HOLIDAYS FAST APPROACHING

The other day I noticed a posting as I read my news feed on Facebook.  Someone posted that as of that day there is only three months till Christmas.  OMG I thought to myself.  Three months till Christmas.

It seemed like the year just sped by so quickly.  Where has the time gone?  Only three months till Christmas.  I first need to get through  Halloween, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving.

As someone who enjoys the Christmas season, I have already ordered and received some of my Ms. Santa give-a-ways.  This year I decided to order prior to November to ensure I have all I will need.  At the moment the items sit in a box waiting to be put into a little bag with a cute message card about the holiday.  I have time after all it is only September; but first I need to think about Halloween.  I wonder how many mini Kit Kat bars and mini boxes of Milk Duds I should purchase as give-a-ways at parties as well as how many funny cards and book markers I should make.

My mind then jumps to Veteran’s Day.  As a veteran, I have a few patriotic items I will be passing out (as long as my supply holds out) to those who proudly served our country.

Thanksgiving is the easiest of the holidays before Christmas.  It is just having a wonderful turkey dinner and zoning out in front of the television watching football.

Three months till Christmas and I am already in a turmoil.  I need to schedule my yearly visits to the veteran’s and fraternal organizations of which I am a dues paying member.  My mind whirls with thoughts of what the Florida weather will be during December.  Will I be sporting long Santa pants or Santa shorts?  Will I need to pull my Santa sweater and sweatshirts out of storage or will the light weight shirts work? 

As I think about it being late September, I realize hey I have October and November to get prepared for the Christmas season.  Today my plans are Halloween (almost a month away); I plan to make a few funny cards, create a few Halloween book markers and think about my costume.

Until next time……Halloween is almost a month away; Veteran’s Day will arrive few weeks after, Thanksgiving the end of November and then Christmas.  Where has the year gone? 

Pins and Diapers

My husband and I received great news a few months ago; we will be grandparents again come the end of October.  We found out the baby will be a girl.  We are nicknaming her Fiona (of course her parents will name her what they want).  Since we will be visiting the family in August, the expectant mother is going to have a baby shower during our visit.

I found the cutest ‘thank-you’ for the baby shower gift on one of the baby shower web sites.  I decided to make bookmarkers out of the little poem fo be given out at the shower.  I had an idea I would attach a little charm to the bookmarker with a diaper pin.  What I found was I could not do so. 

It seems that like the dinosaur, the diaper pin, is also extinct.  I searched stores in two counties trying to find them but none seem to carry them.  In fact I did not even see cloth diapers.  Perhaps I did not look hard enough for the diapers, but I must say I looked for the pins.  In fact my husband also searched the stores for pins and he too came up empty handed.  No doubt I could probably get them from some site on the internet but wanted to buy them in person. 

I remember years ago baby sitting and having to secure diapers with those cute little pins that had a blue duck, pink duck, green or yellow duck on them.  I knew those things could also be painful if the pin became unattached and stuck the baby.  I was always careful to make sure the pin was closed securely before I would put the rubber pants over the diaper.  Memories of long ago which I am sure parents today call the ‘stone age’.

As I looked for the last time at one of the stores for the diaper pins, I ran into a woman of thirty-something.  She said she had diaper pins at home and I told her to hang onto them as they may become collector’s items.

As I shopped for baby shower items I thought about how no one even knits booties these days.  Well a week ago, my husband found a pair of knitted booties on a white elephant table at a veterans club where we frequent.  Of course we had to buy them; reason number one they were green and the new granddaughter could wear them for St. Patty’s day and reason number two the money we paid would be used for charity.

It appears we live in a disposal world anymore.  Diapers are not the only items that are disposable.  We throw away razors.  I recall my husband having to put a new blade into one when the old got dull.  I recall purchasing refills for pens instead of throwing one away once the ink went dry.  I do try to recycle as much as possible and purchase ‘earth friendly’ items.  The pens I currently am using were made from recycled materials. .  Madonna sang a song about living in a material world….well we are living in a disposal world and unfortunately like everyone else I am a disposable individual.

Until next time, if you have any of those old fashion diaper pins lying around…keep them…they may be worth a dime or two.

FOURTH OF JULY

It seems we just celebrated Memorial Day and now July 4^th is upon us.  We celebrate the birth of our nation born on July 4, 1776; it is now two hundred thirty eight years later.

This year Independence Day falls on a Friday giving us a three day weekend.  Some will take a mini-vacation to enjoy the holiday. Parades will be held; many will enjoy a picnic or cook-out.  Fireworks will light up the night sky in brilliant colors.  We will “ooh and aah” at the sights of the rockets red glaring.

I always considered Memorial Day the beginning of the summer season; in my mind that would make July 4^th the middle of the summer although technically summer only just began a few weeks prior.

I reflect on what Independence Day means to me; our forefathers molding a nation with freedom and justice for one and all.  Also I think about those who are serving our nation and fighting for freedom in foreign countries.  They can not be among their family and friends to celebrate the birthday of the U.S.A. 

On July 4^th I will don a patriotic hat I created a few years ago; wear the colors of the day, red, white and blue.  As long as my supply holds out, I will pass out patriotic pins to all I meet.

Until next time….Happy Independence Day to one and all.  Celebrate the freedom our forefathers fought and died to provide for us.  Proudly display your flag; wear the colors of the day and enjoy watching the fireworks.

WE CELEBRATE OUR NATION’S BIRTH

(For Independence Day July 4, 2014)

©Scottie-ann Murphy

Two hundred thirty eight years ago on July 4, 1776

A nation had been born…The Unites States of American

Our forefathers bravely fought for our rights to be free

But freedom comes with a price….shedding of blood….loss of lives

We celebrate the day with parades, picnics and cook-outs

The flag flies proudly….fluttering in the summer breeze

Red, white and blue the colors of the day…worn by one and all

Fireworks explode lighting the night sky in blazing hues

Together we stand united as one through triumph and sorrow

Defiantly facing our adversaries who challenge our beliefs

Celebrating our freedom, we remember those who molded our nation

And those who are still fighting for freedom, liberty, justice and unity

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.