~~June's Artsy Essay Contest~~

It's that time again for Judith HeartSong Artsy Essay Contest. The June Artsy Essay Topic will be a photo prompt for some fun in the sun. To see the photo follow this link Judith HeartSong: June Artsy Essay.

Here is my entry I hope you enjoyed..





It’s amazing to be an ant on this wonderful summer day. The sky is blue and the sun shines bright upon me…Moving through the tall deep green grass.. Closer and closer I come to my destination.. I can hardly contain my excitement. I’ve waited so long for this moment, so very long. Just a little further and I’m there. Finally I climb up your strong green stem.. Crawling upon your soft pillow surface.. till I stand upon your white snowy puffs where I can see the whole world. And it’s more beautiful then I could have ever imagined. I stand fast as the wind washes over me. I can not believe it.. The beauty takes my breath away. I can see the rolling green fields that go on forever.. a lush forest so full of life. Fields of purple, red, yellow and blue flowers as far as my eyes can see. There are birds of every shape and size flying to and fro playing and singing merrily. I hear a whoosh and see the bright orange and black wings of a butterfly fly over me, causing me to sway to the rhythm of her wings. Her delicate dance with the wind is mesmerizing. I watch her till she is but a speck in the fields of flowers. This is paradise; this is how life should be. This is where I want to spend the rest of my life atop this beautiful flower, looking at this beautiful world is all her glory and getting lost in a sweet dance with Mother Nature.

~~May's Artsy Essay Contest~~

That time again for Judith HeartSong Artsy Essay Contest this months topic is

"If you could be any animal, Which one would you be...and why?"

If you like to try this months contest follow this link and take a chance and participate

Judith HeartSong: May's Artsy Essay

Once upon a time…There was a long path of soft green grass surrounded by a dense canopy of trees. The sunlight cascades through the branches, the light highlighting every tender blade of grass. A gentle breeze flows through the canopy and embraces a young woman who’s traveling this long path, she is lost and alone searching for a missing piece of her soul. She welcomes the silence around her like a long lost friend. For some time now she has felt an important piece of her soul was missing. She knows not where she is heading but something deep inside her tell her this is the path to find all that she seeks.

With every step she takes she feels the soft pillows of grass caressing every tiny toe, she smiles at the wonderful feeling of the tender blades of grass tickling the soles of her feet. The soft sound of a sigh brings the young woman thoughts back to the present, as she slowly looks up she is face to face with the largest animal she has ever seen. This creature is powerful and noble, he stands 11 feet tall on long strong legs. Skin as grey as a stormy summer sky. His tusks are as white as fresh winter snow. Yet his dark eyes are as gentle and wise as a loving father’s eyes. She smiles and bids the magnificent creature “Hello”. His large ears sway as he tilts his mighty head to see her better. He looks deep into her eyes, then ask her “What is it that you are seeking, Dear child?” . This catches the young woman off guard and it takes a moment for her to speak. “Wise Sir, I am on a journey of self discovery, trying to find a missing piece of my soul”. The wise old elephant smile’s a knowing smile “Dear child, Why do you travel such a long way to find what’s always been right in front of you?”. A look of pure surprise crosses the young woman’s face “Wise Sir, Do you mean you know the answers that I seek?”. The wise old elephant shakes his powers head. “Dear Child, You have always had the answers to what you are seeking, they lie in wait deep inside you, all you have to do is open your mind and heart and you will find all that you desire”. The young woman looks into the dark tender eye’s of the wise old elephant and she smiles “Wise Sir, I’ve been on this journey for so long, yet never once had I stopped and thought that I had the answers that I seek, that I can control my own destiny, That I make the choices to control my life and not to let life control me”. The wise old elephant smiles an even bigger smile “Dear Child, our eye’s are often closed to the power we hold within, only when our eyes are open can we accomplish all that we desire”. The young woman walks close to the wise old elephant and wraps her arms around his powerful trunk “Wise Sir, Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, I will keep this knowledge with me always”. The young woman heads back the way she came a lot wiser with her eyes wide open and her heart filled with love and friendship for the wise old elephant. 5-27-08 by Kristal


Every since I was little I have had a place in my heart for animals, But one animal in particular has always had a special place with me. The elephant.. I collect them..When I was little I had an Aunt Evelyn and I couldn't say her name so I called her Aunt elephant.. I've had dreams with elephants in them.. Even one of a white elephant..


I feel most connected with the elephant. They are gentle nurturing creatures, yet very protective of those they care about. Family oriented.. Developing bond that last a lifetime. They build strong friendships (Herds) and defend both bonds even to death. They are intelligent, emotional creatures. They have strong communication and leadership skills. These are traits that I see in myself and there is no other animal on this planet that I would want to be then one of the most noble creature that walks the planet earth.

