tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31395751206685217222024-03-14T05:49:59.549+00:00In TandemLet <i>your imagination</i> take flight as it pedals along with... well, whatever happens to catch <i>my</i> attention!Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-90164295935964506102023-10-21T17:16:00.006+01:002023-10-21T17:43:15.691+01:00Space and Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>Which came first, the Dragon or the Egg?</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt0Nv7zvzekcIiBBEF2Vrv-YSuabtTsbBwUQS-XxJDM2lUVAammF8fvPWjWLdVtHk4Y2Hzd9XCGjMoCr7rnw-G3L7zKDfFlSxz_Y86CiXjHH90Q1TGh5CBAKM_-FGqlDwEWpx03f7T1ngobOQdKdclJCcNbrqTnzQvKkPefqnWOru3eCepFjV2mVo0KH8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt0Nv7zvzekcIiBBEF2Vrv-YSuabtTsbBwUQS-XxJDM2lUVAammF8fvPWjWLdVtHk4Y2Hzd9XCGjMoCr7rnw-G3L7zKDfFlSxz_Y86CiXjHH90Q1TGh5CBAKM_-FGqlDwEWpx03f7T1ngobOQdKdclJCcNbrqTnzQvKkPefqnWOru3eCepFjV2mVo0KH8=w478-h359" width="478" /></a></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span> </span></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">This afternoon, I had another look at this blog of mine, which sadly lost momentum some years back. At its beginning, I'd put forth an idea for Bloggers to work together in pairs - one artist, one writer - to spark creative juices by working 'In Tandem' as opposed to the more usual 'Linky List' route providing the impetus for Blogland's more widespread prompts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think there is a certain harmony that such pairings achieve, which is more personal, as each half-couple provides (turn and turn about) image or writing to suit... But I guess I'm not the first, nor will be the last, whose idea was less than perfect in practise!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Luckily, Jinksy still lives on <a href="https://havantaclue.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> or <a href="https://pens-poems.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>, so anyone who found </div><div style="text-align: left;">In Tandem by accident, can use either one as a signpost to more recent Blogland Footpaths to follow...</div>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-19912739245592505092020-10-05T15:35:00.004+01:002023-10-21T16:15:18.243+01:00Oh the times they are a-changing!<p> And having been alerted that this particular, long ignored blog of mine had set off a spark from Google's ever open eyes yesterday, today I thought I might excavate around the edges a little, and see if anything was to be learned about the latest Blogland update...</p><p>So far, I am merely pleased to find I can still access its innards, and my tiny photo smiles back at me, as of yore, when I leave comments. Methinks that's enough for one day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TXy0Nslw90/X3suirZrNfI/AAAAAAAADBY/9oSswaHQicsbvpQHJ_2rznHtbVoyUDAjACLcBGAsYHQ/s1461/61eJURBmufL._SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="1245" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TXy0Nslw90/X3suirZrNfI/AAAAAAAADBY/9oSswaHQicsbvpQHJ_2rznHtbVoyUDAjACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/61eJURBmufL._SL1500_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>How's this for an elegant hat stand? It's too beautiful to hide away under my fedora. ♥</p>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-86958710038060509842018-06-18T12:27:00.000+01:002018-06-18T12:39:27.749+01:00Old and YoungAs an Old Blogger of 77, and taking the word 'Young' to mean something recently begun, this morning my interest in blogging began anew - a fresh start if you like. This lead me eventually to <a href="https://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/">Imaginary Garden</a>, and a diatribe about Fathers and Sons.<br />
It reminded me of something I wrote many moons ago, but which seemed perfectly apt for this subject:-<br />
<br />
<b>New For Old</b><br />
<br />
Seasons roll forward,<br />
Earth spins onward<br />
in its elliptical round.<br />
<br />
Old Year to New Year,<br />
time’s cogs change gear.<br />
Bells herald it with their sound.<br />
<br />
Flaunting its drab gown,<br />
Old Year winds down,<br />
greeting the year that’s to come.<br />
<br />
Wipe all the slates clean,<br />
then dream a new dream.<br />
Happy New Year everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
If The Old greets The New in a spirit of cooperation, without harping on sins of past generations, or imagining possible faults of future generations, then I would predict there may be hope for all !Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-43901714355085375462014-06-13T09:58:00.001+01:002021-08-15T15:34:35.532+01:00Purr-fection?<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Paws that go tippy-toe treading,<br />
creating never a sound.<br />
will pounce on unwary birds as they peck<br />
at some tidbit on the ground.<br />
<br />
Fur or feathers go flying<br />
and Death descends in a trice,<br />
spurred on by pin-point claws and teeth<br />
that pose equal threat to mice.<br />
