Excerpts from "55 Reasons."

The following is a writing I have never put "out there" before. Here are excerpts; numbers 17 through 23 from "55 Reasons;"  a piece I wrote nearly 12 years ago (now.) As you can most assuredly guess, they are 55 reasons...not to give up. Accompanying them are a series of photos to calm and to reassure. (I wrote this during and after a very difficult time in my life. They helped me pass through a firestorm of bad circumstance...)

                                                                                             (Asheville, NC church door)

                                                                                      (Small mountain waterfall somewhere near Boone, NC)

 17. R-E-L-E-A-S-E. Find and offer up your (own) individual 'release valve' and allow God to show you the mechanisms and the coping strategies for releasing negative energy, tension, all fear and every intonation(even...) of self-doubt. Release guilt. Face your past and release past memories that haunt you or bind you up. Release your anger from the past. Apprehend help in this process if you require it friend. There is no shame in this. We are all 'in process' (a little 'Wayne Dyer' here; :) how right he was...)

Finally, release your fears one by one-both the large 'monster' fears and the creepy-crawly ones.You must face your (own) fear friend. Own it. Face it. And subdue it.

Recognize that God Himself designed you with such  a release valve; He designed you with purpose, a set place and to here be released... to be... made... whole. Fully functioning and fully... 'released' in your wholeness. To be released is to be made whole.

                                                                      (Photo of a tree my husband took)

18. Recognize that man was born for adversity. From each day itself, there will arise trouble, that will be sufficient for the day in and of itself. This is how life works. I want you to ask yourself this- if trouble arises each and every day, and man was born for adversity; is there not something inherent within each one of us that would equip us or enable us to overcome trouble?? To be catapulted to individual greatness...on the wings of trouble  (even)? Think about it. I contend that <trouble> is all about recognizing who you are...

Have the faith required to believe God... that He (alone) is sufficient in and of ((Himself.))  He will meet you at the point of your need... and that He will deliver you out of the midst of all of your trouble.

(There is a fourth man in the fire friend; even when the heat gets HOT.)

                                                                     (Photo of a front yard rose in Boone, NC entitled "Inner Flame.")

                          

19. ROLL it. A very wise kindergarten teacher taught her class; when the burdens of your heart are heavy; let Jesus roll the burdens of your heart away. Let Him ROLL the STONE away today (from your heart)... instead of giving up to the pressures and the burdens of life that you carry, cast your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you.

                                                                         (Hawk's Beak, as seen from Blowing Rock, NC)

20. Help someone else whom you can regard as being WORSE off than you. I know that it sounds trite.....and f-a-r   t-o-o  simple, but it is truly an effective strategy for pulling yourself OUT of the quagmires, the rocks and the crevices of life. Help someone else friend. And you will be helping yourself (too.)

21. Are you (overly) stressed and well...really and truly burnt up and fried out? You must take the time for important enjoyment and to de-stress in life. This is an essential key to happiness that one must employ (to overcome.) So- take a trip! Walk the beach or the forest path; behold the sun, the moon and the stars or a simple flower. It is a thing of beauty. All of nature sings praise. It can help you find a song of love that pervades all of nature (a heart song really...) and of admiration, too. Take a moment...to be refreshed and to be renewed. All of nature will cooperate with you friend.

22. Remove the red flags of life. Are there issues and problems that you CAN deal with...but haven't?? Have you begun to procrastinate?? Remove these obstacles (those that you can) and you will find r-e-l-e-a-s-e. It's like you're snagged on a rock... begin again... today, to float the current of life.

23. Find an eddy in the current to rest. Perhaps God is speaking "Rest" to your soul, friend.

                                                                                                         (Cool mountain stream near Boone, NC)

A smattering

...of sunrise shots from years past.

"Good morning...good morning!!"

(...Imagine Debbie Reynolds singing that to you! ;-) )

Mr. Chicken and companions...

This past weekend we visited a local plant nursery that was HUGE 

in the town of Erin, Wisconsin, located in the kettle moraine 

area of Washington County (southeastern Wisconsin, USA.)

Mr. Chicken says "Hello!" 

(Spring plants are in bloom in southeastern WI, too...finally!)

Although, when we were at said nursery 

it was 41 degrees with blowing wind 

and small snow-like balls pelting 

my brown parka with the collar UP

for on and off again 

periods...

wh-wh-what???! 

(It proves people will do 

almost anything 

to get out and see some 

lovely spring flowers...)

Excerpt's from "Profaning the Holy."