Here are a few photo's and drawings of mine of these noble creatures.

An African Elephant from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk Virginia.

My Niece and Nephews at the Cleveland Zoo for the first time at a zoo and seeing an elephant (I love that they are waving at each other)

~~Drawings~~

Elephant studies - first one in pencil, second in charcoal and third in pencil.

All writing, drawings and photo's except for the topper photo which is a license free photo are © of Kristal and may not be used in any form without express written permission from me.

~~April's Artsy Essay~~

I've been thinking a lot about this months Artsy Essay Contest at Judith HeartSong blog. This months topic is one that has had my mind going this way and that.. The topic is
"Happiness Is....... " This is something so simple, yet so difficult to articulate. So I am just going to write whats on my mind. If you would like to give this months contest a try go here
Judith HeartSong: April's Artsy Essay: "Happiness Is......."


So here is my entry..


Today I found out a friend I worked with Died. He worked in my department overnights and him and I got to know each other pretty well while he was still on days. An ex-marine, gardener, dog lover, an artist, Avid sports fan. He had a good heart, could always make you laugh and ornery as all get out :-). He was only in his early 50's. Much to young to have passed. Even as I write this the tears come but also a smile. I was blessed to have known him, even for the short while I did. He touched my life, he made me smile and laugh. He gave me a precious gift and that was a piece of his soul that I will always cherish. He would want people to laugh and remember the good things about him and not mourn his death but rejoice in the life he had. What made him happy was making others laugh, smile and feel good about themselves. He made the most out of his life and lived it to the fullest. He made a choice.. to be happy and he was.


Since this topic was chosen for this month contest, I have been really watching people. I was in line at a store the other day. There was two young girls in front of me, a woman in her 50's in front of them and at the front of the line was an elderly woman. She was smiling and talking to the 50ish woman about her dogs. Her loving companions. The one young girl turned to the other and said "That why you we have to get our lives together so we don't end up like her, Old with just are dogs" I was stunned and appalled by this statement. All I could think about was how little these two knew about life and for all they knew this woman has led a full and fulfilling life that other could only dream of and in this time of her life she has every right to dote after her loving companions. After the elderly woman left the same young girl made a comment to the 50ish woman she said "That's why I hope I find the right man, and SOON!!" at this statement all I could do was shake my head. So much to learn and so many hard times a head these young girls have to become a little more humble and a lot more wiser. I don't know everything but I do know that you can't depend on anyone to make you happy. Someone can share in your happiness, add to your happiness, But "YOU" have to make yourself happy. They will learn someday. Just as we all have to learn in our own time.


Still thinking about this topic.. Happiness is... I was working at my retail job.. filling shelves, setting features when a customer walking toward me caught my eye. She had her shopping cart full and one item just made me smile. She had a cane, the type that has the spider legs at the bottom for support. But this particular cane was dressed for the day. It matched her outfit perfectly. She passed and I had to stop her and comment on how much I loved her snazzy cane. She smiled at me and as nice as can be said she has three others at home as well and color coordinates them with her outfits. She said she loves to make people smile that it makes her happy. We talked a bit more and I wished her a wonderful day and she continued her journey. I couldn't stop smiling. She took something, in her case a cane which is a necessity for her now and made it fun, made the best of her situation. Now it makes her happy to see other smile and talk to her about it. How fabulous is that :-)



This is what happiness is... Happiness is a choice... it's what we make of our own situation.. It is the choice to get up every day, get dressed and embrace that day, the day that could be are very last day on this earth, to embrace it for all it's worth. To squeeze every ounce of life out of every moment. To feel, to love, to enjoy every hill of this roller coaster of life. So go out, stay in.. what ever you enjoy. Read, watch T.V., create a masterpiece, doodle on a napkin, Take a walk in nature, Sit in a theater and get engrossed in an amazing adventure. What ever brings you joy, GO FOR IT!! The most important choice is to choose to be happy, It's the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Photo taken with my cell phone of a double rainbow before work 2 sundays ago. What a wonderful gift to start the day with. Photo by Kristal @ all rights reserved

~~Mind Pondering and Birthdays~~

Age is just a number and doesn't define who we are. My birthday is Thursday and I will be 34. I don't mind turning 34 in any way. I don't have any regrets in my life. Everything I have done was a choice I made willingly.

