Haiku: To The Contingent...

“Hatred is like a poison which you inject into your veins, before injecting it into your enemy. It is throwing cow dung at another: you dirty your hands first, before you dirty others.” Gems of Buddhist Wisdom 

What's wrong with your life?
To the witch-hunt contingent
Mind your own backyard...

You spend days snooping
Wasting our time concocting
Enslaved by false claims...

Spend time on your dreams
Build your fortress with good deeds
Mean acts never pay...

Sometimes, we find ourselves caught up in confusing situations. When they occur, we must step back and take stock without adding to the confusion. 

Recently,  a friend was confronted at work for something she didn't do. Before she could address it, it had escalated into a dragged out, throw down fight; there no winners but lots of pain and opinions. She moved on with an apology,  the other side didn't.  Now she says they attack her at every little prompting. She has made peace with the situation and stirs clear of ideal chitchat with her colleagues. They are still furious and look for new ways to undermine her. What would you do?

"Laughter relieves us of superfluous energy, which, if it remained unused, might become negative, that is, poison. Laughter is the antidote."  George Gurdjieff




 A stinking rat knows
Poison finger points four back
Your rage is misplaced

The Elders have said
Evil plans will always fail
Bathe in the peace pool...

Spend time on your goals
Green grass today, fades away
GO. Tempus fujit!

  We don't have to embrace every fight. She feels their anger is misplaced. I've told her to let it rest. If it bothers her enough, she can/should switch jobs and find a company that will treat her well. This haiku is based on the conversations we were having.  Some are her thoughts and some are mine. I think the best way to handle concentrated antagonism and gossip is to stay clear of it. Don't bother engaging with individuals, go to the boss and document it all. She must take decisive action to end the negative backbiting and the best way is to meet with the boss and the ring leaders and put a stop to it. What if you don't know who they are? Then document the false accusations and notify your boss of them. Add your response to each one and request that it be put in your file. After that, move on.  Constant face offs are a waste of energy. What would you advice?

More Below!

Haiku: Just Go Run Your Race

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." John Bingham 

 
 

Keep Your Walls Up Joel Osteen

 
Focus on your goals
Don't let the haters rile you
Just go run your race...

Weapons won't prosper
You have favor on your side
Their stones won't hurt you

Focus on your dreams
Keep your eyes on the sweet prize
just go run your race...

Sometimes we bump against people who make us stop and think.  They are part of the group of people I like to refer to as necessary distractions. Haters. Why "necessary" distractions?  Because without the occasional interaction with the ornery set, we forget that life is made up of all sorts; friends and foe. We don't have to expend energy trying to win them over; it's a waste of time. What matters is that we take our energy and refocus it on our goals and gifts. Focus it on family and the civil. I was watching a great video from Joel Osteen and he pointed out that a study he read showed that life is made up of the following groups of people:

25% of  people won't like you and never will
25% of people won't like you, but could be persuaded to like you.
25% of people will like you but could be persuaded to dislike you.
25% of people will like you and stand by you no matter what.

What does this mean? It means we should distance ourselves from energy drainers, focus on our goals and go run our race. It is unrealistic to expect to be everything to everybody. Forget it.  My dad used to say that if you have one true friend in life that is a precious gift; if you have a few more, you are truly blessed. You don't need an arena of pseudo-friends. Surround yourself with mentors and people who lift you up. You should not mingle with detractors as they are emotional vampires. Choose your associations carefully, defend yourself when necessary, and go run your race.What matters is that you treat others fairly, create a protective barrier around yourself and never allow anyone to treat you like a doormat or deride you. How do you handle the groupings listed above?


More below!

Haiku: Love Is Like A Summer Bloom...

"I know I am but summer to your heart, and not the full four seasons of the year.” Edna St. Vincent Millay
 



When love comes calling,
Bright, warm, full of hope and joy
Like a summer bloom...

The early bird sings,
Sweet, lyrical, a love dirge
Ripe, like bleeding hearts...

When love calls your name
Unfurl your petals and bloom
Her call is fleeting!


More below.

