Memorial Day 2014

Memorial Day weekend will be upon us in a few days.  I have always considered this the beginning of summer for some reason.  As I think about it, possibly it could be that the color white is acceptable to be worn after Memorial Day.  Memorial Day of course for some means a three day holiday weekend.  It is the first mini-trip of the season, the first backyard cookout and picnic in the park.  Children may see it as the holiday held right before the school season ends for the year.

Memorial Day weekend holds a special meaning for me.  As a veteran, it is attending services honoring the men and women who gave their all so we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.  Each year I attend a Memorial Day service held by a veteran’s organization.  Years ago I had participated by reading a piece I had written for the day.  Lately, I pass out the piece I composed for the current Memorial Day on a bookmarker to those attending the services.  This year will be no exception for along with the bookmarker I will give away American flag pins (as long as my supply holds out).

I take a few moments each day of the three day weekend and do my own personal tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice as well as remembering those who have returned after serving with pride and have passed on.  I read one of my poems from years past, say a silent thank-you and drink a toast to their memory.

 Please take a few moments out of the weekend to remember those who have died for our freedom.  Attend a service in your community, fly your flag proudly, purchase a poppy from the local veteran’s organization and remember that freedom is not free….it comes with a price.

  MEMORIAL DAY 2014 TRIBUTE

©Scottie-ann Murphy

Today we pay tribute to the brave sons and daughters of America

They answered the call to Uncle Sam to help defend our nation

Going off to war to fight for the cause of liberty and freedom

Upon foreign soils they made the ultimate sacrifice

The shedding of their blood….the giving of their lives

We should never forget that they did not search for glory

But for peace….to live free of tyranny and oppression

They served with pride….fought with valor and died heroically

We honor their memory with a silent prayer of thanks…..

The lowering of the flag to half-mast….firing of a twenty-one gun volley

And listen to the haunting melody as the bugler sounds “Taps”

HURRAY IT'S NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Here it is April already.  March flew by ever so quickly.

April, the month designated as National Poetry Month.  Thirty days to celebrate the genre that seems to be forgotten by many.  Poets, I find, are an interesting group of writers.  Like fiction writers and non-fiction writers, poets also put their sweat, tears and blood (as they say) into their work; but they put their inner souls also.  Many write straight from the heart.  Many write about the world around them and still many bring us some whimsical pieces.  I don’t have one favorite when it comes to poets, I enjoy them all.  From the haunting words of Poe’s “Raven” and “Annabel Lee” to Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “Sonnets of the Portuguese” to the book called “Love” a collection of poems by Danielle Steel, I am enthralled by them all.  As one who writes poetry, I do my part to celebrate the thirty days of poetry.  I purchase a new book of poetry.  Last year I found one at the used book store operated by the Friends of the Library.  I have yet to decide what I will purchase for this year, a hard copy to hold in my hands or one to read on my Kindle.  Presently I am leaning towards a Kindle book that way I can have it in my purse with the rest of my electronic library and read a poem whenever the mood strikes.

The past two year (2012 and 2013) I did a challenge to write a poem a day during April.  After reading these pieces recently, I found that I wrote quite a few about events happening in my life at the time.  Some incidents included a night at a karaoke, the search for a new car, Earth Day and one poem had been composed on the premise of what I would have for dinner.  Last year I decided to try my hand at limericks (wrote two and decided not for me).

This year I once again will take the challenge of creating a poem a day; the number of lines of the poems won’t matter as long as I just DO IT.

Other intentions to celebrate poetry month are:  

a)    Attend a poetry night and read a poem, not one of my own but one by a poet I find inspiring

b)    Pass out poems for “Poem in Your Pocket Day”

c)     Send a poem four times a week to those on my e-mail list

d)    Buy a book of poetry

e)     Give away book markers with a poem on them (one of mine)

f)        Read three poems a day from one of my books

g)    As a special treat, I will give away two books of my own poetry to someone at random (the books will be the collection of 2012 and 2013 poems a day I composed for poetry month)

Today is day one of thirty days of celebration.  As of yet I have not begun to celebrate nor have I thought about what to compose for poem one/day one.  I am certain by 8:00 p.m. I should have it complete as long as I don’t go on the internet, look out my window to get distracted or find some other excuse not to sit down to write.

