Happy Halloween 2011

What's for dinner tonight?  "Innards of course!

...and you've gotta love something about the traditional pumpkin face... I linked it to "The Creative Exchange" because my three year old son is so proud of what he "helped" create.

Magpie Tales #89 "A Writer's Lament

from Google Images

A Writer's Lament

Seductively you lie upon the table
trying to coax words of endearment
from my lips.

I silently caress your graceful carriage,
unsure what to say.

My pulse races,
fingertips tingling with possibilities
as I imagine hidden places
yet to be explored.

You flirt with me, tease me,
as I start to think
a future together we might have.

But first
you insist the words must come,
convincing you of honorable intentions.

My fingers glide over your top
seeking an encouraging rhythm;
a heartbeat perhaps?

Are you afraid
I will abandon you once again,
leaving you alone in the dark,
forgotten?

I begin to profess my dedication,
my depth, but hesitate.
How do I express it originally, poetically?

I feel you withdraw, distancing yourself.

With oceans of love letters inside me and
talented ideas rolling in with the tide;
a little cooperation, a little help from you
is all I need.

Finally my heart I offer on fragile parchment,
but with a graceful return you spit it out,
crumpling promise without a second glance.

So once again, in the dark you will remain
with rejected words at your side
until I work up courage to approach
with better words, more creative words.

Until then, this longing to be one with you
will remain locked inside, my desire caged.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 31, 2011

image source here:  Prompt used for Magpie Tales

* * * * *

The above was a photo prompt for Magpie Tales #89.  "A blog dedicated to the enjoyment of poets and writers, for the purpose of honing their craft, sharing it with like-minded bloggers, and keeping their muses alive and well. 

I have also linked this to dVerse "Open Link Night Week 16" - Check it out if you want to be smothered with poetry!

Friday Flash 55 - "Springtime's Song" & dVerse

Springtime's Song

Black Forest walnut

ticks in the corner

dancers leaping

spinning

accurately, reliably

hours kept

cuckooing days,

months and years.

Timidly I search his eyes

and wonder,

"Does he see me as I am,

now, this minute

or as I used to be?"

The music plays

time marches on

value increases

as springtime's song is sung

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 27, 2011

This is for dVerse "Meeting the Bar: Critique & Craft"  The topic tonight is "Conflation"  WHAT is that you ask?  Well, Click HERE to find out.  It is to help poets break out of a "rut" ... which I am often in.  It is to have at least two different, wholly unrelated themes.  And to challenge us further, be a bit revealing about ourselves...   It is thought that perhaps a Cuckoo bird was chosen (not for its beauty) but for the fact it was the fist voice to herald spring (and springtime is thought to be the time of love)... so that is how I kind of linked the two together (I mean, after all, isn't "true love" forever young?)  ha ha.

Hmm.  Well, a cuckoo clock and my upcoming birthday... 46! this year.  UGH.  Well, I am not sure if I met the challenge, but I know it is 55 words, so it qualifies to be linked to "Mr. Know It All's "Friday Flash 55."

Poetry Jam - "Of Course You Are"

Of Course You Are

My son and I walked today

a walk we mostly ran

and skipped

from place to place,

stopping here and there,

for no reason I could see

until he explained to me,

"I am a pig rooting for food
under every rock."

I nodded and said, "Of course you are."

And then he found a worm,

he laughed and shouted,

"Happy Pig Day!"

and off he went, galloping.

"Pigs don't gallop," I called after him 

and he gave me that look,

that look every child gives their mom

when she is being silly

and he said "That is because I am an antelope
running with the wind!"

I nodded and said, "Of course you are."

And he vanished around the bend
as I tried to keep up.

Upon him I finally came,

his hoof pawing the dirt.

"Why little antelope

are you pawing the ground?" 

and he lifted his finger and pointed, 

"I'm not an antelope,
I'm the artist who painted a blue horse!"

I nodded and said, "Of course you are."

And as I admired his creativity,
he leapt upon a rock wall

and opened his mouth wide.

bv Natasha for "In Tandem"

"You are yawning, tired little artist," I said.
"I'm not tired!" he declared
stamping his feet, "I'm a dragon,
defending my gold"
and he stamped some more
and yawned...I mean spat more fire,
as he surveyed the land,
protecting his treasure.

I nodded and said, "Of course you are".

Then, into my arms he jumped giving me a hug.

"Carry me!" he demanded

and I obeyed

treasuring those few blocks home,

tucked him into bed,

kissed his cheek, and whispered,

"Sleep tight, my little dragon" 

and he opened one eye and said,

"I'm not a dragon.  I'm a
sleepy llama llama, home with Mama"

and I patted his fluffy head.

I nodded and said, "Of course you are."

