The Horse Whisperer!

I'll be at a clinic watching the real "Horse Whisperer" this Friday - Monday!  His name is Buck Brannaman and so I will be MIA here at my blog for a few days.  But I will come back with lots of horsey photos.

"Everything you do with a horse is a dance".  Buck

A Cowboy is a craft, a profession.  It is a craft... it's not just putting on a hat and going to some night club to sing karaoke.

IGWRT's - Ella's Edge "A Tulip's Season"

A Tulip's Season

Springtime's belles
gaily promenade their colors
beside Monticello's
southwest winding walk.

A few bend low,
flirtatiously expose
abundant decolletege,
whilst others preen
slender and tall,
corset-shaped allure enough.

With cherry hued cheeks,
some perform the St. James Bow;
others eagerly display
soft yellow taffeta gowns.

Divine debutantes all,
graciously receive guests
with a "How do you do",
praying not to be deflowered
without a crystal vase
to rest their stems.

Margaret Bednar,  4.6.12

This is for Imaginary Garden With Real Toad's - Ella's Edge.  The challenge is to keep Coco Chanel's following quote in mind when writing a poem "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.  Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."  I am linking a poem I wrote earlier this year, so I know some of you may have already read it.

Thomas Jefferson loved to be outside and surround himself with nature.  He felt the flower beds would limit the variety and number of flowers he might wish to have, so he came up with the idea of an informal "winding walk" with a narrow border (or ribbon beds) of flowers on each side.

Starting in 1808, by 1812 it had become quite a project with ten foot sections, each compartment numbered and planted with different species of flower.   Jefferson did not concern himself with being fashionable and loved the idea of his flower beds being balanced with "the workhouse of nature".

I really enjoyed the naturalness myself, and I love the thought that perennial bulbs continue to flourish 115 years after Jefferson's death.

Poetry Jam & IGWRT's Open Link Night "A Prayer"

A Prayer

A gently curving, glorious hue

of saturated color, spins through the air

lands with a silent sigh,

one after another, sometimes together,

creates a splendid sight

not unlike a burst kaleidoscope.

I pause at the brilliance of this artistry,

admire the attention to detail

without compromising the whole,

and realize I am witnessing a prayer.

by Margaret Bednar  9.25.12

These photos are from last fall.  This is a challenge response to "Poetry Jam - Take a Much Closer Look".

I have also linked it with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Open Link Monday"

...and what do you know.  I created a Friday Flash 55 spontaneously - go to take a look where all the fun is on Fridays! (or Thursday's after 8pm)

The Sunday Mini-Challenge - Sevenling poetry "A Mother's Guilt"

A Graveyard in Virginia

A Mother's Guilt

I melt into your dimpled cheek,
kiss your pert, upturned nose,
smell your windblown hair.

Remember her baby's
crisp clean clothes, neatly
combed hair, the absolute stillness.

... Hold you close, thank God it wasn't you.


by Margaret Bednar,  9.23.12

Baby or child grave markers in Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, GA

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's, Sunday Mini-Challenge "Sevenling".  A sevenling is a really fun poem, click on the link for the "rules".   (no rhyme scheme and rule of three is used)

IGWRT's Mary's Mixed Bag "Seeking"

Seeking

I hesitate, iron gate ajar,
lift my eyes toward Grandfather,
seek guidance, wisdom,

but his eyes are hazy,
faraway;

hinges squeak
in protest as slowly, heavily
I walk back
one step at a time.

pray a blessing
some day will come my way.



by Margaret Bednar   9.22.12


This is a beautiful gate from Biltmore Estates.  A truly stunning place that was built by George Vanderbilt and completed in 1895.  (If you click the link there is a short video of this "wonder".   I took a tour of the 250 room home and they assure us the servants were well treated.  But, the work and toil these women did was daunting to me .... my voice in this poem is of a young woman who, perhaps, dreams her lot in life was a bit different.

Grandfather mountain is a peak in the Pisgah mountain range, which Vanderbilt owned and sold to the Government and is now a National Forest.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of my favorite places to visit.

I have linked this with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's  - Mary's Mixed Bag - Fences. 