To all the poets out there…HAPPY NATIONAL POETRY MONTH TO YOU!!!  May your words flow over paper as you write or fingers fly over the key board if you type. 

Until next time…have to go….need to find a poem to send to all those on my email list. 

     TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL POETRY MONTH (2014)

©Scottie-ann Murphy

Free verse, rhymes, limericks, odes, ballads

A few of the types of poems one can read

April….the month the genre of poetry celebrated

Thirty days to put aside fiction stories and non-fiction reading

A month to concentrate on the reading and appreciation of poetry

An opportunity to discover the words composed by

Robert Burns, Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Poe,

Maya Angelou, James Whitcomb Riley, Adrienne Rich

As well as the up and coming contemporary poets

A chance to attend a poetry reading

Enjoying words penned by unknown, hoping to be discovered bards

Thirty days….so many poems to be read….so little time

April….month to remind everyone that poetry patiently waits

  To be read,

  Recited

And created

SPRING INTO SPRING

Spring has arrived. Of course some parts of the country are still experiencing winter weather. Here in the Sunshine State one can see the signs of spring.
First thing I noticed are the spring breakers. They come flocking to the sandy beaches of Florida to enjoy, sun, sand, surf and suds. Many are getting a jump start on their summer tans; many are just letting loose, going wild for a few weeks until reality once more sets in when they return home.
Spring training is alive and well. The teams are getting prepared for the big opening day of baseball. Fans wonder who will make the major and who will be sent down to the minors. The words, foul ball, strike, home run, you’re out and safe once more heard throughout the land.
The snowbirds are beginning to pack up and migrate home until autumn.
Less traffic has been seen on the roads. In the past few days I noticed
Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio licensed plate cars packed full and heading north. In my community the snowbirds will be leaving for home once the sports/game banquet is held at the end of March. Again I will need to consult my calendar to tell what day of the week it is.
Once my community is quiet again, the osprey, sand cranes and other feathered creatures will reclaim their territory (the once croquet court). I will look forward to hearing the trumpeting sounds as the sand cranes saunter between my house and the one next door.
As a Floridian now, I do appreciate the snowbird season. They help fuel the local economy.
With spring being here, I have put away what I term my winter wear until possibly December. Time to shop now for new summer clothes (tees, shorts and sandals).
Soon the purring of the air conditioner and the whirling of the ceiling fans will be heard throughout many a home. Afternoon rain showers will be predicted each day. The lawn maintenance people will be out more often in my community.
I always enjoy spring, I will find hyacinths, tulips and daffodils for sale at the store and make a purchase of one or two for the house. The scent of a hyacinth can be wonderful (if you dont have any allergies).
Ah spring has arrived along with allergy season. Until till next time, A-A-A-Achoo. Looks like I need to stock up on Kleenex today when I go to the store.

The Madness of March

March arrived like a lion; it is roaring now and then with a few cooler days here in the ‘Sunshine State’.  Up North, they are having a few days in the 40’s and 50’s in some areas.  But no doubt by month’s end, March will leave like a lamb, meek and quiet (or so we all hope). 

Most of us don’t actually think about March as being an exciting month.  Yet the month has quite a bit to offer.  Of course some of the offerings do depend on the part of the country where you reside (as I live in Florida we have a few offerings not many other places seem to have).  Some of us tend to see March as the third month of the year or the last month of the first quarter of the year.  A few years ago, I found out that March can be exciting if you just look at the big picture of things.  There are years that Palm Sunday and Easter fall within the month of March, but for this year they do not.