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 25, 2011

* * * * *

This was a really fun prompt for Poetry Jam.  We were asked to select from the Times Best Seller List (or iTunes or new movies, etc) and write a poem using three titles we selected.  Mine were taken from the Children's Picture Book List:   (1) If you give a Dog a Donut, by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond (2) The Bipplo Seed & Other Lost Stories, by Dr. Seuss  (3) The Artist who Painted a Blue Horse, by Eric  Carle (4) Happy Pig Day!, by Mo Willems, and (5) Llamma Llamma Home with Mama, by Anna Dewdney.

I also linked to In Tandem #15 hosted by the delightful Jinksy.   Also linked to dVerse's "Open Link Night" and it seems to be THE place to be on Tuesday evenings... so check it out!  

Serious Injury or Death Possible...

Hanging Rock State Park is a beautiful and wonderfully kept state park.  This was our first time visiting, and not a long drive for us to make with kids.  Next time we plan on bringing the dogs.  I must say, however, that upon starting the hike, the sign (below) didn't sit well with me...

My young son really knows how to hike in "comfort".  Grandma and Grandpa were visiting and enjoyed this hike with us as well... but Grandpa (almost 80) is unseen in this photo because he is way ahead of us!

Mother Nature at her best.

I know the colors are phenomenal... but there is just something very "personal" and intriguing about b&w photography.  The photo below is for "The Creative Exchange".

Grandpa, almost 80 years old, led our pack...

We knick named this rock outcrop "Kong's Cliff"

Yes, people would go right up to that ittsy bittsy tree (top, center) and look over the edge ...

I do not do well with heights, and after my daughter did this pose, I had to get everyone off... she was WAY to close to the edge... the edge below:

Below, my daughters have a bit of fun with me (this was actually a pretty flat surface... we just made it look like a vertical drop...

Magpie Tales #88 - "Slope & Pitch"

Used for Magpie Tales #88:   Lee Friedlander, from America by Car

Slope & Pitch

Intimidating,

whatever the angle,

its reflection taunts me

leering over two lanes

breathing down my neck,

its size magnified in my rearview.

My quickened breath

fogs the menace,

temporary blur welcomed

as I remember another time,

a younger time,

of similar concrete mountains

scaled with ease

strength and endurance

my faithful friends.

But now I pause

to consider slope and pitch...

I take my first steps

within the monster's shadow,

feeling the city's pulse beneath my

Christian Louboutin clad feet

as I pursue an answer

to the age old question...

Why does time change us so;

Am I wiser and smarter

or weaker and slower?

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 24, 2011

* * * * *

This was written for Magpie Tales #88.  (and nothing like an awesome pair of shoes to give us confidence... but would a "wiser" woman really wear these?  ... on TV they do LOL)

Tess always provides an interesting photographic prompt.  What does this image make you think of?  Click on the link to read fantastic responses.

"The Goat"

My son asked to bring this "goat" home.  I tried to explain to him that even if it WAS a goat, the answer was no.  I was amazed at how hard it was to pull the bottle out of this young ones mouth.  It also made me sad that these sweet babies are only known by the numbers attached to their ears and the fact they are pulled from their mommies right away.  I know, it's a business, but look at those sweet eyes...  The photo above is for "The Creative Exchange".

In Tandem #14 "Securely Wrapped"

Image provided by Jinksy for "In Tandem"

Securely Wrapped

Colorfully, boldly

this counterpane I stitched;

once youthful fingers

anticipating

love's journey.

Beneath these vibrant patches,

wrapped, secure, and safe,

our arms encircled

as we dreamed, celebrated,

and wept.

Faithful tufted stitches

faded and thinned,

have persevered

and now

matronly fingers

pull its warmth

over your fragile figure

as your dear, sweet face I cherish.

Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 18, 2011

Image provided by Jinksy for "In Tandem"

This is for "In Tandem".  And I will also link this up to Mr. Know-it-All's Friday Flash 55 - A story in 55 words.  You can link up this Thursday after 8pm. 

Magpie Tales #87 - Patriotic Duck

Image used for Magpie Tales #87

Patriotic Duck

Swan-like you pose

with head held high

indignant crispy beak

poised aloft

tarred and de-feathered

for the national dish.

Beijing duck

Sixty-five days to live

before fate deals its patriotic hand.

Red skin rubbed

with cinnamon, ginger and cloves

while spring onions stuff your once proud breast.

Soy sauce and honey sweeten your taste

and plum jam marinade 

slowly caresses your buxom chest

as, crown-like,

orange slices and parsley

regally grace and celebrate

the delicacy you have become.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 17, 2011

* * * * *

This is for Magpie Tales #87.   I think I like to see my food in the FINAL stages...

This is also linked to dVerse - "Open Link Night #14"

Friday Flash 55 - "Sebastian"

Sebastian

I renamed you Sebastian,

majestic and revered, it fits you to a tee.

