The Nature of Lightning

9/27/2022

Dear blog friends,

I've been traveling for the last week or so, and because of that, I've missed many of your posts. I hope to catch up over these next few days, but if I miss yours, please know I'll be on track soon. 😊

My recent trip took me to Southern California, where I spent time with two of my sisters. I had not seen them for several years because of Covid, so our time together was particularly precious. We enjoyed the beautiful Self Realization meditation garden and the Botanical Garden, both in Encinitas. We also spent time at Balboa Park in San Diego. The days were perfect, and we celebrated the sunshine by walking the beach.

Coming home brought rest and also a sense of loss. I miss my family, as I suspect all of you do. May you get to visit with them soon! ❤️

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I opened my email this morning to find a new poetry challenge from writer Colleen Chesebro. She invites us to respond to the theme: The Nature of Lightning. My Tanka tries to capture the energy of that phenomenon. I hope you enjoy it.

Have a wonderful week!

33 Comments

Lisa link

9/27/2022 22:10:06

How nice you were able to spend time with your sisters. And what a lovely place to do so.
I enjoyed your poem. It's so true that unexpected truths can appear as quickly as a flash of lightning, and do change things. Literally, as lightning can, as well as those narratives you refer to.

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 04:36:42

It was wonderful to be with my sisters. Thank you for your kind comment about my poem. It's always fun to participate in Colleen's challenge. 😊

Jill Weatherholt link

9/28/2022 02:58:44

I'm happy you had time with your sisters, Gwen. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem. xo

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 04:38:50

Thank you, Jill. It was a week of sharing memories and making new ones. ❤️

Harmony Kent link

9/28/2022 06:54:25

So wonderful you spent time with your family, Gwen. Beautiful and evocative poetry! Hugs 💕🙂

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 10:34:23

Thank you, Harmony. It was heart-filling being with my sisters. ❤️

Staci Troilo link

9/28/2022 07:35:19

So glad you got to spend time with your sisters. Welcome back!

I love lightning storms. I've been too close to strikes three separate times in my life, but I still find it enthralling. Loved your poem, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 10:35:52

Thank you, Staci. I've never been close to the strikes, but I've always enjoyed the electrical display. 😊

John howell link

9/28/2022 08:41:40

So nice that you were able to spend time with your sisters. I know what you mean by that sense of loss when you are forced to part. Thanks for sharing your update and poem.

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 10:38:33

Thank you, John. Throughout the years, we've remained best friends as well as relatives. We all need more of these experiences. 😊

Elizabeth Gauffreau link

9/28/2022 08:48:49

It's so good to hear that you had a lovely visit with your sisters! My daughter and son-in-law in in San Diego, and they've taken my husband and me to Balboa Park several times. (My son-in-law was a park ranger there.) The park is a beautiful place to visit, and there's a good museum there, too, if memory serves.

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 10:41:32

Balboa Park has always been a special place for me. Lots of museums, little restaurants. This time we spent time in the Spanish Village Art Center and talked with some of the artists. Loved it! 😊

Priscilla Bettis link

9/28/2022 08:54:47

I love how you used lightning in your poem. And it sounds like you had a wonderful trip!

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 10:42:20

Thank you, Priscilla, I'm so pleased you liked it. Yep...it was a wonderful trip. 😊

Jan Sikes

9/28/2022 10:30:39

How wonderful to get to visit with your sisters, Gwen. There is nothing like that bond. I love your poem. It's active and expressive!

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 10:43:20

Thanks so much, Jan. I'm pleased you liked it. I know you have sisters too, so you understand how special they are. 😊

D.L. Finn

9/28/2022 12:52:42

Wow, Gwen, what a power poem! Loved it.
So glad you got some time with your sisters too! Xo

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 19:38:58

Thanks so much, Denise. I'm so pleased you liked it. 🤗

msjadeli link

9/28/2022 16:23:25

Insightful characterization of lightning.

Gwen M. Plano

9/28/2022 19:44:46

Thank you so much. I'm happy you liked the poem. 😊

Joan Hall link

9/29/2022 06:38:39

I'm so glad you were able to spend time with your sisters. Nice poem!

Gwen M. Plano

9/29/2022 13:35:06

Thank you so much, Joan. It was a blessing being with them. 😊

Elizabeth link

9/30/2022 06:10:44

Living far away from family isn't easy, it's lovely to visit, but I know when the feeling of loss when we come back home. Truth can really change the mind.

Gwen M. Plano

10/3/2022 18:55:59

Thank you, Elizabeth. These last years have been difficult without family nearby. And you are so right, truth can change the mind. 😊

Colleen Chesebro: Word Craft Poetry link

9/30/2022 10:33:43

How lovely it must have been to spend some time with your sisters, Gwen. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I like your comparison between unexpected truths appearing like a flash of lightning... I've had it happen like that before. It makes you really think. 💜

Gwen M. Plano

10/3/2022 18:58:49

It truly was wonderful being with them, Colleen. And thank you for the kind comments. ❤️

Diana Peach link

9/30/2022 12:22:22

Wonderful, Gwen. I love the way you used lightning as a metaphor for insight. It certainly can change the whole landscape. I'm so glad you had a lovely time with your sisters. Those visits are precious.

Karen Ingalls

10/1/2022 09:53:09

Your post touched my heart because I have sisters and grew up in San Diego.
You captured unexpected truths and the symbolism of lightening so perfectly. Well done.

Gwen M. Plano

10/3/2022 18:57:21

Thank you so much, dear Karen. I was born in San Diego, so each time I visit, it's a special joy. ❤️

Diana Peach link

10/3/2022 07:31:04

I think I replied to this one, Gwen. I certainly remember the beautiful poem. I love lightning as a metaphor for insight and how both illuminate the landscape of our lives. I'm glad you had fun with your sisters. <3 Welcome back.

ben Alexander link

10/3/2022 12:37:10

Welcome back, Gwen, and what a beautiful reentry into our poetry community!

~David

Gwen M. Plano

10/3/2022 18:57:51

How kind of you to say, David. Thank you. ❤️

Kerfe

10/4/2022 15:39:31

Family time is always precious.
And yes, that sudden light can turn things upside down...

The Nature of Lightning

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