pensieve.me

Help...PLEASE???

If someone can PLEASE explain to me how to embed a Wordle into a TypePad post, I shall mail you $1,000* today.

Thank you.

* in Monopoly money

Autumnmatically automatic

It's the last week of the month, the first day of fall, and that can only mean one thing in the Land of PENSIEVE:

Pensieve's Poetic License!

This month's theme?  Autumn.  This month's poetic form?  Cinquain.

I'm keeping it simple and easy--no small task for the likes of me--in order to snare as many of you as possible.  Click the PPL badge for details and feel free to grab it for your post.  I'll have Mr. Linky posted here on Thursday so you can register your entries and we can wax poetic about all things Fall together :).  If you've never tried PPL before, this is the perfect time for you to dive in!

Need a refresher course on "cinquain"?   There are a couple of methods to write them; here are three suggestions from my previous post: 

[1]

Line 1:	a one-word line, a noun, that gives the poem its title
Line 2:	two adjectives that describes what the poem is about
Line 3:	three action -ing verbs that describe something the subject of the poem does
Line 4:	a phrase that indicates a feeling related to the subject of the poem
Line 5:	a one-word line, noun, that sums about the poem is about, essentially renaming it

[2]

First Line:  2 syllables - One word, giving title for your subject
Second Line: 4 syllables - Two words, describing title
Third Line:  6 syllables - Three words, expressing action
Fourth Line: 8 syllables - Four words, expressing a feeling
Fifth Line:  2 syllables - Another word for the title

[3]   A five-line stanza with a rhyme scheme of a-b-a-b-b.

Still magnolia

Magnolias are the Southern belle of trees--steely, proud and enduring.  With charming appeal and unforgettable fragrance, their beautiful exterior masks a complicated interior, full of life and secrets worth discovering.

 

When I close my eyes and quiet my mind, fragmented childhood memories struggle to surface--playing underneath the cover of a thousand-foot-tall, thousand-year-old magnolia.  Low-lying branches, tangled and gnarled, rival a Hogwartsian staircase. 

Cradled in secure branches, I remember "peeling" the bloom when it was just a velvet pod; in so doing, robbing it of life and the world of one more touch of beauty.  Children are indifferent that way; seldom do they understand the consequences of selfish, self-indulgent action.

Two young magnolia trees stand sentry at our neighborhood's main entrance.  Every day I've watched with delight as blossoms take turns unfurling their milky petals, reminding me of fragile ornaments on a Christmas tree.

I finally made an appointment with the twin magnolias; they begged to have their portraits made.  When I began clicking image after digital image, I realized I wasn't alone--the blooms were very much alive with activity!  Bees were buzzing all around, busy about their business but having so much fun!  They'd navigate space between each petal and roll around in [whatever that stuff is in the pictures] before flying out with legs dusted in pollen (reminiscent of toddlers in a ball pit at your nearby Chuck E. Cheese).  These black and yellow fuzzies held me prisoner; I was so enchanted by their machinations, I almost forgot why I was taking pictures in the first place.

A l m o s t ;).

I'm adding this to Carmi's Thematic Photographic for this week; his current theme is "nature".  He'd love for you to join him, so visit Written Inc. for complete details.

Empowering Youth

Years ago, I stumbled across Pass the Torch and was immediately impressed with its author's high regard for young people; it didn't take reading many posts to realize Kelly Curtis seeks and sees the best in students of all ages.  Soon, Kelly and I exchanged comments and emails, and I'm thankful to say over time we've become friends.  Hopefully one day that will culminate in a face-to-face meeting, but until then I applaud all she's doing to advance the status and esteem of youth today.

Founder of Empowering Youth, Inc., Kelly is a busy lady--a wife and mom, she returned to her position as a school counselor part-time last year in the midst of writing her first book, "Empowering Youth ~ How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things".   I was thrilled when she asked me if I'd like to read and review it--with two teens and a tween of my own, I have a vested interest in the subject matter.

This book is proof positive that dynamite comes in small packages; weighing in at less than 150 pages, it's a resource every educator and youth worker should arm themselves with.  Why would I make such a strong assertion? 

