Energy Boost - March Musings/#Sol19/Day 14

At the end of a day filled with high energy and enjoyment, I was rewarded with a beautiful sunset drive home. Gray days moved aside to let in the sunshine that turned into a beautiful bluish, pink tone with touches of orange sun peeking through the clouds. Simply lovely. Thank you Mother Nature for sharing your high energy to make my day complete. 

-a slice of sunset-

Day 14 of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge

at Two Writing Teachers

A Slice of Winter Past - March Musings '2019/#Sol19/Day 13

Years ago when I was first teaching, I started skiing. It was a novel, exhilarating experience for me, especially since I am a person who is not athletically-inclined. I recall the warmth of the sun beating down, the freshness of winter air, and the sounds of swishing. There were also nighttime skiing memories: cool, crisp air, sweeping runs on beautiful white slopes, indigo skies lit by white lights on a mountain, and the taste of steamy hot chocolate before a drive home. I eagerly moved from bunny slopes to beginner-intermediate runs and started feeling proud of my accomplishments until one winter night that turned my life around. The words hit-and-run ski accident are still seared in my mind.

What ensued on that unimaginable night was a series of events that led me down a dreadful dark hole. A swish, a thud, cries of anguish, a sled ride down a mountain, and a horrifying ride to the nearest hospital in the back seat of a car still flood my mind. Within a split second after the fall, I learned that life is fragile and uncertain. In the aftermath of this horrible accident, I was delirious, experienced excruciating pain, and faced surgery alone in a town far away from family and friends. 

My story unfolded like a thriller movie in slow mode. My lawyer friend found out months later that my nightmarish incident was caused by a careless 17-year-old ski patrolman who recklessly took a jump without a spotter at the other end. Surgery, months of recuperation and physical therapy, multiple doctors, all led to a change of heart and mood. I became more reflective and not interested in being in public nor dating until one day six months later when I decided to venture beyond these feelings. Knowing that I was leaving my teaching position in Albany for a teaching job in my hometown of Syracuse, I decided to meet my friend at one of our favorite restaurants. Limping in with one crutch, I joined my friend and her two friends from Long Island. My husband says seeing me carefully walking toward him changed his life. Later that weekend, he announced, ""You can get rid of the crutch, you have me to lean on." From my challenging situation as a skier, a new life direction took place. Within two years, I experienced a long-distance romance, engagement, marriage, and a permanent move to Long Island. 

Why did this memory return today? Perhaps, it is the bright sunshine of a cold winter day pouring in and the photos of my 21 month-old grandbaby coming in from Wyoming where she is skiing with her parents. One day she shall hear my story and her Grandpa's account of the night he fell in love. When that happens she will be an experienced skier without fear. 

-a slice of winter past-

Day 13 of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge

at Two Writing Teachers

Black Cat in Winter - March Musings '19/Sol19/Day12

"It's either a raccoon or a cat." my husband said when we stepped out of our car. The first part of that statement had me recalling a time years ago when a plump raccoon crawled out through the sewer grate. I never forgot that night and hoped that this March night would not turn out to haunt me. I walked as fast as I could to the front door and hastily moved inside the house. 

Flashback to a few weeks ago during one of the overnight snowstorms-my husband was concerned about the neighborhood feral cats. "What will become of them?" This lingering question lasted a few days later when he spotted the cats calmly sitting on our driveway. They looked so relaxed that I quietly took out my iPhone in an attempt to photograph them. Luckily, I took a couple of shots before the black cat darted off. From an old photo and this new one, I blended them together as a backdrop for a poem.

Did you find the hidden picture  inside the main photo?
Check the snowflake.

So was the black cat the figure in the dark my husband saw or was it a raccoon?

No one knows for sure but it's time to join Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge, Day 12 of 31 days of writing-

Reflect in the Stillness of March - #sol19/Day11

This weekend daylight saving time brought another layer of light to winter days and a special event to add to my #Twitter calendar. Are you ready to celebrate #NationalNappingDay today, the Monday after daylight saving time? While there is no time for me to nap, I thought I would write.

As March briskly marched in

Time bowed its head.

