In awe I stand
Feet steadied upon
Emerald cliffs
Inhaling breath of sky
Heart-quickened, earth-smitten
Tickle of sea mist on my tongue
I surrender thoughts to the waves
Trundle with ocean’s tide
Erasing all but this moment
Time still…. (passes)
Each second a blessing
Written for De’s Quadrille prompt , “Quick! Write Something!”
It is our first morning in Newfoundland. We settled in late, the night before to an eclectic vacation rental in the small community of Southport. Population 40. We want to experience the true local life of the most eastern province of Canada. I open the door to see our surroundings in daylight, barely breathing the salty air on the bay, when I hear the sound of a four wheeler, kicking up gravel in it’s path. A middle-aged man stops in front our door. “Hello! How are you doing? Staying at Peggy and Viv’s are ya?” He shares stories of the land, the people and the fishing industry. He says he will never leave “the rock”, this magnificent island we’ve come to explore. He’s ventured out to bigger dreams and cities, but this is home. It’s different here. He’s already convinced me it’s better here. He offers a word of advice to us. “Don’t worry about crossing boundaries or walking across the neighbour’s properties. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll invite you in for tea.”
My eyes wander a bit to take in my surroundings. Colourful little buildings called “stages”. Rocky shorelines and fog in the distance. He tells us of a 90 year old woman visiting the area. She asked him to take her out on the ocean to see the sights and he willingly obliged. Then his voice becomes shaky with emotion. “She said to me, ‘Now I have seen heaven.'” He puts his hand on his heart. “I will never forget her face and those words”, he says. I get the same lump in my throat, feeling the sincerity in his eyes. The conversation brings me back to a place of genuine simplicity. This is why I am here.
fresh breeze of August
eagle basks in morning sun
feathers set aglow
It’s Haibun Monday, everyone! The theme is “morning”. Hope you can join us at dVerse Poets Pub.
I am your host and the prompt is open all week.
In response to The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Tour Guide
Welcome to a small town in southwestern Ontario, Canada. These are only two of our distinct and unique seasons.
Strong winds + bitter temperatures + river = masterpiece.
Sunset over lake + para-sail + sense of adventure = summer solitude.
My little maple
Of glistening gold
Flaunting, fluttering as
Sol sister laughs
She knows wind is only
Teasing, breezing by for
One last kiss of autumn
The final dance before
The chill and I will
Cherish your leaves
As fall still breathes
Through winter
It’s Quadrille time again and we’d love for you to join us over at dVerse Poets Pub. As your host, I am asking you to write a poem of 44 words (not including the title) and your quadrille must contain the word…
b…r…e…a…t…h…e
or breath, breathtaking, breathable…any variation of the word
Doors open at 3 p.m. EST
What do you get when The Daily Post gives you a fabulous theme for the Weekly Photo Challenge and then you stumble upon a friend’s photos of jellyfish?
Nature’s masterpieces!
All photos by: Lisa Oleniuk
I am sitting in the dining car of a train…or am I floating on the lake?
Either way it was magical.
~
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/oops/
Miniature ice bergs stubbornly hold on to winter as Lake Huron welcomes Spring. The Great Lakes are a massive stage for seasonal transitions.
This photo was my contribution for The Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge.
Image credit: cbc.ca
Today in Canada, we remember those who risked their lives and lost their lives at war. A few weeks before “Remembrance Day”, coinciding with the U.S. “Veterans Day” , we donate spare change (or hopefully more) to purchase a bright red, felt- like poppy. These are worn to signify that we have not forgotten the sacrifices of those who have served in the military.
The custom of wearing poppies evolved from the poem, “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, May 1915. The poem which was published after his death, was recited every year in classrooms across Canada as we approached Nov.11th.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of this famous war poem.
Who was John McCrae?
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD was a Canadian poet. He was also a physician and soldier during World War I. He served as a surgeon during the Second Battle of Ypres. (WW I)
He was moved by the sight of a million poppies growing on the battlefields and cemeteries of Ypres, Belgium during the First World War. His words were penned as he sat in the back of an ambulance just north of Ypres, where he had recently buried his friend, Lieutenant Alex Helmer.
I have come to realize that some Americans are not familiar with this famous war poem or the symbolism of the poppy. Ironically, the idea of adorning poppies on our lapels originated from an American woman. Inspired by John McCrae’s poem, Moina Michael wore a silk poppy to symbolize remembrance of those who served in WW I. She advocated the idea for two years in hopes of the poppy becoming a national commemorative symbol. Her efforts were not in vain and the poppy is worn proudly in many countries around the world. 
The last surviving WW I veteran died in 2012. Her name was Florence Green from the U.K.
Many of our WW II veterans are still with us.