• The pages are filled with testimonial words from both student and adults, real life examples of how youth make a difference in their communities, our country, and even the world!
• Rather than plodding through tired rhetoric, Kelly provides activity suggestions that bridge students and adults, and challenge both to a) view each other differently, b) find a way to work alongside each other, and c) challenge participants to dialogue with one another, plan well, and then ACT!  Activities include "reflection questions" as a measure of self-evaluation.
• Under the tutelage of Search Institute (a Minnesota-based youth development researh organization), Kelly champions the use of Developmental Assets--"qualities, opportunities, and conditions that characterize the lives of healthy, happy and resilient young people".  Detailed explanation is provided for these 40 assets which fall under eight general categories (Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations, Constructive Use of Time, Commitment to Learning Positive Values, Social Competencies, and Positive Identity).

Her message is of hope and high expectation; re-orienting our (adult) thinking to see students as current contributors to our community and world; cultivating an atmosphere that allows youth to thrive and have opportunity to lead today.  When Kelly made the simplistic statement "Youth learn leadership by being leaders" it's a reminder an environment has to be created where that's possible. 

Reading this on the heels of completing "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris, my perspective has broadened on what and how my own kids and their peers can do to make our world better.  As I train and challenge them to be "world changers" (whether on a local or global scale), the future is altered for all of us--for good!

Imagine the possibilities...!

Sometimes, you've just gotta channel Elvis

Thankyew, thankyewverymuch!

• How would you caption this piccha?   Lady Why, who blogs at "Where the Kudzu Grows", had a "Name the Picture" contest a while back and I couldn't resist.  Even if she hadn't dangled a soapy carrot, I HAD to throw a suggestion into the ring:  "Napoleon Dynomite ~ The Flat Iron Years"

Guess who walked away the winnah?  (Thanks Lady Why...you're right--the Sweet Hollow Farm Citrus-scented shampoo bar smells divine!)

• Double thanks this time around:  To sweet Shara at Moms in Transition and kind Christina at Refuge for a Single Mom who honored me with the "I love your blog" award.  Unbeknownst to them, I had received it a while back and have already passed it along to others.  That THEY were thoughtful enough to include me in their lists of recipients?  Well, my cockles are duly warmed (I have no idea what that means, but it's good...trust me).

• Quite a while ago, Karisma had a fun poetry competition.  POETRY?  A CHANCE TO COMPETE?  I was there with bells on...even IF the theme was SPRING CLEANING!  I co-shared the winning honors with Chris, and the prize was this funny little tea towel featuring (ahem) "sayings" an Australian bloke might say (Karisma is from the Land Down Under herself).  Funny stuff--reminds me of a few things my friend Peter has said!   Sweet Karisma also included a glass guardian angel (and when my camera battery is charged I'll try to remember to upload a picture here :/).  Thanks, Karisma!

• Thanks to Kristen at "We Are This Family" who hosted a fun, "Sizzling Summer Vacation Spectacle".  She gave away hundreds of dollars in door prizes, and I won the very last drawing--a copy of Lonely Planet's Bluelist 2008: The Best in Travel.  I don't know whether to bless Kristen or curse her.  As a result of thumbing through this book, I want to live on vacation the rest of the year.  Sadly, neither my family nor finances agree.

• Thanks to GET!  OUT!!  MARTHA STEWART WHO MIGHT BE FEATURING MY BLOG ON HER BLOG!  Ok...that probably won't happen, but just by telling y'all about it (click this for details) she m i g h t pick mine as a feature :).  HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE? 

• And last but hardly least, THANK YOU AND YOU AND YOU for your SWEET wishes on my third anniversary of blogging.  EVERY comment gave me reason to smile and be exceedingly thankful for this crazy cultural phenom.  I am rather certain when I started blogging in September of '05, I had no idea where it would lead; it's been a wonderful journey among the company of strangers, who ended up being not so strange after all. 

Well...except one or two of ya ;).