<br />
For Cat is Lord of the Manor<br />
he stalks wherever he will,<br />
till he thinks it's time to sleep in a heap<br />
on a sunny windowsill <br />
<br />
or lap of a well trained human<br />
who strokes his glistening fur<br />
and is captivated for ever<br />
by his mesmerizing purr.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Thanks to <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/fireblossom-friday-art-of-guido-vedovato.html">Fireblossom's Friday at IGWRT's</a>, we have been introduced to the artwork of <a href="http://www.guido-vedovato.it/">Guido Vedovato </a>to give us inspiration. Click his name to learn more.</i></span>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-49803248846584918152014-06-08T18:51:00.002+01:002014-06-08T18:51:47.361+01:00Summer Loving<br />
Nerve endings' petals<br />unfurl with the warmth of you;<br />but your sunshine kills.<br />
<br />Only a dried husk remains<br />as the body burns.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">This was written for the <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/sundays-mini-challenge-making-heart-out.html">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, where Grace said:-</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our challenge this weekend is to write about our insides with nature or season as inspiration. The prompt is wide open and f</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">eel
free to use my title if it inspires you. Please write a new poem or
prose poem or flash fiction (less than 250 words) and link up with Mr
Linky below. I look forward to reading your </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">words and don't forget to visit your fellow writers too.</span></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-53817663874211786222013-12-19T20:29:00.003+00:002013-12-19T20:48:55.533+00:00Fairy, 49 and counting...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Our
wedding<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in November was too close to Christmas
for comfort… In 1964 we had little money, and although the nearby farm shop had
real trees for a few shillings, decorations would need to cost pennies.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I bought
three packs of crepe paper, one white, one pink, one turquoise, and I raided
the kitchen for a roll of Bacofoil. My bits and bobs box produced a stretchy
pink hair band, some scraps of fabric, bias binding and sequins…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">By
cutting ¼” slices off the still folded crepe paper, I soon had some dainty
garlands to loop between the branches, while tiny slivers of Bacofoil twined
round a knitting needle made wonderful dangling ‘icicles.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The
hair band became a fairy’s body. Fuse wire framed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wings put the finishing touch to her ‘princess’
dress, whose flounced skirts were edged with two shades of pink binding and scattered
with silver sequins..Her black wool hair had a coronet to crown it, and she
clasped a tinsel-topped wand in one hand…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlkFG_m-Qc8/UrNWNSlZYVI/AAAAAAAACbo/Vb8BRxpOKgY/s1600/fairy002+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlkFG_m-Qc8/UrNWNSlZYVI/AAAAAAAACbo/Vb8BRxpOKgY/s320/fairy002+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Through
the years, she had several changes of clothes and wings, and her wand disappeared
- as her magic dwindled, I expect! But in nineteen ninety two she got ‘downsized’
to suit the much smaller artificial tree in my new home. Now here she is, in
that same incarnation; still ready, willing and able to take her rightful place
this Christmas.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Written for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/wednesday-with-peggy.html">IGWRT's Wednesday Challenge </a></i></span></span></div>
Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-50393027922170901692013-12-16T11:23:00.002+00:002013-12-16T11:27:05.397+00:00Feast or Famine<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Ocean winds blow<br />
across the rooftops...<br />
<br />
Gulls screech<br />
and dive <br />
for the breakfast scraps,<br />
scattered<br />
by an old woman.<br />
<br />
A land-locked lawn<br />
is a poor substitute<br />
for the green waves' freedom<br />
and Neptune's larder.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Only the small offering of a passing thought for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/open-link-monday_16.html">Toad's Open Link Monday</a> today...</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-58567646550508771802013-11-26T22:05:00.001+00:002013-12-22T11:15:59.909+00:00Watched Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGpvGkKbgII/UrbJ4OtAmzI/AAAAAAAACb4/NMii29fh6lw/s1600/Ancestor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGpvGkKbgII/UrbJ4OtAmzI/AAAAAAAACb4/NMii29fh6lw/s320/Ancestor.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<br />