Haiku: Happy Mother's Day Wishes...

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." Abraham Lincoln 

 

Happy Mother's Day!
May you delight in old age
Lifted in Prayer

Mother's Day Wishes
May your family love grow
Hugged in gratitude


I hope you are enjoying this day even if it includes sad memories... Our parents did the best they could and  we are the richer for it. While some parents crossed the line and hurt us, we can break the cycle by becoming better parents. That is, above all, my main wish for all Moms. Be a blessing to someone today.

More Below!

Haiku: Signs Of Spring Fever

"Spring beckons! All things to the call respond; the trees are leaving and cashiers abscond." Ambrose Bierce

Signs of spring - forget me not blooms

 The flowering bud
looks keenly for eager mates...
Seeking love and more



Plants and bugs peek through
Fecundity on our minds
A lover's tiff calmed


 Today is a special day. Can you guess? Yep, it's the first day of spring! It’s official; it's time to take stock for our actions and embrace new ways of being.  I am thrilled that the plants and seeds we sowed will soon show their precious blooms. Recently, I walked around my yard and took a few pictures of our early flowers. I hope you enjoy them and the poems I’ve shared.

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." Doug Larson

signs of coming spring - the equinox unfolds

As night turns to day
Sun and moon woo equinox
Signs of  Spring fever

Dogs and cats in heat
Man's yearnings rise in tandem
Spring opens the cage...

With the arrival of spring comes cleaing and uncluttering our space. We rid ourselves of winter burdens and unfrl from our cocooned life... The warmth brings a sense of  invigoration or laziness. Some of us become moody and listless while others venture out into nature restless to shed winter's heavy clothing for light and sun. I'm of the latter group. It's been a long cold winter, and I'm ready for the joys of spring... What about you?
More below

Haiku: Our Parents...

"We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves." Henry Ward Beecher 

We thank our parents...
For all they gave us - life, birth
Held us close - tears, smiles

We come into the world naked and expectant. We depend on our parents for every little thing. Our lives are in their hands and, as our earliest guardians, they make a huge impact on us. Some of us were raised by biological parents and others by grandparents or adoptive parents. All are PARENTS.  I was reading today about how a mother's role never ends; even when her children fly the coop. Parenting is not an easy role and we all fail at it sometime. The best thing we learn from becoming parents is the recognition that our parents had a tough job that came with no training manual. As parents, we repeat the good and bad habits/practices of our own parents and it takes a concerted effort to change the old pattern of behavior. So this Haiku is dedicated to all parents; especially those who made the best of the tools they had and shared their unconditional love. More below

Presidents' Day 2014: A Haiku Celebration

"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience." George Washington

 Presidents Day is Actually In Honor of Our 1st President's Birthday... The poster reminds us.

On Presidents' Day
44 Presidents praised
Ab and George's birthdays

 For Presidents' Day
Some honor George, not the rest.
Why?  A misnomer!


Happy Presidents Day! If you have the day off, lucky you; rest and re-connect with friends and family. If not, don't worry, at least you are keeping this great nation running. We celebrate this day in honor of George Washington's birthday, Lincoln's birthday, and by default, in honor of all the 44 Presidents of the USA. Did you know that there isn't a specific presidents day but that over the years, we chose George's birthday as the day and it has become a federal holiday. Many businesses have turned it into a shopping extravaganza and others as a day of rest. What do you do on this day?  Enjoy and more below!

Haiku: Gaining Perspective

"You must look within for value, but must look beyond for perspective." Denis Waitley 

Is the world flat? Gaining Perspective of the road and sky

Useless arguments...
Road meets Sky. Is the world flat?
Gain some perspective

Thoughtful perspective
Is that Blue Sky or Blue Sea?
What's your perspective?

Authentic cadence
Rising or falling rhythms
Deceptive voice shows...

A flawed perspective
Letting our failures rule us...
Lets go, rise Phoenix!


