Condo Tales and Orbs of a Family Tree

One week ago this Friday, I experienced the cycling accident, that landed me on crutches. Since then I've been out with friends, & family several times, & checked in with our local doctor too. Am making progress for sure, but big bones, such as hips, when they become deeply bruised take a bit of time to recover. Due to the awkwardness of being back on crutches, it has been a challenge not to let myself get bummed out, as I had been on them when I was sixteen, for a fracture of the right tibia, which is the long lower bone attached to the knee, that injury was due to my own teen aged stupidity. Like any accident, there is always a time for growth & learning, for me it is short & sweet, when cycling take it as seriously as driving a car, & never, ever travel too close. Conversations can always be continued at a much later time, & to have a conversation in regards to a cycling exposition, outside the ER is ultimately preferable & the goal. Amen

Being I wasn't able to make it this past Wednesday to our Boston Writer's Group session, I had been very kindly encouraged to "keep writing", by our wonderful teacher of who's advise I take most seriously, which of course I did, & of which I have, just completed a free form poem that came to me late this morning. It was inspired by the writings of Geraldine Brooks & her book, People of the Book, of which our Sisterhood of B'nai Shalom, in Putnam, Ct., had decided upon for our winter read, & recent springtime discussion.

The included poem, I would have never expected, yet this process is not unheard of for me, as since childhood, I have been closely guided by my muse that speaks, thus, this ongoing Poetry a Muse In Motion Project, which has visited upon me just recently-

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Condo Tales and Orbs of a Family Tree

She was C. H.'s daughter

of whom she never knew

blue eyes, true blue

true of her not knowing

ever knowing

Who is this man, a phantom

of her, always

met his mother so she told

to

a daughter,

of these modern times-

You have his eyes, I know, I saw

his picture, in my grandmother's

his mother's

home

There he was so perfect

blue, lapis blue, lazuli eyes

blue

"You've named me for him"

such she told

"Oh yes, to honor, as for him of not,

would ever be."

So crazed at times

she knew

her

to be

bibicial

medieval

evil, when goholms, goblins

phantom times of shadows

never knowing

why

or how

this came to be

So old now, but still, not old enough

to know better

The illness of the mind crept in

so long ago

with labels

numbers

textbook talk

medications

layering

veils

protection

of

whom

the dearest asks, and wonders

still

to this day

C. H.'s daughter

Octavial, midway, almost

a power waining

yet still strong

a sibling speaks

"I need my armor."

yet who will write this

critter's/creature's past

the story told,

untold

Branches sway

this tree has

nursed, repaired

it's storm wrought wounds

The daughter now, aligned

of

Miriam

wells of tears

hope

salted wounds

wanderings

nurturing, mothering

goodbye to phantom mysteries

of hellbent strikes & screams,

for much

now

cracked

patched

and

past

your power gone

I loved you then

and love you now,

but love

unkind at times

and wounds so deep

to speak-

you'll scream

again, again

As you recede

to layers past

C. H.'s daughter

stately

broken

sad

alone

You've made it all

your home.

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This truth that speaks from deep within, I ask not for, though yet it gives abundantly & kindly to figure out, what it is I have pondered. "Poetry is Truth" s.a.

For thus another day, this so completes, Poetry a Muse In Motion, my project for today.

Amen

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For additional information regarding Geraldine Brooks, check out her page at-

http://www.geraldinebrooks.com/

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Trees Leaf Out With Renewed Breath Sustaining Us In Life

Quite the sculpture at the Science Center in Hartford, Ct.

A favorite quote shared with me, many years ago by my friend Sheila who has lived in Israel for over a decade with her beautiful family. I do take the above words truly to heart, as always, thank you dear friend.

These seemingly ordinary blooms of a white blossomed rhododendron, is finally in flower for the first time in about four years, thanks to Dolly. Yes, Dolly my rescue pooch, has accomplished our goal, of keeping the deer away from my flowers. Yeah, rah rah Dolly!

We have a Sisterhood meeting tomorrow evening, & this is our book for discussion, so far I'm really into it, & just hope I'm done reading in time...

The last photo is of course this morning's portrait of Dolly who sits & waits patiently for what is next, & new on the agenda. Did I tell you that Dolly has agreed to be the narrator of my work in progress, yes she & I have come to a most amiable agreement. Good dog Dolly, I always knew you could do it!