Your photograph in my hall watches me<br />
passing by, as I move about my house. <br />
<br />
You share the expression of Mother's eyes;<br />
my Grandmother's nose would etch the same<br />
fine line as yours in profile - a family <br />
trait, which I have, perhaps, inherited.<br />
<br />
From within your rosewood frame you haunt me,<br />
though you have no name which I could verify. <br />
I feel I know you. Were you Great Uncle? <br />
Great Grandfather? If we'd both been alive<br />
in the same century, we might have talked,<br />
discovered we shared more than family…<br />
<br />
But you're not forgotten, dark-haired, distant<br />
relative who remains part of my life..<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>And I've linked this today to<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/poetry-pantry-181.html"> </a></i></span><a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/poetry-pantry-181.html"><span id="goog_1852223755">Poetry Pantry</span></a>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-27678529524323868472013-10-22T16:02:00.000+01:002013-10-22T16:04:09.634+01:00On Friendship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Thanks to a chain of Bloggy information, I have today learned of the death of <a href="http://www.picsandpoems.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/why-can-only-living-mourn.html">Dave King</a>, after Brian at <a href="http://dversepoets.com/2013/10/10/meetingthebar-to-friends/">d'Verse</a> paid tribute to the friendship which had been struck up between them. I too was privileged to number Dave among my Blogpals, and have decided to post these lines, written in the past few days, for friendship lies at the heart of them as well.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">You and I have never met, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and yet... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">there is inside my mind </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">a place where reality blurs, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">where my ears have learned </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the mysteries of your voice,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and heard tales of your life </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">that I recognise...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">yes, almost remember...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">as though we had lived in unison,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">although in separate worlds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bridges span our thoughts, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and words </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">link us each to the other </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">in some time out of time </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">where speech-streams mingle, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">until we become a river in full flood,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and I know that I am home.</span></div>
Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-23015926530459556242013-09-08T13:28:00.002+01:002013-10-26T10:57:49.338+01:00Blotting My Copy Book?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMW3GanTD-k/UixrjZR0GZI/AAAAAAAACWA/G1IRbjvYQg0/s1600/1+a+monks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMW3GanTD-k/UixrjZR0GZI/AAAAAAAACWA/G1IRbjvYQg0/s320/1+a+monks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #666666;">Thanks to Lolamouse at<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/sunday-mini-challenge-doctor-mouse-is.html"> IGWRTS</a> for this unusual prompt.</span></i> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
In ancient days, two solitary Pilgrims set forth, each from a far country, each keeping the prevailing winds at their back. <br />
<br />
They walked through Life, allowing these winds to determine whither their steps should lead, leaving the choice of route to a Higher Power, for they knew themselves to be of small account in the grand scheme of things.<br />
<br />
They carried sacks, in which they collected scraps of Knowledge and Wisdom with which they could feed the needy when Despair failed to give such people sustenance. But the sacks were still part empty, and the Pilgrims themselves were often hungry....<br />
<br />
Then one day the Winds of Chance joined forces, made the Pilgrim's paths cross. The roads joined and a single Path lay ahead. <br />
<br />
For the first time in their lives, they experienced true Companionship, and scraps of Kindness were added to their sacks. Their hunger pangs lessened.<br />
<br />
At last the two stopped to rest, and placed their sacks on the ground. It was then that they realised both were overflowing - with Love; and at last the Pilgrims knew what it was to feel replete.</div>
Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-84278269807774419422013-09-04T11:11:00.001+01:002021-04-29T12:52:08.878+01:00In A Jam?<div>Rust -</div><div>that flaky, ginger, crust<br />