 This week, the prompt is: Useless  and Cadence
 

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure


  


 As we start the month of February, we have a new Nablopomo word to focus on - Perspective. How do we develop it? What do we gain from having a negative/positive/neutral perspective? What is real? Truth? False? It's all in the perspective we take and no one can take that away from us.   For this exercise, I have merged my thoughts on the subject with two words from our weekly haiku at Haiku Heights - Useless and cadence. Hmm mm. What comes to mind when you think of both words? What do you think of my interpretation haiku? If you are interested in joining the February Challenge, there are a few tips to remember:
1) The NaBloPoMo February 2014 theme is "Perspective"
2) The NaBloPoMo writing prompts are Fantastic
3)  NaBloPoMo has added a photography component to its theme and prompts
4)  I'm doing NaBloPoMo, and I'd LOVE some company.


There is more below

Haiku: A Merry Christmas Story

“This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” Taylor Caldwell 

Haiku: The magnificent, colorful Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

Trudging down the street
Cold wind tugging at my coat
Not a soul in sight

Hunger calls my name
No bed to rest my weary head
Sadness builds within

Without an address
Homelessness is my present
No gifts sent my way

 A Merry Christmas
Surrounded by misery
Glimmer of hope, gone

 During the holiday season, I am often reminded that each of us carries our version of a Merry Christmas story. At Rockefeller Center, many gathered to see the tree shown above. It was a mix of people with many, varied stories. Some stories might be rich with gifts and love, while other stories rife with pain and suffering.   Through all this, the homeless, the poor, the abandoned struggle to make it through each day. It is my prayer that during the holiday season, we pause to help others; we will be the richer for it.

I've added a stanza above as my contribution to this week's Haiku Heights prompt: Gifts. I hope this post adds some food for thought to your holiday giving plans. Want to write Haiku? Join in at Haiku Heights or Carpe Diem.
More below

Haiku: Nelson Mandela - In Memoriam...

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Nelson Mandela

Haiku: Nelson Mandela - Madiba Rest In Peace

Nelson Mandela
Tata Madiba, Goodbye!
God called Khulu home...

He fought Apartheid
The rainbow nation would thrive
Black, White, Colored, all

The struggle is done
South Africa's people freed
Your legacy, sealed...


 This week, the prompt is: Rainbow

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





I've used the prompts from this week's haiku to create a memorial for one of Africa's great sons; Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, 1918-2013, who passed away today at the age of 95. He paid a great price for his fight against the oppressive, racist Apartheid regime in his native, South Africa, spending 27 years imprisoned in a tiny cell in Robben's Island. Many believed he would never be set free and that Apartheid would end in a bloody war. In February 1990, he was released and started a new journey on the path to full liberation of all people in his nation.

Like many others around the world, I celebrated his freedom and rejoiced when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and when he became South Africa's first democratically elected Black President. His death brings great sadness to my heart. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world. If you'd like to learn more about the legacy of this great son of Africa, The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory has documented much on his life. Take a moment to visit the site. What are your memories of Nelson Mandela? I have added more below.

More Below!

Haiku: A Thanksgiving Gathering...

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." Gerald Good

Haiku: A Thanksgiving Gathering - First Thanksgiving painting by Brownscombe

Haiku: A Thanksgiving Gathering... A colorful Hanukkah Menorah via HuffPost

Before the bloodbath
Pilgrims, Abenaki ate
With Pawtuxet tribe

The Thankful gathered
Our Mayflower colonists
Broke bread in Plymouth

Many will agree
Turkeys, Torment, Thanksgiving
Shaped our history

Now, we meet to eat
Food, Family and Football
Giving thanks for all



 This week, the prompt is: Blood,  Thanks!

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure 






With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a perfect choice for the week. This year, we will celebrate a rare occurrence of the start of Hanukkah with Thanksgiving Day - dubbed Thanksgivukkah. What a gift to celebrate Thanks in more ways than one.  I've been thinking of all the ways we say Thanks and celebrate our gratitude for the blessings in our lives. What comes to mind is the passionate sermon offered by Pastor Frank Santora at Faith Church NYC.