All believer’s.

Beginner’s belief.

Unbelief

(Mine.)

(Hopelessness.)

(Helplessness.)

Quiet.

Quiet solitude.

Rays of sunlight.

The heavens.

The Voice of Many Waters.

That Still, small Voice.

And a quiet

          heart.

A restful mind

and a peaceful soul.

A Mother’s lap. A Father’s knee.

And rocking chairs.

Gentility of ways.

(Careless ways.)

(Hurrying.)

(Scurrying.)

(and of course, more worrying...)

Places of rest.

Places of peace.

Sweet solitude

    and a most gentle friend...

          humility.

Sweetly savored words.

A wise friend.

Hope.

Mystery.

(Dangerous accusations.)

(Suspicious minds.)

(Drama.)

(Drama ever unfolding.)

(More drama.)

Rays of sunlight peeping through

to a lost and dying world.

...still dreaming

of these. 

(spring flowers; photos taken in Boone, Blowing Rock

and Asheville, NC in previous spring seasons.) 

lg

:-)

Nature's COLOR!

I know it's not winter...but look at the color in this shot! 

[I was shuffling through my photos and found this one with its color and texture. 
It is from somewhere near Sugar Mountain, NC, USA. If you can ever go there you must. 
The views are stunning. Winter is amazing there. I shot the best winter photos 
(stark contrast of steel blue winter sky against white that I will ever find...)] 

There's nothing better than the natural hues and 

striking color variation found...in nature. 

Nothing! 
(Still waiting for color here in good ol' WI)
"I'm waiting..."
As a girl, I do remember that one time it snowed 5 (inches) on May 5
(in Wisconsin, USA...) 
(Just sayin')
:-)

(May) Wild Flowers in Boone, NC

Ode to a Wild Flower Patch

Tiny purple patch
the smallest of wild flower
Tiny violet patch
quaking under the wind's power
Tiny blooming bunch
you rise to greet the day
Tiny cornflower stars of blue
you grace the first of May.

Luscious, precious petal,
four and a tiny face…
too small to gather in a bunch,
the mountain wood your vase.

Tiny violet bloom
alone up on the hill,
pressed now firmly in my heart…
remember you-I will.

On writing...

On Having a Poem

Having a poem is like having a child.

Although, there is indeed, less pain--

you don’t often know what you’re going to get.

It could be a temperamental child. 

You hope to God it’s not a child gone wild.

Like a child, an infant poem

you can caress, perhaps even digress to

pamper it and pull it around in a wagon, of sorts.

You can bandy it about.

You can comb its long hair.

You can dress it up

and you can take it everywhere.

Having a poem is like

diving into a waterfall--

you don’t exactly know where you will end up.

Having a poem is like

being lost at night.

“Blink-blink,” there is a light

somewhere off in the distance…

You hope you can

catch up to it

and make it out.

Having a poem is like having a shiny, new penny.

You can finger it

and turn it ’round and ’round in your hand, some.

Then you can (hopefully) turn it over to a friend.

A poem is like a token.

Slip it in the slot

and just get on the train!

It might be a fast track or a long, slow ride.

Having a poem

is like (and unlike) having a child…

When it becomes a toddler and it

wanders off, alone, on its shaky legs,

don’t worry...

you can just let go of its hand.

© Karen Powell

Today's Breakfast

Purple Eggs and Ham

O.K.

So here is my 'purple egg' breakfast that I thought you might like. I'll admit to being terribly 'spoiled.' With my 'husband who cooks' I have access to what I call "The World's Best" leftovers (almost daily.)
Here is one of his best standbys, a pickled purple egg (I do believe his Grandmother Louise made them often.)

So...to go with any meal, add plenty of seasonings (that would be salt and pepper; and of course, it goes without saying...to your liking.)

Please note the vintage salt shakers (needful to display for a good meal and a good photo shot.) :-)

However, I do not use these as they came from the 'Kolden' side (of my family; that would be my Dad's side) and the silvery gilding-type thin paint is peeling off.

I love them (nonetheless!) But they are too fragile to use!

Blessings and a good weekend to you all!

Karen ;-)

(Tongue in cheek) on facing the problematic drudgery in life

Inventing Soap

I wish I had invented soap. Now, what a thing to do

Each time a person washes clean those vibes come back to you…

I wish I had invented pearls that sparkle, sheen and shine

strung up upon those pretty necks. That would be divine!