Winter saluted.

Reflection paused.

All launched their campaigns:

Winter lingered.

Time fidgeted.

Reflection paused.

March held on tight

To Winter's grasp.

Then,

Daylight Saving Time arrived.

Spring planned

Its resurrection.

©CV, 2019

❄❄❄

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge.

-Day 11 of 31 days of writing-

The Architecture of Snow

This year, winter brought the din of shifting winds, leaving cold temperatures wherever it went. On Long Island, snow landed and departed in a parade of short-lived storms. Gray skies became the norm. Weather reports gained importance so I searched for one as I prepared to leave Long Island for a state education conference. My destination was an even colder spot. Listening to the meteorologist's report for Albany, NY, I braced myself for a new look at winter: dirty snow piles. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by an incredibly beautiful scene that could change anyone's mind about snow piles.  

Returning home, the gray sky and the rain washed much of what was left of the snow so I curled up reading Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem, The Snow-Storm. Struck by the word choice of the last line that evoked a vivid image, "The frolic architecture of the snow", I chose it for a strike line when writing a golden shovel poem.

entering upon the
quiet spot we frolic

pondering nature's architecture-

remnant piles of

hardened snowpacks glisten as the

visitors marvel at winter snow.
©CV, 2019

❄❅❆

-a slice of winter to ponder-

I now will join Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge.

-Day 10 of 31 days of writing-

Frozen Thoughts - March Musings'19/sol19/Day9

The earth was painted in a blissful shade of white yesterday morning as I approached a peaceful park in Albany. The coldness of winter wrapped around like a graceful porch watching over its land. I waited for a sound to surface but all was silent. In the frozen moment my hand captured winter serenity. 

A slice of winter life to ponder.

I now will join Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge.

-Day 9 of 31 days of writing-

International Women's Day 2019-March Musings '19/Sol19/Day8

               Color the world with hope               

      that all women may dance with joy,    

           reach out, connect, and bond.          

                Rise in a collective chorus                

                       of blended voices,                       

       continue to encourage  possibilities,     

Possibilities by 'Kathy

                and find the essence of life             

 through the connected  heartbeats of all women.

                       Join me to Celebrate                    

Gratitude to #IWD2019 for their efforts

  to spread the wonder of womanhood. 

I am joining Two Writing Teachers today for Day 8 of the March Slice of Life Story Challenge that shares the growing number of educators who slice daily during March.

 

                                                   8/31

#BalanceforBetter-March Musings'19/sol19/Day7

I come from a line of strong women who sought balance amidst everyday challenges. They traveled far from home to settle in an unknown land. They toiled, wept, rejoiced, and engaged in life to celebrate living. As a child, I watched in awe as my Nonnie mindfully practiced her religion and joyfully engaged in creative arts. Then, when I had children of my own, I had the opportunity to watch my creative Mother lovingly guide my children.

Tonight I join poet, teacher Catherine Flynn, host of Poetry Friday who is celebrating International Women's Day and Two Writing Teachers for the March SOLSC 19. In tribute of strong woman everywhere, I celebrate my Nonnie and Mother. Their story started long ago in Italy. 1921 was a year of change for them, as they sailed to America.

Remember the women

Life creators
Inspiration givers

Vessels of hope.

Grandmother, mother
With gentle hands 

Providers of joy

Blessed are they. 
Pure in heart and spirit
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Their place of peace.

Remember these women
Who came before us

Who left a legacy of
Strength and pride.
They are remembered.
Their memories are
Held in the hearts
Of the living.  
©CV, 2019



From the poet Rupi Kaur, #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of two collections of poetry.  

i stand
on the sacrifices 
of a million women before me 
thinking
what can i do
to make this mountain taller
so the women after me
can see farther

                          7/31

#Balance - March Musings '19: Spiritual Journey 1st Thursday & SOL19/Day 6

Each day there is a new swing of the pendulum of life. It is a full-time endeavor to live each day in a balanced, mindful state. There are always ups and downs that can throw me off balance: arthritis aches, household concerns, paperwork, and different moods of family members. 