At a recent Sunday service, he reminded us that it is important to always begin with ... saying Thanks to God because our Creator is good to us physically, emotionally, spiritually and readily helpful in all areas of our lives. So while we celebrate our love for family, friends, life, and more, lets begin with a big Thank you God! I agree.  Happy Hanukkah! Happy Thanksgiving! 
More Haiku - Tan Renga below

Haiku: Dreams Of A Seventh Haven...

"...True prayer is measured by weight, not by length. A single groan before God may have more fullness of prayer in it than a fine oration of great length." C. H. Spurgeon

Haiku: Dreams Of a Seventh Haven - Above Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda

Hidden from the storms
Seven days had come and gone
A sacred cocoon

Anchored in a cove
Many in the boat, breathe, life.
Saved from destruction

Lips part in prayer
Requiem for souls lost at sea
Resting in heaven


 This week, the prompt is: Seven

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy wroth by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Philippines, my heart has been heavy with pain and prayer for the families affected by the typhoon. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to all the people of the Philippines during this difficult time. I had a dream that Mother Earth would avert natural disasters by creating pockets of safe havens for her children; cocoons of divine protection from earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis and hurricanes. So many people are suffering and need relief.

Haiku: Dreams of A Seventh Haven -  Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda Survivors do laundry near  debris of a boat.                           Photo Francis R Malasig/EPA

In times like this, we are reminded of the ephemeral nature of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of offering compassionate aid to our fellow men, women and children. There are many organizations raising funds and helping out, please don't forget those affected and lets all so our bit; write, donate, volunteer, post an unselfie, - every gesture carries enormous weight. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”

 If you are looking for ways to help, you  may contribute to/through the following sites: Feed the Hungry/Ayala Foundation USA, Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), AmeriCares, UNICEF/GreaterGood, Compassion International, Things to donate -> MommyUnwired's post, Feed The Children  and NBC's List of Organizations Offering Relief.

See more Haiku: Tan Renga, Relief effort below!  More below!

Haiku: Watch A Blade Of Grass...

"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself." Henry Miller 

Haiku: Watch A Blade of Grass -  Above is a blade of flowering Zoysia Grass

Watch a blade of grass
Dancing gaily in the wind
Teeming, green with life

Cut a blade of grass
Leaking all its life, turns brown
One perspective? Death

Nurture all our grass
Planting, feeding, in season
What we sow, love grows

 This week, the prompt is: Grass

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





In addition to the weekly Haiku Heights piece above, I have joined the haiku poets of Carpe Diem to work on writing Ten Renga.  According to Kristjaan of Carpe Diem, "a Tan Renga is a short-linked poem which has two stanza, the first stanza has 5-7-5 syllables (the haiku assigned) and the second stanza has 7-7 syllables (I write it). The second stanza is a response on the first and has to have a 'kind of link' with the first stanza, but it can also be completely different say 'a kind of reaction or answer' on the first, but there always has to be, in some way, a 'link' with the first stanza." 
See more on this form of haiku below.  

Haiku: A Rummage At Hand ... And More

"Toss your dashed hopes not into a trash bin but into a drawer where you are likely to rummage some bright morning." Robert Brault 

Haiku: A Rummage at Hand. Flea Market painting by Troedelladen Thoms

A rummage at hand
Mind games, head trips, heart strings, pulled
Searching for lost love

Digging deeper still
Boy toys, gigolos, manqué
Hiding in plain view

The menagerie
Of dead cats, stuffed dreams, looming
Piled high with pet waste

Rummaging for love
A lovers tiff lingers on
Flea market chaos.

“And in vain does the dreamer rummage about in his old dreams, raking them over as though they were a heap of cinders, looking into these cinders for some spark, however tiny..." Fyodor Dostoyevsky 

A Rummage at Hand: Antonio de Pereda - A Knight's Dream

In a cruel hoax
Under clouds, cloaks, masks, lies love
Jumbled by old dreams

Cleansing our palate
We leave, amid white lies, black tales...
Stumbling our way home

This week, the prompt is: Rummage

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





Writing on Rummage was a bit of a challenge because it's an action word that combines digging and disorder with stuff; it's easy to forget the chaotic part. It reminded me of relationships, love, the ups and down of life and love ... and the way it all unfolds in a non-linear manner. That is what I chose to focus on. What did you get from the above? Was it clear or chaotic? Feedback is always appreciated. I love Haiku and there is more below.
 More from Carpe Diem Below!

