abitosunshine Love and Writing

Let's Hear it For the Boy!

2012-01-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

Today is my son's 40th birthday and I have created a very special tribute in honor of our love. Come join the celebration as I tell the greatest mother and son love story ever told.

Timeless Expression of Love

2011-12-25T23:01:00.001-05:00

This is the gift I received from my son today while joining him and his family for the Christmas holiday:

Personally inscribed:

Miracles Happen

Love, William

& Liam

Indeed, miracles happen! The true miracle of the day was being able to hug and to hold my son and my grandson and to say I love you.

Light of Love

2011-12-25T10:09:00.001-05:00

May the light of Love fly into your heart today and every day...

Visit Tumbleweed Christmas Tree for more seasonal spirit.

abitosunshine can now be found at RedGage

2011-10-22T20:16:00.001-04:00

Yes, you can now find abitosunshine at RedGage, where I share photos, links (think backlinks), blogs, and more, and where I get paid to do so!

If you are a member of RedGage, please leave your profile link here in the comment section so I can pay you a supportive visit.

If you are not yet a member of RedGage, you can join the RedGage community now!

Hell has no fury, Quote

2011-10-10T16:21:00.000-04:00

Do you collect quotes? I have always had a fascination for quotes on various topics and generally have a collection going that I add to from time to time. Quotes can be inspirational and thought-provoking.

Not long ago, I ran across one that I stored away for a rainy day. I share it with you now:

“Heav'n has no rage, like love to hatred turn'd, Nor Hell a fury, like a woman scorn'd.”
~William Congreve, from The Mourning Bride

I had always heard the saying, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. When I ran across the original writing from whence the saying came, I was amazed at the difference in my thoughts about the quote. Originally, I'd thought along the lines of, well, let's say that with my redheaded temper, scorn me and you'd feel the fury of that flaming red hair! Not necessarily a good thing, for either of us, ha!

Having read the full quote, my thoughts immediately sped to the topic of abuse. With October being designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I chose to share the quote and a few of my thoughts that ensued, poetically. (Of course.) I elected to do so in response to a writing prompt.

Heaven Has No Rage and Hell Has No Fury is my submission in response to Len's writing challenge for Saturday Writing Essential at Gather.com.

Note: To comment on my submission, you must register as a member of the Gather.com community. If you don't wish to do so, you are encouraged to comment here on this blog post.

Obviously, I would be interested in your thoughts about the quote, as well as my verse.

Teacher Appreciation Today and Every Day

2011-10-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

Today is World Teachers' Day! UNESCO has themed this day as "Teachers for Gender Equality."

Here is my poetic contribution for the day...

No better way to show your teacher appreciation than to give a commemorative gift to your favorite teachers. I've got just what you need, available in a canvas tote bag and in T-Shirts for men and women. Each item has my poetic creation above upon it.

Visit World Teacher Day Tote for a larger view and product information on all 3 of my new products with this design.

abitosunshine Giveaway

2011-09-24T18:56:00.000-04:00

I am sharing a bit of sunshine in a giveaway over at my Poetic Creations by abitosunshine blog! Head on over to enter to win my...

SOS Sunshine Shot Glass Giveaway!

A Bit of Love and Loss on Labor of Love Day

2011-09-05T20:46:00.000-04:00

Today marks the day of my Aunt Martha Bell's first heavenly birthday...

To truly understand the theme of this poetic creation,

visit Loss of a Pea in a Pod

I Thank You for the Sunshine

2011-09-02T15:30:00.004-04:00

Thank you for the Pondering With A Purpose blog hop and this week's blog post topic, Brenda. Moreso, I thank you for your friendship and the occasional ray o' sunshine you send my way.

This week's Ponder:
"It wasn't that long ago that there was no such thing as an internet -- and there was no such thing as a blog.... how do you think your life would be different now if you didn't have your blog?"

Don't get me wrong here, but my life would not be much different without my blog. (Rather, all 4 of my blogs.)

My main objective has always been to spread a bit o' sunshine into the lives of others. I did such for years online, long before I began blogging. I did same for decades, offline, long before I began doing so online.

Still, I enjoy the fact that the internet gifted me with another dimension of sharing sol across the miles. I certainly enjoy the fact that I have crossed paths with many new visitors to my blogs. Too, I enjoy the fact that many of my friends from other web groups and forums have followed me to my blogs in search of another ray o' sunshine to warm the spirit.

All of these opportunities warm my spirit as well, beaming a bit o' sunshine right back at me.

To each of you I send...

Sunshine Blessings Button by abitosunshine
Learn how to make money as an artist online at Zazzle.

A Who and a Coo for You

2011-08-10T21:42:00.000-04:00

Sharing my response to a prompt offered up by Brenda in her weekly blog hop Pondering with a Purpose.

The prompt: SOUNDS

Brenda further stated that she loves the word onomatopoeia.

I immediately thought of an owl's "Who" and a dove's "Coo".

Walk through the wood where many a man has walked before and you may hear the wise old owl screeching, "Who. Who. Who do you think you are?"

Montage, Owl, Forest, Oregon, USA
Buy This Allposters.com

Do you think just maybe his query is one of urgency? Beseeching us to learn and to listen to the love of the dove, "Coo-coo-coo..."

Peace
Buy This Allposters.com

Voices, Vices, Victory, and Values

2011-07-15T09:41:00.001-04:00

of Vices and Values
by Ruth Cox

Upon my shoulder sits a wee dark devil in disguise whose whisperings in my left ear often cause me not to hear the voice of the light dwelling inside of me. Yea, though I wander in the valley of this evil one's vices, I rise to claim victory when responding to the sol of my soul burning the lobe of my right ear. I hear; and, I shall live well under the guidance of sol's values from now on and forevermore.

Angel and Devil

This poetic prose is written in response to a prompt offered up by Brenda in her weekly blog hop Pondering with a Purpose. This week's prompt: VALUES

Hop right along with us this week.

Share your thoughts on Values.

2 Peas in a Pod

2011-07-01T09:17:00.002-04:00

My Aunt Martha Bell died in the wee hours of this morn. Though she was more than ready, the loss of this lady I shall mourn.

Her granddaughter said to me this morning, "Mom wanted me to call you right away. She said you were like 2 peas in a pod..." O' so very true! I am more like her than I am my mother, her sister. It's a heart-warming thought to know they are together now...

I'll be purchasing these candles to have nearby so I'll smile and think of my Aunt Martha Bell each time I pass by them.

UPDATE: I already made the purchase of those peas in a pod and I've created a Squidoo lens in her honor and hope that you will leave a comment for us there on Loss of a Pea in a Pod. I've much to do today, but will be updating the lens for my Aunt Martha Bell as time permits.

A Sprinkling of Sunshine

2011-06-23T23:36:00.001-04:00

For those of you who don't mind an extra click to view, I've just posted a delightful dandelion poem at Gather.com entitled "Sprinkles of Sunshine". You're welcome to comment here, there, everywhere!

A Family Rules

2011-06-18T17:19:00.000-04:00

One word: Rules

Upon reading Brenda's Pondering With A Purpose Prompt today, I had two thoughts. The first: I visualized a ruler in the hands of a nun ... never mind that one. Second thought: Earlier, I'd been blog browsing and I'd run across the most awesome sign and had bookmarked the blog for future reference in my wishful thinking for wish lists.

The sign is simply, but beautifully created, and is appropriate for Brenda's prompt today. It's a 4-foot by 2-foot custom sign of family rules. Head on over to the Between You & Me blog and take a peek!

You can ORDER A FAMILY RULES SIGN

~or~

There is A FAMILY RULES SIGN TUTORIAL

Please come back and let me know what you think of the family rules sign and which option you would choose. No doubt in my mind, the custom-made sign will find it's way onto one of my online wishlists!

Arise Against Abuse

2011-06-09T12:55:00.000-04:00

I just announced my latest Squidoo lens and do hope you'll visit ARISE AGAINST ABUSE and drop a comment in the guestbook. You can also read more about my Squidoo activity by reading my latest blog post at Poetic Creations by abitosunshine!

Dare to Ruffle my Feathers

2011-06-02T08:40:00.003-04:00

Do you often find yourself in the company of someone who dares to ruffle your feathers? Do you find yourself lacking in the patience department? Here's your chance to tell the world all about it!

Head on over to Brenda Youngerman's blog post "Pondering With A Purpose - Patience" and blog hop along!

This week's patience prompt from Brenda has prompted me to create a T-Shirt I've had on my ToDo list for some time.

Not being a very patient person, I've always had a quick retort to those who say to me, "Patience is a virtue." Now, I'll have the shirt to wear as a warning to all who dare to ruffle my feathers, ha!

Patience is a Virtue by abitosunshine

Start selling my art online with zazzle.

I chose this pretty pelican and her feathers for the design on the tee because it is Brenda who prompted me to cross this project off my list ... and the pelican is quite appropriate because Brenda collects pelicans! Brenda shares her love for pelicans on her Squidoo lens "Looks and Likes".

Writings, Wishes, and Windows

2011-05-27T10:50:00.000-04:00

What do writing prompts, wish lists, and window shopping have in common?

Life in a Wish Bowl
Charnine, Samy
Buy This Allposters.com

My wishes have just been released from the wish bowl! Read all about it at Writing, Wishlists, and Window Shopping Online!

Marooned in Blues Lagoon

2011-05-01T15:22:00.003-04:00

I so enjoy my friend, Brenda, and the blog hop she hosts - Pondering With A Purpose - a Thinking on a Thursday hop for those of us who are writers and bloggers who cannot resist the urge to respond to a writing prompt which makes one think.

This week's prompt is KINDNESS: Write a blog post about something you did as a random act of kindness or when a random act of kindness was done for you.

Upon reading Brenda's prompt post, my mind immediately raced through kindness upon kindness that I've been shown in my lifetime. I settled on sharing with you the kind spirit of Brenda herself.

