Category: Uncategorized

Beyond the Black Hole . . .

~~ by tkbrown
Flung away from the earth
too far to converse with any living soul
or being--
far above the blue
where the darkness is you
searching
searching for the gem
hidden from perception--
dark, darker, darker still . . . 
then you feel a tug,
pulling further away
from all you have known.
What is this about--
the beginnings of doubt,
the pulling ever stronger.
Stronger and stronger
the tugging becomes
like a giant magnet
sucking you in.
Suddenly you see
a darkness so bleak
light could never penetrate
the density perplexed
by . . . 
"Sluuuuuuurrrrrrrppppp!"
The darkness pulling you in . . .
further and further
the pull tugs you under
till you begin to wonder
will it ever end?
Suddenly the darkness
gives way to bold color
'round about.
Orange, red and purple
melding to pernurple--
stream of brightness hue.
Further and further,
the journey of surrender
leads beyond the blue.
How many lightyears
has the journey taken
far beyond the blue.
Darkness once more
beyond pernurple nova . . .
the supersonic view.
Turning and looking
back where you have been--
strands of supernova
color the scene
so beautifully serene . . . 
chaotic peace ensued.
Where will the journey take me?
When will it end and return thee . . .
to earth where we live?
This journey beyond the blue,
the inner peace founding hue
with a thoughtfulness imbued.
Then . . . 
the journey back to earth
begins upon rebirth

Of the peaceful, inner truth!

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Photo Above: Autumn by Larisa Koshkina at pixabay.com.

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When ‘Age’ Sets In . . .

~~ by tkbrown
When someone you love gets old
and can't do things they used to do,
especially when it's really hot--or cold,
how does that feel inside of you?
If grandma used to get down on the floor
to play and color and laugh with you,
maybe she walked with you out the door
to see the outside and what others do.
Maybe it hurts to see mom in pain
knowing she will ne'er be the same again.
That should not keep you apart from her--
spending less time will cause memories to blur--
when the time comes you can see her no more
you will wish you had piled up mem'ries before.
So, e'en though it hurts, go knock on that door;
make some good times, do things with her.
Play a card game, cook some food!
Write down her recipes when it's really good.
Talk about things she used to do
When her mom and dad were living too.
Talk about what she did in school.
Did she protest or obey each rule?
Ask how life was different then.
Would she want life to be like that again?
Write down what she says so you won't forget.
Someday you'll read them and won't have to fret
about not remembering things she said
of her young children or the day she wed..
What did mom do when she was young--
her hobbies, talents, and songs they sung.
How did she and her siblings act
when things went bad -- fiction or fact?
How did they learn what had been done--
in order to deal with the one
who was the true perpe'traitor--
leaving others guilty no more.
All memories--both good and bad--'
will, one day, be treasured and spread
forth for perusal tenderly
when mom is no more here to see.
Only then will you know how true
your heart was wrapped in loving hue.
Only then will memories held
be treasured, embraced--with you meld.

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Photo Above: by Cassandra Ortiz at Unsplash.com

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Very Inspiring Blogger Award

I would like to thank my friend at https://chasingthemaximumlife.wordpress.com/ for nominating me for the “Very Inspiring Blogger Award!” It is a special honor to be recognized by my blogging peers recognizing the inspirational quality of my work. Our sources of inspiration vary from person to person. I am pleased and humbled to know my posts inspire other bloggers to keep pressing forth. Thank You, so very much for this honor.

If you have not visited her blog, hurry over to https://chasingthemaximumlife.wordpress.com/ for a special treat on fashion which is going on as we speak! The tips are amazing! I am sure you will agree. It will inspire you to “take it to the limits” when you next dress to go out on the town.

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Rules for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award:

  • Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to his/her blog (see above).
  • Answer the questions asked.
  • Nominate up to 9 other bloggers and ask them five (5) new questions.
  • Notify the nominees through their blogs by visiting and commenting on their blogs.
  • List the rules and display the “Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award” logo.
  • Provide a link to the Award Creator–Rising Star at https://idealinspiration.blog.
This is: “Ideal Inspiration Award Nomination” X2

The Ideal Inspiration Blogger award is a non-official award created by the members of Team Ideal Inspiration and is given to bloggers by bloggers as an acknowledgment of the inspiring work published on their blogs. The award reflects the positive impact people can have on one another in life. It is a recognition of bloggers by bloggers as a means of further inspiring aspirations to positively impact the artistic expression of other bloggers.

The Ideal Inspiration Award was introduced by Rising Star from “It’s all about inspiration” @ https://idealinspiration.blog. Thank You, Rising Star for seeing the benefit of such recognition being focused upon other bloggers. Thank You for creating this award. It is humbling to know others view my posts as worthy of peer recognition. You have created a way to help bloggers recognize other bloggers who inspire them to keep pressing forward. I am honored to be nominated for this award by https://chasingthemaximumlife.wordpress.com.