Flash Friday 55 "Man o' War"

Man o' War

America's genetic gold,
son of "good tidings",

his veins throbbed fire,
his mind, desire;
had a 26-foot stride
that soared as if winged.

Rebellious youngster,
"like holding a tiger's tail",
he became "De mostest hoss
that ever drew breath."

He transcended his sport,
a "Babe Ruth" of the track,

"brought one close
to divinity."


by Margaret Bednar  9.20.12

Man o' War and his caretaker, Will Harbut

Click on the above link (under the picture of him with his groom if you are interested in reading about this famous race horse.

I just got done re-reading a book I had from my childhood "Man o' War" by Walter Farley.  It is fiction, but largely based on fact.  A very uplifting read!  I highly recommend it.

Fred Stone  has painted many a magnificent horse.  I'm considering purchasing this poster of Man o' War.

My poem is linked with Flash Friday 55... a non-fiction story (or in my case, a poem) in 55 words!

IGWRT's Kenia's Wednesday Challenge "Landai Poetry"

Creative Commons.  Photo by Stano Szenczi

Suicide

Words smolder within my chest, suffocate my hand, 

my mouth, but not my heart - so I burn.

by Margaret Bednar  9.20.12

Civil War

We think, we love, we are - they beat us,
repress us, tell us we're nothing - so we write.

by Margaret Bednar  9.20.12

photo courtesy of Creative Commons
"distributing pencils"

Both of these short poems are called landai.  It is the only way Afghan woman can express themselves and they MUST do it in secret.  If they get caught, they run the risk of being beaten and even death.

My poems were written after reading the articles below.  This is in response to Imaginary Garden of Real Toad's "Kenia's Wednesday Challenge: landau.  

Below I have linked a few articles:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/magazine/why-afghan-women-risk-death-to-write-poetry.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://www.viiphoto.com/detailStory.php?news_id=1377

Kim Klaussen's Texture Tuesday and dVerse Open Link Night "Steadfast"

Photography by M.Bednar

Steadfast

For my soul cherubs ceaselessly pray,
whilst from me, gratitude's seldom received.

Follow, I try, the "straight and narrow",
hope angelic guidance lends a helping hand.

Upon my death, I plead, deserved rest
achieved for steadfast, weary wings.


by Margaret Bednar, 9.18.12

Photography by M.Bednar

These photos are for Kim Klaussen's Texture Tuesday, this week's theme "something orange".  I used her Dream It 2 Texture and in PhotoShop I used "multiply" for the portrait and "pin light" for the  figure.  The poem I reworked from a similar one I wrote over a year ago.  The statues I photographed at Biltmore in May of 2011.

Also linked with dVerse OpenLinkNight #62.

IGWRT's Sunday Challenge & Open Link Monday "Stonewalled" & "Cursed"

M.Bednar iPhone

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "The Sunday Challenge" this week's theme "Poetry for the Firefly Jar".   The challenge was to write poetry fragments, pieces that are short and can stand alone or become part of a bigger poem in the future.  Also linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads Open Link Monday."

I don't have a jar full of written fragments, but I do have a box full of photos for inspiration.

M.Bednar iPhone

The little background:  The name comes from the Greek (orkhis), literally meaning "testicle", because of the shape of the root.  The Greek myth of Orchis explains the origin of the plants.  Orchis, the son of a nymph and a satyr, came upon a festival of Dionysios (Bacchus) in the forest.  He drank too much, and attempted to rape a priestess of Dionysios.  For his insult, he was torn apart by the Bacchanalians.  His father prayed for him to be restored, but the gods instead changed him into a flower.

Magpie Tales #135 "Venus"

Venus and the Sailor, 1925, by Salvador Dali

Venus

Seduction 

arises from the sea

upon gilded oyster shells

rides waves of royal purple,

answering many a sailors' prayers.

by Margaret Bednar   9.16.12 

This is for THE MAG #135 - check out all the amazing poets! (weekly photo prompt is at the top).  This is a poem I reworked and I think I like it better.  Thanks, Tess, for the weekly challenge.

and... Venus on a half shell... 

Magpie #134 "Toast"

Breakfast, 1921, Fernand Leger

Toast

Alone I slept
last night.  Again.

