Merry Christmas, Baby!!

Blogging Friends.... I have posted some {Hopefully!!} fun Christmas-themed Blog posts throughout this month. But I saved the best for the last. A meditation of Christ's Birth in poetry!! Love you later.

Written by Raelyn!!

An angel came to Mary;
Said you're having a baby!
And she was shocked by his news;
But God's found favor in you.
Joseph had lots of doubts;
Now their plans won't work out;
Then an angel came in his sleep;
This wonderful wife you should keep!
Soon they had to move away;
Since the couple couldn't stay;
They left their old town;
For Bethlehem renown.
Suddenly, a feeling;
Our Baby is coming;
But every room was full;
Except for this stable!
Some poor shepherds watched sheep nearby;
When an angel flew from the skies;
While scaring them badly;
He told of the Baby!
And a host came, announcing;
Glory to God, Newborn King!!

I Remember....

Blogging Friends.... Thank-you, Molly, Freya, Tweedles and Ruby for your encouraging comments on the other day's lengthy post!! I appreciated them more than words can even express!! Update. I am now swallowing yet a third pill form of medication. But it is not for treating F.D. . No. This medication--I am calling it Plan C--is for treating severe acne. Which I haven't got!! Thus, I am a bit skeptical about whether or not Plan C will even be effective. Guess what? I still don't give a damn!! My next checkup appointment with Dr. Erin is on August 1st. Love you later.

   

I composed this poem before Shadow passed away. Yoda was my feline. He wandered away and disappeared in 1999. Goldie was our family cat. He was euthanized in 2004.

 

My heart is like a mansion;

Where abundant love dwells in;

It's designed with rooms aplenty;

For pets who have gone before me;

Your special place is deep inside;

When you die, that's where you'll abide;

Next door to Yoda and Goldie;

A place with lots of memories.

Losing your beloved canine and friend is the worst way to begin a Summer. In my experience, anyway!! After I euthanized Shadow on June 15th, 2010, we drove to countless birthday parties. In parks, of all locations!! And seemingly everywhere I observed--whether they were being walked or running leash-free--I saw canines!! Here I was, dog-free for the first time in over one decade. And everybody owned a canine but me!! Or so it felt. I opened my Inbox last week to find an e-mail from some dear friends. It bore heartbreaking news. Their 14-year old Beautifully Unique Mystery Dog--they guessed that she was an Australian Shepherd/Doberman mix--will be euthanized on June 21st, 2014. The first day of Summer. Ginger has now taken up full residency in my heart's mansion. She is next door to Tejas and Andy, who have gone before her. For those of you who did not understand that. Tejas and Andy were my dear friends' other canines. Tejas died in 2000. Andy? He died in 2011. My sister and I used to walk down our old city neighborhood block, cross the street, unlock their door, then play with Ginger {As well as Andy!!} while her Moms were away at work. We even walked Ginger {Alongside Andy!!} around neighborhood blocks. I remember.... That Ginger--who was mostly ebony-furred with some white and tan markings--suffered from a bad case of separation anxiety during her puppyhood days. {Despite Andy's companionship!!} I remember.... That as resulted to Ginger's separation anxiety, she chewed/clawed her Moms' upstairs wooden windowsill. What an unforgettable memory from her wild puppy days!! I remember.... That Ginger needed to be locked in a kennel. This arrangement obviously protected both herself and the house from harm. But. She "grew out of that" and was eventually granted freedom!! I remember.... My first Beautifully Unique mutt, Shadow's "first impression" on Ginger. Now. Shadow was very aggressive toward her own kind.... As though she were a trained dog fighter. My girl would growl, lunge forward and bark at every canine we saw. Ginger was not exempt in Shadow's mind. Yes, she growled, lunged forward and barked. But that did not deter Ginger from  becoming Shadow's best friend!! Somehow. Because Ginger won Shadow over!! What a girl. I remember.... That my sister and I used to occasionally walk Ginger {Alongside Andy!!} with Shadow for mile-long walks through our city neighborhood, past a brick Elementary school, {My landmark to home!!} and through other people's neighborhoods. I remember.... That Ginger was an energetic little girl with almost deer-like hind legs. They were great for running!! I remember.... That my sister used to "race" with Ginger full-speed down a hill!! While holding her leash, of course!! I remember.... That Ginger was my sister's "dream" dog. Well-mannered. Obedient. Sweet-natured. Like Rose!! I remember.... Ginger. 

