Connections

The sky opened in a shade of gray yesterday morning. Sunlight was not evident, so I spent time meditating and hoping for peace. As I reached for my laptop, Margaret Simon's Wednesday blog, "Photo Wants to be a Poem," popped up on my screen. 

Margaret's photo from Louisiana showed a cardinal posing in a garden of silent stillness. In addition, Margaret shared her beautiful draft poem titled "Besotted". She also added a piece of Southern lore: cardinals visit humans who have lost a loved one. Other tales say that the cardinals carry messages from a heavenly place to earth, as a spiritual sign of connection with the deceased. Lore or not, I was touched that the red cardinal, a carrier of love, offered comfort, especially during this grieving time of life. --- This was Connection #1.  

cardinal's connection

you pose in stillness

waiting to connect

offering solace, comfort-

in nature's garden

love perfumes the air

draft CVarsalona, 2026, cherita poem

Photo by Margaret Simon 

Connection #2: I am sending my poem with a link to Margaret for "This Photo Wants to be a Poem".  

Nature nurtured me yesterday morning and

continues to do so today in the darkened rain.

Day 12, March 12, 2026

12th year with Two Writing Teachers

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for offering reflective writers a meeting place.

Pick a Peck of Apples

Picking apples at the Stribling Orchard in Northern Virginia is an Autumn tradition even when the sky is overcast and the rain drizzles down. As my son and I pulled up to the orchard's entrance, we saw my daughter, son-in-law, and three little grandgirls waiting patiently. 

Every one was eager to start apple picking. With map in hand, my daughter plotted a plan to visit various parts of the orchards. I paused to think of the history of this family-run orchard that began in 1819. For the first time I realized what a distinctive blend of history and fertile farm land had been cultivated to create an ideal apple orchard and grazing fields for raising cattle.

We began the apple picking event with the family. I watched Sierra and Aurora who are now tall enough to get a picking pole pulling down the best apples in each orchard. This year the different varieties of apples were beautiful in appearance. I was happy to join my grandgirls pick the fruit that will turn into apples pies and cookies. Perhaps, I might even have some little helpers bake with me.

I think the delight of the day was watching Little Lila enjoying running through the orchards with tiny apples in her hands. Toward the end of the adventure, we needed to taste some of our treasures and eat a delicious lunch despite the rain that started to dribble from the sky. When the rain started to fall harder, we left with bags of Kettle Corn and smiles. 

Our apple picking adventure brought back wonderful memories of past trips with Grandpa. 

we pick a peck of apples

in a picturesque part

of the Virginia countryside

picking sticks help the girls stretch

to pick the finest apples in the orchard

we cherish our pre-fall family time

©CVarsalona, 2025, cherita poem

This is my slice of life for this week's Two Writing Teachers.

A Day to Remember Forever

Did you hear the bell ring for the 9/11 fallen heroes yesterday? 24 years ago, New York City first responders, police, firemen, and newscasters flooded the streets and the media with traumatic news. People ran from their buildings under a shower of dust and darkness. Cement covered the streets as people tried to find a passage over the Brooklyn Bridge. While I did not witness all of this in person, I felt the weight of fear and grief as did the Village of Rockville Centre in Long Island, New York, where I lived. 

Forty-nine people in my village died during the 9/11 catastrophe. The Patch news named it the "deadliest terror attack on American soil". Of those people, Cantor Fitzgerald, American financial services firm, lost the most lives, one of whom was the mother of my daughter's senior high school friend. Because their friend suffered such a loss, my daughter and her two friends organized a candlelight vigil parade. Three hundred people gathered together. Tears flowed throughout this silent passage from the high school througout the village. For a long while life was worrisome. Memorials were erected so people could remember that horrible day in 2001 and be hopeful about the future. 

I remember September 11th each year and so does the world. Families  gather together to honor their fallen loved ones. A bell tolls like the sound of grief. Names of 9/11 victims are read as tears flow like water. Now life continues with a different thought. It is the time to bind the world together as a connected global society. Rid the world of hatred and unkindness to find peace.

September 11th

unpredicable hatred 

swept across the sky

New York City was attacked

fear and sorrow opened their channels

to all fallen heroes

draft CVarsalona, 9/11/2025, cherita

Listen to Fallen Heroes (9-11)

Hope for Tomorrow

Bind the human race into

a connected global society

with hatred extinguished

and unity established.

©CVarsalona, 2025 quick write draft

Thank you to author, poet, and educator, Rose Cappelli, for hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup today. She added Mary Oliver's poem that can be a call to action.