The original web writer

{{I'm at it again--be sure to click "The Stuff of Dreams and Nightmares" for MORE pictures of spiders in webs ~ Argiope aka writing spiders aka garden spiders.}}

 

It is pure joy to my person when one of my children excitedly runs into the house and with great enthusiasm spouts, "IF YOU WANNA TAKE A PICTURE OF THE CRAZY-BIGGEST SPIDER I'VE EVER SEEN, GET YOUR CAMERA--NOW!!!".

Nothin' says "I love you, Mama" like them knowing what makes my heart flit and flutter, even when it's of the arachnid variety.  If you searched my blog (hmmm, I DO want one of those little search boxes...suggestions?) or if you're a long-time reader, you already know I have a macabre fascination with spiders and snakes and creepy crawlers of every flavor.  Mice and rats are another story.  And roaches.  THOSE are the bane of my existence.  When I get to heaven, God has some 'splainin' to do. 

But I digress.

Really, truly, with GREAT (albeit, rather questionable) pleasure, I bring you Charlotte and her web--

But wait!  That's her underbelly and the center of her web obscured a "good" view.  OF COURSE, I had to walk around to the other side, wade through waist-high bushes and photograph her dead on.

Aren't writing spiders amazing??  Why do they do that little zig-zag stitch?  Is it for aesthetics?  Strengthening their web?  And why only in one place?

I wasn't stuck in her web, but she held me captive.  Can someone PLEASE explain to me why I will get inches away from all manner of insects, etc., when I'm behind a camera lens?  This makes no sense to me.  If I happened upon her the way Thomas did--chasing a basketball and almost falling into her web--I'd be screamin' like a girl.  They woulda heard me three counties over.

But...nooooo!  I just kept taking pictures, fiddlin' with the settings on my SLR. 

The photo shoot apparently wore Miss Charlotte OUT and stirred up quite an appetite (either that or she was giving fair warning to me if I got any closer).  She curled around her innocent victim and I'm pretty sure proceeded to suck his brains out. 

 

Which was such a thing of wonder, she had me waxing poetic.  Let's close on Mary Howitt's classic tale (and oft mis-quoted) verse, The Spider and the Fly.

Will you walk into my parlour? said the spider to the fly.
Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy,
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there.

Oh no, no, said the little Fly, to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair, can ne'er come down again.
I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high
Will you rest upon my little bed? said the Spider to the Fly.

There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!
Oh no, no, said the little Fly, for I've often heard it said
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice
I'm sure you're very welcome, will you please to take a slice?

Oh no, no, said the little Fly, Kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!
Sweet creature! said the Spider, you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!

I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.
I thank you, gentle sir, she said, for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day.

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.

Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing,
Your robes are green and purple, there's a crest upon your head
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!

Alas, alas! How very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue

Thinking only of her crested head, poor foolish thing!
At last, Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour, but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed.
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

 

Oh--I almost forgot:  Carmi's (Written Inc.) theme for this week's Thematic Photographic is "nature".  How kind of him to select one that so perfectly suits yesterday's photoshoot!   Click here for details.

Late to my own party! HELP!! :)

Good gracious--I just realized I missed my three-year blogging anniversary!  Though I didn't share my URL with a soul for about six months, I always wrote as if I had an audience.

Help me celebrate? Share your favorite quote or happy thought or memory or scripture reference or favorite blog post of yours or mine...or whatever you feel like sharing in comments. 

If you're a lurker--a reader who never comments--would you pretty-please come out of the woodworks for this one?  And if you're a sometimes commentor (but haven't in a while), would you be sure to say "hi"?   If you're an all-the-time commentor, THANK YOU DOESN'T BEGIN TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR YOUR CONTINUED PATRONAGE AT CHEZ PENSIEVE.

Revised:  Well, now, internets...THIS was FUN to come home to!!!  I'm officially in the afternoon grind with my (not-so) babies, but THANK YOU for helping celebrate in style!!!  Keep those cards & letters comin'...that's some yes-ma'am-serious air blowin' up my skirt!!! :)

P.S.  if you happen to read the comment thread...the makings of a whiz-bang post is on the way...can you guess which comment??

xoxoxox  Cyber hugs & candy kisses (& autographs if you insist) to my favorite readers!!!  (Ummm, that would be...YOU!!!)