Back in July of 2010, my canine companion, Scratch, fell deathly ill. I posted a brief comment of my distress in the Gather.com forum of such and within moments received an email and a telephone call from Brenda offering assistance. You see, Brenda knew I was then unemployed and could probably not afford vet care for my girl. No questions asked, Brenda's immediate words were basically, "Get Scratch to the vet. I'll pay for it. I have money put back for the publication of my next book, but it can wait. You can pay me back in payments."

I will never forget the kindness I heard in Brenda's words. Yes, I cried.

And yes, I cried the following day when I had to say goodbye to my Scratchy Sunshine.

Brenda, again ... I thank you.

This creation is now available as a greeting card created by Poetic Creations by abitosunshine!

Hello Thinking and Pondering #3

2011-04-12T19:27:00.001-04:00

"How do you say Hello?"

That question is this week's prompt for Brenda's blog hop, Pondering With A Purpose. Immediately upon reading the prompt, I penned the poem; however, I barely finished the poetry and design combined on time! Nonetheless, I share with you my favorite way of saying, "Hello," to old friends and new...

Thinking and Pondering #2

2011-02-25T16:51:00.001-05:00

Blog Hop:
Thinking On Thursday - Pondering With A Purpose

This week's Prompt: BEAUTY

In pondering this prompt of "Beauty" I immediately thought of Saint Augustine of Hippo's quote in The City of God, as translated by Marcus Dods:

"Beauty is indeed a good gift of God; but that the good may not think it a great good, God dispenses it even to the wicked."

The City of God

I'll not pretend to fully understand what it was St. Augustine meant by this statement; however, I shall tell you a bit about what it means to me; and, you can study it further to formulate your own thoughts on the quote.

I believe our Saint is referencing the beauty of all things created, by the Divine, as well as earthly creations, and our perceptions of these creations. Thus, the wicked would look upon beauty just as the goodly souls might -- the difference being the result of beholding beauty -- the good would treat a thing of beauty with love and respect, whereas the evil ones would not see its intrinsic beauty.

When our perceptions of beauty are motivated by external aesthetics as opposed to the whole of the thing of beauty, we may actually turn it into a thing of ugliness, a thing of wickedness or unpleasantness.

Beauty is subjective, as is Ugliness. This can be viewed by all in the story:

The Ugly Duckling
by Hans Christian Andersen.

Thinking and Pondering #1

2011-02-17T21:37:00.002-05:00

Blog Hop: Thinking on Thursday - Pondering With A Purpose

I am really looking forward to this new blog hop hosted by Brenda of Fiction With A Purpose. If you're a writer and/or a blog hopper, you'll want to check this one out and hop right along. Each week, Brenda gives us a writing prompt and we post our submission on our blogs, then, of course, add our post URL to the linky list on her prompt post.

This week's prompt: Word Association: from the list provided, select 3 of them and tell me what they mean to you.

My 3 words: riding, embedding, landscape. I chose to write a piece of flash fiction. In actuality, it's more like factual reality, as I do visualize this on occasion!

----------

Healing Heels
©Ruth Cox

Yearning for the oceanic landscape, I fantasize horseback riding the foot of the foam of the sea. I imagine the strength of animal and wave allowing me to escape reality.

With a subtle kick of my heels, my imaginary horse clicks his in tandem, and off we soar along the seashore. We're one with the ocean's roar, spirits in fine fettle -- blessed by the warming rays of a bit o' sunshine.

The salty balm of the breeze of the beach soothes my soul, embedding the fantastical scene in my mind's eye. Forevermore.

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Hmmm... wondering if I should purchase myself a pair of these phantastical Horse Heels to go with my fantasy...

Yay or Nay?

Share the Love Day

2011-02-14T11:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Love Day to all my blogger friends! I'll be headed out in a bit to spend some time with my Aunt Martha Bell at the nursing home ... just sharin' a bit o' Love!

Here's my creative offering for the day:
Share the Love on Valentine's Day

Inspiration

2011-01-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

Every person who crosses my path is a prompt to pen.

Every critter who scurries along presents a challenge to create.

Every nuance of nature my gentle nudge to write new poetry or prose.

Every needful thing calls out for a voice of verse in which to sing its own song.
　

I know only of god and ruth

One Word - Autumn - the Fall of Truth

It is the ill litter I see in Illiteracy

And love lives on in Tweedledum and Tweedledee

And so it goes with this thing called Inspiration.

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The inspiration for this? My aMUSEr and his Challenge

Do you Squidoo?

2011-01-20T18:42:00.001-05:00

If you do Squidoo I'd like to hear from you!

You can comment here to this blog post or better yet - write up a blog post of your own and post the link here in a comment and I'll visit your blog post AND your Squidoo posts.

About a year ago I signed up at Squidoo and just never made the time to do anything with it. Recently, as I began taking earning online a bit more seriously (out of necessity) I decided to give Squidoo a try. Of course, I was unable to even figure out my previous sign-up, so I registered all over again.

For those of you who do not yet Squidoo, here's my referral link--yes, referrals aid in increasing earnings at Squidoo! Let me know when you post your first lens and I'll stop by to view and comment. (Networking works if we work at it!)

I have created three (3) lenses at Squidoo thus far:

Poetic Creations by abitosunshine! -- This was my first lens and is about my shop at CafePress, where I combine my poetry and graphic design work.

The Queen *itch of abitosunshine! -- No, not about me, it's what they call a SquidPaws lens and it's about my canine companion, Tidbit.

Ghost Words And Other Echoes -- This is my first SquidLit lens. It's a book review and author interview.

I'm pretty pleased with getting all three of these lenses created this week! I am determined to master the art of creating Squidoo lenses and making money by doing so.

If you have any Squidoo tips to share, please do!

Me Stylish?

2011-01-09T12:29:00.000-05:00

Hahaha! I've never been accused of being stylish -- until today! I'd stopped by to say "Hi!" to my friend, blogger, and author Mary Russel. Much to my surprise, in one of her posts she passed along the "Stylish Blogger Award" to me. Thank you, Mary! I'm truly honored to now wear the label of being Stylish.

By accepting this award I agree to the following 4 rules:

1...Thank and link back to the person that awarded it to you.
2...Share 7 things about yourself.
3...Pay it forward to 15 recently discovered great Bloggers.
4...Contact those Bloggers and tell them about their blog award.

Thank You Mary!
It's a pleasure to know you and interact with you in a few networks. And I do hope all who read this award post will visit you, too! None will be disappointed in meeting you and getting to know you. And those I pass it forward to who already know you ... well, this will give them another reason to visit with you.

Seven Things About Me:
1...As if you didn't already know it--I'm a passionate poet!
2...I became a Grandmother this past year, oh dear!
3...I am a Christian and I worship Sol.
4...I lost a bit o' sunshine this past year; Scratch died in my arms.
5...Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
6...I plan to self-publish a collection of my poetry and prose in 2011.
7...My goals for 2011: Peacefulness, Positivity, and Productivity and I wish you same.

Passing the Stylish Blogger Award forward to:
Susanne of Putting Words Down on Paper
Marsha of Marsha's Spot
Christine of Redhead Rants
Cynthia of Wytch with Wings of a Dragon
Erika of The Girl Next Door Grows Up
Ann of Ann Crabs
Kimberly of Anxiety-SIS-Order
Jennifer of Crazy-for-Books.com
Stephanie of Beauty Brite
Julie of Knitting and Sundries
Lynn of The Vintage Nest
Brenda of Fiction With A Purpose
MG of The Globetrotting Gamine
Alison of Alison Can Read
Marilyn of Marilyn's Musings

And now I'm headed to present the Stylish Blogger Award to those on my list. I do hope you'll visit them all, too, and extend your hand in friendship!

The Toothless Wonder

2011-01-07T19:16:00.002-05:00

The Toothless Wonder
by Ruth Cox

Rarely in my lifetime have I committed myself to resolutions for a new year; however, I have stated goals each new year which I guess amounts to about the same thing. For this writing I'd planned to share my goals for the new year and a recap of the previous year. But, first things first.

I need to share a bit of my thought process with you. When I thought of writing my recap of the year 2010 I first felt the urge to know the true definition of the word "recap". This led me to two synonyms of the word: review and recapitulation. I decided to further investigate the word "recapitulation" and ended up engrossed in reading material relative to the theory of recapitulation.

My investigative urges always take me to interesting places and newfound snippets of knowledge. I'll share what I found interesting, but also for further reading you may want to visit Recapitulation Theory at Wikipedia to learn much more. What I found applicable to me is that birds do not grow teeth although they do possess the genetics for so doing.

You may now be thinking, What in the world does this have to do with Ruthi's recap of 2010? Well, I'll come back to this a bit later! Right now I will recap my past year. Three life happenings will reign in my memory as the most important of my life-changing events in the year 2010.

On May 19th my youngest half-sibling died of cancer. This was a heart-wrenching event in more ways than one. My brother's death and my family's reactions to it (as apply to me) confirm what I've known, but ran from, for thirty-five years: I lost my brother decades ago; when our mother died in 1975 I lost my family. Period.

Had she lived, July 12th would have been my mother's seventy-fifth birthday. Now this date will also be remembered as the day my dog Scratch died. Loved ones come and go and we cannot always choose the time of which these losses will occur, nor can we always choose the tolls to be paid with each loss, and (in my opinion) we can never "get over" the loss of loved ones. Closure is but an imaginary thing.

My third life-changing event occurred on October 19th. I became a first-time grandmom! The moment I saw my son cradle his newborn son to his chest was without a doubt the most profound moment in my lifetime. I felt as though I were watching my life fly by in a flash and it had flown full-cirle. I felt as though my destiny was done.

As I sat here today reading and re-reading the biological passages relating to life stages this toothless bird snippet kept gnawing at my thoughts. My mind flew back in time to the goals I'd set for myself at the beginning of 2010. Some I reached and some I did not. However, the little birdie in my brain tells me now that although a goal was unmet it does not mean I didn't possess what it would have taken to bring the goal to fruition. And I assure you I shall chew on that toothless bird snippet throughout 2011 as I commit to bringing this year's goals into being.