Deepak Chopra Md, has always been a favorite of mine. He's a wonderful teacher & healer, having written so many books, he has an incredible foundation, & is also a very poignant

speaker, of whom my husband & I, here at the Peace Garden, immensely enjoyed one of his presentations as part of a PBS fundraiser, many years ago. It's here on the Peace Garden site as part of our ongoing adventures, & here's the link below-

http://thepeacegarden.blogspot.com/2008/10/some-lessons-from-deepak-chopra-who-am.html

It certainly was an experience that my husband & I still refer to, as Deepak did an amazingly awesome job in his ability to connect with his audience of over 300 people, yet you still felt it most personally, honest & true.

As our family & friends know, my husband & I have been environmental/conservation & peace activists since the early '70's. Deepak has always known the pulse of his patients, & the pulse of our planet. Sure he's a bit ahead of his time on many a topic, but that's just how it is with great thinkers, for what they intuitively know is that true lasting change comes from within.

Being part of this great communication age, has certainly been very exciting for a gal who started out just tossing notes across her study hall room. This method is far more meaningful & effective, yet still a lot of fun & most rewarding. If the following link does not work for you, please just try typing the lettering in your computer's search mode area, as that might do it. Some of the information that is shared, with so many of us comes through Facebook, which seemingly has billions of galaxies of possibilities for the oh, so curious minds.

So hopefully the link will work, in the meantime, I'll eventually be off to see our local MD, just to rule out the possibility of an occult fracture of my right hip, of which I have been instructed is an important thing to do, as an xray will not show one, therefore it's off to the world of modern science & medicine for an MRI. It's been an interesting journey, nonetheless, & in the meantime I'll continue with the chosen book of our Sisterhood titled-

People of the Book

By, Geraldine Brooks

So far it's been a real page turner, as it's always good to have something to read, to discus with friends to look forward to, & also Deepak, as he's a good one for any age or stage of life.

Enjoy your day, & if able, try if you can, to check out Deepak's interesting, & important link, which much to my surprise had a really cool UTube video included, *enjoy-

CI Lost There, Felt Here | Deepak Chopra's Fundraiser on Crowdrise

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

On This Monday The Violets Remain True

Here it is Monday, & I'm off to get myself ready to go out a bit, to visit with my friends. It will take a little more time than usual, as I am still on crutches from Friday's bike accident, which does slow me down. Rather than dwell on what had happened I will do my very best to put my mind in a more positive place, spending time with friends is number one, & reading good articles, & keeping my mind in a postive frame is also the goal.

I just read this most wonderful article, that was shared by- Frank Lipman MD, of who's site you too will probably find interesting. The first link is to his Facebook page, & the second link is to the *excellent magazine article that he shared just this morning, & of which I must say definitely deserves a second read through by yours truly-

Frank Lipman MD

The Places That Scare You : Experience Life Magazine

If you have a chance to read the enclosed shared article, I think you will find it invaluable. None of us are perfect, & we can all use a bit of help on our interesting, & varried life paths.

Here's wishing everyone a really good week, & enjoy the blooms & possibalities, that springtime brings.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

A Mountain's View For Mother's Day 2011

A Mountain's View For Mother's Day 2011

From a mother of "sons/suns"--

I never know when I'm in sic

My blog that is, computer sleeps

Remembering when sleep was rest

The rest of yaz have left this nest--

As should you do, my job doth done

We did of course, have much in fun

And as you've grown, so too have I

Still deeply felt, not scratched the sky

Yet as we've grown, for so have you

No matter how, there's much to do

Will sit and talk, will walk, will rake

Will take good care, there's much at stake--

For I do love you all, so much

You've always touched my heart, no fuss,

My message here, is live your lives

I know you'll deal well, weather strife's

For we all have our journey's paths

And intertwine, as we do laugh

This mother's prayer, & hopes for you

To do, to live, a life that's true

For when we're older, and I'm old,

My story is, as stories told

I'd never trade, his kind of love

It is a blessing from above.

Amen

A Healthy & Happy Mother's Day to All the Mothers of the world, & to All our beloved children & grandchildren, of all the generations...

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This completes today's addition to the Poetry A Muse In Motion Project, with the continued good wishes for Mothers Day 2011 !