whose russet tones pierce the heart<br />
even as they start<br />
alarm bells ringing,<br />
cash signs pinging...<br />
<i>"How much for a new - ?!!<br />Whew!"</i><br />
(You fill in the gap<br />
chaps.)<br />
If part of your car <br />
rusts, better by far<br />
you get it fixed <br />
soon, despite mixed<br />
emotions. The cash drain<br />
will only increase, and you'll gain<br />
nothing by leaving it till another day.<br />
Pay up, grin and bear it.<br />
<i>"Shit!"</i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Written especially for <a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/the-thing-about-rust.html">Poetry Jam</a></i></span></div>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-6597168832941203382013-07-07T21:45:00.000+01:002013-07-07T22:12:45.779+01:00Then and Now<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riCjk627GTc/UdnRts7I3sI/AAAAAAAACSE/uvOxs_tKdsE/s1600/supermoon+Xb+julio+cortez+ap+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riCjk627GTc/UdnRts7I3sI/AAAAAAAACSE/uvOxs_tKdsE/s320/supermoon+Xb+julio+cortez+ap+copy.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
Misty horizons hid outlines of trees<br />
and undulating hills gave a backdrop<br />
to the lives of people who worked the land.<br />
But urban boils of towns and cities scarred<br />
more and more of the countryside. People <br />
said "It's progress, this modernisation."<br />
Until they saw the Earth begin to mourn...<br />
<br />
Skeletal monsters invade the skyline,<br />
their sharp angles slicing the air above<br />
the city, above its inhabitants<br />
who scurry beneath the uplifted arms <br />
oblivious to this supplication from<br />
metal limbs raised as if in silent prayer-<br />
" Save the green spaces of our countryside..."<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">Written for <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/mag-176.html">The Mag 176</a> </span><span style="color: #666666;">in which Tess gave us a photo, Supermoon 2013 by Julio Cortez, A P, for inspiration.</span></i>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-26570692088916009002013-06-22T12:25:00.000+01:002013-06-22T13:19:30.578+01:00Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4G5igIFDPA/UcWI-JwqVLI/AAAAAAAACQk/7a4N4WQG5GQ/s1600/treex1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4G5igIFDPA/UcWI-JwqVLI/AAAAAAAACQk/7a4N4WQG5GQ/s640/treex1+copy.jpg" width="447" /></a></div>
In Memoriam<br />
<br />
Rain leaches amber pigment from cells <br />
and decomposes leaves, until<br />
only their ghost-shapes pattern the pavement.<br />
<br />
The Plane tree arches above them,<br />
these images like family photos.<br />
By next Spring, there will be nothing<br />
for new leaf buds to see.<br />
Only the tree will remember.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Written for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/life-love-and-pursuit-of-really.html">IGWRT's </a></i></span>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-12391026462258776562013-06-14T09:21:00.003+01:002013-06-15T19:58:43.658+01:00Poor Cows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Evmo7UHnORc/UbrCi0NKM5I/AAAAAAAACQE/6zYJt89jl2U/s1600/IMG_9490+the+equestrian+vagabond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Evmo7UHnORc/UbrCi0NKM5I/AAAAAAAACQE/6zYJt89jl2U/s400/IMG_9490+the+equestrian+vagabond.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Way out in America's West<br />
there's one thing the cowpokes do best;<br />
they sport battered hats,<br />
spurred boots and fringed chaps<br />
which make them stand out from the rest.<br />
<br />
Where I live, in this ancient old isle,<br />
such a get up might raise a few smiles,<br />
for though denims are 'in'<br />
spurs are 'out'! And I grin,<br />
for I rather admire the style... <br />
<br />
So I can but imagine the charm<br />
of a lasso controlled by my arm,<br />
as I chase a wild steer<br />
without showing fear,<br />
though the act makes me quake with alarm... <br />
<br />
But, just think of the branding that's done.<br />
Who'd want a hot iron on their bum?<br />
Or a life in a herd? <br />
That's really absurd -<br />
the poor cows sure don't get much fun!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">At<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/artistic-interpretations-with-margaret.html"> IGWRT's,</a> Margaret has us chasing cowboy dreams today, inspired by the photography of <a href="http://theequestrianvagabond.blogspot.co.uk/">Merri Meide</a>. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">And I'notice <a href="http://dversepoets.com/2013/06/13/form-for-all-the-rondelet/">d'Verse</a> asked for a rondolet on Thursday- so I'm adding a late one on the same subject, just for fun!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">The cowboy's life<br />might not suit you or I; it's true<br />the cowboy's life<br />consists of toil, hard knocks and strife.<br />But once he shows what he can do<br />he could tempt many dreamers to<br />the cowboy's life.</span>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-41173018962237839432013-05-22T11:51:00.003+01:002013-06-09T13:30:54.112+01:00Food For Thought, Perhaps<b>What does your letterbox eat?</b><br />