My goals for 2011 are simply stated in three words: peacefulness, positivity, and productivity. No matter what life brings I am equipped to have a year filled with peace; no matter the negative in my world I am capable of remaining positive; and, no matter the pitfalls or the downfalls of my days I possess what it takes to be productive.

There is birth and then there is re-birth. And the new year springs forth as a reminder of life starting anew. And my destiny shall never be done. Like the bird who lacks teeth, but has the genes needed to grow them, I have the power within me to choose my destiny and choose it I shall. I will reach my goals in the year 2011, if only by the skin of my teeth, and proudly proclaim the toothless wonder.

Submitted January 2011:

Cradle Christmas

2010-12-25T13:20:00.001-05:00

Blessings and a bit o' seasonal sunshine...

And for your listening pleasure and reading to treasure...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7zRtLptyc4

And a reminder to hold the spirit o' the day year 'round:

My Poetic Poster Print Giveaway: Let My Spirit Live

(Ends 12/26 at 8am)

Who Rules the Kingdom Wild?

2010-12-10T19:23:00.002-05:00

Who Rules the Kingdom Wild?

(Lioness Smiled)

©Ruth Cox

***Boy Meets Girl***

"You shall be my Queen," He Lion roared,

The snarl his snuggle 'neath sky high-noon.

Whisperings in her ear, "You are adored."　

"You shall be my Queen," He Lion roared.

Sweet nothings heard her ear, not to be ignored;

Sounds of truth shadows hard-strewn.　

"You shall be my Queen!" He Lion roared,

The snarl his snuggle 'neath sky high-noon.

***Girl Mets Boy***

"You'll think you're my King," She Lion purred,

The snuggle her snarl 'neath sky high-noon.

Whisperings in his ear, "Your crown fine-furred."　

"You'll think you're my King," She Lion purred.

Sweet nothings to his ear, warning unheard;

Sounds of truth shadows soft-strewn.　

"You'll think you're my King!" She Lion purred,

The snuggle her snarl 'neath sky high-noon.

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Len's Saturday Writing Essential Challenge: ("Boy Meets Girl") Write a story about the first meeting between two characters who might turn out to be a love interest in your story. It can be a romance, mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, or any other kind of story you can imagine. The twist is that I want you to write it twice: once from the boy’s viewpoint and a second time from the girl’s viewpoint.

My poetic submission is my first attempt in Triolet form.

Photo courtesy of morguefile.com

Whole of a Soul

2010-12-05T01:38:00.001-05:00

While working my way through today's To-Do's I spent quite a bit of time commenting on the posting efforts of others. Along the way lives appeared askew and I heard a haunting whisper of winter blues to which I seemed to respond with thoughts of a recurring theme ... And my spirit screamed, Dig deep within!

I tabled my list and took to the thing I do best--poetry and design combined to spread a bit o' sunshine!

Original image used in this poetic creation is titled Black Hole, and is courtesy of Petr Kratochvil.

Submitted 12/05/2010 to iWriteiBlogiWin

Crystal Canvas

2010-12-01T16:09:00.001-05:00

I awoke this morning and with unopened eyes my heart cried, It's December first ... It's the day Mom died.

I arose this morning and with opened eyes I mouthed the words, And wouldn't you know ... It's our first snow.

-----

Crystal Canvas
©Ruth Cox

Wailing wall
Sky squalling blur
First snowfall
Death's ashen stir

Fading fast
Sol's warming hue
Shadows cast
Paint patchy view

Chilling art
Airbrushed in frost
Rent apart
Life's memoirs lost

Crying eyes
Shed mourning light
Dawn's apprize
Drawn pearly-white

-----

In Memory of Mom ~ Anna Mae Cox

July 12, 1935 ~ December 1, 1975

Death by Domestic Violence.

-----

Previously posted in Mom's memory -- Dogwood Dreams
Last year's dusting on December 7th -- First Snow

-----

Pebbled Pathways

2010-11-29T01:23:00.001-05:00

Read more about this creation at Poetic Creations by abitosunshine!

First posted to my Gather profile as a prompt response for Models Among Us.

Photos used in this creation courtesy of morguefile.com and PublicDomainPictures.net

Remember November

2010-11-08T19:23:00.000-05:00

Remember November, Child
©Ruth Cox

November
Orphans of war,
Veterans who knew the score;
Evolutive remnants of humankind,
Maligned;
Begat of canon-like song.
Earthborn: right the wrong!
Remember

Memories being what they may: from the Meuse-Argonne forest to the cemetary; from the fallen leaves of the earth to the cease-fire of a world war's girth; and, from the remains left of the wild, onward to the right of the child. The month of November is a time to remember. Children born and bred of war with needs ignored would give rise to fighting for a new cause: children's rights.

I will not for repetition's sake share words of war; instead, I shall share with you two days, two names, and the pleas they implore: Armistice Day and Universal Children's Day; and the names, Lady Blomfield and Eglantyne Jebb.

It matters not that some celebrate on a different day, even a different month. And it matters not that some acknowledge one or the other. What matters is we remember that war steals one thing from all the children of the earth: Peace!

In my wanderings as I surfed the net today, I ran across five stipulations of the original Declaration of the Rights of the Child. In reading them I couldn't help but think that if we each put these into practice as the rights of all the children of the earth, then we might truly know perfect peace.

Be they as they may ... Lest we forget.

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Source(s):
http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/armistice.htm
http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/children_day/
http://www.btinternet.com/~iain.s.palin/heritage/blmem.htm
http://www.leader-values.com/Content/detail.asp?ContentDetailID=794
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_the_Child

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Len's Saturday Writing Essential Challenge: Write something (prose or poetry; fiction, essay, or nonfiction) about the month of November. Do not write about Thanksgiving -- I’m reserving that for a challenge later in the month.

Trick-or-Treating

2010-11-06T00:14:00.001-04:00

Trick-or-Treating
©Ruth Cox

I quickly stashed the bag of treats I had gleaned from my early evening hour of trick-or-treating along the hallowed streets of the neighborhood. Unlike the wee ghosts, goblins, and ghouls who now drooled over their goodie piles in the light of their family living rooms, my friends and I were unsatisfied with half of a Halloween. We wanted the tricks as well as the treats of the night.

In reality, we wanted to be the tricksters and it mattered not to us that the homeowners we picked to trick had been generous with us earlier that eve. We carried their street names and house numbers in our heads and the tools for our mischievous shenanigans wrapped in our hobo kerchieves.

Elm Street, 113, we toilet-papered the trees; Oak Avenue, 205, the black cat barely made it off the porch alive as we tossed week-old eggs her way; and, at 406 Pine Place, we smashed each jack-o-lantern face to smithereens our amusement to glean. We left no flowerpot unturned and flipped all hanging baskets upside-down.

We were practicing pranksters, juvenile delinquents acting as if we were in training to join the ranks of gangsters, and we lurched from street to street in search of house after house to douse with our pranks. Hell-bent on torment we targeted the elderly, specifically little old ladies that we knew lived alone and would need aid in straightening up the messes we'd made. We moved all their furniture off their front porches and hid it down the street in the bushes.

Yes. We had the nerve to go back the next day to volunteer -- for a fee -- to come to their aid, undoing the deeds we had done.

These shenanigans stuck with me in my head and heart long after my hooligan days were a thing of the past. To this day I do not furnish my front porch and do not decorate the front of my home. It's as though I live in fear of the night of the year when the unhallowed hoodlums would be at my door to taunt and to haunt me as I had done to others on a past Halloween.

Do unto others ... Trick or treat?

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Len's Saturday Writing Essential Challenge: Write something about the Halloween holiday (prose or poetry; nonfiction or essay only, please, unless you’re writing about a legend of some sort). It can be about what you’re going to do this Halloween, what you’ve done on some past Halloween, or it can be about the holiday itself.

Halloween Magic

2010-10-11T16:51:00.000-04:00

I so enJOY the autumn harvest and Halloween. I couldn't resist a poetic creation for the season. This poem is a Nonet as well as being an Acrostic.

Using Senses in Poetry

2010-10-03T13:15:00.001-04:00

Great poetry utilizes the five (and the sixth) senses to facilitate the reader's comprehension of the poem through sight, scent, touch, taste, and hearing.

This poetic creation uses the sense of scent...

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iWrite-iBlog-iWin entry 10/03/2010

Poetic Creations by abitosunshine: Truth of Time - 2011 Calendar Print

2010-09-29T12:34:00.000-04:00

Poetic Creations by abitosunshine: Truth of Time - 2011 Calendar Print: "Autumn has me in a reflective mood and I've noticed the topic of time seems to be in my thoughts more often than not during this season. Tim..."

Autumn Reflection

2010-09-20T22:55:00.001-04:00

As summer nears its end and fall of the leaves begins, I find myself in a reflective mood once again. Seasons change, as do you and I. Let us hope that we do so with the same golden glory of Mother Nature...

Flash Fiction Writer?

2010-09-19T13:44:00.000-04:00

First, my appreciation to my new blog friend over at Soap Box in My Mind for sharing the link I'm about to share with you.

For those of you who are flash fiction fans, here's a chance to try your hand at penning a short tale ... Head on over to npr.org to enter the Three-Minute Fiction contest.

Cloak of Invisibility

2010-09-16T02:22:00.000-04:00

Spirit Vessel
©Ruth Cox

Would that I could, I'd enshroud you from without, hide you behind the potter's cloak of invisibility, e'er to be drawn unto the lightness of life.

I surmise that I should be able for a time to shield you from the nightmarish surprises of the dark; thus, enabling not the naughtiness of the night; nay, leaving room only for the lightheartedness of the light of day's dreams.

Would that I could, I'd enshroud you from within, drape you in the invincibility of the rays of sol, ne'er to be drawn unto the darkness of death.

Ah, would that I could...

Submitted to Genre Shorties -- Prompt Week 33

(in exactly 100 words)
This week's genre is Fantasy. Your story may be serious or lighthearted or as silly as you like just so long as it is 100 words or less and written for the following prompt:

Wouldn't it be fun to borrow Harry Potter's Cloak of Invisibility for a day?

Tell me where you would wear it and what you would do.