I wish I had invented the car, the plane or fire or the wheel

Each one of these affords us comfort…What a groovy deal

I wish I had invented Tupperware, gravy or some heels

instead of hanging around like a bat in the dark to digest a meal

Oh, I wish so many things. If I had had more time...

I would make a gadget or two. Now, that would be sublime

Unfortunately, I have to go and fix my nasty hair.

I have to go and wash my clothes; make clean my underwear

I’m pressed by time...I have things to do. Now, I must go away

Inventing soap will have to wait another day.

© Karen Powell

Love Post

Let’s Hold Hands

Let’s hold hands

as we cross the street

Let’s gaze into one another’s eyes

when we meet

Let’s tell our stories

under the starry night sky

You tell me yours

I’ll tell you mine

This Poem

This Poem

I don’t want this poem crafted

with stanzas

or to end with a shocking ‘surprise’

Most certainly I do not want this poem to gob-smack

you right in between your eyes

I want this poem to be like a muzzle that sneaks up behind for a little cuddle 
I want this poem to be soft, feathery, and brown
I want this poem to grow right from the ground
I want this poem to be lighter than air
I want this poem to float everywhere
I want this poem to sing a sweet little song
I want this poem to just happen along
I want this poem to vanish as you turn your head
I want this poem to greet you as you rise up from your bed
I want this poem to fly fly away 
and to come back at the end of the day 
I want this poem to give you a thrill
I want this poem to meet you over there on the hill
and if you're in doubt the same time next year
I want this poem to reappear.

© Karen Powell

Perfectly Appointed

I don't know why I am (as of late) obsessed with how to (properly) set a table, but it could be because the last time I did this with my 20-something year old daughter, she 'scoffed' at the need to put things where they go! I got the "Oh, Mom!"

It could be, too, because I AM PAYING someone outrageous money to set me a table for 'HIGH Tea' this coming weekend (that's another story.)

However, it also could be because I take great delight in this final preparatory phase of preparing for company! I 'love' setting the table...I always have.

A well appointed dinner setting...well, quite frankly, turns me on (...by that I mean delights me! It's a '60's' expression that I cannot seem to shake.) I LOVE it (and consequently, I LOVE seeing photos of the myriad of beautiful, exciting new ways to do this thing!)

Of course, when I researched this topic, our dear etiquette expert Martha Stewart had the most excellent reference (along with drawings and detailed explanations) on how to do this very thing. Her link is here and it is worth the read, folks:

Martha's in depth dissertation here :-) 

I believe in giving credit where credit is due! ;-)

So, in my effort to revive this dying art, here is my photo (at least my meager, one example for you, today...as there are many) of a "perfectly appointed table. "

Enjoy! Please take my poll (too!) ;-)

Respond to (on your reply) "Do you think the art of arranging a properly appointed dinner setting for company is a dying one?" Please choose "Yes..."or "No."

Thank you!

Karen :-)

Night Travelers

Night Travelers

The further I walk

the higher I go

The longer the climb

it seems the less I know

Through darkness

Through rain

under a thousand night skies

That which is hidden

compels me to climb

The longer I walk

the higher I go

The steeper the climb

it seems the less I know

I cannot see around the bend

Press on I must without notion of end

I cannot be that which I am not

I cannot hold in my hand what I've not got

The further I walk

the higher I go

The longer the climb

it seems the less I know

Through darkness

Through rain

under a starless night sky

That which is hidden

compels me to climb

Placid

This is an adulterated photo (taken some years back) of water, 'quiet' boats 

and gray sky all melding together into one magic moment. Hence, the title "Placid."  

To accompany this, here is an old favorite writing to ponder by Max Ehrmann 

(1927; an American writer, poet, and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana.) 

When I was a girl, oh~I don't know, from about 1973 to 1976, 

this poem entitled 'Desiderata,' was the absolute RAGE. 

I mean, it was EVERYWHERE, just everywhere. 

We decoupaged it onto boxes and we put it on wall plaques. 

Maybe if more people were decoupaging 'Desiderata' unto boxes today 

(remember what decoupaging was?) we would have far less turmoil 

(and trouble.) 

(Just sayin.')

:-) 

I think me saying that goes back to the old adage 

"It is good to work with your hands..." 

or something like that!

Drink it in deeply. 

We need it (today.) 

Here is "Desiderata" to go with my (own) photo 

that evokes some peace and some calm in a world of chaos 

and sometimes, even calamity. 

Let's do it all and evoke some 

'Oneness" 

(too.) 

Karen 

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927