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Questions from chasingthemaximumlife:

  1. Who/what is your biggest source of inspiration?
    1. My faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, would be my greatest source of inspiration regarding matters of faith and daily living. My sincerest desire is to be “like Jesus” in all interactions. He set the perfect example of how to live and treat others.
    2. My biggest earthly source of inspiration is “reading.” Oftentimes I am reading something through the course of a normal day, and something stands out to me as if it has been printed in large bold letters. It may inspire something closely related or something that seems to not be related at all, but the inspiration was triggered by what I read.
  2. What is your biggest fear in life?
    1. I don’t really have any major fears other than fearing God–which means I honor, respect, and rely on Him for all strength and guidance. I would not want to displease Him. He is my refuge and my strength. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalms 46:1).
  3. What is your superpower?
    1. My superpower–or my greatest strength–is my ability to listen and relate to others and what they are going through, then to empathically empower them to search out a solution to the problem pressing in on them.
  4. What is the “most proud” moment of your life to date?
    1. This is hard to answer for: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” (Proverbs 16:18). Thus, I try not to allow pride to enter into any of my endeavors. However, there are many instances in my life from whence I have gained a better understanding of myself and of others. These would be about as close as I would allow myself to enter into “pride’s realm.”
  5. What quality in humans do you detest the most?
    1. I detest the tendency, in anyone, to abuse children or to abuse anyone unable to defend himself or herself against the abuser.

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My nominees:

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My Questions to My Nominees:

  1. Who/What is your greatest source of inspiration?
  2. What do you hope to inspire in others through your blog?
  3. Through what artistic means do you express your inspirations?
  4. When you need to “rejuvenate,” do you tend to need the company of other people, or do you need to spend some time alone for a bit?
  5. When you see someone “hurting” emotionally, do you respond, and if so how?

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Again, I would like to thank chasingthemaximumlife for nominating me for this award. It gives me the opportunity, once again, to recognize some of my peers who aspire to inspire others. Thank You so very much for providing me this opportunity.

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Calendar Quindecims — September 2020

by tkbrown

September is a  time to look ahead
planning completion of special projects,
mapping special meals for the holidays,
budgeting gifts, shopping, buying no rejects
while looking at winter travel options.
Safety, facemasks, verifying inspects
upon arrival; social distancing guides
for compliance, and monitor prefect,
fees for each fractured crime come into play.
Each will effect memory time collects,
trying to normalize every aspect.
Ads for Christmas appear early this year,
already here as if adding some cheer,
and carols will play when the day draws near.

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Image Above: by Lena Helfinger @ pixabay.com.

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Taking Some Time to Grieve

by tkbrown

I will be absent from my site for a few days. Two of my siblings have passed away in three weeks, and I am allowing myself some time to grieve. I will be back with everyone soon. Please continue to peruse my site, read posts you have not read before, don’t forget to “Like,]” and “Comment.” I look forward to reading your comments when I return.

Thank You for your understanding during this time. Blessings to all!

Liebster Award (2)

Welcome to my acceptance of the Liebster Award nomination by Jofina Anna Reji. Thank you so very much for nominating me Jofina! To be nominated once is a huge honor, but to be nominated by someone else for a second recognition is amazing. Thank You so very much for bestowing this honor upon me for the writing I do on my blog.

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If you have not read any of Jofina’s posts on her blog, stop by and read! She writes honestly and from the heart! Her url is: https://dsgn4.wordpress.com/2020/07/21/liebster-award/. Stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee, and read! Let her know you were there and comment on her posts. She will ever be welcoming your presence. Thank You, Jofina!

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The Liebster Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers, https://bloggingfilter.com/liebster-award/. This blog post tells us “Liebster is German — it means ‘sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.’”

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Rules to the Liebster Blogger Award:

  1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and give a link to their blog. Again, Jofina, Thank You for this highest of honors!
  2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.
  3. Nominate 11 other bloggers.
  4. Ask your nominees 11 questions.
  5. Notify your nominees once you’ve uploaded your post.

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Jofina’s Questions to me:

1. What special talent do you have?

I think listening would be my ‘special talent.’

2. When did you start blogging? 

I tried to start several years ago, but I finally began to blog in earnest about a year or so ago.

3. One thing you learn from blogging?

In the beginning, I thought I had to make my blog into something specific. Over time, I learned that is not always the case. I learned the importance of, and have tried to let it develop over time rather than trying to force a particular format. This seems to be working well.

4. What is your profession?

By training, I am a counselor. I have a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. As an individual, I have developed many areas throughout my life. I have worked in varied positions and the combination has made me who I am today.

5. What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for each new day and all that each holds. These are blessings from God.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Five years from now, I will be a published author. I am currently working on one or more books of poetry. (I say, or more, because I am beginning to believe I need to separate them into related categories and publish smaller collections instead of one larger.) I am also working on an historical fiction novel. I have been researching it for about five years now. I knew what I needed to write from the beginning. However the plot and character arcs are finally falling into place in coherent linear from. So, while I still need to complete some more research, I have begun writing it, as well.