<br />
Mine used to survive <br />
on a sparse diet of envelopes.<br />
It was healthy. <br />
<br />
Now, it gets force-fed with flyers<br />
from local fast food places<br />
or supermarkets,<br />
which it spews at once<br />
onto my doormat, <br />
as unpalatable...<br />
<br />
And catalogues? They're<br />
enough to give any door indigestion<br />
as it tries to swallow their feast<br />
of expensive purse-tempting pages.<br />
<br />
But the menu alternates on lean days <br />
with thin, pleading, plastic sacks<br />
which expect a throw away<br />
generation to feed unwanted items<br />
to this charity, or that good cause.<br />
<br />
So while I and my letterbox <br />
are bombarded with ”Buy, buy, buy!”<br />
the plastic bags keep coming.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">I think I'll link this to <a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/poetry-pantry-152.html">Poetry Pantry</a>... for some reason, all the <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/open-link-monday_27.html">Toads </a>chose to ignore it last Monday...</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-91001363745982352172013-05-19T11:07:00.001+01:002013-05-19T11:07:56.093+01:00Rictameter Rules<span style="color: #666666;"><i><a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/sunday-mini-challenge-rictameter.html">IGWRT's mini-challenge</a> for Sunday is to write a nine line rictameter. The first 5 lines are very similar to a cinquain and the pattern of syllables per line goes like this: 2,4,6,8,10,8,6,4,2. The first and last lines must be the same.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmqzOU0dUkU/UZikS_dHJGI/AAAAAAAACOA/uXeBZ0_2hdI/s1600/sunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmqzOU0dUkU/UZikS_dHJGI/AAAAAAAACOA/uXeBZ0_2hdI/s1600/sunday.jpg" /></a></div>
Sunday;<br />
by tradition<br />
a day for radio<br />
to subsume the senses<br />
and ease into wind-down of the weekend<br />
before the mind need remember<br />
the next week's beginning -<br />
heading towards<br />
Sunday.<br />
<br />
<br />Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-28426070422823757642013-05-13T08:07:00.001+01:002013-05-13T12:29:21.965+01:00Prelude Part ll<b>Choices</b><br />
<br />
Eleven Plus Examination; first milestone passed and signposts pointed to 'no-choice' choices - <br />
"Possible combinations of English: French: German: Latin?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Plus Greek?"<br />
"No."<br />
"Art: Needlework: Cookery?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Plus Shorthand and Typing?"<br />
"No."<br />
"Maths: Biology: Science: Physics: History: Geography?"<br />
"Yes, yes, yes."<br />
But only if <i>The Arts</i> were not first choice; a 'no-choice' choice in action, curtailed by timetable restrictions and too few teachers, or too few hours in a day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Summation</b><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Life had come in six year slices;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">first, a war torn, well populated family life:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">second, a solitary, introverted world at school:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">third, a dawn of self awareness, confidence</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and growing realization of the enormity</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">of how much knowledge was on offer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">From <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>eighteen on, as if twelve years’ worth</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">of three-term-times-each had not been enough,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">came another five-times-three at art
college: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">annual, pie chart segments, interspersed </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">with dribs and drabs of
holiday buffers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">linking the rushing train of life and
learning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But the points changed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and sent me along a branch line -</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">to marriage, and children,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">not the capital city of a teaching career.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now whistle stop memories</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">halt at my brain station</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">as scenery blurs outside time’s window.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The engine followed its track to Now,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the train still holds fast to the rails…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Destination? Learning;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>always changing.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>This is the follow on from last Wednesday's <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/open-link-monday_13.html">Real Toad's</a> challenge to write a <a href="http://jinksy-intandem.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/prelude.html">prelude</a>. :)</i></span></span></div>
Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-25814285867355771972013-05-08T11:13:00.004+01:002013-05-12T10:08:09.759+01:00Prelude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRrok14oMIE/UYokJ3k4SLI/AAAAAAAACMM/hcxykxWHTSU/s1600/IMG_2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRrok14oMIE/UYokJ3k4SLI/AAAAAAAACMM/hcxykxWHTSU/s320/IMG_2594.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
The lifeblood of the classroom passed into my veins, that Easter Term in 1946. Chalk-dust, copybooks, inkwells, had scents which linked the chain of school days about my neck. They hung heavy, at the start. So much was new, as home became secondary and Teacher was the centre of the universe to the clusters of pupil-planets in orbit about her each day.<br />
<br />
A gold star sat on a turned page when lessons went well… until knowing how, why, what, became an ongoing addiction… Where might this lead, if acquiring knowledge, passing exams, winning scholarships, meant finishing the race to adulthood ahead of the crowd?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Written for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/kerrys-wednesday-challenge-prelude.html">IGWRT</a></i><i>'s</i></span>, <span style="color: #666666;"><i>and it so happens</i><i> a holiday snap of my great-niece and great-nephew fits the bill - sort of!</i></span>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-50692719617964747072013-05-07T11:27:00.001+01:002013-05-07T12:02:59.512+01:00Real Toads<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-toads-favourite-poem.html">IGWRT's Kerry</a> asks about a favourite poem. Although I have come across many more erudite examples of a poet's art, if I'm to be totally honest, I have to take you all back to one of my earliest childhood memories, in order to share mine.<br />
<br />
It's called <i>'The Littlest One'</i> by Marion St John Webb, and long, long before I went to school to read it for myself, it could reduce me to tears as an Aunt or a cousin read it aloud. It was right at the beginning in the book of the same name, which probably means it got read more often that those on later pages, but to this day, it remains top of my list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eU5e9Vlhq0k/UYjWqH5Eq0I/AAAAAAAACLI/O5oROJMjlxM/s1600/Scan10050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eU5e9Vlhq0k/UYjWqH5Eq0I/AAAAAAAACLI/O5oROJMjlxM/s320/Scan10050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>The Littlest One</b><br />
<br />
I'm sittin' on the doorstep,<br />
and I'm eating bread and jam,<br />
and I isn't crying really,<br />
though I 'speks you think I am.<br />
<br />
I'm feelin' rather lonely,<br />
and I don't know what to do,<br />
'cos there's no one here to play with<br />
and I've broke my hoop in two.<br />
<br />
I can hear the child'en playing,<br />
but they sez they don't want me<br />
'cos my legs are rather little,<br />
an' I run so slow, you see.<br />
<br />
So I'm sittin' on the doorstep<br />
and I'm eating bread and jam,<br />
and I isn't crying really,<br />
though it feels as if I am.Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-62309652510026597992013-05-01T10:02:00.001+01:002013-05-01T10:04:49.408+01:00Acrostics<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Written for <a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/soak.html">Poetry Jam</a></i></span><br />
<br />
<b>A Thought</b><br />
<br />
<b>S</b>oak in silence brains which have been<br />
<b>O</b>verloaded<br />
<b>A</b>nd otherwise afflicted by too much noise<br />
<b>K</b>illing the power of rational thought.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>An Afterthought</b><br />
<br />
<b>S</b>piritual<br />
<b>o</b>rientation<br />
<b>a</b>lways<br />
<b>k</b>indles<br />
<b>i</b>maginations<br />
<b>n</b>eeding<br />
<b>g</b>race.Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-3005049187385540812013-04-29T00:30:00.000+01:002013-04-29T08:37:34.754+01:00It's All Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4Y3sYOb7dw/UX2I9qQWqYI/AAAAAAAACJk/pewmbuDoSUc/s1600/helen+ward+copy+copy+copyx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4Y3sYOb7dw/UX2I9qQWqYI/AAAAAAAACJk/pewmbuDoSUc/s400/helen+ward+copy+copy+copyx.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fallout</b><br />
<br />
After the party once the guests leave,<br />
the workers then set to and roll up their sleeves -<br />
scrubbing the dishes or scraping the plates -<br />
all of them in a row, next to their mates.<br />