Four Years

Blogging Friends.... Today is a double date. How so? It is Father's Day. {Hi Dad!! I love you!!} And.... It has also been four years since I lost my first Beautifully Unique girl, Shadow. Wow. Four years. Oddly enough, it does not feel like that much time has passed {No pun intended!!}. It feels less than four years somehow. I wondered why this is. Then it occurred to me. Shadow may have been gone all these years {And I still miss her!!} but these four years have been spent creating new memories with Rose!! That is why. {Which fills my heart with abundant gratitude for Rose!!} Here is a poem that I composed about Shadow approximately two weeks after she passed.

During that dreadful, dreadful night when you fell;

Nobody could predict death, no one could tell;

But it was such a hard collapse;

Did your hips quit on you, perhaps?

Trying hard to get up, this proved a losing fight;

So I stayed by your side nearly all through the night;

For ten years you've been faithful toward me;

This was my time to show loyalty!

Farewell, Shadow Sunshine, farewell....

You've left lots of stories to tell!

Wherever I go;

You will be missed so.

Sorry for posting only once last week. That was unintentional!! We were experiencing some internet issues on Friday and Saturday, which prevented me from signing into my Blogs!! Darn computer!! The issues have been fixed!! Obviously!! Also. I know that I have been a stranger to all of your Blogs. Sorry!! I shall return!! Someday....     

Bridge....

While I was absent from Blogville, working overtime to evade our dreaded, nasty, no fun at all stomach flu, {I am now officially feeling confident that I'm "in the clear", as that phrase goes!! Score!!} I'm afraid that I lost a dear Friend. Bridget passed away on December 23rd. As every animal lover knows all too well, euthanizing a beloved canine is the most difficult decision that any Mama {Or Daddy} can do. Why? Must I even ask? Losing a beloved canine truly feels as though you've just lost your child. And, sadly, only "dog people" understand such valid, profound, real thoughts/feelings/emotions. I get it. We get it. Bridge was Lynne's "Heart Dog", an irreplaceable just-like-her companion. So. In loving memory of Bridget, I dedicate this poem.

Swing on by to their Blog, {http://2chihuahuagirls.blogspot.com/} and send your love!!   

JUST A DOG

 

~Unknown Author~

 

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance travelled, the time spent,
or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by
"just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch
of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you probably understand
phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience
that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look
longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that its' not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man" or "just a woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog,"
just smile,
because they "just don't understand."

