Long Weekend Edition: May 26-28

I don't feel so bad about posting the weekend edition on a Sunday because, for many people, Memorial Day weekend is a long weekend! (For me, life is pretty much a long weekend and I suppose I should be constantly grateful for that.)

A lot of folks meditate on freedom and sacrifice this weekend, or remember those that have fought for their rights on our soil and abroad. I support all that. As much as I have ideas and philosophies about war and violence and as much as I sometimes disagree with what seems to be trigger-happy behavior/politics/tactics, none of that affects how I think about those individuals that are willing to risk their lives to fight for me. I wouldn't have the bravery to stand up and fight. I may have other gifts or attributes, but courage isn't one of them.

Think the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. That's me. All a-quiver.

So I'm dedicating this weekend edition to courage: to those who have it, those who create it in themselves, and apply it towards the wellbeing of others.

::: Loves

::: owls!

Now that I've told everyone in my family and friendships that I no longer care about owls (and have thus stopped receiving stationery, knick knacks, potholders, bathmats, etc. etc. with owls on them), the influx of owl gifts has slowed and I can officially say that I love owls again (please don't buy me owl things).

(Pardon the off-coloring at the top; the image refused to upload without getting wonky. I've let it go (but not without some serious not-letting-it-go time)).

::: ahueofduckeggblue!

I recently purchased an olive wood stamp from the ahueofduckeggblue shop on Etsy. The shop owner, Sarah, quickly contacted me after my purchase with proofs; I had three options to choose from for design and formatting. One was an obvious choice to me, but I actually would have been satisfied with any of them! I received it promptly and was really psyched by how good it came out. Now I can affix my name and info to any surface I deem worthy! (I'm thinking recycled paper, scrapbook paper, etc.) Thanks, Sarah from ahueofduckeggblue!

::: doodling in books

I had a good ole time this week doodling in a book of poetry. Poetry books have such large margins (usually) and the choice words and perfect phrases often inspire me to get out my pen and start filling in the white space with my own touch. It's kind of like meditation to me (on some not-nearly-as-cool spiritual level).

Ummm... yes, please? (Pretty much the only time I'm comfortable taking off my clothes is when it's in my own head. Heh.)

If you like the little blips of poetry from the photos, they're by Jim Bishop, a professor at the University of Maine.

::: Music

This week I've been all about The White Buffalo. Their website offers a launchable music player: take advantage and listen to "Wish It Was True."

And, you know, swoon like I do.

::: Writing

The following is a poem I wrote a couple of years ago, about friendships, the ways the woods can get to you, and freedom. A little creative endeavor. 

:::

A Poem du Terre

We walk through forests together.
When I think about it,
it's you and I and soft music.
We're barefoot and we're looking for owls.

We see a fox in the underbrush,
crouched in the dense, yellow grass
of this summer's dry month.
Its eyes are brown and nervous.

When we walk through forests together
the animals speak,
the pheasants and the foxes
approach us and talk freely.

The fox continues to stare
with the withered eye of the messenger

and says, "Your hands were made
to fit together
and so, you creatures here exploring,
never let each other go."

We looked down at our hands already clasping
and smiled to each other.
We didn't need the fox to tell us
how to make it right.

It ain't never wrong
when the space between your hands
holds freedom. 

:::

Now I'm off to plant seedlings into warm, healthy soil; to plant myself in a lawn chair with a rack of ribs and a tossed salad; to keep on growing up in the best way I can.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!