 Content Rating Notice: Recommended for Readers 18 Years and Older Only
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| Skyewriting Every person is a new door to a different world...
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| Item Size: 76 Entries
Created: 3:08pm on 08-12-2008
Modified: 11:14pm on 03-02-2010 | |
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Skyewriting
 ![Autumn Skies [#1611036]
a photo for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1611036.jpg)
"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? - it is the same the angels breathe."
~Mark Twain
    
![Wildflowers [#1611048]
a photo for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1611048.jpg)
rotating images of my Heartland
The prairie, in all its expressions, is a massive, subtle place, with a long history of contradiction and misunderstanding. But it is worth the effort at comprehension. It is, after all, at the center of our national identity.
~ Wayne Fields, “Lost Horizon”
~Why I'm Here~
![Just Li'l Ole Me [#1551376]
A photo for my blog header](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1551376.jpg)
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive."
"Writing can be a creative and invigorating way to make our lives available to ourselves...We may discover that the better we tell our stories, the better we will want to live them." ~Henri Nouwen
You can also read my poetry at "Skye's Studies, Scrawls & Sketches" 
I'm so glad you dropped in!
Peace and Blessings 
~Skye~
My Blog |
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![Help [#1651432]
A photo for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1651432.jpg)
To character and success, two things, contradictory as they may seem, must go together... humble dependence on God and manly reliance on self. ~William Wordsworth
Control is an illusion... Any parent who has ventured into a portrait studio with a toddler in tow knows this. You select the perfect outfit, make sure the little darling is well rested, and then pack, primp, and prepare for the occasion. At best, the child will stare at the dorky photographer as if she has three heads; at worst, you discover why this stage is called the terrible twos. The non-compliant-alien-disguised-as-your-offspring thrashes and throws, a meltdown ensues, and suddenly, the child chortles at the sight of his parent in such disarray. The photographer captures the moment and the picture-perfect holiday cards are sent out.
Time and time again, we delude ourselves into thinking we are in control of our lives. To a certain extent, that is true. While our lives are guided and impacted by the choices we make, it is also a truth that things don't always quite work out the way we think they will.
This winter has been chock-full of reminders...
I've got it under control...I have lots of experience driving in this weather. I'll turn the cell phone off, keep both hands on the wheel, and take it slow.
The reality...Three teenage girls in the backseat, a patch of ice on a downhill slope, and a choice between an oncoming car and a snowbank. I chose the snowbank...No one was injured.
I've got it under control...Small portions and moderation.
The reality...If it contains chocolate, caramel, and nuts, it's not going to last the day.
He's got it under control...The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time. ~Al Gore
The reality...Snow in 49 states. Nearly sixty inches of snow here in Iowa. Sub-zero temperatures well into late February.
I've got it under control...My job is secure.
The reality...Proposed budget cuts to the district could mean a 13% reduction in pay next school year.
I've got it under control...I'll talk to you tomorrow.
The reality...For some, tomorrow never comes.
I've got it under control...No SAD for me this year. I'll take vitamin D and add lots of color to my life.
The reality...Who was I kidding?
Though I know that many others have it much worse, I've struggled more this winter than any other I can remember. As a result, I've become increasingly withdrawn. The other night, I shared a two-hour conversation with a friend who struggles with similar issues. There were lots of tears and in the end, lots of laughter. I was also humbled by the realization that not only have I made myself unavailable to friends who might need me, but I've deprived myself of any cheer they might bring into my life. How much sense does that make?
The lesson? Sometimes to be in control, you need to admit that you need a little help.
Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it is a comfort to go hand in hand." ~Emily Kimbrough
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"Sometimes someone says something really small, and it just fits right into this empty place in your heart." ~from the television show My So-Called Life
![Sunflowers [#1639982]
An image for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1639982.jpg)
a maxi-sized field of sunflowers
caresses the new year
as if the clouds themselves
hold secret kisses for your dreams
~Alfred Booth~
Š 2010
After alfred booth, wanbli ska  left the above poem on my Facebook page, I responded with a comment thanking him for brightening my day. However, I failed to adequately share with him just how much his gift of words meant to me and why. Yesterday, when Alfred made a request in his most recent blog entry, "The Twenty-sixth Day of 2010" , asking that friends send him copies of Random Acts of Poetry that he'd left in blog comments and such, my intention was to send him a private email explaining why his sweet poem had left me a bit misty-eyed. After some contemplation, I've decided to do so publicly instead.