At times, I have literally and figuratively felt that I have lost my footing. When I do, I need to slow down and reflect on how to restore a sense of calm and equilibrium.  One weekly practice that I find helpful is yoga. It provides me with a mindset of care and has helped me recognize off-balance times when adjustments in one's lifestyle are needed to restore peace. Tweaking an attitude, a stance, or approach are helpful points to remember as I go about my daily living routine.

Today, during the Ash Wednesday service, the diocesan bishop spoke about a call to action: "It is important to keep our balance." 

Finding balance is a road to a peaceful spirit.

In gratitude for understanding that balanced living is essential and that there is a proper time for everything, I turn to scripture as the Bishop asked us to do the season of Lent. "For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3: 18 

Poetry is the rhythm of the soul. If interested in reading the poetic version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 click here. 

Poetry is the rhythm of the soul. If interested in reading the poetic version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 go to poet.org. Doraine Bennett is the host for Spiritual Journey first Thursday. As a yoga instructor and poet, Doraine strives for balance within and outside of her yoga studio. I will be offering this post to the Spiritual Journey first Thursday writing community at Doraine's blog and also to Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge, Day 6. 

 

6/31

Snowfeet - March Musings 2019/#SOL19/Day5

I awakened to a fresh blanket of pristine snow. The sun was peeking out behind a grey cloud, birds were chirping, and shadows were cast.  The lawn was pure white, unmarred by any trafficking. I walked slowly toward the car but could not cross the small mounds of snow and large areas of puddled water. The only way to reach the car was by imprinting the snow. Gingerly, I walked realizing I should have worn boots. With a slight pang of sadness for the snowprints on the sidewalk that disturbed the snow art, I accessed my car. 

While thinking that the day would start with a beautiful drive, I buckled my seatbelt and started off into town. Suddenly, a swooshing sound rumbled loudly and startled me. Within an instant, a rush of rooftop snow fell across my window and blinded my view. Recalling an accident I had months ago, I held on tight to the wheel. The rumble tumble of snow may have only lasted a few seconds but it was enough to panic me. I never had a whole cartop of snow fall down my window while I was driving. It was a blessing that the car did not swerve or that another car was not ahead.

Nature played a trick on me but I was not laughing. Within a few minutes, I was back to enjoying the drive and seeing how the snow patterned itself along the way. My viewing went from as pure as the driven snow scene to a dirty snow look. As I walked into the physical therapy building, I wondered if the weather would change and the snow would melt as quickly as it came. Another quirky winter day had just started.

   

Snowfeet

step

crunching

patterned shadows

imprinting 

earth

⛄

5/31

I am now ready to join the March 12th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge Day 5 created by Two Writing Teachers.

Invitation Accepted - March Musings '19/#SOL19/Day4

I am gladly accepting an invitation to Christie Wyman's Happy Party! As a good guest, I always bring a treat. This time Christie requested that we bring something special that we wanted to share. I decided to bring the sparkle of a New York City winter night, Wonder Dust from the Wonderopolis store, and my #HappyNews. I think Christie will welcome the glitter that will brighten her party room.

My #Happy News 

is filled with twinkle,

laced with Wonder Dust sprinkle-

is shimmery, bright informed bites

ready for the quickest writes.

"So just what is my happy news, you ask." My wonderfully happy bit of news is about last Thursday when my husband and I traveled to New York City for my annual check-up.

1. New York City is a sparkly town with  lots of glimmer to go around. The sight of the skyline makes me smile and makes me want to stay awhile.
2. My doctor came in with a smile. "Great labs," he said in a joyful style. Then, sat down for some conversation that made us leave filled with elation.
3. On to dinner did we go to find the Japanese restaurant aglow. With its urban style and tasty food, we left in a cheery, happy mood.

Last March, I wrote a slice of happiness blog with a poem filled with what makes me happy. You can read that here. 

Thank you, Christie, for the invite that brightened my night. I'm bringing the cookies and my happy news with winter stories from Syracuse. (my childhood town)

4/31

I am now ready to join the #SOL19 community for the March 12th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge Day 4 created by Two Writing Teachers!