I have been thinking a lot about my past. Thoughts pouring back I haven't thought of in years. My late grandparents on my mind as well as my family. It's strange when you reflect in this way. How you can remember places like my Papaw's house. I can close my eyes and see every room, every piece of furniture. I can feel how it felt to sitting on their large porch during a rainstorm and watch the rain hitting the road looking like little people in a hurry on their way. The sound of the chimes as the wind blew on a summer day. Playing in our secret club house we made between the house and garage. Playing a game we called superman with neighborhood kids that we invented. That no matter the day.. there was always grape or strawberry jam on the dinner table. The fact that my grandmother never drank even water at dinner. She felt it interfered with digestion. The Avon bottles she had in all shapes and sizes. We all have at least one of them. My sister showed me hers when I was up last and she opened the bottle and the scent brought me to my grandmother all over again. It was amazing.

I can remember toys I had like my first doll a pink one from fisher price and had a little ball inside that made noise. I found one at a flea market and had to get it. A game of Charley Car.. it was like a pinball but for kids with discs. Wish I knew who made it. I remember getting a dollar in a card and thinking I was rich.. and you know what I was... I was surrounded by family that loved me.

So many wonderful thoughts surround me. Make me home sick and even a little sad. But I am thankful for every one of them. I have many thought in my mind but now is not the time to go into them. Now I want to leave this entry on a high note. So as the week goes and I post again. I will leave you with this quote

~ The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten. ~ Cesare Pavese

Photo's are as follows - My first picture April 17, 1974 - Blowing out my birthday candle 1977 - The picture right before my birthday party in 1978 I got dirty right before the picture :-) - Mom used to make all my cakes, this one is Strawberry Shortcake 1981 (I also dressed like her for Halloween and mom made the costume)

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN By Carol Wimmer

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"




When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved


Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

~~March Artsy Essay~~

It that time again for Judith HeartSong ~~Artsy Essay Contest~~ There still is time if you want to join in the Fun!! Just follow this link Judith HeartSong: March Artsy Essay and hit the link for the rules and try your hand at this wonderful contest. This months topic in honor of spring finally close at hand is ~~Emergence~~ So with out further ado here is my entry for this month, I hope you enjoy.

~~Emergence~~

The amazing moment

When life blooms once more

From dismal dreariness

Life is reborn

Fighting for survival

Through obstacles unknown

An unrelenting pursuit

A struggle all our own

Not knowing why were driven

Why we must succeed

Fighting through the darkness

Wanting to be free

Driven by instinct

Feelings from deep within

A moment so fulfilling

Never wanting it to end

The battle almost over

You see the rays of light

Striving even harder

For your dreams with all your might

The exhilaration of the moment

When you've achieved your dream

The light embraces you

You're finally at peace

Poem & Photo by

Kristal @ All right reserved

~~Safety First & Botanical Beauty~~

Tue was an eventful day..

Most in a good way but it sure didn't start out that way. I woke up to the sound of crushing metal, shaking building and a scream so shrill it sounded like a cat in heat. I look out my bedroom window and what I saw made me jump out of bed a grab some cloths and run out the door. An SUV rushing to get their child to school decided to try and go around a garbage truck turning left and the SUV decided to try and go to the left of the truck heading toward it. Needless to say it didn't work and they hit the garbage truck on the SUV's passenger side. Spinning 3 times. The mother was pinned in the car and there were also two children in the vehicle. That is what I seen looking out my window was a child, a young girl laying on the ground. Thankfully everyone acted quickly. The kids were not strapped in properly and the girl fell out of the vehicle and thankfully was not thrown. This surely saved the little girl for all of them were reported to be doing fine after being admitted to the hospital. I was very happy to hear that all were OK.

The moral.. No where is worth risking your life or the life of others to get there a moment sooner then you would have if you would have took your time and ALWAYS wear your safely belts and make sure all children are properly strap in as well. Objects and be replaced people can't be. BE SAFE!!!

Well, During this I was unable to leave so I had to reschedule a doctors appointment from 9 to 11 and take care of all that female stuff we just love to deal with. After my Dr. appt. I've been really coupe up lately and need to get out. So camera in hand I headed to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.






Since it still early there wasn't alot in bloom yet there is still a beauty and peace surrounding this place no matter when you come for a visit. I love slowly walking through the various gardens. Taking in everything my soul can absorb. I took lot of pictures.. Although the best part of the day was sitting by the lazy river that runs through the gardens and see soaring above me two bald eagles. A male and a female mating pair.. although lately they have had there ups and downs. I was fortunate enough to see the female land in the nest and watch the male flying low and floating through the air. They have been there for five years and until this year were doing well. Last year their cam was the most viewed in the world. This year they have had invader to the nest.. One was a great horned owl.. which now live on the other side of the gardens with their own nest and the other was a young female eagle and the male even went away with her for a bit and came back to the original female. Now they are mating often and everyone is hoping for eggs soon. Here is the link to the cam and the gardens.. please check them out.

http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/