Opal Reflections
Perspectives through Prose, Poetry and Photography
The Joy of Fitness (Again)
In honor of my graduation from physical therapy, I submit this entry to the Trifecta Writing Challenge. After six months of repair and recuperation I am nearly back to 100%. I suspect that I will always be a little achy and vulnerable to paying a painful price after a day of cooking on my feet. But I have a new appreciation; not only for practical hurdles faced by the handicapped each day, but also for the many bright and dedicated professionals, interns and students who, with patience and empathy become our mentors and partners in the healing process. Now, on to this week’s challenge:
DELIBERATE
1: characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration
2: characterized by awareness of the consequences
3: slow, unhurried, and steady as though allowing time for decision on each individual action involved
***************
Two inch, four inch, six inch, I holler…
Assessing step height per the chart
Ten times, twenty, then do thirty
From the rigorous regimen, don’t depart.
Fifteen today, tomorrow twenty
Deliberate, diverse, designed delay
Double-down, decrease, repeating
Time after time, day after day.
Sinews stretching, tendons taut
Orange ball against the wall
An hour more, a week, a month; the goal
To walk, to climb, to stand up tall
Twenty reps, left swivel, right,
Bending, balance beam; begin again.
Fifteen this time, tomorrow twenty
Persistence, but “no pain, no gain.”
Relief in sight, the cycle ceasing
Once torn tendons; bones re-knit.
Icing, coldness; soothing, seeping,
A few more sessions, I’ll soon be fit!
Photo Friday: Artificial Light… “Oh, What a Night!”
This week’s Photo Friday challenge prompt is “Artificial Light”. I chose this photo, taken at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, on the evening we went to see Franki Valli in concert. Except for the use of a “Brushed” filter (in keeping with the ‘Artificial Light’ theme) and my watermark signature, this photo is as it was shot. One’s eyes are drawn to the curved line of park benches and artificially lit trees about to bloom, set against a backdrop of the Newark skyline.
It was a lovely, chilly, Spring evening, and after having entered the architecturally beautiful venue, (and stopping by the lobby bar for a glass of wine) we went up to the mezzanine overlooking the lobby facing the front of NJPAC. From our parapet, we listened to a quartet of men crooning oldies from our teen years. It was quite a scene! We noted that most of the gathering, friendly audience appeared to be our age. A few couples even began dancing to the music, and nearly everyone sang along.
As we stood there soaking in the nostalgia, I used my iPhone to capture the scene outside, a striking contrast to the scene inside and more dramatically, to the Newark I experienced as a child; and years later as an engineering student at NCE. Franki’s performance was wonderful, and I know our enjoyment of the concert was greatly enhanced by this pre-concert ambiance in the heart of Newark.
“Oh, what a night!”
Weekly Photo Challenge: From Above
From above, many otherwise unnoticeable or unremarkable images are transformed into unusual and unparalleled works of art. Whether Nature’s mastery or human creativity, opportunities abound to capture the mystery. This gallery was photographed using a Pentax K30, an iPad2, or an iPhone 4S. Usually yucky cicadas and cracked-open bird’s eggs, join with sea-scape shells, sea-foam and baby blankets to comprise a gallery of delightful images.
Aprons Away!
I’ve always harbored a fascination for sprinklers. It’s been in my blood, part of my lineage, ever since I can remember; when the only relief from the sweltering summer heat was running through the hastily set-up backyard spray. I believe that this sprinkler-seeking instinct is in the DNA of most kids.
It’s invigorating to watch the patterns of sparkling droplets spraying across the green expanse, as the bright sun rays reflect off each glowing globule. So it was without inhibition that I became their willing accomplice in this frolicking venture.
Shrieks and squeals of feigned fear filled the backyard scene, as I aimed the spray at my precious progeny, seeking shelter within the box. My daughter (their Mom) would soon return to find her drenched-to-the-skin, sneaker- sopping-and-muddy boys, shivering with excitement and glee. She’d conclude that clearly, I’d given up every shred of propriety. She would, of course, be correct.
What mature adult would deliberately toss the refrigerator packaging- a huge corrugated container – out onto the freshly-mowed lawn? What dignified retired woman would (from her deck-high perch) aim the water spray at the soppy, floppy fortress? I confess…“C’est moi“, as I easily and happily succumbed to their taunts and teases.
The years seem to fly by, and yet, blessed moments like this are often only an impulse away. I’m appreciative that Grand-motherhood gives me permission to act like a silly kid again; to take off the apron, leave the supper dishes in the sink and instigate some fun. The household chores can wait until tomorrow. These tasty morsels are set before me now, as a feast for the partaking.
“Stop and smell the roses!” For some that is sound advice. But my preference will always be: “Turn on the sprinkler, boys!”
Written for Trifecta challenge week 75:
BLOOD (noun) 1a (1) : the fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body (2) : a comparable fluid of an invertebrate b : a fluid resembling blood 2: the shedding of blood; also : the taking of life3a : lifeblood; broadly : life b : human stock or lineage; especially : royal lineage c : relationship by descent from a common ancestor : kinship d : persons related through common descent : kindred e (1) : honorable or high birth or descent (2) : descent from parents of recognized breed or pedigree.
and
Photo (prompt) used with permission of Studio 30P.
Toasty
“Temperature” is an interesting prompt for this week’s challenge, since it usually refers to a specific attribute that is absolute, measurable, etc.
In response, I select this photograph, taken a few months ago, when snow was on the ground and the outside air temperature was below 32 degrees.
One feels as if nothing could be more warming (after a session of shoveling) than to crawl into this comfy armchair in front of the blazing fire, setting one’s frozen feet upon the ottoman, and snuggling under the Christmas blanket!
The Shadow Knows…
Malevolent Ying Ko (“Eagle’s Beak”),
Ruled ruthlessly; running rampant.
Reformed: Humanity restored,
Resolve renewed.
Perfected psychic powers
Put to noble purpose:
Rid the world of the evil
Lurking in “the hearts of men”.
📚📚📚
Though the origins of The Shadow are many, I chose to retell the story line wherein he had been the evil war lord, Ying Ko, who was kidnapped mysteriously and taught his psychic ability to “cloud men’s minds”; thus making him invisible. He was taught to use this super power to eradicate evil in the world.
Written for weekend Trifextra.
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Haiku Friday: Pervasive
Nature’s fine green talc,
Sprinkled nonpareils atop
Backyard bannisters.
Suspended in Space
Thrust into thin air,
Releasing the trapeze
that has been my life,
Up to now.
Buoyed only by the air beneath me,
Hoping that another will come in time;
Suspended in the void,
I reflect.
With the wisdom of hindsight
Seeing all that has been,
I’m blind to what lies
Ahead.
The door to history closed,
Destiny propels me to a new portal
Ahead, slowly sliding open…
Beckoning.
🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
This was written I response to this week’s Trifecta challenge: DOOR
1: a usually swinging or sliding barrier by which an entry is closed and opened; also : a similar part of a piece of furniture
2: doorway
3: a means of access or participation : opportunity
Hidden Treasure
Today, I share a very special poem; one written for me by my Dad, when I was sick with pneumonia in 1978. As the young, working Mom of two children, aged 7 and 4, being hospitalized for 11 days, meant that my husband bore the brunt of keeping the home ship afloat while I was hospitalized (a hat he wears so well and un-begrudgingly).
This simple note brought a smile to our faces then, as it does now. Thankfully, I’ve not had a recurrence since, but I’ve kept it carefully stowed away in a hidden compartment of a hollowed-out book. Dad was a bit of a bard himself, writing unpretentious, sincere poems at the drop of a hat. I wish I’d been able to save all of his poems…from the silly ones written to entertain, to the serious poems written to Mom, after a spat (we would find them carefully set on the kitchen table, left for Mom, by him on his way to work).
It taught me the healing power of a lighthearted message of love, and the value of speaking your heart to your loved ones…leaving an invaluable legacy for them.
(PS: Since I inherited my Dad’s handwriting, I am posting a ‘translation’ , following the penned original).
Dear Joanne: (Don’t Laugh)
An Ode to You
Like climbing a very steep hill,
Is the same as getting ill.
Illnesses’ aches and pains reach the top
From there on down, its clip-petty clop.
Pains and aches are soon a past
We who love you knew it wouldn’t last
You’ll soon be back to your old routine
And sparkle once more like a moonlit beam.
Love, Daddy
Priceless
🍪🍪🍪🍦🍦🍦🍪🍪🍪
Precious moments strewn before me
Each day they fill my memories
Cropping up from nowhere,
Like bursting leaves on springtime trees.
A tiny hand in mine,
A tear to wipe away,
A doggie walk around the block,
An urgent plea to play.
Cookie Monsters at my side,
Vying for that first warm bite;
An empty cone, a scoop, a tug
“An ice cream treat again tonight?”
“Look, Grandma…I got a piece”
(My jigsaw puzzle going strong)
“Can we go hiking? Please, Oh, please…
I promise…it won’t take long!”
‘Knock, knock’ jokes and silly stuff
Collecting worms and lightning bugs
Rocks and sticks; shells and stones;
Checkers, catch and instant hugs.
Silence shattered, shrieks of joy
Goldfish crumbs in Grandma’s bed
A chain of gold, a ruby ring?
Thanks, no…I’ll keep ‘my gems’, instead.
⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾
Today is the penultimate day of National Poetry Writing Month, and the challenge to post a poem-a-day. Inspiration is often problematic, as one faces a ‘blank sheet of paper’, but usually all I need do is remember the day’s events, to find my muse(s)…my five grandsons.
This Sunday was like many others, in that there was a steady stream of comings and goings at Grandma and Grandpa’s house; wedged in between CCD, breakfast, karate contests, baseball, cookie-baking, bread-making, ice-packs on field injuries, and (better yet) ice cream cone remedies. A walk around the block (the first since my broken fibula…ouch) and packaging up a couple of goodie bags, rounded out the day.
Later, as I elevated my leg with an ice pack, I smiled through my discomfort, knowing that I will probably do it all again tomorrow.
“Va Pensiero”
Tonight, as music fills this hallowed hall
And transfixed patrons breathe and sigh as one,
I’m moved to tears: this music from the past
Performed across the sea from whence it came.
The eyes are windows to the soul; (some say)
For me, the human voice and fingered ivory keys;
Woodwinds, strings, percussion, haunting reeds
Open passion’s portals, angst and grief relieved.
Today’s poem was of course, inspired by the Verdi Performance last night. Soloists, Plainfield Symphony Orchestra and the Oratorio Singers of Westfield each played their part to produce an evening with moments of ethereal beauty and eloquence. Capped off by a heartfelt singing of Va Pensiero,
It is especially after such an evening, that I realize I’ve been blessed to have this music in my life; to have the many opportunities through the years, of performing works of genius, with dedicated musicians in wondrous spaces. Whether Carnegie Hall, or the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, or a centuries-old gothic cathedral in New Jersey, the unity of spirit that replays throughout the world when music makers and music lovers come together with one purpose, is breathtaking.
I know that music is for me an uplifter when I’m down, a solace when I’m sad, and an outlet when I’m in need of one. Music engenders emotions, elicits memories, and transports my soul to a better place.
After all, all of it is God’s work; the genius, the artistry, the talents, the inspiration and the beauty.
Lighthouse in the Mist, Cape May, NJ
Bandit
Festive View from the Pub, Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA.
Home Sweet Home
Opal Reflections 