Beneath the Earth

4/22/2025

Hello, blog friends ~

Today I'm sharing a personal story in response to the #TankaTuesday prompt of what's happening underground.

Most of you know know that I grew up on a farm in the southern California desert. My dad was a veteran of WWII and loved exploring. He built a dune buggy using parts from around the farm and elsewhere. Once completed, he took the seven of us kids (and sometimes cousins) into the desert and the surrounding mountains. If there was a cave, we'd explore it.

One time Dad took us to New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns. This experience left me with a great love of rock formations and crystals. I was and am amazed by what lies beneath our feet in this beautiful planet of ours.

I started collecting rocks when I was young and eventually gathered crystals. Below are a few of my collection, which is scattered about the house. Some are large and some are small, but all are beautiful.

Crystals are known for their energetic values. They can enhance intuition, perhaps provide healing, and may offer comfort. For me, they elicit wonderful memories and remind me of the natural beauty that surrounds each of us. My poem is a simple tanka:

I hope you have a wonderful week, and I hope you'll share what is happening beneath your feet. 🌞 If you want to know more about crystals, I've linked a brief video.

30 Comments

willowdot21 link

4/22/2025 22:20:50

Hi Gwen thanks for sharing your family history and that lovely photo. Your Tanka is beautiful. I feel your love of Crystals shining through your words giving them a power.
..the video was interesting too.

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 05:29:53

Thank you, Willow. There's a town in Arizona where 'rock hounds' gather once a year. It's quite an amazing scene to behold. 🌞

Yvette M Calleiro link

4/23/2025 04:04:37

Beautiful poem, Gwen! I also love crystals. How wonderful that your father gifted you all with an enjoyment of our environment!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 05:32:28

He had a great love for our planet and all it holds. Thank you, Yvette, for your comment. 🌞

CS Boyack

4/23/2025 05:21:20

That is a cool collection.

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 05:33:07

Thanks so much, Craig. 🌞

Priscilla Bettis link

4/23/2025 05:59:00

How wonderful that you got to see Carlsbad Caverns. Beautiful tanka, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 08:17:09

I've been back to the Caverns a couple times since my dad took me. It's an amazing experience. Thank you, Priscilla. 🌞

Timothy W. Dittmer link

4/23/2025 06:51:48

I think it's really coo, Gwen, l that your dad made the dune buggy and used it with his family to explore the desert.

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 08:18:25

Thanks, Tim. Dad served in the CCC camps before enlisting in the Navy. He often attributed his skills to the camp experience. 🌞

john howell link

4/23/2025 07:44:56

I couldn't help but envision the last crystal as a collection of hands raised in collaboration. That vision fits nicely with your lovely poem.

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 08:19:10

Thanks so much, John. I love your interpretation. 🌞

Liz Gauffreau link

4/23/2025 08:04:04

Those are beautiful crystals! I love your poem. It's a good way to start my day.

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 08:20:01

Thank you, Liz. Seeing them makes me peaceful/happy. 🌞

Dan Antion link

4/23/2025 09:31:17

That's a lovely poem, Gwen, and I love the story. I smiled at the thought of your dad building a due buggy - I just love hearing things like that. I have built contraptions, and I know the feeling when they work. You had a unique experience, and I'm glad you cherish it.

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 12:20:42

Thank you, Dan. After the dune buggy, he bought an old bus, took out the seats on one side and built bunk beds. In the back, it created a cooking area. We traveled across the States in that bus. It was fun (though I'm not sure mom liked it). 😄

D.L. Finn

4/23/2025 11:36:00

Absolutely love your poem and theme this week, Gwen. Like you I have crystals and rocks scattered throughout my house. I hope to see that cave someday. Hugs xo

Gwen M. Plano

4/23/2025 12:21:50

You will love it, Denise -- it's magical. Thank you for the kind words. 🌞

Jacqui Murray link

4/23/2025 14:05:27

I have a rock sitting on my desk, for peace. I'm with you, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

4/24/2025 07:51:31

Love it! Thank you, Jacqui. 🌞

Jan Sikes

4/23/2025 15:18:09

Oh yes! I grew up just seventy miles from Carlsbad and visited the caverns often throughout my childhood. I too, have a deep abiding love for crystals and other gemstones found beneath Mother Earth's surface. I love this so much, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

4/24/2025 07:57:30

Oh my, how fortunate to be able to visit Carlsbad often, Jan. You'd love Quartzsite, AZ too. Rockhounds from across the globe go there -- especially in January. And their collections are always much cheaper than touristy spots. I'm all smiles, thank you for sharing. 😊

Pete Springer link

4/23/2025 19:02:42

Getting a ride in your dad's bune buggy must have been the kind of memory that sticks with you for a lifetime. Geology is such a fascinating subject.

Gwen M. Plano

4/24/2025 07:58:12

So true, Pete. Unforgettable memories. 🌞

Thomas Wikman link

4/23/2025 19:23:11

It is a beautiful poem. Many crystals are very beautiful. I love visiting caves as well and I was amazed by Carlsbad Caverns.

Gwen M. Plano

4/24/2025 07:59:26

Thank you, Thomas. I don't know much about geology, but I love natural beauty - wherever it might be. 🌞

Robbie Cheadle

4/25/2025 02:32:00

A fabulous poem, Gwen. I also love rock formations and visiting caves.

Gwen M. Plano

4/25/2025 07:40:34

Wonderful, Robbie. Many are hidden in plain sight in this part of the world, because we have a high population of Native peoples. 🌞

Colleen link

4/25/2025 09:38:29

Gwen, I love and collect rocks and crystals too! How beautiful. Have a great weekend, my friend. 🌸

Gwen M. Plano

4/25/2025 20:51:20

Yay, I'm not surprised, Colleen. I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well - full of sunshine. 🌞

Beneath the Earth

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