For a quiet and simple girl growing up in the rural Midwest, the surname Maxfield was neither common, nor unusual; it was actually quite fitting. However, the folly of youth intervened and as adolescents often do, my peers amused themselves by creating clever nicknames for one another. Though my sensitive Piscean nature and inability to discern good-natured teasing from malicious jabs often left me feeling confused, the male populace left little doubt. Quips such as "Hey, Maxwell House...Are you good to the last drop?" and pranks such as plastering maxi-pads to my front door were not uncommon. The cruelest taunting came in the form of an ex-boyfriend and his cronies who would shout "Climax! accompanied by vulgar sound effects and laughter," each time that I passed them in the hallways. My name, in effect, became a source of anguish for me.
That being said, I'm not one to dwell on such things or remain a victim. Adolescents especially can be very cruel and most(hopefully) mature as they grow older. Though they don't surface often, the memories are there nonetheless. And so it is that any positive I can associate with my maiden name—such as the Juanita Maxfield Aquatic Center (so-named after my grandmother) in McKinney, Texas, the dreamy works created by Maxfield Parrish, or a lofty poem written by a friend—is a gem, faithfully reset by the Jeweler's hand.
Thank you once again, Alfred, for your thoughtfulness and the gift of your friendship.
~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During Kĺre Enga in Montana  's stay in Iowa, we had hoped to make our way to Decorah to see the Vesterheim American Norwegian Museum. Unfortunately, we were at the mercy of the weather and a vehicle with over 150,000 miles on the odometer. Neither chose to cooperate, but as I recently told a friend, "When life hands you over-ripe bananas, make banana bread" and so...we made do.
Fortunately, Kĺre is an amiable and thoughtful guest who enjoys the simple pleasures that life has to offer: a good cup of coffee, the affection of a furry companion, a conversation with a new face, or a sliver of manchego on an apple slice. He prefers diners and coffee houses to restaurants, and open mic poetry readings to theatrical productions.
No, Alfred, there were no risqué clubs  nor were there any smoke-filled cafes. We did visit Java Joe's and Smokey Row—both very nice coffee houses with very different atmospheres. Smokey Row has a turtle cheese cake that's to die for and the tiramisu looks enticing as well; I'll definitely be returning! We also strolled through the Gateway Market where Kĺre photographed erotic exotic vegetables, including Sweet Scarlett turnips. There, he also visited with Barb about various and sundry cheeses and assigned me an interview with C.J., who will soon be departing to Vermont to learn the art of cheese-making. Before leaving, we purchased a delicious orange-cranberry cake and visited with a fascinating young man named Graham (with whom I've also been assigned an interview and who also happens to serve up brew at Smokey Row).
Most of Sunday was spent planning the most desirable route to Lawrence or Tulsa. I can now sympathize with Kĺre; under favorable conditions, these routes are difficult at best. And then there was Monday's blizzard...
All in all, it was a quiet but pleasant visit. Kĺre knows he's welcome any time, but I suspect that he'll wait until the weather is more agreeable. 
Thank you, Kĺre, for the gift of your friendship. I'm delighted to add I, Katrina and Speak Soft My Name to my treasure trove of Enga compositions. They're even more precious now that I've experienced the poet's delivery. You are missed already...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I mentioned in my previous entry that although Iowa is not a typical vacation destination, there is much to see and do here:
partyof5  mentioned The Field of Dreams. Yes, Party, the movie site is still open to the public. The best time to visit: August when the corn is as high as an elephant's eye. Dyersville is also home to the National Farm Toy Museum. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, Effigy Mounds National Monument, and the Maquoketa caves are also nearby. Your kids would love it!
NOVAcatman Banfhile  mentioned The Bridges of Madison County. The best time to visit: During the month of October when the foliage is at its peak. Madison county features six covered bridges tucked in amongst the rolling hills. As Robert Kinkaid (Clint Eastwood) discovered, the region is a photographer's dream. The area also features John Wayne's birthplace and the Madison County Winery where pink label wine is made.
Iowegian Skye recommends The Amana Colonies. The best time to visit: Anytime the weather is pleasant, but the autumn displays are especially beautiful. More to come in a future entry...
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The weather on the plains was predictably unpredictable during Kĺre's visit. I highly recommend visiting Iowa between the months of May and October. It's not a typical vacation destination, but there is much to see and do when the weather is favorable.