Insane Or Crazy

Blogging Friends.... I did it again. I composed yet another poem about Robert Downey Jr., once again celebrating him being ten years drug-free this month!! Why? Because I'm insane, or crazy, or obsessed with Robert Downey Jr., or I really, really enjoy composing poetry.... Or I'm insane, or crazy, or all of the above!! {Why, yes. I did mean to repeat the "insane or crazy" part, lest anybody wonder!!} Also. I wanted to take on the challenge of composing another poem in Roads' setup. Artsy. Different. With "Roads", the first line has thirteen syllables, and its repeated line ten. There is a pattern going. That was done quite by accident!! Thus, I wanted to attempt it on purpose this time around!! Not just the result of a "happy accident". This poem is centered on Robert Downey Jr.'s eyes. It's a "second chance" from one which I composed last Summer. {Ironic? Perhaps just a bit!!} This poem was--for reasons beyond my comprehension--more challenging to write than "Roads". On one hand. I felt much more in control. But, on the other hand? It was daunting to compose for several reasons!! A challenge was making this poem different from "Roads". Then, about halfway through writing, I realized something. It was not artsy enough!! So. I went back to correct that!! Unlike with "Roads", emotions never washed over me. My biggest obstacle, actually, was Writer's Block!! Ah!! But I love, love, love Writer's Block!! It was emotional to compose nonetheless, even though my eyes never filled with tears. For inspiration, I Google-searched images of Robert Downey Jr. young. Yes, young. I had some pictures in mind. The lower he sank, the better for this poem. Yes, you read that correctly. The lower he sank, the better for this poem. There was one specific picture which I had in mind. Snapped during a court appearance. The year was--maybe--1996. Word of experience. If you sincerely love Robert Downey Jr., do not make eye contact with him in this picture. Why? Just trust me on this. No eye contact, okay? However. This picture did inspire my poem's second two lines!! And it was followed by a cosmic bout of Writer's Block!! Score!! After pounding those second two lines on this black desktop computer keyboard, I silently bid the picture good-bye, and thanked "him" for inspiring my poem {I am an oddball!! This I know!!}. Yes, his eyes which then were filled with such despair and sorrow did inspire my poem. Enough said. Then, after composing its final two lines, I pumped my fist!! In sincere jubilation for Robert Downey Jr.!! The top line of this poem has twelve syllables, and its repeated line nine. Okay. I am also reposting "Roads", so that you can compare the two. Enjoy!! Do please tell me which one you like best!!

 

Afterthought. My poetry is never traditional. I like that!! I make--and break!!--my own rules. That is just how this born-to-be-a-rebel rolls!! But one of the freedoms which comes with my approach is I can experiment!! I love that part!! Oh. And I'll never look at Robert Downey Jr.'s "Chocolate Diamond" eyes the same ever again!! Will you?  

 

"Chocolate Diamonds"

 

Written on 7-23-13

 

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul;

The eyes are the windows to the soul;

Well, his reflected despair, and were sorrowful;

So much despair, they were sorrowful;

As a "bad boy" he glared at cameras with those eyes;

He glared at cameras with those brown eyes;

Reflecting a lost, lost, lost addict in disguise;

Reflecting an addict in disguise;

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul;

The eyes are the windows to the soul;

His now reflect such happiness that they twinkle;

Oh, such happiness that they twinkle;

Like chocolate diamonds, his eyes glisten and sparkle;

With joy, his eyes glisten and sparkle;

Now, they reflect one decade of living drug-free;

Yes, one decade of living drug-free!!

 

 

"Roads"

 

Written on 7-18-13

 

My, he has an incredibly attractive smile;

An incredibly attractive smile;

Which has travelled with him upon dark roads for miles;

For miles, miles, miles and miles;

Wayward roads tampered by life choices, plus addictions;

Tampered by life choices, plus addictions;

On such roads, his death was many people's predictions;

His death was many people's predictions;

My, he has an incredibly attractive smile;

An incredibly attractive smile;

Which has travelled with him upon sweet roads for miles;

For miles, miles, miles and miles;

Ah, those dark roads which could have ended his film career;

Roads which could have ended his film career;

He has now been drug-free for ten miraculous years;

Yes, drug-free for ten miraculous years!!

 

 