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Birds of A Feather On The Cycling Trail

My husband & I are so fortunate & blessed to have met, Donna who is an unbelivable individual. Donna is the mom of these two very brillant, & wonderful birds- Jake is the fluffy white feathered one, & his sibling is Sagan with all his bright colors.

The Coffee Depot at 501 Main Street, Warren, RI. http://www.coffeedepotonline.com/

Yes, most definitely a favorite point of destination whenever we're going to be cycling along the Rhode Island coast.

As you can see this favorite coffee & tea spot, is most artistically appointed. Their menu has all of the noted items that goes so very well when one needs that quick pick me up. Yesterday when my husband & I stopped in at The Coffee Depot, he had a coconut macaroon, & I decided to minimise my sweet tooth input, & chose a wonderful oatmeal cookie instead, which proved to be an excellent selection.

Here we are now at Quito's a very rustic seaside restaurant, of which our friend Peg recommended to us several years ago. It's just the right choice too, as every table has an interesting ocean view. The food is excellent too. We ordered a fisherman's platter which had shrimp, clams, scallops, haddock a baked potato & coleslaw. For an opener we had a small order of Rhode Island clam cakes. The platter is so plentiful that this time we were smart, & shared the one entree', which proved to be "just right".

As you can see from the map, that where we were, must have had the most beautiful views, & they did!

Along the bike trail here in Bristol we met Christopher.

Christopher's level of commitment to cycling is quite high, as he works out with the help of a trainer several days a week, & cycles usually three days a week or more, as he is training to participate in a Road Race this September to raise fund$ for Aids. We told him that we watch the news out of R.I., which for us is Channel 10, & that we would try to keep the race in mind, & perhaps be able to cover it on the Peace Garden blog come September.

Don't be surprised if we do, for if I can make the trip, it is most definitely a cause, that we all need to keep in the forefront of our hearts & minds.

Early season views here at Quito's.....

The winds were very active yesterday, & as you can see, there were no shortage of waves...

Here's a mom tucking in her little pink bundle, as the devoted dad looks on....

It was here on the bike trail in Bristol, R.I. that Donna introduced us to Sagan, & his sidekick Jake. Donna said that Jake & Sagan are fine with going for walks on top of the cage that she puts in her baby carriage, but Button the smaller gray bird that sits in the cage, is way too curious & friendly to be free for these walks, as Button's curiosity could get the better of him, & in his sojourn to investigate your shoes, or some activity in the bushes, could get lost or hurt, as he really does have an explorer's inquisitive nature...

Never in my life have I met such a compassionate & generous person as Donna, who cares for all these animals, her story of bringing the birds to the local park, & the children enjoying the birds company is a pure delight. Her re telling of an episode, of when occasionally an autistic child would have the opportunity to interact with her birds, & her describing the child's enjoyment, & the reaction of the parents, when she expressed that she would become all teary if she were to continue to speak of it. I totally understood. Donna is the Bird Whisperer,

If ever there is a a Bird Whisperer, she's the one.

If you'd like to find out more about Donna & her birds check out her link at

http://www.spires.ws/bigchicken/

Grounded, but still trying out my set of wings here with Jake...

This cute four legged sweetie in the photo below is Rocky the dog...

Quite the setup, I must say, as it was my first time ever, of seeing such a unique & talented mom, & just before Mother's Day too, wheeling a carriage with such a distinctive assortment of God's creatures...

This young man by the name of Mike, he & my husband seemed to be engrossed in an interesting conversation, as Donna introduced me to her talented traveling menagerie...

My, my what have we here...

When we were just yards away from our car, at the end of our lovely day of cycling & all the flutter....

& what happened is still re playing in my mind a bit,

as I, as so many cyclist do, took a spill off the bike, my first, in over thirty five years! So besides the oyes, & my momentary feelings of doom, as the ambulance ride to Rhode Island Hospital, was a bit bumpy & hectic, but it was a good choice, as the Paramedics that came to my aide via/the gps on my husband's cell phone, & all the people on the bike trail were especially kind & patient, as I must have laid there for a good twenty minutes, before deciding that most definitely I had, "fallen & couldn't get up", hence our drastic change of scenery....

