Monday Musings: September 1, 2014 -- Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: The fabulous artwork of Roger Dean.

Monday Musings: August 11, 2014 -- Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: A memory of a trip to South Dakota many years ago...

Monday Musings: August 4, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: Drawing Hands; 1948 Lithograph by M.C. Escher

Monday Musings: July 28, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: Dirty clothes...

Monday Musings: July 21, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: Hurdy Gurdy by John Hoey [Photograph]

Monday Musings: July 7, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: A desire to focus and simplify.

Monday Musings: June 23, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: Sea Bright, NJ and a very nice Sunday celebrating Greg's birthday early. 

Monday Musings: June 9, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt Inspired by: My favorite form of escapism... music. ;)

Monday Musings: June 2, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt Inspired by: National Geographic Photograph; April 28, 2014 -- Island in the Sky

Photograph by Shane Kalyn

"There is an ethereal, otherworldly feeling to this photograph, as this little island in the middle of Tumuch Lake in northern British Columbia appears as if it's floating in the clouds," says Shane Kalyn, who submitted this photo to the National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. "To bring us back to Earth, a fish has left a ripple in the water on the left-hand side of the shot. The scene was amazing to witness, let alone be lucky enough to photograph—totally the right place at the right time."

Monday Musings: May 26, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: The Keystone Wounded Warriors
From their website:

"Keystone Wounded Warriors is a Eastern Pennsylvania based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation that seeks to honor the daily sacrifices made by the brave men and women in all branches of the United States Military, but specifically those wounded on or after September 11, 2001. Keystone Wounded Warriors aids Wounded Warriors by raising public awareness and seeking the public’s support for programs and services that assist Wounded Warriors. Funds donated to Keystone Wounded Warriors are used to support local post-9/11 veterans and their families located in or with ties to Pennsylvania. The remaining funds are donated to national post-9/11 wounded veterans organizations.

Our warriors do an awe inspiring job in the face of their disabilities and difficulties transitioning into civilian life through dedication and commitment. Keystone Wounded Warriors strives to ease the burden on these heroes through focus in three major areas... Financially... Physically... Mentally..." 

Favoring peace above all else does not prevent me from having immense appreciation and respect for those who serve in our armed forces. It is not those who serve but the political agenda of those who order those who serve with whom I take issue. Especially now, in the wake of this horrific VA scandal, our military men, women and families need and deserve our help. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day...

Monday Musings: May 19, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: A misunderstanding... and coffee. ;)

Monday Musings: May 12, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post.

Prompt inspired by: My own dear kitchen sink...

The Sun Rises

Tempers in a tempest flare
as shrieks like shrapnel
shatter watching windows
and innocence
crawls crying from the fray.

Eventually,
disdain dies down as day dawns--
reflecting its radiant beauty
in broken glass.


My take on this week's Monday Musings image prompt...

Monday Musings: April 14, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

Photo by Bing Wright, Broken Mirror/Evening Sky (Kodak Provia), 2012, Archival 

Inkjet Print, 70-3/4 x 56-5/8 inches

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post. :)

Prompt inspired by: http://www.bingwright.com/
I find Bing Wright's photographs extremely inspiring. Thanks also to +Eva Trillian for introducing his work to me.

Special Delivery

Petite paper packets
like man-made chrysalis
protecting tiny time capsules
of life--
of sleeping little leaves
dreaming
of their days in the sun.

My take on this week's prompt...

Monday Musings: April 7, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post. :)

Prompt inspired by: Burpee Seeds and the fact that Spring has finally arrived and there are little seedlings growing on my windowsill. :)

Monday Musings: March 10, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

Sunbather, 2014. Photo by Letitia Minnick

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post. :)

Prompt inspired by: My (almost) nine-year-old four-legged son, Milo. :)

Please forgive the blatant favoritism this week... Milo just received what could be the best (albeit most traumatic) grooming he has ever had and, after his being extremely ill most of this winter, I could just sit and look upon him for hours. (We're still a bit watchful of his health but trusting that he has recovered and will only get healthier with the oncoming Springtime.)

My take on this week's prompt:

Milo

Mildly
insistent, this
little white dog
owns all my heart.

Monday Musings: January 27, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt: 

"Winter Tree" by Andrea D. Olsen 2014

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the image above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post. :)

Prompt inspired by: Blogger Andrea Dawn Olsen at:

http://theartoflifeistogetthemessage.blogspot.com/ and http://fiftyfiveandcounting-my366project.blogspot.com/

Andrea Dawn's eye for beauty never ceases to amaze me. There is a softness to her work in which I find comfort and contentment (something that I have much needed as of late). More than once I have gone to her blogs with the intention to simply "check in" and have found myself lost in a photograph touched up ever so slightly to make it a masterpiece. Great grace shines through the snapshots of this gentle woman. Give yourself the gift of visiting her blogs and perhaps you too will find a moment or two of peace.

My take on this week's prompt:

Winter Maple

In a desolate field

naked and alone

she waits 

for the sun to warm her

she waits

to feel

beautiful again.

Monday Musings: January 20, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

Warm inside - Photo by Deborah Atkinson at snowcatcher.net

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the photo above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post. :)

Prompt inspired by: www.snowcatcher.net

I stumbled on Snowcatcher during a search for snowflake patterns to use as ornament gifts last Christmas. The sheer volume of beautiful snowflake patterns available is staggering and that they are offered for free as long as you don't sell the patterns is an amazing gift.

Make no mistake though, crocheted snowflake patterns is just one small part of what Snowcatcher has to offer. Definitely give it perusal for her Wordless Wednesday photos, if you have an interest in bicycling (especially in the Rockies), or if you just want a glimpse into the life of really talented and bright-hearted blogger.

My take on this week's prompt:

The Craft

Longing to make beauty
from a single string and simple hook,
the child chained for hours
but went no further...
I was twenty-seven
before patience afforded
this stubborn daughter
the opportunity
to be passed my mother's magic.

Now, with knowledge enough to crochet
my own intricate designs,
I smile at the continued requests
to weave words, not yarn, for Christmas.

Monday Musings: January 13, 2014 - Image Prompt

Prompt:

Eva Trillian - Fototokig [Photo from Wednesday 1st January 2014 Post]

What to do: Write, film, compose, draw, paint, or otherwise express yourself based on the photo above. If you are open to sharing, just put a link to your inspired creation in the comments section of this post. :)

Prompt inspired by: http://provtyckningar.blogspot.com/

Ja, jag säger då det! or Yes, I forgot about it! is a Swedish/English blog dedicated to quotes, words, pictures, music, and anything else that strikes Eva's fancy. While I cannot recall where our paths initially crossed, I am extremely grateful for this amazing photographer's friendship and for the support she has given me since I began here in the blogosphere.

Don't be intimidated by the blog being in Swedish. Google Translate works fairly well and Eva speaks clearly (and most beautifully) through the universal language of her camera's lens. Please take the time to check it out and support this fellow blogger!:)

My take on this week's prompt:

Cloud Watching 2014

January wind scrubs my cheeks like
my grandfather just before he'd shave
and as I walk this familiar path,
crows fly against the morning gray
to portend subtle changes
rustling the veil.

Still that small child
wide-eyed at her Pop Pop's knee,
I fill my beach bucket
with hourglass sand and begin
to build my castle yet again.