Where EVERYBODY knows MY name????

At 10:00 a.m. this morning, I'm meeting with a school administrator for approval of my daughter's homecoming dress; they don't want trollops and tarts parading around the football field, so approval is necessary to avoid stirring up those high school "lusts of the flesh". 

I'm pretty sure if a girl wore a potato sack there STILL would be a few stirrings.

Anyways.........instead of returning home, I hit my local Starbucks to blog a bit.  After trying unsuccessfully to login to my hotspot account because I don't have the monkey sense to establish a UNIVERSAL USER NAME AND DAGGUM PASSWORD, I called customer service, spoke to various people in various countries, only to realize it was a case-sensitive issue.

Soooo...after too much wasted time but finally securing login, I gained access to the world wide web, pulled up gmail and Typepad, ready to tackle both.

Then Charles snuck up on me.  I've blogged about ol' Chas a few times, he's a once-in-a-while PENSIEVE commentor and his wife is one of my favorite peeps in the world. 

He headed to his breakfast meeting and I returned attention to my Next Great Post*.

Then Stephanie and her darling pre-schooler, Emily Grace saw me.  I don't really "know" Stephanie, but we've met often enough to exchange pleasantries, and her butterfly-adorned daughter HAD to tell me that she was having apple juice and something else in toddle-speak that exploded my heart though I have no idea what she said.

Returning again to my now-struggling Next Great Post, David & J.B. walk in.  David is one of the guys preaching while our church is in search of a pastor (we've been without one for a few years) and I've attended a Precept study B.J. leads; we've met but don't know each other well.  David is quite the jokester and looked over my shoulder to see "what games I was playing". 

Me?  Playing on-line games? I gave that up three years ago when blogging commenced!  GAME.ON.BLAWG!!  Forget Hearts or Spades or Solitare when there's laundry and dusting and vacuuming  blogging and Twittering and Facebooking to be done! 

BRIEFLY I explained what I was working on, showed 'em my post which looks uber-spiritual with a big, ol' honking picture of my feet on it and we talked about freaky fet*shes and leper feet and about a book (?) B.J. is workin' on that discusses quite candidly (from what she told me) issues about s*x with Levitical perspective in mind.  It appears God has something to say about s*x--a few somethings.

But that's another story.

Anywayssssssss....their friend arrived, they parted company and I was focused once again on a laptop screen.

It was at this point my friendly Starbucks barista got my attention and said, "Can I ask you a question...WHO ARE YOU?" 'cause he observed that "everyone" who walked in apparently knew me--that I was a "common denominator" in his words--but none of these people seemed to know each other.

I explained I was a ROCK STAR, how did HE not recognize me, and did he want an autograph?

It was then I noticed the big, round polka dot of caramel macchiato splashed on the center of my white camisole, smack dab in the center of my cornflower blue v-neck sweater, flashing like the nerd-alert neon sign it was for everyone to see who had stopped by to speak this morning.

Rock star ego leveled in an instant.

 

It was just a matter of time 'til Tina Fey had her Palin day...

HT to Scribbit's tweet with a link to examiner.com

Thank you for the reminder, John Lennon

"Life is what happens while you are busy
making other plans."
~ John Lennon

Which explains a lot.

I shopped for seven hours yesterday with my daughter--1-2-3-4-5-6-7-- looking for the Perfect Dress for her presentation on Homecoming Court.  Because I loathe shopping particularly when there's an A-Gen-Dah, in light of the fact I'd rather bathe in a vat of vinegar, locusts and double-edged razor blades (go with me people...stream of consciousness...the first three yicky things that popped in my head), I am now officially a contender for Mother of the Year (after losing status a squillion times since January from all my mother-flaws). 

We found The Dress.  A coup.  Story to follow when pigs fly  when my reader is clear  when I figure out WordPress  after I murder my Inspired Bliss and Blog Nosh bosses for subjecting me to WordPress one day, hopefully soon.