Embarrassing Moments

2010-09-11T17:41:00.000-04:00

Hand Me Down Dress
©Ruth Cox

"Hooray, it's Saturday," my belly bellows as I slip out of bed. I give it a rub to shut it up so as not to awaken my three sister siblings who still lay scattered on the double bed like a pile of worn out clothes. I listen for sounds from the outer room. I hear only the television, thankfully. This means only Mom is up and maybe, just maybe, my hungry belly and I can have a moment alone with her to convince her to take us to church for the free lunch and clothing bank.

For this true story in its entirety ... click to READ MORE

Weep Not For Me

2010-09-02T16:55:00.000-04:00

Created in response to my friend Renda's new Gather group -- Models Among Us -- a group with bimonthly challenges.

The very first challenge of the group will begin September 1st and run through September 15th:
In hopes of making the virgin challenge easy, our first model will be the Butterfly. Each submission for the challenge should depict the butterfly or butterflies. If you aren't a photographer, do not worry, you may submit a story about butterflies.

Back-to-School Thoughts on Education

2010-08-23T17:24:00.003-04:00

Illiteracy
Ill Litter I See
©Ruth Cox

I ran across this photo of a school bus today. I read the photographer's comment, "This item has been decaying into the landscape forever." I couldn't help but think, Yes, as is our educational system. I thought of illiteracy ... Ill litter I see.

And what a timely reminder as many of us prepare to send our children back to school to be instructed by our educators to the tune of The Three R's - Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. Let us all remember there are three more R's of importance - Right, Responsibility, and Respect. Education should be considered a Right for one and for all; education should be considered a Responsibility by one and by all; education should be treated with Respect by one and by all.

Education empowers. As we gain knowledge, we also gain self-confidence, self-respect, and self-satisfaction. Let us put education back on the bus and in the driver seat by encouraging the three R's and then some.

Let not our funds for education shrink; let not the numbers of our educated sink; let not our minds be left untrained to think.

NOTE: I have now put this in a postcard version as the first in a series of Postcards for a Purpose. I encourage everyone to send a postcard to their state and local representatives!

Education Empowers -- BUY NOW

cafepress abitosunshine: Guest Giveaways -- The Vintage Nest

2010-08-22T09:51:00.000-04:00

cafepress abitosunshine: Guest Giveaways -- The Vintage Nest: "I just ran across one of the most fabulous and creative giveaways ever and just had to share it with you! Now, do hurry over to The Vintage ..."

A Great Way to Meet and Greet at Associated Content

2010-08-10T16:58:00.002-04:00

Tracie Walker and her Word Game

First impressions often hold true when meeting someone new; our first thoughts regarding words may do same.

I couldn't resist getting in on the Word Game and I was delighted to receive my five words from Tracie Walker. My first impression of Tracie -- delightfully fun and friendly!

I decided to immediately freewrite and share my first thoughts for each of my words. I'd planned to elaborate afterwards, but have now decided against doing such, for the moment at least, though I may do so in later posts.

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Romance: Happenstance; perchance a dance of two tangling into a woven web of one; for a moment in time romance feels like taking a stance, a you and me together.

Boat: Float your boat, doing whatever floats your boat; but I must wonder do we want to float alone or at someone else's expense? Shall we sink or swim, alone or together on our boat sailing out to sea?

Expect: Expectations often lead to dissapointment; expect nothing and be surprised at the wonders received.

Cheer: Spread good cheer, (my favorite way is to spread a bit o' sunshine); you'll be delighted with it bouncing back at you at just the right time, and generally tenfold -- Cheers!

Specific: Nothing in life is purely specific, but everything in life can be terrific when we welcome with sensitivity and deversity rather than specificity.

-----

Here's my referral link to Associated Content so you can sign up and join the fun:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=296462

And if you're already an AC Contributor, let's hook up and support each other in the community!

Flash Fiction Writing, Freestyle

2010-07-30T12:47:00.000-04:00

Once again combining my passion for Love and Writing, in response to my friend Len's writing prompt.

This Week’s Challenge:

Write something using EXACTLY 500 words. It can be a poem, a story, an article, an essay, anything you want, but make it EXACTLY 500 words (excluding the title).

My Response:

What's in a Word or Two or Three or More?
©Ruth Cox

Be it a quest for new information, by definition fact nor fiction; a tale of truth of the ages old, awaiting its time to be told; or, a promise in the pages of novella worlds to unfurl: the answer to the query depends upon what it is one may be longing for.
READ MORE HERE

Freestyle Saturday (Saturday Writing Essential)
Word Count Tool

Writing Style Analyzer

2010-07-23T12:28:00.000-04:00

Blogging and author friend, Charmaine Clancy, shared a great and fun link on her blog, Wagging Tales, and I just had to share it with you, too. The link is to I Write Like, a writing style analyzer, where you simply insert your writing into the analyzer tool and it will tell you which famous author your writing style resembles.

I decided to have three samples of my writing analyzed and was quite pleased and amused by the results. First was a sampling of my poetry, since it is my preferred choice of writing. I inserted the following poem:

Timeless Travel O' Truth
©Ruth Cox

In pre-dawn hour ship spirits hail;
Gypsy o' the sea is bade, "Set sail."
Atop the water's underworld,
All time and space constraints unfurl'd.
Sun o' yon morrow now arisin'
To claim what lies beyond horizon;
Schooled seafarer drew up a mind blank,
As earth fell flat walkin' the gangplank.
Astern swam ol' soul o' history;
Ahead held sol, breachin' mystery.
Sea gypsy caught by ray o' fire
Rode on heaven's burnin' desire.
Master o' the sky cried an "Ahoy!"
Mate now rides tide o' truth to enjoy.

The I Write Like analyzer said:

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Next, I had my true story/ghost story analyzed, which you can read here on my blog:
Shades of Summer on a Leather Leash

The I Write Like analyzer said:

I write like
Lewis Carroll

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Lastly, I selected one of my recent book review writings, which you can read on my blog, Ruthi Reads!:
Book Review: Ghost Words and Other Echoes...

The I Write Like analyzer said:

I write like
H. P. Lovecraft

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

The writing analyzer results were interesting and fun and I do hope you'll share the results of your own writing analysis, too!

Love, Loss, and a bit o' sunshine.

2010-07-14T19:01:00.000-04:00

For me, this past decade has proven there is no greater love than that shared with a canine family member and friend. On Monday, July 12th, (also my deceased Mother's birthday), I lost a bit o' sunshine when I had to say goodbye to my Sunshine Girl, Scratch. We've been together for eight and a half years and my heart is breaking o'er the loss o' my baby girl. I miss her deeply and so does her canine Momma, Tidbit; we grieve for her together.

Scratch -- Ruthi's Sunshine Girl

©Ruth Cox

Sky announced itself with a thunderous roar,

My swamped eyes letting loose in a lordless downpour.

Nothing I could say, not a thing I could pray,

Could undo the deed I'd have to do on this day.

The earth beneath my feet slow moved with disdain;

Found no consolation, no allay to the rain.

Lifeblood o' my spirit pumped low and doused deep,

As I begged her pain staid, to submerge unto sleep.

When my precious baby girl locked eyes with mine

I felt my forever lose a bit o' sunshine.

In a moment o' time years flashed in my mind

And I wondered just how life could be so unkind.

Then the showers that be, they reminded me,

In the love that now passed into eternity:

The power o' the storm is wrapped in a shroud,

Unleashed in a sunray peekin' out o' the clouds.

My Acceptance of The Versatile Blogger Award from Beverly Stowe McClure

2010-07-07T17:52:00.000-04:00

Me Versatile?
By definition, I guess I am!

Defined by YourDictionary.com: competent in many things; able to turn easily from one subject or occupation to another; many-sided; adaptable to many uses or functions

The Versatile Blogger Award I have received comes with rules:

1. Thank the person who loved me enough to bestow this gift.

2. Share seven things about myself.

3. Bestow this honor onto 10 newly discovered or followed bloggers – in no particular order – who are fantastic in some way.

4. Drop by and let my fifteen friends know I love them.

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1 ... It is a pleasure to accept The Versatile Blogger Award bestowed upon me and my blog by my friend and fellow Versatile Blogger, Beverly Stowe McClure of The Story of a Writer. Thank you Beverly!

2 ... Seven things I share about me:

I am a poet/writer/author/designer who enJOYs using these gifts to spread a bit o' sunshine into the lives of others.

While a part of me always seeks completion, the other part of me accepts the process of just "being."

I am a believer of the power of the sun; I believe in a Universalistic Sun Worship. When you visit the info link, please read all 6 principles of Universalistic Sun Worship carefully to really understand what this means to me, for the 6th principle brings me to...

I believe John 3:16 (KJV) -- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I abhor violence and hatred toward any living thing, including those who seem filled with hatred and violence themselves.

I believe mankind has the right to dominate the earth and its offerings; I also believe mankind should do so responsibly and lovingly.

I believe there are 3 key ingredients to all relationships: love, trust, and respect; the least of these is love. I can love another all I want, but if I do not trust, nor respect that person, love will not bind the relationship; however, trust and respect can be the ties that bind a relationship when love is not present.

3 ... And now the links to the fantastic Blog Friends I'll pass this award forward to:

Karen -- Karen's Love and Writing

Brenda -- Fiction With A Purpose

Kim -- Kimberly Blackadar's Blog

Sheila -- Sheila Deeth Blog

Christine -- Redhead Rants

Susan -- Poétique-Poetry-Dichtung

D -- A New Beginning: 2010

Sarah -- Cult of Deception

Dianna -- Love and Writing

Lisa -- Writing on Thin Ice

4 ... As each of the above-mentioned recipients places The Versatile Blogger Award in their own acceptance blog post, I'll be sure to drop a bit o' sunshine love in a comment on their post.

Shades of Summer on a Leather Leash

2010-07-03T12:51:00.004-04:00

Shades of Summer on a Leather Leash
The Mad Dog Is Dead
©Ruth Cox

The school bus seemed to bump along the rural roads at the slowest rate of speed imaginable. At least that's how it seemed to ten-year-old Annie on the last day of school looking forward to this particular summer, for it would be spent off the Mad Dog's tight leash.