Navigating Reality: Another Issue To Worry About

It was a day of sunshine, not rainy weather as many days have been. I drove my new car down the parkway. Cars and trucks were surrounding me as I made my way to my son's appointment. Then, the unexpected happened!

another life issue rushed by

while driving the highway on a sunshiny day

a huge piece of rubber shot up and onto my new car

there was nothing I could do during this upheaval

no truck to claim how this happened

just a warning to be ever vigilant because life is uncertain

©CVarsalona, June 2025

The rubber shot right into my car. Luckily, it did not hit my windshield and bounced off my car. I was shocked by the happening but had to remain calm. It was just one more oddity of life happening. Black marks were on the front passenger side of my car but my car salesman had the shop buff off the marks. I felt blessed that this unwarranted event did not do more physical damage and mental distress.

Life is so fragile and uncertain that every daybreak is a miracle, almost a triumph. That first blush in the sky is all the hope of the world distilled into light. I watch dark fade, and say to myself, "Okay, I'm here," and the more sunrises I see, the more I feel as if I'll live to see another twenty thousand."  - Dan Koontz, The Other Emily

I shall enjoy the sunshine today that lightens the earth. Have a Happy Summertime!

Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for offering the space that reflective writers can communicate with each other.

Navigating Reality in Springtime

Most people think of springtime's white, puffy clouds drifting across an azure sky, accompanied by a green vision of beauty and grace on earth. The element of light shines bright. Yet, there are many days of cooling breezes, glimpses of a darkened sky hiding behind the clouds, and puddled rain to chase away the gloomy grey. On these rainy days, I let my mind wander to springtime memories gone by.

HERALD of SPRING

looking back in time

March 30th

etched with snow-covered trees

one lone bird sings

waiting patiently for the frozen edge of winter

to join the chorus of spring

©CVarsalona, 2025, cherita

Mentor Poem, Spring by Julie Forglaro

Despite the forecast, live like it's spring! - Lilly Pulitzer

I decided that this quote would open the door for Golden Shovel poem. Even though the words are not from a poem, I decided I could make a poem from the inspirational thought.

Morning Thoughts

I am alone despite

my family being in the area. The

days of rain cause people to complain about the forecast

but not me because I know that I must live

in the here and now like

others but without you. It's

a sadness I carry around this spring.

Despite the fact that it is still spring.

The weather feels like a summer

forecast. Oh, how we loved summer

living. There were fireworks, barbecues, and enjoyment-

Like life found its relaxation mode.

It's difficult without your zest for summer but be assured

Spring will lead the way to your beach wishes, my dear.

©CVarsalona, 2025, Golden Shovel

Strike line from Lily Pulitzer's quote

**********

Ruth Hersey Is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup while in the United States. Usually we see her in Uganda. Ruth's theme today is fireflies. She shares two poems on the subject that you can read on her blog, There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town.

Navigating Reality: Grandpa Looks Upon Us

Last Sunday was a blessed day. The extended family gathered together to celebrate Sierra, my oldest grandaughter's, First Holy Communion at St. John Newumann's Church. As Sierra prepared for this spiritual event, the family gathered together. Only one person was missing. It was my husband who passed away a month earlier. With love in my heart, I found a way to have Richard  present at both the Church ceremony and the after Mass celebration. Sounds impossible? Read on!

The banner that you see below was originally created by my mother for my granddaughter. I wanted to include my husband, Richard, into the artistic piece that was placed at the end of each reserved family pew. Under the section with Sierra's name, I added a piece of Richard's purple tie. Since Sierra loves the color purple it was a perfect fit. You can also see the edge of another purple border at the bottom. I felt Richard's presence with the family on Sierra's First Communion day. He was with us in spirit and within the banner. 

for my First Holy Communion

a handcrafted banner was embellished

using one of Grandpa's beautiful ties

Grandma placed it at the edge of the pew

as a reminder that Grandpa was still with us

a gift filled with blessings

©CVarsalona, 2025, cherita poem

Easter lilies adorn the sacred space

the first communicant does smile

while posing with angelic grace

Easter lilies adorn the sacred space

dressed in tulled-white the child does embrace

a flower bouquet with tussy-mussy style

Easter lilies adorn the sacred space

the first communicant does smile

©CVarsalona, 2025, triolet poem draft

The above triolet poem is the 1st one I have penned.

You can read more about this poetic format here.

Time together as a family is a gift. -Joanna Gaines

Although it is late for me to submit my Poetry Friday post,

I have thought all week about memorializing Sierra's special day

while remembering my husband.