7. One of your favourite quote?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13 — Holy Bible (NKJV)

8. Something new you wanna try?

I have a goal of learning some new languages. My research for the novel I am writing and for essays has required much of my time for the last several years. I am to the point now I am planning to begin those efforts again. To begin, I wish to learn Greek, Spanish and French.

9.What’s the thing you like most about yourself?

I am able to understand the varied nuances that form a unique individual within each person I meet. No two are alike. I do not expect them to be alike, and I do not strive to push my beliefs upon others. I accept each as the unique individual creation God has made.

10.What 3 words describe you the best?

Spiritual — Loving — Creative

11.One of your favourite film and why?

“Ghost” — because it presents a husband and wife who love and respect each other — even with the quirks.

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My Nominees:

  1. Sobia @ https://blossomreads.com/about/.
  2. Jayant Ahuja @ https://bejayant1729.wordpress.com/
  3. shadawss @ https://www.shadawss.com/
  4. Introverted Thoughts @ https://myrandomspecificthoughts.wordpress.com/
  5. Somedatta @ https://somedattasengupta.wordpress.com/
  6. Doris @ https://doriskoki.wordpress.com/
  7. Kamya @ https://keepupwithkamya.wordpress.com/
  8. Fatimah @ https://aprofoundcupoftea.wordpress.com/
  9. Maxine @ https://heavensreef.wordpress.com/
  10. Simran @ https://perseveroflife.wordpress.com/
  11. Shruti @ https://musingsbyamedstudent.wordpress.com/

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My Questions to My Nominees:

  1. What are the top three things you wish to accomplish with your blog posts?
  2. If you could visit any time period, past – present – future, when would it be and why?
  3. How do you see peer to peer awards, such as the Liebster Award, helping to move your efforts forward?
  4. How does your writing enhance you as a person?
  5. How much do you engage in social media?
  6. How has the coronavirus impacted your interactions with others?
  7. How does blogging enhance logical reasoning?
  8. How important is a healthy lifestyle to you?
  9. What three writers have had the most impact on your writing style?
  10. What “color” best depicts you emotionally?
  11. What “main character” would you most want to be?

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My heartfelt thanks to each of you!

Calendar Quindecims ~~ August 2020

~~ by tkbrown
Icicle memories. . . . long forgotten,
reappear to form a fave smoothie slush.
Hmmm. What flavor is your preference, then?
Mango-Peach is mine, fruit fresh from the bush.
Temperatures rising -- higher, higher:
Will relief ne'er wind itself down a spell?
A dip in the pool would be fun favor
but for the numbers of spiking unwell.
Back to school for children has been the rule
'ere COVID-19 called, gave us a stutter.
Now, Christmas may visit 'ere back to school
gets off the ground midst inclement weather.
"The Best Laid Plans . . ." John made to go awry
with choice visiting far beyond the sky.
We here on earth are afraid to ask, "Why?"

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Photo above by: Alexander Mils @ Unsplash.com.

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The Breath of Life

by tkbrown
"God formed man from the dust of the earth
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
Then man became a living being."
  ~~ Genesis 2:7 -- Holy Bible        

When God breathed life into Adam, he began
a chain reaction which is still going on today.
Every breath taken began with breath from that One
and provides fuel to give every action its sway.

In so many ways, our breathing determines our life.
The more natural and rhythmic our breath,
the more alert is the tune to our sources of strife.
Life is breathed into our veins as they exhale death.

Inhale, and rejuvenating energy flows through
each and every cell via oxygen in the blood
which carries back to the lungs a toxic brew,
exhaled to gather another life-giving flood.

Peace and serenity can be felt in fingertips,
down to the toes as focused breathing slows--
relaxing thought, exhaling tension 'tween our lips,
calming response to life's external throes.

Speeding the process with controls in place
can ease intense pain or fuel an activity burst.
Smooth, rhythmic breathing can set the pace
whether it is focused and slow, or heated and fast.

Meditation, relaxation, tantric energy or Lamaze--
all are breathworks for a cause of report--
whether for yoga, Taoism, or some healthy exercise,
'tis a breath of fresh air--of a Godly sort.

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Photo Above by: Aaron Burden on Unsplash.com.

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Summertime 2020

~~ a quindecim
by tkbrown
Summertime! Summertime! So glad you're here!
Apricity, grilling, picnics galore
help us appreciate you soooo much more
as Covid-19 has brought most everyone fear.
Warm weather activities all around
entice forbidden choice which does abound--
water sports, basking in alluring sun--
have beaches packed along gulf, bay, ocean.
Rivers and lakes add boating, fishing too;
camping, floating, rafting, a gumbo roux
and not a few more add to the allure--
such a tempting lot most do adore.
Social distancing does not fit the scheme,
nor does the nightmarish midnight dream
of sickness and death, the 'wakening scream.'

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Image Above: Seascape, Sailboating by Francine Sreca @pixabay.com.

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