it’s a jungle

I like to visit cool places. Especially when no one else is visiting said cool places. Like, for instance, the zoo in the middle of a cold January. Yep. And as I wandered around the quiet zoo, I realized there were more than a few life lessons these animals could teach me. Like…

Be prepared. You never know what is coming around the corner…

blog_lion battle1

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by the grave

Whew. My week has been . . . ridiculous. Hence the lack of a post yesterday. I spent most of the day driving to and from a mechanic and dealing with some intense car drama.

Here’s the short version: Luna (my beloved ’07 Nissan Versa hatchback) was damaged by a mechanic. In February, he put the wrong transmission fluid in her, and in September she started having some problems. Which got worse until we barely made it back from TN last weekend.

In any case, my baby needs a new transmission. Technically, the mechanic is liable but we really didn’t want to go the legal route. After hours of back-and-forth, we ended up getting a little money from him, but don’t be surprised if you see a “save Luna” campaign. Thankfully, I’m starting work on Monday, so my first paycheck will go to make sure Luna comes back to me healthy.

It kills me to think of Luna being injured, so let’s move on to happier topics. Like graveyards. (more…)

Serenity

For me, there’s nothing quite as peaceful as a quiet spot under a tree, so when I see a place like that, I have to take a shot of it. I took this shot a couple years ago at a state park and a print of it hangs over my piano. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of peace, serenity, silence. This poem was inspired by the picture and was the focus of a book of photography and poetry that I created as a present for my family. Anyway, I thought I would share it, in case you need a moment of serenity as well.

Serenity

A moment of peace
afforded to me.
A moment of stillness,
a chance to be.

To sit in the coolness
and breathe the air.
To inhale the silence,
the sun to hear.

A respite of rest
for wanderers weary
to lay aside
the loads they carry.

This sanctuary,
perfect for me.
Stillness. Peace.
Serenity.