Yet find you
at the kitchen table.

Kiss you
good morning,

her perfume, your cigarettes,
thick upon my tongue.

Cook you
no pancakes, no eggs.

You're simply
no longer worth the effort.

Imagine my hair
a noose about your neck

as I lean in and whisper,
"You're toast".

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 15, 2012


This is for "The Mag 134".  This certainly is a last minute entry... but truly, I thought about what to write all week!  It didn't come to me at all until I just started typing.  

IGWRT's "Rebel Girl"

Peter Rabbit first came to life in a letter for a sick child.
A book was born seven years later.  

Beatrix Potter

Rabbit in jacket, blue,

duck with bonnet -n- shawl.

Exquisite creations 

of a talent refocused.

Self studied, 

eye to microscope, 

her images, theories 

rejected for being a woman!

Illustrated greeting cards, 

a modest income, obtained.

Fell in love with an "unthinkable" man,

a publisher, who died before they wed.

Pursued their dream, 

purchased a farm, 

but her parents "needed" 

a household supervisor.

Peter Rabbit brought her fame, 

her little books a success,

employed a keen eye upon her land,

natural science and conservation, at play.

Met another "trade" man,  a solicitor,

defied her parents; became "Mrs. Lady Farmer",

who eventually preserved

the Lake District and Herdwick sheep

4,000 acres purchased, protected 

today by the National Trust. 

Independent business woman, a feminist, 

a stubborn rebel:  a woman who refused to be defined.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 14, 2012

If you Google "Beatrix Potter Lake District" and click on images, I can only imagine most people would love to loose themselves in her beloved "Lake District" and thanks to her, it is still there.

This is written for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Out of Standard with Izy": September's challenge: Rebel Girl!

This is certainly NOT my most eloquent write, I don't like it at all... but I so love this woman and wanted to bring her to the attention of IGWRT's challenge.  I hope you learned something and are intrigued.  If you haven't seen the movie, "Miss Potter", I found it to be fantastic and I highly recommend it:

Friday Flash 55 "Instant Vogue?"

Image courtesy of Google images

Instant Vogue?

If ever in doubt,
one is told to trust
in the color black.

It's slenderizing,
fashionable, sexy.

Instant vogue!

Every woman owns
a little black bag,
little black dress,

mine tucked away,
a bit small...

So, to the gym,
cell phone, keys, ID card,
in a last minute "little black bag"

my daughters totally embarrassed.

Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 14, 2012

Well, I have four dogs and it was just .... conveniently in the car...  I have promised not to do it again.

This is for Friday Flash 55 - Stories are supposed to be 55 words and fiction... unfortunately this really did happen just the other day.  

Kim Klaussen's "Texture Tuesday" & a Poem "Latham Park School"

Latham Park School

Playful frocks and
side button boots,

pause for a moment 

in 1898

as Willa Cather publishes "The Way of the World",
Roosevelt becomes a Rough Rider,

the Battle of San Juan Hill bloodies history, 

Annie Oakley offers McKinely fifty "lady sharpshooters" 

George Gershwin is born, 

Sherlock Holmes rushes to print,

Russian Czar expels Jews from his cities,

an automobile reaches 39 mph

with braids in disarray,

bosom friends resume recess

a new century
cradled in their hands.

Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 11, 2012


This is for Kim Klassen's "Texture Tuesday" Back to School Edition.  I used "paper script II"  Click on over and see what she is all about... on-line classes and "freebie" downloads.  It is a lot of fun!

My grandmother, Marguerite Hutchins is in the center.

I was going to write about their clothes, but somehow the poem became something else. If vintage clothing is of interest to you, please check HERE .  It is a fabulous fashion site - I have never come across one with so many beautiful vintage clothes.  I have it set for "children's fashion", but you can browse around as you wish.

IGWRT's Open Link Monday and Friday Flash 55 "Nostalgia"

Nostalgia

She casts a glance
towards tomorrow,

determined chin
unmarked, untried,
her stance, persistent.

I gaze with yearning
towards yesteryear,

marvel at how
delicately carved
within my womb she was.