Though a rather bloodied thumb here, I give the entire team at the Rhode Island Hospital ER/Trauma Center, thumbs up...

An oxygen tank on the bottom of my gurney, which thankfully I did not need...

One of the imiculate halls of this unbeivablely busy trauma center, of which I was wheeled down, & just a few miutes pror to this photo walked down this very cororidor to finally the ladies room, not having been on my feet for close to five hours since the bike crash & having landed full force on my right hip.

A little weathered, & a bit tattered, but nonetheless most thankful & happy to be here, among the living. I'll keep you posted...

The weather for yesterday was a prefect day in May, beautiful spring flowers, blue skies, & ocean breezes. It was perfecto for heading up to the Rhode Island shore, as the bicycle paths along the coastline were as perfect as they could be. It was also an excellent day to meet & greet some of nicest & most interesting people one could ever encounter. Cycling paths have the tendency to bring out the friendliest & kindest of individuals, all backgrounds, ages & levels of cycling commitments can be found on any given day out on a well conditioned cycling trail, & Rhode Island is definitely stellar in their commitment in providing their citizens with the best of the best for healthy encounters of staying fit in nature. I consider myself a good rider, not an elite athlete by any means, but one who is, solid & overall good in my skills for the road, & really that's all that it takes, & a good pair of sunglasses too I must add.

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A most sincere thank you to my husband, the fellow cyclists on the bike trail in Warren, R.I., the Paramedics, & the entire staff of the Rhode island Hospital ER & Trauma Center, who gave me the utmost of exceptional attention & care, when I needed it the most.

Thank you all so very much.

& A most Healthy & Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers, of the world, their children & grandchildren, from the Peace Garden & to all her creatures residing in Mother Earth's Garden, here on planet earth.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Poetry Is Truth, & Truth Is Nonviolence At Cafe'mantic

John L. Stanizzi entrancing us with his spoken word...

Gracious & beautiful Andrea Barton, mom, poet, English teacher & Host of the Cafe'mantic, First Monday of the Month, Poetry events...

A small sampling of the energetic art that embellishes the walls here at Cafe'mantic...

The next photos, are of just a few of the poets who read last night...

Including the gentleman, who is in the photo below, who's poem really spoke to my husband, as he read a poem about one of his student's, who seemingly had some major anger issues, but this in tuned teacher, really did know where this student was coming from. For that's the gift of poetry, it's truthfulness, & we do respond.

In 1977, I was still a new mom, as our now eldest was only three back when my husband & I finally had the chance to move away from the urban sprawl, out to Willington, Ct. It was a beautiful rural scene, & had the best of both worlds, as we were a jaunt right outside the ring of the University of Connecticut. It was during that short time that I became educated in nonviolent resistance, had just read a book about Gandhi, & was all set to do my part, as by then I had evolved to Mother Lightning, as how could I not, I was after all a new mother, & the well being of our son & the world he was to grow up in was from that time on, at the forefront of how my husband & I would choose to go on, in this seemingly crazy world.

I met this wonderful gal by the name of Sandee, we were introduced through a mutual friend. It was Sandee who said to me "poetry is truth", back then, when we were working on a special Women In Poetry, radio program for UCONN's radio station WHUS 91.7 FM, for the Woman's Radio Collective. Sandee at the time was an English Major [I think], but since then she went on to get her Masters in Social Work, of which I am sure she is very compassionate & effective.

I tell you this story now, as it is Sandee's quote for today's Peace Garden title, along with the words of M. Gandhi, of whom I had read his quote, "truth is nonviolence". These two quotes, have proven to me to be a major main stay, of my beliefs & determination going forward all these decades...

Last night my husband & I attended a community poetry reading, the event was held at a sweet little cafe' on Main Street, in Willimantic, Ct. , named so suitably Cafe'mantic, by it's Proprietor- Andy Gutt, who has worked very hard to make it a really happening place to go, as the coffees, teas & other refreshments, hits high grades, along with the bagels, sandwiches & desserts. There is an area set aside at the front of the cafe' with a mini stage area, gently lit, & well miked, which appeared to make any poet feel at home, being "signed-in-walk-in" contributor, or the special guest poet of the evening. Last night's special guest poet was John L. Stanizzi, a friend of decades, upon decades ago, from our early teen years back in E. Htfd., Ct. What a wonderful event to behold, as the people who generously got up to share in their poetry out loud, of which so many were truly gifted, really did make it a special evening for those of us in support of this very early on method of human expression. It was a really interesting experience to take in, especially when some of the young poets, incorporated the use of their Blackberries, & such, which for my husband & I, it really tweaked us into the 21st century! When someone read with strong feeling from the heart, it could not be missed. Poetry is meant to be read aloud, & if one is fortunate to be in the audience when our friend John L. Stanizzi reads from his collection of published poems, or his work in progress, it really is an especially vivid trip in time, into the thinking mind, of a true modern day, poetry man. "Poetry is truth."