Spring break time arrives during March.  Sunny warm climates and sandy beaches entice those living in the frigid north states.  The young and old, come to Florida and other warm destinations for a week or two of rest from the harsh elements of winter.  We bid farewell to winter and a big welcome to spring in March.  We lie to rest woolen coats and sweaters in moth balled storage areas till the fall; and begin to wear light weight jackets when venturing outside.  We replaced the drab blacks, browns and dark colors and don brighter shades of clothing.  The clocks are turned ahead giving us more daylight.  Children return to outdoor activities, bike riding, rollerblading and playing ball.  Spring is celebrated by one and all.  Farmers begin to plow their fields and plant their crops.  Buds begin to appear on trees and birds take flight back north.  Snowbirds who spent the winter in Florida and other warmer climates begin to migrate home till the first leaf begins to fall from the trees.  March is here and so is the spring.

The boys of summer return to the diamond for spring training during March.  Both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues ‘play ball’ looking for the best to play in the majors when opening day arrives. 

St. Patrick’s Day is a big holiday in March.  Everyone is Irish for a day.  Parades, parties, celebrations as most everyone wears something green.  Green beer flows from taps in pubs as chasers for shots of Irish whiskey. Corn beef or ham, cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots the traditional food for the day.

In Sebring, Florida, March is the month of ‘The 24 hours of Sebring’ a formula one type car race.  Fans flock to the track for fun, food, drink and watching the race. 

College hoops brings on ‘March Madness’ with the playoff games.  Sixty-eight teams begin play until it comes down to the”final four’.  These four teams will determine which two will play on for the championship.  Faithful fans all cheer for their favorite team with hopes they continue through to the final buzzer.

Let us not forget that Women’s History Month is also celebrated in March.

Thirty-one days filled with fun and history for all.

I like to celebrate the month of March, because it is means the end of winter; days are longer, weather getting warmer and of course being Irish, St. Patrick’s Day. 

Well until next time, enjoy the madness only March can provide.  As for me, I am still celebrating St. Patty’s Day while switching between channels as I watch some college hoops and a spring training game ….cheers.  

EASY DISTRACTIONS

Recently I saw the following while scrolling though my news feed on Facebook:  A tee shirt with the following words: 

“Being a good writer is 5% talent and 95% not being distracted by the internet”

I thought about the saying for a while. 

I pondered the thought the following day as I sat working on my current project; preparing a book of poetry to have published.

As I sat working through the process of coping, cutting and pasting my poems to for the proper format paper size, I became distracted.  I heard ‘clicking’ type sounds, which meant new emails were going into my in-box.  I stopped what I had been doing to read them.  A few emails were from sites I subscribe and a few were personal emails which I decided I should reply to immediately.  Finally after thirty minutes I got back to the formatting process for my book.  Ten minutes later, I heard ‘click’ again and another email went into my in-box.  This time It was about books available that day for me to download to my Kindle; naturally I was curious.  I opened the email and began to click on each listed title to see if it was something I wanted to read; of course f found two of interest to me.  Another fifteen minutes spent away from working on my project. 

Upon returning back to the task at hand, I heard noises outside. I looked out the window and saw that two sand cranes landed across the street near the bocce ball area.  I watched as they maneuvered around the court before making their way to the street to walk across to my drive way.  Their trumpeting sounds so loud as if they were calling out to me.  I got out of my chair and walked to the window to look out to get a better view of the creatures.  They stopped at the end of my driveway then lumbered on their spindled legs towards my neighbor’s house and up the street.  My eyes focused on them until they were out of my sight.  Again I returned to my desk and the job on which I was working.  Once more I began the process of copy, cut and paste each poem individually to the proper format.  What should have taken an hour or so to complete took over two and a half hours.  Finally I had my file complete to be uploaded for publication.  I decided I’d let the document file sit for a day to reviewed it again before submitting. 

I then began to work on a vignette for “Murphy Madness II” a series of life stories, another writing project.  This time, I decided to log off the internet so I could work without being distracted.  Unfortunately it did not happen.  Outside noises again caught my attention causing me to look out the window.  I watched as a group of adults deiced to play croquet across the street from me (the croquet area is next to where the bocce ball court is located).  The players sounded like a bunch of little children as they yelled at one another and laughed.  Since I found them so intriguing, I decided that my vignette would have to wait.

I have come to the conclusion, the ideal time to work on my projects is in the early evening when nothing outside would be a distraction.  Also I would not be logging back on to the internet at that time of day.  I have specific times I go on-line; they are in the early morning, mid-afternoon (around three) and evenings after ten.  My plan is to write between five and eight in the evening; nothing on television of any interest at that time and the world outside my house is generally quiet. 

Until next time, if you are a writer, don’t let the internet distract you.  Well I have to stop typing now, just heard two ‘clicks’….I’ve got mail.

Still Time to Shop

Since my last blog, the television, radio and store advertisements have been reminding us all that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  I even received emails from some of the establishments where I like to eat offering deals.  Yesterday I walked into a store and picked up the store sales flyer; the top of the first page listed the deals they were offering.  I did notice one item not on the shelf, I asked about it to a store employee who told me they sold out of it last week.  Hmm, I wonder who will be drinking the bottle of Strawberry Irish Cream.  Whoever, do hope they find it tasty. 

A few days ago I made a trip to a dollar store.  I was amazed at all the items they had for purchase to help celebrate the day.  During this trip I had seen items that I did not notice on prior visits.  There were men’s ties; red in color with white hearts.  I thought of getting one for my husband, but decided to save my money.  He’d never wear it anyhow.  They had sun glasses with a rose tint; the lenses were heart shaped.  As I continued on my way through the store, I noticed that a woman did buy both a tie and a pair of the sun glasses.  I hope whoever the recipient is, they appreciate the thought. I mentioned to my husband I could use a new pair of sun glasses.  He just ignored me and continued on his way toward another part of the store. 

After arriving home, I worked on the card I planned to send to my six year old grandson.  Happy with having that task complete I began to rack my brains on a Valentine for my husband.  Finally came up with something on the 10^th day of February.  I composed two verses for inside the card; one a short acrostic verse using the word “LOVE” and the second a longer poem.  I still have to find clip art for the card and print it off but I have a few days yet.  I also decided upon his gift which happens to be a few books which I hope will arrive in time.  If not, I have a back-up plan ready.  Unfortunately I have not figured it out as of yet.  I still have three days to do so.

My husband must have paid attention to my last blog as he decided to do something totally different this year.  Each day since February 7^th, he has given me a whimsical little gift.  The first day it was a pair of heart shaped earrings; the second day a coffee mug with red and pink hearts on it; the third day a bouquet of lollipops (six total).  I put the lollipops into a vase on my book case.  On the 10^th of February, he gave me the pair of pink tinted sun glasses I had seen at the dollar store. This gift came in handy, the sun was out and my other pair of sun glasses needed to be replaced (the lenses were scratched).  He said as he handed me the glasses, “Now you can look at the world through rose colored glasses”.  (So original).  Today’s little surprise is three small boxes of conversational hearts.  Like my candy corn tribute on Halloween, I always eat fifteen of those little hearts during this time of year. 

Since there are only a few days left until Valentine’s Day, I am wondering what else to expect.  Perhaps he will find a little skunk stuff animal and hand it to me with the endearing words written on a piece of paper, “Love Stinks, but do love ya”; hard to tell at the moment.  I could luck out by having him tell me to download a romance novel to my Kindle.  Well whatever the remainder is of the gifts; they will be welcomed and quite appreciated.

Once the day of hearts, flowers and chocolates becomes a memory, my husband has only one day left to try to come up with the next gift to me.  My birthday is two days after Valentine’s Day.  Not sure which really stinks, Valentine’s Day or having another birthday.  I go with the second choice.

Until next time…..today is February 11^th, you have today, the 12^th and 13^th to get that special person a Valentine.  Of course you could always just celebrate on the 15^th when all Valentine’s Day items go on sale. 

L’AMOUR…..NOW AND ALWAYS

©Scottie-ann Murphy (2013)

Love can not be purchased at the local mall

But a wonderful gift that one freely gives to another

There is no promise that each day will be filled

With roses, soft music and laughter …,

Love is…… believing in all things possible….

