Hello, blog friends!

There's nothing quite like the sunrise. I walk alone in the early morning, because I like to listen to the first sounds of nature awakening. It's a walking meditation of sorts - just me, the wildlife, and the trees. 

I mention this because Robbie posted an invitation for folks to use personification in a poem. She is the hostess this week for Tanka Tuesday. Robbie explained personification as "a figure of speech that gives human qualities, emotions, or actions to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts." Her invite brought a smile, because I talk to the trees and the little creatures running around. Don't get me wrong, my "chats" are simple - a hello, a thank you, a you're beautiful. 

Years ago, I was at a college administrators' meeting. We were waiting for the president, and folks were chatting about houses. At one point, I blurted in jest, "I could live in a cave if I could look out at a forest." I didn't mean it seriously, but there was a hidden truth in what I said. Nature is a comfort for me. Is it for you as well? 

Here's my simple contribution to Robbie's invite:

Have a wonderful week, dear friends. 

Hello, blog friends. 
​
I'm home after a great week with my grown children and grandchildren. In the collection of photos below, my eldest is barbecuing chicken, my daughter is resting after her travel, my middle son is all smiles from finishing a 131 mile bike ride, and I'm standing next to my youngest son who is in treatment for cancer.  

As you know, when you can be with family and not just communicate through the ethers, your heart and soul can find peace. I am so grateful for the time I had with each of them. 

The flights to New York from Arizona were complicated, but I had great reading material. On a whim, I had purchased Forged In Chaos. I knew little about the story, but since it focused on the journey of a Special Forces warrior, I downloaded it and wasn't disappointed. 

The author, Tyler Grey, a Delta Force operator for the U.S. Army, brings readers into his world - the good, the bad, and the unimaginable. His personal account is raw and unflinchingly honest. I was captivated, but I've also worked with Marines and Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I was so engaged in the story that I barely noticed the two-hour wait on the tarmac in NY. 🙄

This is not light reading, but there's a universality to Grey's insights and determination that gave me pause. More often than not, I found myself reflecting on my own life - even though it bears no similarity to Grey's.

I highly recommend Forged in Chaos -- with the caveats that I've mentioned. 

Hello, blog friends ~

This is a travel week for me, as I am flying to the East Coast to visit my four kids and my grandchildren. My eldest son has arranged a beach gathering, replete with water activities for each of the age groups. Because of the trip, I won't have access to social media, but I hope to return with photos to share.

This week's Tanka Tuesday prompt invites us to write in the first person and experiment with the theme. Colleen Chesebro guides interested poets, and her instructions can be found here. 

My Tanka poem reflects on time--as marked by age. With three generations at the reunion, it's a natural choice for me. I hope you like it.

Have a wonderful week, dear friends. Let's all find time to laugh and play. ❤️

My second poem is a reflection upon an encounter.

Earlier this week, my husband and I went to Panera Bread for lunch. In my line-of-sight was a Veteran at table with a female friend or spouse. What caught my attention was his above-the-knee prosthesis. He had removed it and left it standing beside the booth. It was a hot day, and I suspect that was the reason he took it off. 

Prescott, AZ has a National Cemetery and an excellent VA Medical Center, at which my husband gets treatment. For this reason, there is a high percentage of Veterans in this area, and many have disabilities. 

I watched this gentleman eat his sandwich with gusto and laugh with his friend/spouse. And, as I did so, I realized he was/is a living symbol of LIFE. I'll explain.

Each of us has sorrows, and each of us carries burdens. We may not have an artificial limb, but if you are like me, it would be good to ignore the broken sides of ourselves sometimes and laugh a little more. 

​This second poem reflects on our life choices. 

I hope you have a wonderful week -- with abundant laughter. 😊