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Thank you Sandee, for your insightful words from way back in 1977, of today's title. Thank you Andy Gutt, for providing the community with such a really cool place to go & to Andrea Barton, for your warm & welcoming Hosting with the Most. We so loved our experience at Cafe'mantic & will be back, & thank you of course to my dear friend of childhood, John L. Stanizzi, who is right there on "the ground level", thinking, feeling & breathing life into his "life work", you truly do make our generation proud!

It is important that I add John L. Stanizzi's link here, I had added it, in another posting some time ago, but in order to stay current, & make it so that lovers of Johnnie's wonderful poetry can find it more easily, I thought it best to put it out there, once again, in his own words, so here it is-

"I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit my publisher atwww.antrimhousebooks.com There are beautiful books of poetry to look at and purchase. I'd also ask you to take a look at my two books -- Ecstasy Among Ghosts and Sleepwalking, which you can purchase on the site. If you're inclined, pass this along to your friends. Thanks." JLS

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And be sure to check out Cafe'mantic with the link below-

Cafémantic on Facebook

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Contemplating Paradise Among Friends

Picture Poem by, J.B.

If all is well with the Internet, you will find a much better photo of our friend Jackie's Picture Poem today. Because it melted a few times after it was posted orginally on the Peace Garden, our friend, Lyn, sent me another version of it, & hopefully the beautiful image will hold up better. Thank you Lyn! I decided to add her wording so it could be easily read, just in case it melts again, but hopefully not this time. Jackie has a most compelling story, & below are aspects of what she so generously shared with us-

P - place of peace of mind and happiness

A - attitude of joy

R - richness of heart

A - approaching life with zest

D - devotion to God

I - insight to contentment

S - splendor and glory

E - excitement of living

Yesterday I attended the monthly Devotional that our friends from our Interfaith group share with the community. The best way to explain is to share John & Lyn's own words with you all-

"This month, we plan to explore the concept of paradise… and what it means to each of us. Please join us and bring your thoughts, prayers, poetry, readings, songs and/or art project that you would like to share with the group.

May 2^nd is the 12^th Day of Ridvan in the Baha’i Faith—a holy day for us. Your presence on the 1^st will help us in our remembrance of those special days—the Days of Ridvan (Days of Paradise)."

The Interfaith group of which my husband & I belong have representatives of the various faiths of our community of which at this time are- Native American, Jewish, Islam, the various Christian communities, Baha'i Faith, & others.

Enclosed is a picture poem by one of our dear friends Jackie, of whom gave her permission to share this lovely work with you all.

Enjoy your day, & may peace be with now & forever more-

Before closing for today, I have a link to add-

Dalai Lama

"Friends, genuine friends, are attracted by a warm heart, not money, not power. A genuine friend considers you as just another human being, as a brother or sister, and shows affection on that level, regardless of whether you are rich or poor, or in a high position; that is a genuine friend."

At breakfast this morning my husband told me that I was, "chasing the elusive ghost of peace".

In this brief physical life that we all dance amidst the winds, we do have choices- to promote peace & goodwill among all individuals, neighborhoods & nations, or to embrace an eye for an eye. As Gandhi said, "An eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind." He also said, "It is possible to live in peace."

That truly is the only workable & lasting way of the plowshare, for the swords, no matter who holds one, it will never, ever be the needed solutation, for

"peace on earth".

Amen

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It seems Jackie's Picture Poem, has melted away, *oye, we'll see what can be done, as that too is the way of the world, as it does all melt... , but yeah, there are solutions & I do think now due to the help of our friend Lyn, we have at least for now, have found a solution, to the picture that is!

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden