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| This was "hijacked" by me from Brett Beadle Photography ** |
It's an ending
and a beginning
for the G-Man
a threshold to Fridays
with no boundaries,
no commitment -
where impulse rules
and kick-ass weekends
begin early.
It's a handing over
of the controls,
despite our irrational tears,
collective sighs.
Deflected with
"I'll still be around"
yet a favorite haunt
won't be the same.
by Margaret Bednar, March 27, 2014
Mr. Know-it-All, the G-Man, also known as Galen Hayes - a first class gentleman and friend to all who visit his blog is passing the torch after seven years of the beloved "Friday Flash 55". He has passed the torch to Mama Zen & Fireblossom and the new day will be Tuesdays, starting on April 8th over at Fireblossom's blog "Shay's Word Garden".
If I can think of one person who has helped me become a better, more concise poet, it is Galen. I often lack confidence in artistic endeavors, and he makes me feel like I have succeeded in creating something worthy of reading. He made Thursday evenings and Fridays a time I looked forward to and rarely missed since I began in the fun on January 13, 2011. Over the years, I have written 109 FF55's and in honor of my high regard for you, Galen, at the top of my sidebar I have a permanent link to them all. I will also be creating an iPhoto (Mac) book for myself as they mean a lot to me.
My very first one was "All's Fair in Love & War" - I remember how I struggled with this story - sure I'd never be able to write a 55 again. But with his lovely encouragement… "In your very first attempt you have perfectly captured the essence of the Flash 55… " I decided to try again (and again…) Well, I'm not sure I ever wrote a story 55 again, but I usually did write 55 words of poetry. (sorry, Galen, I know how you LOVE your stories).
I hope I see everyone that has hung out here "over there" on Tuesdays as I truly enjoy all your creative voices. Galen, I'm talking to YOU to! It truly would not be the same without you - it would rip all our hearts out if you ride off into the sunset and leave us behind!
This is, of course, linked to Friday Flash 55 … for the last time.
I've also misused the Imaginary Garden of Real Toad's - Mind & Symbol challenge hosted by Hedgewitch and bent the rules a bit. It was a word list to be used for dealing with 'dreams, the mind, symbols or the unconscious." Perhaps it fits as I am a bit emotionally sad right now.
** If requested I will remove this image. I did not get authorization, but I thought the image perfect for Galen. The website itself is really cool to peruse - Mr. Beadle travels on his motor cycle and photographs amazing places. He has a blog, twitter, and portfolio … and lots of links to his travels.
25 comments:
Margaret Bednar....
Displaced Michiganian.
Purveyor of Love.
You are such a Peach!
Always positive, eerily insightful, you work very hard at your charmed life. You deserve EVERY single bit of Joy that surrounds you. You have been a wonderful support to me, and I'm very grateful. Thanks...:-)
Have a Kick Ass Week-End
I left my YAHTZEE here!!!!
Margaret, I was stunned to read you have ever lacked confidence in your artistic abilities...your finesse with words and photography always shines. It's a delight to visit your blog.
What you say of Galen is so true - he does inspire confidence and he's always encouraging and just an amazing person. It's been amazing when you think of all the connections he's inspired in the blogging world. He'd better stick around on some level or we'll all have to go and, you know, kick his ass! :)
Margaret, I know you have plenty of innate talent when it comes to "putting words together", but it does sound like Galen has been a mentor as well as an inspiration to you. Keep up the good work. I love the motorcycle picture you "borrowed". Have a great weekend. Mickie :)
sweet tribute, Margaret ~
Galen really was the host with the most. I'm really, really sad to see his weekly party end. No more kicking of asses to be had, I guess.
A beautiful tribute to G-Man who helped to bring out more of the artist within..I am always blessed when I read/visit here.
I think we are all sorry to see him go and will miss him but, since he chose to leave, we can only hope he has a kick-ass time and a great journey.
You have summed up the collective sadness at Galen's resignation so very well, Margaret.
Things will never be the same without Galen, sigh ~ He made it fun for me too and gave me lots of encouragement ~
Take care Margaret ~
he sounds like a good man - and a character - and judging by his comments, yup... :)
The shadow of a cow girl- smooth and easy. I truly love short forms and enjoy yours!
A very fitting homage to the G-man, Margaret(--great header photo, however come by also.) I think you articulate well what so many of us have experienced--the encouragement that Galen gave us, the self-confidence it helped grow, and the skills it helped hone are real accomplishments--he has a lot o be proud and satisfied about. I too am sad to see him go. AFA the prompt, I'd say you are fine--this obviously deals with the world of creativity and emotion that Jung explored and felt we all needed to connect with. I'm so glad you used the prompt in your excellent tribute Margaret.
This is the absolute truth, Margaret. Without Galen, I'm not sure that I would even be writing today.
Margaret,
I want to be behind those handlebars!
You're right, a favorite haunt won't be the same. Galen is the most supportive person in the blogosphere. I hope to still see you and others around.
Everything about your G-Man post is perfect!
Such a sweet goodbye to the Friday 55 and a welcome to the Tuesday 55.
Whenever I come across your writing I find it hard to see you lacked confidence... I thought that was limited to people like myself
glad to know i wasn't the only one who gained confidence through gman's friday 55. i am sure our new hosts will continue to inspire both old and new participants as well.
What a great poem, and really wonderful heartfelt comments after. Well said, Margaret.
A very sweet tribute, Margaret--I think the new hosts will be great--but Galen was very special. Thanks for the recognition that you show. Thanks. k.
Beautiful tribute to Galen, Margaret. I wish I had gotten to know him earlier. Thanks to Brian featuring his site over at dVerse one day I jumped on the bandwagon and rode it until the end. It is amazing what one can convey in 55 words. I will miss him greatly.
Margaret, thanks for more tears! Seriously, it has been so difficult saying goodbye to G and you expressed perfectly why that is true. I, too, owe G so much in terms of kick-starting my writing. He has helped me to find my voice (I am still honing in on it) and I cannot imagine what my own writing would have been like without the discipline of writing 55s. Know what's sad? I am telling you this but did not express these things to G. I can only hope he reads this!
Your poem was P-E-R-F-E-C-T.
Beautiful write, Margaret! He made me a better, more concise poet too. You were a more constant deliverer of The 55 to him than I, and so glad I met you here, you Super Sweetie, you.
xooxoxoxox
You've really hit it. The 55 is a way to really focus on getting the most bang for the word. I can't imagine a better host than our G-Man. Loved your tribute.
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