Word Document Journal

Blogging Friends.... Thank-you for your comments on the other day's post!! I truly appreciated them!! I feel the need to clarify on several things regarding the poem which I posted. Ready? First off, my poem wrote itself. Allow me to explain. Okay. See, I had been considering for several days to compose a poem centered on Robert Downey Jr.'s smile. And I mentally laid out the "blueprint" regarding how it would be "built". Like a good "carpenter". But then Hollywood lost yet another young actor to substance abuse. Heroin was among one of the narcotics which Robert Downey Jr. used. I then allowed myself to "go there" and realize that that could have been Robert Downey Jr. years ago. This ripped me up inside. Question. How can I love someone who I've never even met so much it hurts? How does he do that? It's a mystery. Thank God that Robert Downey Jr. is hard to kill. Thank God. Then, I remembered something. Robert Downey Jr. has been drug-free ten years this month!! Thus the poem was born. My creative Brain Juices took over and flowed like some rushing river. And I was running on emotions. I had no idea that I'd compose an artsy celebration of Robert Downey Jr. being drug-free for ten years in poetry!! Wow. Again, I am pleased with how it turned out!! I have made twain changes to the poem since first clicking "publish". Its title is "Roads", not "Incredibly Attractive Smile". And, initially, I wrote "addiction". I'm afraid that word should have been plural, thus I added an "s". Again, I am so very proud of my poem!! I would even give it to Robert Downey Jr. himself!! Somehow. Anyhoo....

 

I am personally sending a heartfelt congrats to Prince William and Duchess Kate--from America--for welcoming into the Royal Family a handsome baby boy!!

Mood swing-infused pity parties. They lurk about hiding out like the paparazzi for celebrities. Within my feelings and emotions. Mood-swing infused pity parties are not always felt, but they never completely disappear. Then come moments when I'm the most vulnerable. I am woman, hear me weep. Okay, perhaps that is not how the phrase goes. But "to each one her own", right? So, as previously mentioned the other day, I was battling mood swing-infused pity parties. I am battling mood swing-infused pity parties. That's right. I still am. All on account of being learning disabled, wishing I were "normal", and feeling left behind in life. Same old, same old issues. Well. During the writing of my Life Story, I began to keep a private Word document journal on our desktop computer of feelings/emotions regarding this ongoing journey called Self-Acceptance. There are some negative postings. Many positive thoughts. Bible verses which remind of God's promises to me, His daughter. Quotes. Movie lines. And there are posts reflecting on my self-acceptance journey. Well. Lately, I discovered that, because writing frees my soul, this Word document journal has helped evade mood swing-infused pity parties, thus keeping me mentally and emotionally strong!! "I can use all the help I can get", as that phrase goes!! I call them my "Therapy Sessions". You know what? Writing is such an amazing outlet to get emotions "out of my system", as that phrase goes. Whenever I'm feeling a mood swing-infused pity party on the horizon, I think this. "Therapy Session. Now". Yes, I demand from myself a "Therapy Session" as emotions and feelings play me like an electric guitar, strumming away every single thought. I literally stop what I'm partaking in, march to this very desktop computer, and pound on its black keyboard. Then I feel okay. For a minute. "Lather, rinse and repeat", as necessary. When I'm away, I carry in my purse a mostly-unused journal. Plus, several church bulletins which have accumulated over the weeks!! You know what? These "Therapy Sessions" truly work for me!! Knock on wood!!  

 

Now. To make this Blog about Rose, I decided that I'd repost a poem which I composed quite some time ago. Enjoy!!

 

Mama loves your big light brown Beagle eyes;
They are expressive, so playful and sly;
Mama loves that German Shepherd body;
Which neighbors could determine before me;
Mama loves those soft, floppy Beagle ears;
You are special to me, is that not clear?

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incredibly Attractive Smile

Blogging Friends.... We are driving toward our local mall this morning for "Red 2". Which is a film about "old guys" {Plus girls!!} kicking butt and saving the world!! My kind of movie!! Afterward, we plan to walk the mall. So, I haven't any time for a "normal" post right now!! {Or commenting!!} "Red 2" has come at the most perfect time, because I have been battling mood swing-infused pity parties lately. I am just trying to work some issues out. Now. I understand that I'm most likely being a pain in the butt with all of these consecutive Robert Downey Jr. Blog posts. However. I composed a poem yesterday in honor of the fact that Robert Downey Jr. has apparently been drug-free ten years this month. Ten years. Do you realize what an accomplishment that is for him?! I repeat. Ten freakin' years!! No turning back. I am so very proud of him!! Enjoy my poem. I became emotional about midway through while composing it. You will understand why. This poem is quite different from anything that I have ever composed before!! Artsy, even!! Plus it was challenging to create. But I need some challenges right now.... Heedless to mention, I am proud of it!! Sorry about the smaller font size for my poem. It was the only way I could make it fit!!