Yes, Raven's obsidian son you are,

elegant and powerful for all to see.

Thee of swift and graceful agility;

born Falcon, I can see why.

In Ludse's image freedom continues to soar

on wings of strength, a poetic vision floating by.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 14, 2011

The above poem is for my new half Friesian horse I purchased.  He is in boarding at Fiore Farm which is minutes from my house and he and my other horse, Oberon - an adorable Quarter Horse,  keep me and the girls very busy.  You can click on the link above to see Sebastian's grandfather and see his father in the photo below.  

Raven, Sebastian's Friesian father

Click on the red words below the photo and you will be transported to The Horsemeister blog - the day to day operation of a Friesian breeding farm standing the Friesian stallion Raven, by Judy Sceggel.

The above poem is also linked to "Friday Flash 55".  A story told in 55 words - join the fun, I know you can do it!

I also linked the above poem to dVerse "Open Link Night #18"  Over 100 poems will be shared tonight.  Hop over and take a look!

The above photograph is for "The Creative Exchange".  I new the minute I saw these doors I had to get a silhouette of my horse in front of them.  The photo below I linked to "Photo Art Friday".  The only thing I did to doctor it up was change it to Sepia.  I have yet to learn the fine art of textures and such (you will see some nice examples of this on the latter link).

The photo below is Sebastian relaxing a bit during his "colt starting" experience with James Cooler of Cooler Horsemanship.  Sebastian will be trained with Cooler Horsemanship and he has responded remarkably already.  My "Just Horses" blog will follow this and other horsey talk over the next few years.

The 4th Annual Willow Manor Ball 2011

Willow Manor Ball 2011

This IS the cyber event of the year.  Click HERE to visit and meet the hostess, Tess Kincaid of Willow Manor.   This is 24 hours of dancing, visiting, and enjoying oneself while surrounded by the most wonderful people imaginable.  As my date opens the beautiful doors of Willow Manor for me to enter, I almost bump into Lucille Ball.  She welcomes me as if we were sisters and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  She then plants quite a kiss upon my handsome date... I guess they are old friends...  I take off my sable floor length mink and none other than Anthony Hopkins gives me a low whistle... who would of thought! Oh, yes.   If this is the way it is starting, it's gonna be one hell of a night.   

What am I wearing you ask?  Well, let me show you!

These are my Kick Ass Shoes.  (Oh, yes, those are the right words :)

A touch of whimsy and that necessary splash of red!

And the bling

And sexy, eye covering curls

and the dress that shows off my cyber figure to perfection.

My inspiration for my look was non other than Carole Lombard

Below is a YouTube "private home video" of these two "at play"

And my date?  Well, I decided not to mess with perfection, so I have borrowed her man for the night.

And for all those ladies who have aching feet, Gable will offer up his services:

He may not always be the sweetest talker, but if you are lucky he might ask you to dance by saying

"Yes, What are you waiting for.  C'mon."

Now, he might not be quite the dancer that my date was last year (Patrick Swayze) but how fun will it be to have Gable leaning against the bar and giving each  beautiful lady a mischievously dimpled smile and a wink from his baby blues?

I suggest the ladies ask for a slower dance.  That way, the famous "swoon" will be possible!

The Willow Manor Ball - October 12, 2011

All dresses selected from Google Images

Well, has it been a year since such splendid fun was had at the annual Willow Manor Ball?   My girls had such fun helping me prepare for this event last year (HERE.)  It is THE cyber-event of the year and anything goes.   We can have perfect bodies, perfect dream dates, and we all can teach the participants of "Dancing with the Stars" a thing or two.  

The generous host, Tess Kincaid, will provide a Mr. Linky widget for us to sign up our blog posts and enable us to visit, comment and partake of the festivities.  Poets, movie stars, philosophers (past and present) mingled quite well - but I do do believe Clint Eastwood caused a bit of a ruckus last year...

The dresses (above & below) are what I have to choose from.  Help me decide!

Is it possible for me to be transformed from "Mom" into an elegant lady?  It happened for Cinderella:

Check back tomorrow evening and find out!  Everyone is invited... in fact, your invitation is below:

The Poetry Jam, "The Roses' Oath"

The Roses' Oath

Please say your heart's forever mine!

The roses' beauty makes an oath,

desire or love and sometimes both.

An open yellow questions growth

of loyalty and loves' sweet wine.

The roses' beauty makes an oath

Please say your heart's forever mine.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 3-7-11

Due to time constraints, I had to resurrect this oldie for "The Poetry Jam".  We were to write a love poem.  I haven't used a "structured" poem in quite some time.  After all the "blood, sweat, and tears" have finished, I am usually happy enough with the results.  This was originally done with the (gasp) now extinct "One Stop Poetry" (the archives are on my side bar) BUT, it did "birth" a new site:  dVerse (also on my side bar).