Mad Dog was what Annie called her step-daddy; voiced only in her mind, of course, for fear of additonal abusive repercussions that would make even his black shepherd, Satan, roll over and play dead. Mad Dog hated the sight of his stepdaughter and had made the decision to ship her off to her maternal grandparents for the summer. This was to be Annie's punishment for trying to convince her mother he'd been sexually abusing her.

Punishment? Somewhat; for Annie couldn't help but wonder if one of her younger half-sister siblings would end up tightly tied to that leather strap in her abscence. Pleasure? Yes; for Annie looked forward to helping Grandpa with his half-a-football-field sized garden; he'd promised her the job of lining its perimeter with marigolds to keep out the creepy-crawly critters. She looked forward to Grandma in her rocking chair reciting poetry from the musty pages of worn-out books resting upon Annie's lap. But most of all, Annie had decided this would be her long-awaited chance to follow the frogs down to the creek in the woods behind the house.

With visions of frogs and tadpoles swimming in her head, the bus came to a creaking full-stop and off she hopped. Siblings and Satan ran to greet her, all vying for Annie's attention. Crying soon ensued as Mad Dog quickly shoved her into the hearse-resembling station wagon, spiriting her off to Sugar Grove and her Grandparents. The only words said on the drive, "Tell anyone and I'll have your head," required no reply, for the threat was clearly understood.

Annie let out a long sigh of relief when the wagon pulled away and allowed the promise of a joyous summer to bring her into being. The first thing Grandpa said to Annie, after he hugged her, was, "C'mere Li'l Annie, let's set the rules for summer. You have full run o' the property to play to yer heart's content, soon as the gardenin's done. But..." And he said it again, "But. Yer never to go in the woods and never to go near the creek." As fast as Annie's mind and mouth flew open, he said it again, "Never go near the creek in the woods."

"But Grandpa," she whined, as her feet tried to hop up and down and Annie all-too-closely resembled a frog with its legs mired in a knee-deep mud pond on fallow ground.

Grandpa grabbed her up by her shoulders, roughly sucking Annie from the ground she was stuck upon. "Never!" He yelled, "Do you understand?"

And although she screeched a "Yes!" from without, Annie didn't understand at all from within.

Summer sun rose early each day, right along with the vegetables and the marigolds. And the weeds. Each day around noon, after their gardening chores were done, Grandpa would take Annie to the pump near the front screen door, help her crank the heavy handle up and down until a cool stream filled the washtub and Annie would wash away the sweat and grime of the morning. Then Grandpa would tote his basket of garden goodies inside for Grandma to prepare for the evening meal.

Green beans and tomatoes seemed to be all Annie could recall ever being in that basket, but she remembers her Grandma always saying a prayer of gratitude before the meal, as though it were a banquet fit for a king and queen. Annie's recollection would prove correct when each afternoon she would witness her Grandpa as he overloaded two wooden crates with his garden variety, hoisting one upon each of his shoulders to tote them the miles into town to trade for necessary things; things like coins for his pocket purse, chewing tobacco, lye soap, matches, and kerosene.

When Grandpa headed into town, Grandma usually rocked herself to sleep in her rocking chair, settling in for an afternoon nap. This left Annie to roam free out-of-doors. She'd always end up by the well in the shade of the trees near the wood. There she would talk and play with her friends, the frogs, always a bit forlorn when they would hop away into the woods and out of sight. Annie longed to hop right along with them, but even thinking so made her glance up the long dirt lane to the road to see if Grandpa was trudging toward the house.

One day, towards the end of her summer stay and a day of no gardening for Annie, for the marigolds had gone to seed and the garden had nary a stray weed, Grandpa announced that after his trip to the market he planned to stay in town for a spell. Grandma didn't seem to mind; she probably figured she'd get in a longer nap.

Annie watched her Grandpa until he disappeared where the lane turned to meet the road into town. Sitting on the front step, she listened for the sound of Grandma's rocking chair to stop flowing through the screen on the door, all the while wearing a smile as her plans for the day sprang into being; she'd decided today would be her only chance to follow the frogs down to the creek in the woods behind the house without getting caught.

Frog after frog croaked louder and louder, until finally croaking was the only sound she heard. No more rocking chair on the wood of the floor sifting through the screen on the door; Grandpa's voice no longer heard in her head; all she could hear were green frogs keenly croaking, "C'mere, c'mere!"

She ran as fast as she could, across the length of her summer home. She flew past the outhouse in back, slowing only for a mere second where warm wind met cool shade, and past tree after tree a new trail she blazed. She feverishly followed her friendly frogs, hopping over the scent of dying logs and moss-covered rocks trying to block her path, and she ran without thinking of her Grandpa's wrath.

Annie heard the sound of each frog's hop turn into a water-logged plop as they hit the cold water tank. Then she stopped, nearly toppling over the edge of the bank. Annie's feet became weak, mired in the mud, and through the splash of the creek her eyes stole a peek to the other side and she might have cried, had her heart not once been crushed to a thud.

There was not a thing to dismay in what Annie saw through the spray of the creek that day. She saw a headless woman, arm outstretched, leather leash a taught extension of her hand, with nothing at the end -- no dog attached. But this woman was walking this dog along the far side of the creek.

Annie was at once at peace; mesmerized by a presence of hope. Eventually, she turned and walked the other way, back to the clearing. As she left the woods she didn't recall hearing anything at all, but by the look on her Grandpa's face when she saw him headed toward her, she knew she was in for a beating for going into the forbidden woods and near the forbidden creek; although, of the events of the day they never did speak.

Summer ended, Annie went back home, back to school, and back to a life of abuse. A few years later, Mad Dog went away with another woman, deserting his family. And a few years later, as promised by the shades of Annie's summer, arisen in a spray of hope on a leather leash -- Mad Dog was dead.

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(Len's Saturday Writing Essential Prompt):

Write something -- anything -- about ghosts. It can be a true life article about something that you’ve encountered, a combination of something that happened to you and you’re just adding something to it for fun, or it can be just a ghostly story that has no basis in reality.

Living Color -- Pillow Fight for a Cause

2010-06-28T21:13:00.004-04:00

UPDATE: June 28, 2010 -- A version of this creation is now available for purchase in my shop -- CafePress abitosunshine as a decorator pillow. This will be the first of many Pillow Fight for a Cause pillows..:-)

The pillow is 18" x 18" -- just the right size for a friendly pillow fight!

For the throw pillow, I have changed the title to living color and changed the line Smooch of night to Nuzzles night.

The original Poetic Creation (first posted at http://ruthcox.gather.com/)

Just a thought from the moment night turned into day -- Do opposites attract, or are they one and the same?

photo used in this creation courtesy of morgueFile

Purple Haiku Contest

2010-06-26T18:47:00.000-04:00

Yahoo has recently acquired Associated Content, a content platform for writers. In celebration, they're having a Purple Haiku Contest.

Here's the link to my entry -- wish me luck in the comment section while you're there, please and thank you!

Rainforest Flyer

Fathers Day -- a message for absentee fathers and their children

2010-06-21T14:40:00.001-04:00

Dedicated to the children who whose fathers remain unknown and to the fathers with unknown children. If one Father and Child can be connected, or re-connected, then I'll not have shared my story in vain.

----------

Daddy's Little Girl
©Ruth Cox

Alas, I was born to an unknown father on earth;
To a young unwed mother this child was born.
What made you leave me the day of my birth?
Is your heart, as mine, at least a bit forlorn?

Many an hour my heart searched the world over,
Thinking thoughts of you with mixed emotion.
In my mind's eye I see a field full of clover;
Daddy and daughter walk hand in hand in devotion.

I have often pondered how it would have felt
To be tucked in at night, secured by your touch.
Alas, this is not the hand in life I was dealt,
Just the yearning of my heart, a fantasy of such.

Might you have been the world's greatest dad,
The weight of my world carried upon your shoulder?
Often I longed for the good times we could have had,
Longings that grow weaker as I become much older.

I do want you to know I've known a father's love,
A love that no earthly daddy could give.
Bountiful blessings He sends from above,
Deep in my heart this daddy does live.

The weight of my world upon His shoulders does rest.
My search for you will now pretty much cease.
In His everlasting arms my heart and soul do nest;
Daddy's little girl has found perfect peace.

----------

Happy Father's Day to My Daddy ... Christ Jesus

Life in the Land of Sunalo -- A Fantasy World? Perhaps, perhaps not...

2010-06-12T02:26:00.000-04:00

Life in the Land of Sunalo

©Ruth Cox

Here in the Land of Sunalo,
Sunshine reigns, a steady streamflow.
Love resides in our bungalows,
Trust and respect the bedfellows.

There is no sadness, is no pain,
And though we get our share of rain,
We are grateful -- thirst it refrains;
Of mankind, of beasts, and of grains.

Sunlight rays keep our bodies warm,
Goodwill is the neighborly norm.
So, if and when a darkness swarms,
Here, we have shelter from all storms.

The air, no matter the weather,
Breathes in lightly as a feather.
Common decency, the tether,
We believe in "All Together!"

Healthy as a species can be,
From our sun comes Vitamin D,
And we get our B, C, and E,
From our land -- it sustains for free.

From animals we also feed;
Yes, they fulfill so many needs.
As food, as cloth, and yes, indeed,
For work, for pets, we have our breeds.

We have no clocks, we watch sundial,
It always tells us, "Time to smile."
There is no master to defile,
Only sun, our soul to beguile.

There is no time, there is no place,
For lack of goodness, nor of grace.
We each advance at rapid pace,
As long as oneness we embrace.

Raptured by the sky's golden fleece,
Side by side we walk, live in peace.
"Do unto others..." without cease...
The Land of Sunalo life lease.

-----

Len's Prompt for Saturday Writing Essential/Gather Writing Essential:
Create a fantasy world using prose or poetry. Make sure you include, at least, the characters, location, and any fantasy elements.

Once Upon A Time

2010-06-08T01:20:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time, on a Tuesday... way back in November, I posted one of my poetic creations on Gather, entitled Once Upon A Time. This creation called out to me several times, as though directing me to "Do" something special with it. So, in need of a special creation for an upcoming event, I "Did" something...

Product Details:

One front adjustable clasp closure.

Main compartment has inside slip pocket.

Front panel has zipper compartment.

Adjustable 2" shoulder strap.

600 Denier Polyester

Size: 14 1/2" x 12" x 5"

The photo above does not do this Messenger Bag justice. So I do hope you'll have a closer look at it at my shop, where it is available for purchase..:-)

CafePress abitosunshine

Friendship Balls

2010-05-26T12:37:00.001-04:00

Let's teach our children about colors ... and a bit about friendship, too!

Who knows ... we may even learn a thing or two.

Picture Books (Saturday Writing Essential)

Len's Prompt Rules:

Write the text for a children’s picture book (prose, poetry, fiction, essay, whatever).

You must have only sixteen sentences.
Each sentence can have one to fifteen words.
You can have a word of three syllables in only four of the sentences.
You can have only one word of four syllables in the work.
There can be no words of more than four syllables.

Photo used in this creation courtesy of morgueFile.

Lost Kindred Souls

2010-05-16T11:36:00.001-04:00

This post is dedicated to my baby brother ... I love you.

Every single day, in every possible way, show your loved ones the love you feel for them, before life or death snatches them away...

This was first posted here and you're encouraged to read the discussions that took place, sign up and comment, too.

I Just Cannot "Do" Mother's Day

2010-05-08T10:30:00.001-04:00

I Just Cannot "Do" Mother's Day
©2002 Ruth Cox

I just cannot "do" Mother's Day;
Most don't understand why this I say.

My Mother is dead and I miss her so much,
Daily glimpses of her my soul does touch.
Her life was stolen from my siblings and me,
Domestic violence took her from us, you see.

My sisters have children unseen by our Mother;
Being held by one's Gramma is a feeling like no other.
Brothers share memories of Mom in a red cloud of danger;
A fist full of pain in their hearts is not a stranger.

I just cannot "do" Mother's Day;
Hope you understand why this I say.

My son is missing from this daily world o' mine,
Lost to drugs and for his heart I endlessly pine.
He wanders aimlessly in his world, dark and remote,
The fears and horrors of his past he continues to tote.

My hopes and dreams for my son, difficult to smother,
Live on in my soul and I pray he shall one day discover
A light to lead him along a path that will in the end
Allow him to feel the love of his Mother, also his friend.

I just cannot "do" Mother's Day;
Hope you understand why this I say.

My spirit is filled with sadness on this honored day
But I celebrate it daily, in my own special way.
And for those of you who miss a child or your mother
Know that you surely have the understanding of another.

My heart grieves for the loss of my mother and my son,
Yet deep inside I know the raging battle shall be won.
For I believe one day a light will shine from up above;
Mothers and their children will be reunited by His love.

I just cannot "do" Mother's Day;
Hope you understand why this I say.

JENNIFER LEE is the GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY winner!

2010-05-01T13:58:00.001-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER LEE!

I am delighted to announce that you are the WINNER of abitosunshine LOVE and WRITING's GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY! Scottie drew your name out o' his hat just a moment ago! You are the recipient of my CafePress abitosunshine poetic creation -- Journal of Thought, Word, and Deed!

Jennifer, you are ever so deserving of this win -- you are a WINNER! Your recent commitment to gratitude in your daily Gather posts are impressive and winning this gratitude journal seems like pure poetic justice to me!

Loveya Jennifer Lee!

Believe in the Big Forever

2010-04-30T16:18:00.003-04:00

----------

Believe in the Big Forever
©Ruth Cox

We sneak away for lunch today at a local seaside hideaway for lovers. You settle into your seat, swallowed up in the over-sized booth. Your childish grin meets my smile across the table between us. The server brings us our drinks and as he walks away I see you staring at your malt as though the foam is ebbing to and fro like the ocean tide outside. (Yes, I'd requested a booth with a porthole window view.)

All of a sudden, you dive out of your seat, floating your glass of splashing foam across the table. You wriggle your body into a cozy position on the seat beside me. With hand as fragile as an early spring breeze you gently take my head, turn it toward you, and my blue-shadowed eyes sail out to sea in your baby blues.

"Let's pretend we're on a date," you say. "I love you as big as the ocean water; forever." Envisioning the expanse of the sea, my smile turns into a grin as powerful as my reply. "Forever; only for you could I believe in the Big Forever."

Lunch is eaten amid smiles and giggles; our hugs and kisses taste better than our dessert. We linger for as long as our forever winds allow. We speak only of our tomorrows, only of our forever; our words turning our thoughts into miles of time, ebbing and flowing as the ocean tide.

Today, thirty-two years later, my mind meanders the tides of our time. As I drown myself in the portals of dark-shadowed memories, I grasp upon a vision of a child surfing the deep-blue sea. I softly whisper the words my Mother heart cries, "I love you as big as the ocean water, my Son. Forever."

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Len's Saturday Writing Essential Freestyle Prompt:

Write anything you want, prose or poetry, as long as you follow the length guidelines.

For prose:

Five paragraphs only.
Each paragraph can have three, four, or five sentences.
Each sentence can have as many words as you wish -- one or one hundred, I don’t care.

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Entered 11/7/2010

Sunshine Rules the SunPlayRoom

2010-04-29T16:18:00.002-04:00

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Sunshine Rules the SunPlayRoom
©Ruth Cox

I, Sunshine the Bartender, quickly intervene ... I not only snag that $20 bill o' green for m'self, I also order Mr. Stocky, disc jockey, to play my favorite tune ... Because I can, because I own the SunPlayRoom!

I jump aboard my bitchy broom, fly the ceiling sunlights, disco dance across the room, crash land at the door, knocking Detective Timmons to the floor. He stirs, I bewitchingly stir the pot, tossing him a $10 bill o' green. "Arrest that woman Kay," I say. "Vroom-vroom! Earn your pay!"

He said not a word, neither meek nor bold, doing only as he was told.

----------

100 words, written for Kay's Genre Shorties Prompt:

This week's genre is Your Choice. Your story may be serious or lighthearted or as silly as you like just so long as it is 100 words or less and written for the following prompt

This week we'll collaborate. I'll begin the story and you finish it. You do not have to count my words in your word count.

*He was capable of speaking. He just chose not to.
*I slipped a twenty dollar bill to the bandmaster and requested that he play that special song.
*Through the smudged portal I watched the eerie dancing lights.
*It was no surprise that Detective Timmons was at the door.
*The old crone stirred her bubbling brew and made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

Trickery of Time

2010-04-28T15:17:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I feel as though I've been jugglin' time for a lifetime, how about you? I've learned a thing or two along the way, though; as I juggle mid work and play I must remember that I must do what I say -- just do it! All it takes is time ...

MELLOW YELLOW

2010-04-23T16:23:00.001-04:00

Today's poetic creation inspired by:

Author Kimberly Blackadar

via her blog post:

Poetry Workshop #3: Double Word Poetry

Fiddlestick Folk

2010-04-22T20:31:00.001-04:00

Fiddlestick Folk
©Ruth Cox

Here's how we twiddle
The time of our life:
You stroke the fiddle,
I'll finger the fife.

Wee sister wiggles
While Ma sings desire;
Li'l brother giggles,
And Pa tends the fire.

As each of us stirs
Magic of our own;
Reality blurs,
And dreams become known.

You're fishin' upstream,
Jump a riverboat;
Like freshwater bream,
Aimlessly afloat.

I'm berry pickin',
Juice quenches my thirst;
The baby's kickin',
I'm about to burst.

Pa grabs his shotgun,
Saddles up his horse;
He'll find my loved one,
Bring him back, of course.

Ma's got a weddin'
She's readyin' for;
Tears she's a sheddin'
While pacin' the floor.

Brother and sister,
They've nary a clue;
They play tongue twister,
A game tried and true.

Petticoats I don,
'Neath an off-white dress.
The door is knocked on,
Preacher's here I guess.

Once we let him in,
Totin' board of slate,
He writes with chagrin,
"How long must we wait?"

We hear horse whinny
And sound of whip crack;
Cringe for the ninny,
Pa cut him no slack.

Wood door opens wide
And you say with glee:
"All jokin' aside,
Will you marry me?"

We both say "I do."
And the preacher nods.
Ma serves up the stew
While the fire Pa prods.

You stroke the fiddle,
I'll finger the fife:
Time we now twiddle
As husband and wife.

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Written in response to Len's Prompt for Saturday Writing Essential of Gather Writing Essential:

*Write a historical fiction story (prose or poetry).

"VIOLENCE IN THE HOME"

2010-04-21T21:55:00.004-04:00

I am continuing to follow Kimberly Blackadar's Blog and today her post is entitled,
Poetry Workshop #2: Borrowed Poetry

Accorcing to POETS.org, a pure Borrowed or Found poem consists exclusively of outside texts: the words of the poem remain as they were found, with few additions or omissions. Decisions of form, such as where to break a line, are left to the poet.

My Borrowed/Free Verse Poem/Social Commentary is written from various titles in the CONTENTS page of the book, Battered Wives, by Del Martin, 1976. I've omitted no words in the titles; I have rearranged the content titles, quoted them, and added punctuation. I have added as few words as possible; my added words are not in quotations. If the word "wife" or "wives" was used in the original content title, I have inserted the word "spouse" in its place and the author's use of "she" is changed to "she/he" as well.

----------

"VIOLENCE IN THE HOME"
©Ruth Cox

"The Incidence of Domestic Violence"
occurring in
"The Great American Family"
may consist of
"Spouse Abuse : The Skeleton in the Closet,"
and/or abuse of
"The Children."

"An Overview of Cruelty"
may tell us
"What Triggers the Batterer."