The washing up water sends up clouds of steam<br />
and the washer-up wishes this was just a dream!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>This week's <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/mag-166.html">Mag</a> shows an illustration by Helen Ward, and I've played with a detail from it here, with thanks to the original artist and to Tess...and come next Friday, it will be fit for <a href="http://g-man-mrknowitall.blogspot.co.uk/">G-Man</a>, as, including the title, it reaches the magic 55 number!</i></span>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-78168204606044886112013-04-28T14:19:00.000+01:002013-04-29T13:15:46.513+01:00In Honour of Botticelli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yWt5vzBF-c/UX0hBJrBtdI/AAAAAAAACJU/wZhgxbC4d3s/s1600/1+venus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yWt5vzBF-c/UX0hBJrBtdI/AAAAAAAACJU/wZhgxbC4d3s/s400/1+venus2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Love Poem</b><br />
<br />
Pastor Portle <br />
gave a chortle,<br />
tipped his hat<br />
then sat -<br />
<br />
and smiled<br />
<br />
beguiled<br />
by what he saw.<br />
<br />
No flaw<br />
of nature marred his view -<br />
for - in front of him stood you,<br />
in all your glory;<br />
what better point to end my story?!<br />
For Botticelli's Venus is<br />
undoubtedly a perfect Ms.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>A late 55 for <a href="http://g-man-mrknowitall.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/friday-flash-55_25.html">G-man </a>, as well as a second poem for # 28 of NaPoRiMo :)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>I must apologise to <a href="http://thisisgettingverysilly.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/what-was-that-again.html">Doctor FTSE, </a>who coined the name 'Parson Portle', which I , in my stupidity, transcribed as 'Pastor Portle' - perhaps they were twins?! Hehehe!</i></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-14809480140647755522013-04-27T11:57:00.002+01:002013-04-27T11:59:52.564+01:00Foggy Frog Daze<span style="color: #666666;"><i>"Save The Frogs Day is the world's largest day of amphibian education and conservation action," <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/transforming-frog-day.html">IGWRT's</a> announces. In searching for some poetic inspiration, I got no further than the word which sits at the top of my 'poem' for today...To any serious scientists who take umbrage, my heartfelt apologies!</i></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Archaeobatrachia<br />most primitive of frogs,<br />tiny by comparison <br />(so Mr Wiki logs)<br />with other leaping creatures<br />in ponds or streams or bogs.<br /><br />Then I read about the origin<br />of our more modern frogs,<br />who are called Neobatrachia.<br /><br />At this point, my mind <b>bog</b>gles - I shall hide me 'neath a log,<br />and hope my brain cells will emerge from this Anura<span style="color: magenta;">*</span> fog - soon...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: magenta;">(*) </span>Posh name for frog.</span></i>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-41445697804730208722013-04-27T08:30:00.002+01:002013-04-27T08:55:33.374+01:00Quick As A Blink<i><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/fireblossom-friday-not-feeling-like.html">IGWRT's Fireblossom</a> transforms us into totem animals for her challenge, but showing versus telling is the hardest thing to do - not sure I'll ever get the hang of it, to order, but I fancied feeling owlish today, so here goes...</span></i><br />
<br />
<b>Predator </b><br />
<br />
Day dazzles me; <br />
my senses twist <br />
in search of night,<br />
whose mysteries turn my head,<br />
listening for your scuttlings... <br />
Are you already fleeing <br />
towards deeper darkness,<br />
overwhelmed by my menace?<br />
Does fear beat the air like wings<br />
as I rise on its lift of excitement?<br />
Hunger takes control <br />
and the hunt is on... Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3139575120668521722.post-50517652712924862512013-04-21T15:16:00.000+01:002013-04-21T15:23:58.955+01:00Not Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DesMgtgkghY/UXPtFSagejI/AAAAAAAACHk/U8gl-1ZCXy4/s1600/Jamie+Wyeth++Monhegan%27s+Schoolteacher,+2004+copyx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DesMgtgkghY/UXPtFSagejI/AAAAAAAACHk/U8gl-1ZCXy4/s320/Jamie+Wyeth++Monhegan%27s+Schoolteacher,+2004+copyx.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<b>Wouldn't you know it?</b><br />
<br />
The second I put the shampoo on<br />
somebody rings the bell!<br />
I could wish that they were gone<br />
straight to the gates of ...well,<br />
<br />
<i>somewhere else!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">A detail from this week's <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/mag-165.html">Mag</a> - a painting by Jamie Wyeth - for which inspiration, I thank him and Tess.</span></i>Jinksyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.com14