"Roads"

My, he has an incredibly attractive smile;
An incredibly attractive smile;
Which has travelled with him upon dark roads for miles;
For miles, miles, miles and miles;
Wayward roads tampered by life choices, plus addictions;
Tampered by life choices, plus addictions;
On such roads, his death was many people's predictions;
His death was many people's predictions;
My, he has an incredibly attractive smile;
An incredibly attractive smile;
Which has travelled with him upon sweet roads for miles;
For miles, miles, miles and miles;
Ah, those dark roads which could have ended his film career;
Roads which could have ended his film career;
He has now been drug-free for ten miraculous years;
Yes, drug-free for ten miraculous years!!

Thinking About Shadow

Blogging Friends.... Where is my head? Up in the clouds somewhere? Not surprising!! I do, after all, have both attention deficit disorder and premature short-term memory loss!! Which is a dangerous combination of learning disabilities!! Trust me on that one!! Anyway. What point am I attempting to make? I nearly forgot about today's Blog post!! Weird!! So, where is my head? Where. Is. It? It is in my Life Story, as I am still reading through what I've written!! Which has been good. I have taken stuff out, plus added certain facts!! I feel as though God keeps reminding me that Rome wasn't built in a day, so why should my book be? Patience. It truly is a virtue!!

 

I have been thinking a lot about Shadow, as her death anniversary is this Saturday. I cannot believe that it has nearly been three years since I had to say good-bye!! I still miss her, and always will. But I am so grateful to have Rose in my life!! So very grateful. Here is a poem that I composed about Shadow approximately two weeks after she passed.  

 

During that dreadful, dreadful night when you fell;

Nobody could predict death, no one could tell;

But it was such a hard collapse;

Did your hips quit on you, perhaps?

Trying hard to get up, this proved a losing fight;

So I stayed by your side nearly all through the night;

For ten years you've been faithful toward me;

This was my time to show loyalty!

Farewell, Shadow Sunshine, farewell....

You've left lots of stories to tell!

Wherever I go;

You will be missed so.   

January 16th, 2000

Blogging Friends.... I am a bit behind in commenting on all of your Blogs. For which I sincerely apologize!! This week has been seemingly busy around here, and, on top of everything keeping us occupied, I'm on some Top-Secret quest. It has required losing my sanity, in a positive way!! More shall be revealed on Beautifully Unique later!! Meanwhile. Today is a very special anniversary for me. January 16th. It's a day when my heart is filled in an abundance of nostalgic feelings. And memories simply flow like blood through one's veins. Thirteen years ago today, an amazing dream of mine became reality. How so? I became a first-time dog owner!! For thirteen years ago today, Shadow Sunshine was placed in my life!! And nothing again would ever remain the same, because I will now always have a canine!! This poem--which I composed in 2010--expresses how our lives were intertwined.... Shadow and mine....        

I will never forget;

That afternoon we met;

How you ran outside to greet me;

As though knowing we're family;

I'll remember too;

How Winter winds blew;

During church service the lights went out;

And I have absolute zero doubts;

That this was God weaving;

His Amazing Planning;

For their sanctuary went black;

Taking everybody aback;

So we fled toward their gym;

And sang beautiful hymns;

Then someone was giving away his canine;

Which is the story of when you became mine!

Happy Gotcha Day, Sweet Sunshine. I miss you still.

 

Nativity Story

Written by me!!

 

Dear Blogging Friends....

May this Christmas season bring you an abundance of joy!! And, if your celebrations are Hanukkah, Solstice, or Kwanzaa instead, then my wish is still valid!! We celebrate Christmas around here, however, I respect that many do not....  

 

An angel came to Mary;

Said you're having a baby!