Hoping for the best each and every day….

Enduring uncharted paths taken….

Dark rainy days and stormy seas

No problems too small or great to solve together

“For love conquers all” someone once said

Love is a constant when two people

Unconditionally give their hearts to one another

Love is a warm wonderful feeling within

And a true love is always….it never ends

Hearts, Flowers, Chocolates.....Valentine's Day Approaches

Words of love……but what can one say that has not already been said?

Heart shaped boxes of chocolates and red roses….what can one give that would be different from the traditional?

Valentine’s Day seems to put pressure on those in relationships. 

The search for the perfect Valentine card with sentimental words

or perhaps one that is a bit on the humorous side.  Deciding on which box of chocolates to give….there are so many to choose from.   During my trips to different stores to shop, I have seen more than my share of boxes of chocolates being sold for the holiday.  Some boxes had a red satiny ribbon; a few were just a plain red heart.  One store had a twenty pound rectangular box. I have no idea who would be able to consume that much candy, but no doubt the recipient would consider the thought behind the gift wonderful.  I have seen teddy bears in various sizes wearing a red bow.  They seem to be shouting out “buy me, buy me”.  One store had cute little stuffed animals; my favorite a little white dog which I though about getting for myself.  Mylar balloons, ceramic heart shaped boxes and silk roses sit upon shelves.  Of course the floral shops will be busy creating arrangements for those who will be sending or giving flowers in person; they also will be having a large supply of red roses on hand.  The jewelry stores will be doing more ads on television, radio and in the newspapers.  Diamonds and rubies will most likely be the gems that will adorn the heart shaped rings, pins, necklaces, earrings and bracelets that will be featured for the holiday.  More of the color red will be worn on February 14^th with pink coming in a close second.  Restaurants will be offering special dinner deals for the day.  Bakeries and bakery sections of the stores will have heart shaped cookies, cupcakes frosted with pink and white icing with a red heart on them and heart shaped cakes will be decorated with roses and hearts.  Booksellers will hope to rid their shelves of romance/love novels and poetry books.

Each year I try to write the perfect verse for the card I create for my husband.  After twenty-three years, it is hard to think of something to say that I already have not said.  For my husband, trying to come up with something special to present to me has become more of a chore than something fun to do. I do not need another piece of jewelry, another stuffed animal, another heart shaped dust collector (knick-knack) or a box of candy.  At my house chocolate sits in the refrigerator and is thrown out evidently.  We go out to eat often, so a nice dinner out someplace is not special to me.  I like roses but they make me sneeze (allergies).

So here I sit, with less than two weeks to Valentine’s Day unsure of how to declare my feelings of love.  A few years ago I had the same dilemma.  I ended up writing a silly verse that I created on a 4”X6” card.  It went something like this:

Today’s the day for hearts and flowers

And boxes of chocolate candy

So here’s a heart

Here’s a rose

And here’s a box of candy.

I gave my husband the following gift that year. I went to a dollar store and purchased a red gift bag.  Inside I put a red cardboard heart I cut out; put in a single silk red rose I found at the dollar store and a box of Junior Mints.  Hence he got his heart, flower and box of candy.  I may do something similar this year.  I am leaning toward the purchase of a small water globe that has a heart inside.  I happen to see a flower in a flower pot that when activated by the sun the flower moves back and forth; as for the candy I plan to buy a box of Butterfinger pieces.        

Sometimes I think ‘love’ stinks.  A few years ago my husband said it all when he gave me a picture of Pepe Le Pew holding a heart.  Next to the little fellow he wrote the words… “Love Stinks but Happy Valentine’s Day anyhow. What more can one say?”

Until next time…..I am getting ready to go out shopping for my husband’s Valentine’s Day gift.  Well come to think of it, he likes hoagies (subs)…maybe a gift card to a sub shop will be fitting as well as a container of his favorite fruit this time of year Plant City strawberries and a card I actually purchase at the dollar store….works for me.