Haiku: Intolerance...

"I have seen great intolerance shown in support of tolerance." Samuel Taylor Coleridge 

Intolerance: The Apotheosis of War (1871) by Vasily Vereshchagin

Clad in bright clothing
Fake smiles hide hate in their eyes
Laughing hyenas

Stomping difference
Bigotry maims our beliefs
Intolerance thrives...


"Dialogue and education for peace can help free our hearts from the impulse toward intolerance and the rejection of others." Daisaku Ikeda 

The Pyramids of Gaza by Nina Thune Aldin

In the King's Chamber
Ancient, Modern, robbers spout
Preposterous lies

Vendettas, threats, wars
The Pyramids of Giza
A witness to strife   


Today, the words are: Intolerance, Pyramid of Giza

What is Carpe Diem?  Blog Owner, Kristjaan Panneman,  describes it as:  "a weblog on haiku. It's a new daily haiku meme where you can write a classical or non-classical haiku on a given prompt. Haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry form. A haiku has three short lines and describes a short moment (as short as the sound of a pebble thrown into water). Mostly a haiku counts 5-7-5 syllables and is sometimes called 'counted verse.'"





The Dalai Lama once said that "In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher." We live in a world that has become increasingly intolerant; even as men and women of goodwill strive to bring equity and equanimity to our global exchanges. In countries around the world, disdain of those considered "not like us/less than us" festers; intolerance of the poor, the disenfranchised, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTs, women and even girls. What are we teaching our children behind closed doors? What lies are we telling ourselves about our discriminatory practices and attitudes towards others?
More from Haiku Heights Below!

Haiku: Honoring All Mothers Stories

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou 
 

 Mother's Day comes soon
We praise Anne Jarvis wisdom
Each tale a lovesong




This week, the prompt is: Daredevil,  Story
 

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure

Haiku: April Delights...

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” William Shakespeare
 

Haiku: April Delights...

Rising with the sun
April showers bring us love
heavenly delight

A Butterfly's life
caterpillar, chrysalis
At the end... Beauty


 This week, the prompts are: Ascent, Butterfly, Candle
 

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure

On Haiku Heights, we are starting a month of daily (instead of weekly) haiku. I will do my best to share them with you and see how my skills develop. If you've ever wanted to try your hand at Haiku, this is a good time to start. See the prompts here and join the gang:  April Heights Haiku Month.



"The lyric sound of laughter fills the April hills. The joy-song of the crocus, the mirth of daffodils." Clinton Scollard

Haiku: April Delights...

In love's magic touch
The stubborn Ram sought refuge
Aries of the day

Taurus came calling
A bull in a china shop
Fire in the sky


Today, the words are: Aries, Taurus

What is Carpe Diem?  Blog Owner, Kristjaan Panneman,  describes it as:  "a weblog on haiku. It's a new daily haiku meme where you can write a classical or non-classical haiku on a given prompt. Haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry form. A haiku has three short lines and describes a short moment (as short as the sound of a pebble thrown into water). Mostly a haiku counts 5-7-5 syllables and is sometimes called 'counted verse.'"





On Carpe Diem, we are headed in the direction of the zodiac signs and that should be fascinating to do. Again, if you'd like to join in, this is a good time to try your hand at haiku. Come along then, I know you can do it

More Below!

Haiku: Easter Greetings...

"Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless." Charles M. Crowe

Haiku: Easter Greetings...  
^{© Invisibleviva |  Stock Free Images}

Haiku: Easter Greetings...   
^{© Egal | Stock Free Images}

Easter's special call
Our Christ has risen today
Make a joyful noise

Happy Easter! Happy Passover! What I love about Easter is that spirit of renewal that descends on us as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It is an auspicious time for reflection and renewal. It is also a great way to welcome the spring and for those who like the other rituals we attach to the season., there is so much to celebrate. I've added a prayer from Saint John of Damascus to the card above and there is more below. Read and enjoy! Now let the heavens be joyful...