*******

Thank you Sarah Grace Tuttle for hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup. She is smiling as she combats darkness by reveling in community and this is wonderful.

Tonight is Family Night so I will check in with Poetry Friday writer when I come home.

Winter's Brushstrokes

AI states that ethereal strokes on canvas create a sense of tranquility. These brushstrokes can be used to depict landscapes. Since college, I have enjoyed photography, especially capturing the beauty of winter. Playing with different digital apps, like Graphite and Fotojet, is a current passion. I start by taking photos of a winter day. Then, I  use digital tools to create scenes that evoke different sensations. 

In a world of hectic movement and chaos, peace is a necessity. Today, I offer a slice of winter's naturework in different poetic formats.

daylight transforms

into darkened sunset shades

inked sky rests

©CVarsalona, 2025

After creating my digital artwork, I used it as a prompt for writing. I tried a variety of formats and finally settled on the cherita, a poem that conveys a story. I used a poem by Alan Wright, Australian poet, as a mentor text to weave my poem.  

in the silence of a chilled night

animals hibernate in winter's bliss

humans dream upon stars

winter transforms earth's landscape

into frozen etchings against the sky

sharing its stilled tranquility

©CVarsalona, 2025

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for providing a writing space for reflective writers from around the globe.

💙

Special Invitation to Slicers: 

Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination. -Voltaire

I am hosting Poetry Friday on February 7th at my Beyond LiteracyLink blog.  I will create a heartnote, valentine, poem, digital artwork, etc. and a padlet, titled Heartnotes for all interested writers to add their work. Join me on February 7th as I honor Valentine's Day, a love-note to the rest of the year. (Jo Lightfoot)  I look forward to seeing the variety of imaginative thoughts and artwork.

Good Morning World!

This year, summer floats on heated air with temperatures rising to 100 degrees. Weather is the topic of many discussions. I join in but rather reflect on finding positivity in nature's offerings.

A couple of months ago, I wished that I could enjoy earth's blooming spring days but I was filled with worry. I stood alone in a hospital room wishing to see the bright colors of my gardens. From the end of April to June, I spent recuperating at home. I feel ready now to open doors and discover new views to admire and be grateful for during this season. 

Trees sway in fairy-like movements among the stilled flowers aching for water. Gray clouds slip between houses as the breeze slows down. I open the door knowing that the peace of an early summer day is ready to greet me. I may be tired and not able to walk as far as before but each step discovers a new view to admire and have gratitude for life.

©CVarsalona, 2024

Summer's Morning Door

a simple decorative entry

opens each day with ease
what one sees depends on these

nature's summer gifts of sky and grounds
moments for life pauses and sweet sounds
gratitude glides from my lips
©CVarsalona, 2024, cherita

Look, Listen, and Fill Your Heart with Joy
as you watch Gratitude to Nature.

 I happily joinTwo Writing Teachers,
a meeting place for a world of reflective writers,
after many months of not writing alongside friends.


Over the past months, I've used my blog to recount my journey.

Winter Solstice 2023 Brings Light Amongst Darkness

Happy Winter Solstice!

It's the time of year when nightime comes earlier and covers the earth with an inky darkness. December shares her admiration for illumination with Winter's grand entrance on the Winter Solstice. With the weather a bit darkened and cold surrounding, I heated a cup of herbal tea, paused to contemplate before finished decorating our new Christmas tree. I added an extra light around the topper and ornamental memories. 

lights

glitter against

December's cold darkness

bringing brightness and hope

luminescence

©CV, 2023

A special thanks goes to Margaret Simon who offered time to reflect at her This Photo Wants to be a Poem blog . I created another elfchen poem (see above). 

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Then, off to the Nutcracker Ballet I went for a family holiday event followed by a delicious dinner at Medium Rare, and a stop-off at a charming, fully-lit house with a bright, creative outside theme. This led to a cherita (story) poem. 

Nutcracker

a magical ballet

sparking the imagination

of two little girls

who dream of possibilities

beyond the winter solstice  

©CV, 2023

When pulling into my community at the end of the day, I realized  there is magic in the darkness. Holiday lights illuminate houses and streets bringing good cheer. Luminaries light pathways and hope is in the night air. 

Merry Christmas 2023 from our House to Yours

Love lights more lives than hate extinguishes. ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

May you be filled with light and joy this weekend while

waiting for the Divine Light to enter this world.

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

While it's late on Friday, the Poetry Friday community is still gathering at our host, Jone Rush McCulloch's blog here. She writes of the Winter Solstice and her day of celebration in prose and poems.