And she was shocked by his news;

But God's found favor in you.

Joseph had lots of doubts;

Now their plans won't work out;

Then an angel came in his sleep;

This wonderful wife you should keep!

Soon they had to move away;

Since the couple couldn't stay;

They left their old town;

For Bethlehem renown.

Suddenly, a feeling;

Our Baby is coming;

But every room was full;

Except for this stable!

Some poor shepherds watched sheep nearby;

When an angel flew from the skies;

While scaring them badly;

He told of the Baby!

And a host came, announcing;

Glory to God, Newborn King!!

 

 

Farewell, Shadow Sunshine

Blogging Friends.... My day at our beach was lovely!! Just lovely. The weather was unusually warm and sunny!! My nose become a little pink, even!! Imagine that!! Usually, we deal with overcast skies and seemingly freezing cold weather at our beach!! My right calf is also very sore--still!!--triggered from an old injury back in November, but it will subside!! The tight, itchy sensation always does!! No worries....

Two years ago, my heart shattered, like when some clear glass falls, the force of gravity taking it down sans any warning. Nobody can predict this dangerous sharp mess. No one can foresee it. Down, down, down the glass crashes, with great velocity. Only, in my case, I did see this heartbreak coming. I did see it coming.... There was a warning, and, my emotions had been long prepared for this, as best as humanly possible. For three long months. My beautiful "blond"-furred German Shepherd/Golden Retriever cross, Shadow, had been revealing unmistakable signs of old age. First stiff joints. Then white hairs across her face. And, finally, falling. Yes, falling. My weak, thin arms learned to catch her heavy body. And she was always very, very resilient!! But, two years ago last night, at 9:30 PM, Shadow fell, in front of our garage door, not far from where these words are being typed. I was feeding her, getting some chewy pizza-flavored treats, when she collapsed. "Dog down" were the words which exited my lips. Shadow could not stand up. I watched, my heart breaking, as she tried to, sans success. Shadow was a fighter, but the odds were stacked against her. Stacked against her. Resilience was proven impossible after that last collapse. I sat by my dog's side, stroking her "blond" fur nearly all night long. I only got two hours sleep. Shadow was euthanized around 2:30 PM, on June 15th 2010. I composed this poem one week later.

During that dreadful, dreadful night when you fell;
Nobody could predict death, no one could tell;
But it was such a hard collapse;
Did your hips quit on you, perhaps?
Trying hard to get up, this proved a losing fight;
So I stayed by your side nearly all through the night;
For ten years you've been faithful toward me;
This was my time to show loyalty!!
Farewell, Shadow Sunshine, farewell....
You've left lots of stories to tell!!
Wherever I go;
You will be missed so. 

It has been a positive two years, though. Because I have Rose!! For I adopted her less than three months after Shadow's passing. Practically right away!! Rose brings so much love, smiles and laughter into my life!! She is a reason why I awake each day!!  

Beautifully Unique

As a former poetess, it is inevitable that I post the occasional poem. Makes sense.... Right? Well.... I found this one inside a book!! I thought it was very, very, very good. This poem reached in and touched my heartstrings. Yep. Plus it reminded me of Rose somehow, for reasons beyond my own comprehension. Because she is a mixed breed. Beautifully unique. She is my random-bred "Mystery Dog"!! And I would not have it any other way. Here's to you, Rose!!

Ode to a Mutt

Anonymous

Born in an ally, one of six was I,

No right to live, too tough to die.

Worn out mother, father unknown,

Runt of the litter, in a world alone.

Raised in the streets by wits alone,

Taken in twice by what I hoped was home.

Not well bred the people would say,

Can't keep him when he looks that way.

Legs too long, head too small,

Didn't notice the heart at all.

Look at me deep I wanted to say,

I'll give you love, please let me stay.

Somewhere I know there's a place for me,

Where I can share love someone will see.

Someone will look beneath my fur and skin,

See my soul and take me in.