More Below!

Haiku: Fortitude And A Few More

"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason." Francis Bacon

Haiku: Fortitude And A Few More

Rani Laxmi Bai
Son strapped to back fearlessly...
With courage, fought back

Rebels barked like dogs
A cacophony of words
Anger spewed through swords

Rani Laxmi Bai
With grace and fortitude died
Fighting for her land


 This week, the prompt is: Fortitude. Also completing Cacophony & Origami

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure

“Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it.”  Henry David Thoreau

 

Haiku: Fortitude And A Few More

Tall and majestic
Pine tree rises to meet God
Below, Goats rejoice

Dandelions grow
Around her strong, steady feet
Blooms spread like kisses

A white kite flies by
Desire springs forth in its heart
Rise like the pine tree!


Today, the words are: Zodiac, Onitsura's Voice of the Pine Tree, Tanpopo (Dandelion), Tako (kite), Oborozuki (Hazy Moon), Shuntoo (Spring Lantern)

What is Carpe Diem?  Blog Owner, Kristjaan Panneman,  describes it as:  "a weblog on haiku. It's a new daily haiku meme where you can write a classical or non-classical haiku on a given prompt. Haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry form. A haiku has three short lines and describes a short moment (as short as the sound of a pebble thrown into water). Mostly a haiku counts 5-7-5 syllables and is sometimes called 'counted verse.'"



More Below!

Reflections: A Quick Meal & A Haiku...

"Man seeks to change the foods available in nature to suit his tastes, thereby putting an end to the very essence of life contained in them." Sai Baba

Reflections: A Quick Meal & A Haiku...

Reflections: A Quick Meal & A Haiku...

The last two months have been quite hectic for me. I enrolled in a challenging certification program that has interactive classroom time, a ton of reading, and an exam at the end of each course. Because of the time constraints, and the fact that I'm constantly rushing to class or elsewhere, I've had to cut back on the number of posts I add to both of my blogs, and make a concerted effort to keep up my visits and commenting on other blogs. Also, I've had to find creative ways to prepare quick, healthy dishes that are tasty and easy to make. Today, I'll share a tasty dish I prepared: Brown Rice with a medley of mixed vegetables sauteed in olive oil and Teriyaki sauce.  What made this dish a delight was the ease and speed it took to create it.

Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." Harriet van Horne

Reflections: A Quick Meal & A Haiku...

Reflections: A Quick Meal & A Haiku...

End of snow...
Spring gathers its wares
Soon the blooms...

Soon the blooms...
Deer wander the yard
Food to share

Food to share...
Brown rice and veggies
Summer's near...


Today, the word is: Yuki no hate (end of snow)

What is Carpe Diem?  Blog Owner, Kristjaan Panneman,  describes it as:  "a weblog on haiku. It's a new daily haiku meme where you can write a classical or non-classical haiku on a given prompt. Haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry form. A haiku has three short lines and describes a short moment (as short as the sound of a pebble thrown into water). Mostly a haiku counts 5-7-5 syllables and is sometimes called 'counted verse'" .'"





Why the haiku?& I added the haiku to share a breezy note as we hopefully celebrate the end of snow and anticipate the coming spring. Are you ready for spring? Are you a fan of Brown rice? I am and I love to use Minute® Rice

Brown rice because it's ready in 10 minutes and retains that nutty flavoring. For some folk, it's an acquired taste but once you try it, you'd understand why it's easy, convenient to use and a healthy grain choice. For this easy prep dish, here's the Rice Recipe: Ingredients: 1 cup Brown rice, 1 cup water, Measure a cup of dry brown rice and set aside. In a pot, add a cup of water and bring to boil. Add the dry rice, lid, turn the stove temperature to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir the pot and its contents a few times and then let stand for 5minutes. While the rice is simmering, you can start the vegetable medley and the recipe is below.
More Below!