These triggers may include:
"The Economics of Marriage,"
"Verbal Arguments,"
"Class and Status Variables,"
"Histories of Violence and Occupational Hazards,"
"Drunkenness and Alcoholism,"
"Jealousy,"
"Sterotyped Sex Roles,"
"Socialization and Sex Roles",
and
"Sexuality as Aggressiveness."

"The Victim -- Why Does She/He Stay?"
Victims are
"Trapped by Fear!"

And there are
"Socially Determined Reasons."

These may include:
"Arrest Procedures,"
"Police Policy and Practice,"
"Spouse-Abuse Laws,"
and
"Protection Orders,"
which protect no one.

And, there is
"Social Services -- The Big Runaround!"

The lack of
"Emergency Housing,"
"Public Financial Assistance,"
"Mental Health Services,"
"Police Training and Crisis Intervention,"
and lack of
"Victim Aid"...
all render the victim
helpless
and
hopeless.

These are
"The Facts of Life"
and...
Not much has changed since
Del Martin
wrote
Battered Wives
in 1976.

Mount Pleasant Path

2010-04-20T00:25:00.001-04:00

Mount Pleasant Path
Me and My Girl
©Ruth Cox

I hike the high hills,
dark caverns, too,
step over fallen rock,
dodge and deal
with mishaps
strewn along the path.
Dog barks up ahead.
Yes, I brought my friend.
For without her...
Harm
may come once again.

She laps of -
I jump into -
the cooling water.
She trots alongside,
never leaving path.
She has known the chill
of my loneliness...
I am grateful for this fact.

Back on the bank,
the crooked creek's edge,
I sit,
I rest,
thoughts dance among the dead.
A lick upon my face says,
All is not lost;
Never alone;
Friend guards your back.

We climb the mount, slowly
reaching for the top.
The sun guides our footprints
upon the path we walk.
Strongest of the rays
points the way -
Go around.
Go through.
Life awaits you two.

The top draws near,
we rest once more,
listen to the waterfall
flowing in the distance.
Sound travels,
an arrow,
aimed for the heart.
I think...
This must be
where love got its start.

My gal disappears,
seemingly runs astray;
I hear yelps of glee,
leading me unto the light;
brighter as I go.
This must be the pathway
of the things I should know.

I feel the need
to rest a moment more,
settle myself
on the dirt of the floor.
I feel the warmth
as I hold
the ground in my hand.
But time is ticking,
I tell myself,
Rise.

Dog appears
in the clearing ahead,
waits for me to catch her,
then...
stands her ground.
Her tail another voice,
it wags, Delighted!
Then it halts, Who goes there?
And it curls, Friend, not foe.

Together, we
stand
at the peak;
our world at our feet.
Just me and my girl.

----------

Today I wanted to take my Tidbit for a walk at Mount Pleasant, but, I didn't. I wanted to then write a gratitude/current for Shedding Light, but since I didn't go for the walk, I couldn't. Late tonight I saw an email from Kimberly Blackadar's Blog regarding today's Poetry Workshop. It seemed to fit perfectly with what I wanted to do.

The poem above is the result of her blog workshop. It began with a closed-eyes, fingers on the keyboard, mind walking with visuals, freewrite, which I share below...

I walk the hills
the caverns too
step over the rocks
avoid the mishaps
found along the path

a dog barks ahead
yws, i brought my friend
for without her harm
may come again

I jump right into
the cool of the waters
she jogs alongside, ne'er leavin' the path
for she has known
the chill of my loneliness
and i am grateful for this fact

back on the bank
of the crooked creek's edge
I sit, I rest, thoughts
dance among the dead
A lick upon my face
says all is not lost
never alone when a friend
guards your back

slowly we climb the mountain
reaching for the top
the sun guides each
footprint upon the path we walk
the strongest ray points the way
go around, go through
life awaits you too

the top seems nearer now
we rest once more
listen to the waterfall dropping in the distance
the sound travels
ike an arrow
straight to the heart
think this must be
where love got its start

my gal disappears
seemingly runs away
but i hear yelps of glee
she's leading the way
I follow the light
getting brighter as i go
this must be the way
of the things i should know

I feel the need to rest once more
settle myself on the the dirt of the floor
I feel the warmth when I hold
the ground in my hand
but time is tickin
so again i stand
my friend appears in the clearing ahead
waits til I catch her
then she runs on ahead
the tail it wags
then it halts and it curls
we stand at the peak
just me and my girl

A Perfect Day -- Shedding Light -- 2nd Ripple

2010-04-17T00:09:00.002-04:00

A Perfect Day?
©Ruth Cox

A perfect day once came my way; dusk became dawn, the dark withdrawn.

In between the light and the dark are moments of perfection, twinklings of time to be etched into memory, remembered as the perfect day, forevermore.

I remember the dawn of a perfect day -- January of 1972, I gave birth to my son -- a moment of perfection. Enraptured by this gift of life, birthed by me, a feeling of agelessness swept over my spirit. In a not-so-perfect moment, the teenage and single motherhood worries would take over -- but only in the dark of night.

I remember the sunup of a perfect day -- a few days before Thanksgiving 1975, on the telephone with my Mother -- a moment of perfection. Enthralled by Mom's delight in my wanting her peach pie recipe, time seemed to stand still. In another not-so-perfect moment, I would grieve never hearing her voice again, as domestic violence would take her away on December 1st -- but only in the dark of night.

I remember the rise of a perfect day -- Cox Family Reunion 1999 -- a moment of perfection. Enamoured by a wellspring of joy in this reuniting of family lost twenty-four years before, believing that love heals all wounds. In another not-so-perfect moment, I would come to believe that love is only for as long as it lasts -- but only in the dark of night.

I remember the light of a perfect day -- Tidbit, a five-week old pup placed in my arms, July 2, 2000 -- a moment of perfection. Held spellbound by her baby blue eyes of gratitude, for her life had just been saved. In another not-so-perfect moment, I would worry about the vet's diagnosis of "parvo pup" and all that would entail -- but only in the dark of night.

In between the light and the dark are moments of perfection, ripples of time woven into a tapestry of life, remembered as the perfect day, forevermore.

The light now yawns, sky curtains drawn; in ev'ry way A Perfect Day!

Post created as part of my Shedding Light group series of writings:

Shedding Light -- 1st Ripple -- I am Ruthi

Photo used in this creation courtesy of morgueFile

GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY!

2010-04-11T19:03:00.005-04:00

This year I made up my mind I was going to apply myself to my love of writing with a passionate vengence. One way in which I've done this is by making the commitment to getting my shop, CafePress abitosunshine, up and running and profitable.

I've achieved my goal! Today, my profits have taken CafePress abitosunshine from a Basic (free) shop to a Premium (paid) shop. It's nice to know that my poetic creations are paying for themselves.

Of course, that means I must have more than just Attitude, I must display my Gratitude -- thank you! So, in honor of my customers and supporters, I've decided to announce my...

GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY!

I am giving away 1 copy of my poetic creation -- Journal of Thought, Word, and Deed.
(CLICK the link above for a larger view, and details, of the journal.)

The GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY begins on April 11, 2010 and ends on April 30, 2010. Winner will be determined by random drawing, the lucky name to be drawn from the hat of my roommate, Scottie, on May 1, 2010 and will be announced the same day, here on my blog, abitosunshine LOVE and WRITING, as well as all other social networks I deem applicable.

There will be 1 lucky winner. Will it be you?

No purchase necessary to enter the GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY. However, here is how to qualify to get your name in the hat:

1...VISIT CafePress abitosunshine, then leave a comment on this GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY post telling me THE SPECIFIC NAME of my poetic creation you like best AND why!

EXAMPLE: I like the Orange Sunshine Framed Tile because it was my first poetic creation made available for purchase at my shop!

----------

BONUS ~ get your name in the hat more than once!

AFTER completing the requirement above -- To qualify for additional entries, you may do any or all of the following, but you MUST leave an additional comment on this blog post for each thing you do, saying you have done so or already do:

1...Follow this blog, abitosunshine LOVE and WRITING

2...Purchase a poetic creation from CafePress abitosunshine

3...Add me as a friend on GATHER

4...Follow me on TWITTER

5...Follow me at FACEBOOK

NOTE: Remember, to add an entry, you MUST comment here on this GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY post each time you complete an item that qualifies.

Good luck!

And have an attitude of gratitude in your every thought, word, and deed!

I Am Ruthi -- I am a Shedding Light Ripple

2010-04-05T11:15:00.000-04:00

This is posted to give you a closer look at who I am.

This post served as the response to an "I am a..." prompt in WWAUW, as well as the introduction of self to a new group I've joined, Shedding Light, a total mind, body, and spirit self-improvement plan!

So here I am, these and many Ripples more to be shared as we go along.

Why did I join Shedding Light? Honestly, I so enJOYed the many posts many of the Shedding Light Sistahs have shared through the fall and winter. I enJOY the group leader, Mariana's encouraging posts. I decided I wanted to be a part of this inspiring group of gals! And, frankly, I need a bit o' fixin' up in mind, body, and spirit.

Child Abuse -- Verbal Abuse -- Of Sticks and Stones, Words Sown

2010-04-03T20:20:00.000-04:00

Child Abuse -- Verbal Abuse
©Ruth Cox

Of Sticks and Stones, Words Sown

Some say slight sticks
Won't place a prick
Deep in the bones;
Some say small stones
Won't make a mark
Left deep and dark;
Some wave with word,
Their speech sown slurred.

I say the force of stick, stone, and word
Will hurt deep down dark when felt, when heard.

----------

I grew up in an atmosphere where life lessons were learned the hard way, not necessarily the right way. I was taught not to sling rude belittling words at others. I was taught that sticks and stones would, indeed, hurt others. And I was taught the wounds of words would leave their mark long after the physical scars healed.

I learned these lessons by example, not necessarily by good example. I learned by watching sticks, stones, and words fly from one loved one to another. In this example, for these lessons, the damage was done to a child ... by her mother. The child was my sister, whom I'll refer to as Regina; her name changed to protect the innocent.

