For even worse than laziness of body is laziness of the mind and heart. ~May Sinclair, British novelist, poet, and critic
A few days ago, I went to WalMart to pick up some things I needed, and I came out so disgusted and angry I was ready to throttle somebody.
Anybody.
Here’s what happened — and I’ll be interested in hearing if you (as intelligent, well-meaning readers) feel the same way, or if I’m way off base:
it may be dreadful to be old but it’s worse not to be young ~E.E. Cummings (American poet, author, playwright), “Jottings,” in Wake, 1951
Lately, I’m seeing more and more mostly middle-aged people taking care of their aging parents.
In church. At restaurants. In grocery stores, medical facilities, parking lots.
I used to be one of those caregivers before Mom passed, but when you’re waist-deep in the weeds, it’s hard to notice how many others are in there with you.
Now it all comes rushing back.
Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die. ~ Paul Simon, American singer-songwriter, guitarist (originally teamed up with Art Garfunkel)
Once again, I’m between bands.
Summer band has concluded its season, and symphonic band (the one that follows the university class schedule) has yet to begin.
While part of me misses the camaraderie of these two musical groups, another part relishes a much-needed break.
The more side roads you stop to explore, the less likely that life will pass you by. ~Robert Brault, American writer
It’s time for a break
Things to do, people to see
I will return soon
Note: Poetry form is Haiku. I’ll be hunkering low with the Monk as Scary Boom-Boom Day (July Fourth) approaches. My daylilies are finally blooming — and aren’t they cheerful? Everybody have a safe and happy Fourth — see you soon!
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that. ~J.K. Rowling, British author and philanthropist (from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 1997)
As
The days
Get shorter
And the cold winds
Blow in from the north,
I remember with joy
Days not so long ago when
Sunshine, flowers, and butterflies
Danced across my yard with abandon
Reminding me to enjoy the present.
Note: Poetry form is Etheree.
It is in the nature of cats to do a certain amount of unescorted roaming. ~Adlai Stevenson, former Governor of Illinois, and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
This was my neighbor’s cat (was being the operative word).
Then call on me on the day of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me. ~ Psalm 50:15, New American Bible
Have you ever been afraid?
I’m not talking about everyday fears, like seeing a snake in your yard or going to the dentist.
I’m talking about terror. The kind that makes your heart feel like it’s going to jump right out of your chest. The kind that stops your breathing. The kind that haunts your dreams afterward.
You can always tell when two people are best friends because they are having more fun than it makes sense for them to be having. ~Author unknown
Symphonic Band is back after an almost three-month break, and I’ve got to say, it feels wonderful!
Put all your faith in poets. You will find few others to share Beauty with you; and it cannot be borne alone. ~Christopher Morley, American journalist, novelist, essayist, and poet
The Toad:
There once was a toad so black
With warts upon his back
He hopped around
With nary a sound
Looking for something to snack.
The Cicada:
Cicadas seem to have vanished
Into the sunset, or wherever they go,
Crawling deep into the earth’s underground
And hibernating for several decades.
Don’t worry, they’ll be back eventually
And announce their presence with loud fanfare!
The Stag Beetle:
When
I was
Out walking
The Monk, we saw
This immense beetle
Chilling on the sidewalk.
I stopped to get his picture.
Shivering at getting too close
To his wicked pincers and finding
Myself captured by those strong mandibles.
Note: First poem is a Limerick; second is Acrostic; third is Etheree.
Everything in Nature suggests the infinite. ~Henry James Slack, English journalist, activist, and science writer
I
Wondered
Why my new
Plants didn’t seem
To be growing well.
I peeked a bit closer
And saw a nest of babies!
Bunnies tucked into each other,
Fast asleep in my whiskey barrel.
Eating my snapdragons and my dahlia.
What was their mother thinking, I wondered,
As I stood and watched them slowly stir.
Didn’t she smell my Monkey dog
And know he’d be after her
And those babies as soon
As they vaulted free
From their cocoon?
Another
Problem.
Sigh.
Note: Poetry form is Double Etheree.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 