every time I got the chance, sat next to her when no one else was and enjoyed every minute of our time together.

Her friendship means everything to me. She has been a constant supporter of mine. She has taught me about what is important and who matters. The people in our lives, they matter. She matters, to me. I feel blessed to have her in my life. I am thrilled for her success in Miami, but I miss her face.

We said good-bye minutes ago and I already wish we could have lunch, a sweet tea vodka and some pool time. I am blessed with best friends in Texas. I am thankful that only one left this morning. Andria’s our glue and even from Miami she keeps us together. Now we’re all in our homes crying over our best friend leaving. Each one of us claiming her as our own.  Accepting that we share her every year and that we would have it no other way.

Safe travels home, my sweet dearest friend. I will miss you. I love you like crazy.

😦 I’m feeling like such a cry baby.

You and I, Friends
Without you I’m left searching
For more time together

Driving Away (Haiku)

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Vacation over
Writing emotions, draining
The grass is greener

*****
I cannot believe my vacation and five weeks back home are finished already. They flew past me in a gust of regret, it seems. I mean this in the most positive of way, of course.

Left wishing I’d taken more time and less time, as well. Regretting that I did too much, yet too little, of everything.
Left words unsaid, and said words I shouldn’t have allowed out of my mouth. Basically, I lived, as we all do, wishing I’d tried differently without changing a thing.

I love my family, my hometown, my memories new and old, the best of new opportunities, and the thrill of this adventure. My hope for this trip was to come to terms with yesterday’s regret. I’m sure I didn’t do that, however, I found peace in knowing I never will.

Sadly, I leave Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma a different woman, yet again. Tomorrow I’ll drive the large state of Texas from top to bottom and then I’ll rest. Wave, if you see a white Dodge Charger. It’ll be me. The tired lady who stayed in the Midwest a bit too long, but even now resists the urge to turn her car back around.

Wrap Me

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Wrap me tight
I need to feel you
Whisper that I’m okay
To be lost this way
I know you’ve been here
This same place
Maybe different thoughts
Yet, always same place
Confused
Lost
Full of pressure
Yet, not alone
But all alone
You know?
Smiles on the outside
Tears allowed
Only for me
I could be
A different breed
Women need
Women seek
Advice, daily
Not me
I couldn’t possibly
Show weakness?
Not in front of you

Sunset Conversations

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What are we doing out here at this hour, Ma’am?
Why, good evening to you, too! Clearly, this walk isn’t going to go as smoothly as I’d hoped it would, Sir.
What was your plan? For me to trip…?
No, just a nice walk, really. Not sure why I’m bothering now.
I can barely see, you know!
Oh, it isn’t that dark outside. You can be such a grouch.
Yes, well, you’re no sweet peach either, my dear. Thank goodness for this slow sunset or we’d be sunk.
Good, I’m glad you noticed. Look how well the sun’s fading away. Isn’t it something? Just perfect, really.
Hard not to notice, Audrey. The sun setting provides the only available light tonight. It shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Do you see the clouds over there, Darling?
You mean the feathers falling to the right of us?
Where?
There!
Those clouds are feathers?! Why, I’ll be! Will you look at that
Yes, feathers from a white goose or a pillow, if the goose has been used properly.
How nice. Your mind is very sweet tonight. I’m going to ignore your attempt at being wicked. Everyone knows a goose is better used alive.
Pfft! No, it isn’t to both remarks, Lady. What, so these aren’t the clouds you wanted me to see then?
No, I was looking at those clouds to the left of us. They’ve almost created a direct path to the sun. A perfect walking path…
Don’t you think that’s a bit of a stretch. We’d be hopping more than walking, I think. I worry about your mind, Madam.
Probably…So you don’t see the path? I find it very sad that you can’t imagine walking on a path of clouds towards a sunset.
Hmm. Yes, sorry to disappoint you.
It’s okay. Best if we begin our walk back home now, anyway. It’ll be dark soon.
Walk?! Not now! Hurry, gather those feathers. We’ve been given a gift. I’m flying you home tonight.

Yuan-fen 缘分

For my friend, Randall, the Oregon Cowboy, one man in pursuit of his 缘分 (yuan-fen). My hope is that I have a small piece of you, Randall, figured out. My prayer will be safe travels for you always in China. May you find all that your heart and hard work are leading you towards. Take this poem and make it yours.
~ Audrey

Craving emotion found in poetry
You found me
You’ve seen my soul
Now, let me see yours
I’d love to know
What joy is found in yuan-fen 缘分
Small town boy

You’ve caught my attention, my passion
Yuan-fen links destiny and action
Devine thoughts, Oregon cowboy
Your mind awaits fate’s reaction
Could these two dance, forever after
I understand, pre-ordained
The life we have been given

I too, seek reaction
A constant flow
You say destiny waits on me
The answers, humanity holds
You’re reaction waits on you, too
Humanity needs a push
How about you

What are we left to conclude
Choose to take
Offer to forgo
The path defined by yuan-fen 缘分
Yuan 缘 pulls two souls together
Fen 分 the depths of hard work
A journey of enlightenment

A cowboy with a camera
Traveler, who are you
Mysterious
Kindred
Moving towards self discovery
Mighty diligence of pursuits
A heart similar to mine

The great unknown
Powerful
Alive, yet hidden in mystery
Trust without fear
Bravery, you inspire me
Are you comfortable with your soul
Leading through such amazing photos

A fated life worth the work
Deeper than simplicities
Choices never ending
Our object of selection
Must be proven by our path
Says your ancient Chinese, yuan-fen symbols
We must relax

You have it all figured out, Photographer
Philosopher, owner of an extraordinary mind
Own it
Believe it
Sell it to me straight
Impressive expression, solo rider

Your art, like mine,
Quite a solitary life
Single soulful being,
In the pursuit of a dream
Yuan-fen your motivator
Karma, your powerful stream
Photographer, you help me to believe