Yesterday brought blizzard conditions and many of the bus routes were cancelled. Kĺre managed to make his 8PM connection to Kansas City...at approximately 1AM. He'll call later when he arrives either in Lawrence or Tulsa. I hope he's safe...I worry.
Kĺre is a fascinating and lovely man and I enjoy his company. I need to blog more, but for now it's time to brave the arctic temperatures and drifting snow once again...
Happy Tuesday, Blogville!
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![Cluttermobile [#1599375]
An image for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1599375.jpg)
Material blessings, when they pay beyond the category of need, are weirdly fruitful of headache. ~Philip Wylie
It is believed that when James Truslow Adams penned The American Epic in 1931, that he coined the phrase "The American Dream." Adam's concept is rooted in the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence which states that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
In his book, Adams defines the American Dream as "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."
At some point, however, Adam's ideology became muddled and the American Dream became less symbolic of equality and more iconic of the European class mentality that Adams described. "Happiness" we've been conditioned to believe, comes in the form of home ownership, material gain, and status.
While I certainly don't begrudge anyone who works hard, takes pride in their home, and enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, home ownership for me personally was more like the The American Nightmare. When my husband suggested that we build a custom home, I hesitated. That should have been my first clue; ALWAYS trust your instincts! I was uncomfortable with the cost from the beginning, but allowed myself to be persuaded anyway. Certain disclosures weren't made and it was after we ended up with a basement full of standing water that we learned we'd built on a flood plain. Not long after the flooded basement, said spouse walked away from the job that allowed us to afford the home and accepted a job with a significant cut in pay. Around that time, the housing market also depreciated and we found ourselves upside down in our mortgage. Liquid savings dwindled and eventually a short sale of the home became the most viable option.
For some, this type of event is devastating. For me, it was liberating; I was glad to be rid of a thirty year noose around my neck and all of the burdens that it entailed. During the moving process, I also eliminated well over ten years of clutter. Goodwill benefited hugely and so did I.
As I look around now, I realize that I need to do more purging. Material items are easy; with a couple of sentimental exceptions, I don't attach myself to things. Excess pounds, bad habits, and relationships that aren't working for me (see above for a clue) aren't as easily tossed out; but through hard work and determination I'll get there.
Happiness doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all package. My American Dream includes a life of simplicity and the freedom to go wherever I choose. The latter must wait until Emily finishes high school and I'm okay with that. My basic needs are met, I've got Nature's gifts and friends and family whom I love. What else could a girl possibly want?
Well...maybe a laptop and a really great camera! 
Do-Re-Mi: Definitely more of the bad and the ugly! In addition, I've been battling a sinus infection over the past several days. I'm feeling much better this evening and planning on returning to work on Thursday morning.
It Happened On This Day: In 1990, Douglas Wilder of Virginia was sworn in as the nation's first elected black governor.
You Fill Up My Senses: An evening sky painted in shades of aquamarine, lavender, and coral. A red-tail hawk perched atop a fence post. Two white-tailed deer playfully romping and bounding across an open field of white. Headlights of two snowmobiles skimming across the frozen lake.
Iowegian Skies: Star strewn and 36° F at 23:16 CST
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![After the Storm [#1634812]
A photo for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1634812.jpg)
The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears. ~Native American Proverb
Newton's Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. While Newton was speaking of motion, that same principle can apply to other aspects of our lives:
 Clouds grows dark and menacing, the sky rumbles, and torrential rains pelt the landscape. Soon after, the clouds part, sunlight bursts forth, and a rainbow appears in the sky.
Someone we care about suddenly and unexpectedly passes on. All at once, we become aware of our own mortality, take inventory of our lives, consider how we'll be remembered, set aside minor grievances, and show more affection towards those we love.
A town is devastated by a natural disaster. Donations pour in and volunteers turn out in droves. Homes are rebuilt and hope is restored.
A young woman faces a health crisis and survives. She uses her experience to counsel those facing their own mortality and becomes a passionate advocate for a worthy cause.
An atrocity is committed against someone of another gender, race, orientation, or faith. Suddenly, we are cognizant of another's plight and that awareness calls us to educate ourselves, show tolerance and compassion, and to take action.