This ache of motherhood
I hold dear, reflect

all is as it should be,
her profile, a precious
cameo I cherish,

an accessory
I hold dear.


by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 10, 2012

My oldest daughter's first ballet recital (my babysitter did her hair - all I can do is a ponytail :)

This is linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "Open Link Monday".   I will also be linking up  on Thursday at 8pm with "Friday Flash 55".  

IGWRT's Sunday Challenge - Around the World, "Overload"

Overload

Tucked away amongst tombs
and palaces, I wander,
become "one"
with exotic and frenetic.

Inhale lentil soup,
sesame-covered peanuts,
dried apricots, piled nine feet high,
figs, snails, pumpkin seeds, and dates,

splashing fountains,
citrus trees, mosaics,
fetid disguised with sprigs of mint.

Resist goat head, brains,
and snake charming vendors
from stall number seven,

dodge overloaded donkey carts,
duck into labyrinths
of textiles, herbs, metal works,
silk and leather.

Brand my skin with henna
as musical notes ride
swirling dust.

Follow the scent of warm
flatbread and honey,
fresh squeezed juice of orange,

and loose myself
in filtered light,
unnavigable souks,

dead-ending
in spicy reds, golds, browns,
rustic oranges, tropical greens,
pulsating blues.

Unmindful
if I ever find my way back.


by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 9, 2012

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Sunday Challenge "Around the World".   HERE is a blogpost that has a few photos of a real Moroccan market.  And if you really want an in-depth overload, here is a site entitled "Images of Daily Life in Morocco"

IGWRT's - Internal Monologue "Unwanted Guest"

Unwanted Guest

I recall the day we fist met,
you tried to settle in, get comfortable,

saw you as quite a threat.
A gracious host I was not, vulnerable,

more than asked you to leave.
I removed your presence

quite forcibly.  My husband, I believe
was a bit more generous, his acquiescence

not a surprise. Thankful to have you
any which way, happily co-existing

all these years.  A hullabaloo
I no longer raise, insisting

instead your true nature, disguised.


Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 7, 2012


This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "Internal Monologue".  Yes, I've been having this "conversation" for years.

Poets United "Think Tank Thursday" and Friday Flash 55 "Glorious Promise"

Glorious Promise

With crimson and gold, pretentious October
flaunts a tapestry gloriously ablaze
with audacious, arrogant maturity,

dismissing once again, stealthy November
eager to bleed and devour
strength, beauty, and pride.

Into mother's bosom she'll seep,
cold, wet, fading, decaying,
perspicacity her only comfort.

Alone, humbled, she'll absorb
life's restoring light, rejoicing
as Easter's promise unfolds.


by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, revised 9-6-12.

This is for Poets United "Think Tank Thursday "113" Signs of Autumn & for Friday Flash 55.  It is my sixth poem I ever wrote but I have greatly reworked it here.  The original is HERE written almost two years ago 12-01-10.  

The Mag # 133 "Novena" & IGWRT's Open Link Monday

Summer Night, 1913, Albert Bloch

Novena

Between wakefulness and sleep
I wander an incensed path
of no recriminations,
melancholy cradled.

Search for a utopia
with no peaks, no valleys
in which to fall victim.

Somnolently I utter devotions
trusting my sweet Lady
will faithfully deliver

"partially performed"
to our Almighty Father

as I drift off.


by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, September 3, 2012

This is for The Mag #133, photo prompt above - I had a hard time getting a grasp on this one.  I do love a rosary and novena every once in a while, but I do have difficulty staying awake!  I heard once as a little girl that if one truly falls asleep, it "counts".  I'm not certain if good intentions are enough, but I certainly hope so. ;)

This is also linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "Open Link Night".

a little extra for those who are curious (and I thought this was a pretty good short explanation from Wikipedia):

The practice of saying novenas is not explicitly derived from Holy Scripture, but was rather influenced by an early Greek and Roman custom performed by families consisting of nine days of mourning, then followed by a feast after the death of a loved one.[1]

The practice was later adopted by newly converts to the Roman Catholic faith who associated a pious event of the Twelve Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Upper Room as they prayed for nine days until the Holy Spirit descended on the Feast of the Pentecost. In the New Testament, this biblical event is often quoted from Acts of the Apostles, 1:12 - 2:5.