As I think about it now, Regina, the toddler, reminds me of my dog Scratch. Not a day goes by that Scratch doesn't do something silly to give me a chuckle or put a smile on my face. Regina was like that too, but Mom didn't find it very amusing. By the time Regina was three years old our Mother had given her the nickname, Stupid Regina, generally just calling her Stupid. Sad to say, her siblings sometimes forgot her name was Regina and called her Stupid, too.

We often heard, "Stupid, get in here and wash the dishes!" Ask who left dirty towels on the bathroom floor and Mom would scream, "Stupid Regina, of course." followed by, "Stupid, get in here and clean the the bathroom top to bottom. I better be able to eat off that floor when you're dumb ass is done!" And if Regina dared to remind her mother she wasn't stupid she was met with a backhand in the mouth and told to "Shut up, Stupid!" This treatment went on hour after hour, day after day, year upon year. Sad to say, Regina soon began to behave as though she, too, believed she was stupid.

Soon after Regina entered elementary school, she was tested and placed in "special classes" for those with learning disabilities. Of course, every time report cards had to be signed, Mom would make a big deal out of Regina's report card being different than the rest by saving hers for last and saying, "Okay Stupid, time to sign your Report Card for Retards!"

As the oldest child, I pretty much raised my siblings and became as protective of them as a mother cougar is with her kittens. Somehow I'd figured out what Mom was doing was wrong and I realized it was making Regina act like she was stupid. Many times it was I who received the backhand, or worse, for standing up for Regina when Mom belittled her. I began praising Regina, in hopes to counteract what our mother was doing to her. I'd clean up after her, do her chores for her, help her with her homework; I did anything I could to keep her out of the pathway of the sticks and stones and words our mother could fling her way.

Years later, I received a telephone call from my mother. She just had to tell me the latest thing Stupid Regina had done. I cringed, but listened. Somehow, when Regina had transferred from one school to another, her school records had been misplaced. While the school was waiting for copies, they'd placed Regina in regular classrooms. For some reason, she stayed there and received average grades. Now remember, Regina had always been in those "special classes" and she'd done below average work in them. Now here I am on the phone with my Mom and she's screaming about Regina's report card, (she finally noticed), and is telling me she's going to call the school to set up a meeting with the counselor and get Regina back where she belongs.

I couldn't help myself -- I screamed, "Shut up!"

Once I got Mom's attention in a manner she understood, I proceeded to tell her to leave Regina alone. I also told her there wasn't a thing wrong with Regina that she hadn't made wrong with her in all the years of abuse and ridicule. I brought out my Cougar claws and made sure she understood that I would contact the school myself and tell them a thing or two about Regina's home life if my Mother did anything to mess things up for Regina at school.

You see, I believe that my sister knew all along she was in the wrong classes, but chose to rise to the challenge, proving to her mother, and to herself, she wasn't stupid. I also believe she may have been dumb like a fox.

----------

I also want you to see the damage that can be done when you use words like stupid, dumb, and shut up.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month -- let this be the month for nuttin' but sunshine to fly from one loved one to another.

Abuse stops with me and with you.

Lententide Love -- Good Friday

2010-04-02T20:43:00.000-04:00

My offering today pays tribute to Good Friday and what the day means to me at this moment in time.

If you celebrate the holiday -- Happy Easter!

If you do not celebrate the holiday -- Happy Friday!

Resurrection

2010-03-31T14:46:00.000-04:00

Resurrection
©Ruth Cox

Love

takes a nose-dive amid the chill of a setting sun

Writing

ink red drips its pain from the sharp point of a pen

Renewal

murmurs faintly from a broken-hearted warning

Dove

Love

placed back in the forefront unites all things into one

Writing

flows freely from the wellspring enlightening ken

Renewal

arises in the heart-warming woo of the mourning

Dove

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Write about what RENEWAL has to do with LOVE and WRITING.
(WWAUW writing prompt response; prompt courtesy of Ruthi)

Journal -- Letter to my Son

2010-03-07T15:17:00.000-05:00

(WWAUW writing prompt response; prompt courtesy of Dianna)

Write a letter to someone you love encouraging them to keep a journal and explain why you think it's so important to the ones they love.

----------

William,

Your every thought, your every feeling, holds importance to me.

More importantly, your thoughts and feelings are of value to you.

Keeping a record, a journal, of the thoughts and feelings you have each day can serve as a way of letting go, a way of healing. Writing, as well as re-reading what we write, is often a great tool for reflection. I encourage you to keep a record of daily events in your life and how you feel and react in relation to these events. I feel that not only would this serve to record, it may also serve to assist you to reflect upon the experiences, as well as your emotional response to what occurred. Hopefully, this would lead to greater understanding of yourself, as well as others, and ultimately, a greater understanding of your life.

Myself... over the course of my lifetime I've written my deepest and darkest thoughts in journals, diaries, and in my poetry and prose. Some have been written to later be burned; some have been written to be lost along life's way; some have been written to be shared; some have been written to be found upon my demise.

I'm about to begin a brand new journal of my thoughts. (Thanks to a gentle push from my friend Karen.) In fact, her encouragement has also caused me to create an empty journal book, available for purchase at CafePress abitosunshine. Karen mentioned on the phone the other day that her favorite of my poetic creations of late is one entitled "Whirlpool" and I realized it would make the perfect cover for a journal of thought and emotion. The verse is truly one that gives room for reflection and direction.

My son, it is, of course, my hope, that you may want one of my blank journals. And, of course, I'll happily purchase one from myself on your behalf -- if you ask me to do so. And, most importantly, I hope that you fill it with the dreams and desires of your heart.

With Momma's Love,
Ruthi

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Link -- my original "Whirlpool" poetic creation.
Link -- purchase "Whirlpool" Journal at CafePress abitosunshine!

Writing and Web Design

2010-02-18T23:54:00.000-05:00

Today's offering is geared toward those who write, those who read, and those who write book reviews.

I'm plugging a writer resource website, as well as my web design work.

A short time ago, Gather Member Brenda Youngerman posted in need of a web designer, hence a new web client for me, as well as a new friendship formed.

Not only am I the web designer for Reviews4Reviews, I am an official book Reviewer, and hope one day to have a Book Title listed on the site for review.

I hope you'll all take a moment or two to check out Reviews4Reviews and while there, be sure to read my Reviewer Profile.

Note: I thank Gather for bringing Brenda and I together, professionally and personally. You will see a few Gather Authors and their Book Titles on the site!

----------

And now for a bit o' sunshine reading material for all...

For the Love of Sunshine

2010-02-10T21:42:00.000-05:00

Written for Genre Shorties Prompt Week 21

This week's genre is Your Choice. Your story may be serious or light hearted or as silly as you like just so long as it is 100 words or less and written for the following prompt:

You hail a cab and find yourself sharing a ride with one of the following:

An Elvis impersonator
Your first love -- my choice -- fiction, based on my true emotions
A child with special powers
A famous actor or actress
Your high school principal

----------

For the Love of Sunshine
©Ruth Cox

Jolted from my park-benched daydreaming, I heard, "Care to go for a ride in the country?" hailed from the yellow cab's passenger window.

The gentleman behind the voice opened the door, I jumped in, leaving reality behind me.

His gentle smile told me he was no stranger. Sitting alongside me was the man of my daydreams, my first love.

We were driven to the country, laughing all the way.

Exiting the cab, I turned to reach for my love. The door closed before me as the yellow cab pulled away.

Tears flooded me back to reality as I read the tombstone...

For the love of Sunshine...Steve

----------

Inspired this afternoon by a telephone conversation with my Aunt Martha Bell.

Steve was my first and only love from age 13 to 16.

Soulmates -- Concrete Poetry

2010-02-01T00:41:00.000-05:00

My Love and Writing blog would not be complete without a special post for the love month of February! To that end, I share with you a heart-shaped creation from last year. I love writing shape, or concrete, poetry, as it's quite a challenge! This, my heartfelt stream of consciousness on feelings of "oneness" with another...

Soulmates

feelings bosomed

impressions emblazoned

hidden in the nooks and crannies

of the organ that portrays my spirit

lay the essence of those I hold dear
as well as the memory of past loves

and my hopes for future affections

that will cause me to continue to

thrive and to allow me to carve

out my niche in the universe

as I step upon the stones

laid out in front of me

and surely I may

stumble and

I may fall

but not

alone

YOU

are

Love and Writing

2010-01-27T11:46:00.000-05:00

First, I have a few definitions to share:

Love: a strong positive emotion of regard and affection; any object of warm affection or devotion; get pleasure from

Writing: the activity of putting something in written form; the act of creating written works; the work of a writer

Passion: something that is desired intensely; strong feeling or emotion

Commitment: the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose

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Love and writing -- A Marriage Made in Heaven

I've been married, and divorced, more than once. I don't take marriage lightly, but sometimes no matter how hard we work at something, we appear to fail. Notice I said appear. For I don't believe that divorce is failure; I believe that some things come to an end because for whatever reason we no longer derive pleasure from that course of action. It is the course of action that has reached its demise.

In the past few years I've changed my course of action. I've united love and writing -- a perfect union -- one that I feel will lead me to fulfill many of my little girl dreams.

I have bound myself, intellectually and emotionally, to realizing my childhood dream of fame and fortune. I've made the committment to treat my writing, especially my poetic talent, as a God-given gift to be shared, and in so doing, the rewards are plentiful. With each new writing, my love becomes stronger and my rewards are greater -- a bit o' sunshine shared beams back at me. I've learned to behold the fame and fortune found in the warmth of each and every one of these sunbeams.

I have devoted myself to the passionate pursuit of happiness -- of others, thereby soaring the heights of my own happiness by shedding light upon another. I've learned there is no greater strength than that found in a ray of hope shared with someone else.

Will I marry again? I believe that I will, for I still believe in my little girl dream: I believe my White Knight rides the rays of the sun in search of his damsel. He'll be surprised to find that not only is his damsel not in distress, but that she is greatly blessed by the fruits of her labor in the union of her love and her writing.

Love and Writing awaits those who ride toward the spirit o' the sun wherein the marriage made in Heaven shall be won.

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This blog began as a prompt challenge in Women With A Unique Word.