Since the inception of this blog, I've strived to keep it as affirmative and uplifting as possible. I may have mistakenly given the impression that my life is somehow Pollyanna or coming up roses, but rest assured, I've dealt with plenty of adversity in my life and so it continues. At this point, I am standing at many different crossroads. Some might call it a mid-life crisis. I prefer to call it a mid-life awakening.While I try to determine which paths I want to venture down, which paths are too thorny, and which paths must wait until I'm better equipped, I am also re-evaluating how I want to proceed with my blog in the coming year. Certainly I plan to write more frequently; but I also hope to open up and share a little more of the bad and the ugly along with the good. It is after all, adversity that makes or breaks us. Without it, we tend to grow too complacent and to take our blessings for granted.
So to you, my friends, look to see me around Blogville a little more often and let's share it all: the smiles, the frustrations, the laughter, and the tears.
Peace, love, and blessings to all
~Mandy
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![Celebrating a Life [#1631364]
Ken's Sunrise 12-29-09](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1631364.jpg)
Just east of Rochester, MN 12/29/09
7:43AM CST
Last evening, I gazed in wonderment at the waxing gibbous moon. Its brilliance illuminated the brisk December sky, inviting constellations and crystalline snow fairies to frolic in its presence. As I slumbered, I dreamt of snow angels and lunar beatitudes; but upon awakening, discovered that its luminosity had dimmed, leaving only a faint apparition on the western horizon.
This morning, I scrutinize the landscape. As blue shadows and diffused light mingle, I contemplate the vastness laid out before me; drifting snow? or shifting sands? James Taylor quells the silence with a bittersweet ballad and in my mind, I go to a place I've never been before. Suddenly, withered foxtails metamorphose into swaying sea oats, the arctic sky begins to blush, and a silver tear streams down my cheek.
As the bright morning star quietly ascends, soft trendils of light caress firmament and earth alike. Creation rejoices with merriment and birdsong as its rays burst forth, revealing its radiance and imparting its warmth. I am captivated by this phenomenon and by a revelation: Though the night sky may be devoid of light, it is the sun which lent the moon its luster. Each sunrise is an eternal flame and a promise that light and love go on.
life ephemeral
new dawn consoles doleful souls
hearts and skies ablaze
"The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls." ~John Muir
Carolina Blue...Your quill may be silenced but your light will forever shine brightly. We look forward to seeing your smile on the other side...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXmgkvIgc0w
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Up until this point, I've been at a loss for words. They are beginning to flow...slowly; and I will post them soon. However, the purpose of this entry is to invite everyone to join in a celebration.
As most of you know, Ken Rhodes aka Carolina Blue was removed from life support and went to his eternal home on Sunday, December 20. The family is planning a private memorial, after which Ken's remains will be scattered into the ocean during the holidays. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, friends perform an act of kindness or generosity (such as volunteering at a shelter or nursing home) in his memory.
Condolences may be left in the guestbook at:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsobserver/obituary.aspx?n=kenneth-rhode...
Or sent directly to the family at:
2514 Sterling Green Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
A very special thank you to Debi Wharton for offering words of comfort to the family and sharing this information with our community of friends during this difficult time.
On Tuesday, December 29, we have decided to share a sunrise in celebration of Ken's life. Please photograph or sketch your sunrise and share a memory, compose a poem, etc., and email your images and words to Andra aka vivacious  at amarq013@yahoo.com by January 6. Andra will then consolidate each entry into a book for the family.
I need to mention just one more time that I am amazed by the love and support amongst friends here. May each of you enjoy many blessings and have a very merry Christmas.
Love to you all
Mandy
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I'm still grappling with my own words; they seem so inadequate. However, I dusted off a few memories this evening and came across the following. I'll let Ken speak for himself. These are his own words, posted on Wordpress just a few short months ago...
Is it true that we are spirits confined for only a time
in this fragile shell of human guise, ‘til rising from the slime?
Our minds tease with glimpses of what was, and what is yet to come:
visions of an alien plane so foreign it strikes us dumb.
And if it’s true, why are we limited to mere sensations?
Why does our mortal time burden with onerous frustrations?
To what end are we shackled here with all our expectations?
No answers now—they wait for us until our final bells chime.
For us is left to live our lives until it’s time to become
our spirit selves yet once again in wond’rous transformations.
The original post: http://carolinablue50.wordpress.com/2009/05/31/wondrous-transformations-2/ |
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and 
back in your world... hold on girl...
![Tea Blossom [#1640147]
A gift from a friend...](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1640147.jpg)
![Smile! [#1599411]
an image for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1599411.jpg)
![O Holy Night [#1629834]
An image for my blog](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1629834.jpg)