Today and always, let us honour their strength, survival and sacrifices.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae, May 1915
Related Articles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCrae
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/history/the-history-of-the-remembrance-poppy-9852348.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_last_surviving_World_War_I_veterans_by_country
This week’s photo challenge is (extra)ordinary, seeing something very common in a whole new light. Although I must have a thousand photos of trees and leaves in Autumn, I think this one has a magical feel to it.
Check out many more interpretations at…
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/extraordinary/
Sometimes we sit on the edge
Waiting, wishing, wondering
Pensive, planning, pondering
We cannot fall if we have wings
Here is one last entry for “monochromatic”.
I know, I know…time to move on.
~
A contrast to my first submission, the endless white of snow reaches for the horizon on one of the Great Lakes. This will soon be the scene at the beach as we bid farewell to the warm blue waters of summer. Just thinking about it makes me very grateful for autumn.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/monochromatic/
Blue eyed boy boards a train
For northern lakes
And goodness sakes
For it trickles through his veins
Bending west along prairies
Crystal clear tributaries
Open mind steady
As the rails that carry him
And these winds beckon gently
As his gaze takes him further
Than his blue eyes can see
Past the pine and tamarack
More than transcontinental
This journey, monumental
A junction met
Between roots and risk
~
Written for dVerse – Open Link Night using Bill’s poetic prompt “All Aboard” where we were asked to write about trains.
A familiar scene on the Great Lakes as a large freighter pushes on despite being enveloped by the morning fog. The view is surreal from the shoreline though not as calming for the ship’s captain. Mother Nature provides many challenges for those who navigate these waterways, the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
webs in morning mist
the elegance of nature
dressing up for dawn
~
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/intricate/
At a nearby conservation area in Southwestern Ontario, hundreds of geese take up residence and this time of year, it can be quite a spectacle. These two honkers couldn’t seem to move fast enough as they chased others across the pond. Click to enlarge.
Be sure to check out more of life in motion at The Daily Post.
Dear Winter,
We regret to inform you
That your services are
No longer required or desired
And we are tired
Of your blustery behaviour
Insubordinations have been noted
Refusing to exit before spring
Violating seasonal policies
And confronting Mother Nature
After she politely released you
Sassing back will not be tolerated
Be it hail, slush or sleet
We need heat
Which is definitely not your forte
We find your hexagon flakes
No longer enchanting
It seems that you are stuck
In a stationary front
Indecisive of your intentions
According to our almanac
Your departure is past due
Therefore a two week notice
Will not be necessary
Please gather all of your accumulations
And leave quietly
You can take the white out
We would be happy
To send a letter of reference
To Mr. J. Frost
Sincerely
Summer Loving People, Inc.
We’re writing letters at the pub tonight!
http://dversepoets.com/2015/04/07/poetics-lets-write-letters/
This gallery contains 5 photos.
One of the wonderful perks of living in Ontario is the ability to welcome and bid farewell to four distinct seasons. It encourages you to live in the moment and appreciate the obvious and not so obvious metamorphosis that takes place. Winter? It’s all a blur to me now. Check out more of it at […]
Dreamy day for ducks
Beauty of clouds repeated
Webbed foot masterpiece
~
~
Corran Ruins-McNeills Mansion is located outside of Wiarton, Ontario in Spirit Rock Conservation Area.
The walls of the mansion remain stoic in the sunlight despite obvious destruction.
Multicoloured brick is like artwork chiseled by the wind.
Nature is framed by open windows.
Time has blessed this place.
~
~
A slightly late submission for the Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge. On a very memorable day with my step daughter and grand-daughter, this photo was one of a hundred others that I took at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, Ontario. These little beauties showcase symmetry with their striking design, while maintaining their individualism. It’s a beautiful thing!
http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/butterfly-conservatory.html
Rising up, inhaling leaves
Exhaling with vengeance
Flimsy, unattended branches
Whipping at my tattered roof
Darkness surrounds me
Other than this trusty monitor
Sharing it’s light
As if to comfort me
While this raging force
Sweeps up my sense of security
I hate this storm
This storm called Sandy
Rising up, inhaling my fears
Exhaling with flippant attitude
Taking power from my hands
And dangling my safety
Like a twig left hanging precariously
From my beloved maple tree
The haunting, taunting noise
Bellows up, down, billows around
My tiny glowing haven
Enough to make me cringe
At the mindless power of wind
I hate this storm
This storm called Sandy
Over at dVerse today, MarinaSofia asked us to write about a time when we were “snowed in, iced out or in some other perilous winter situation”. Ironically, that was yesterday for me. We are still shoveling ourselves out. However, this particular piece was written in October 2012 when I actually feared for my home and my personal safety.
This has to be one of the most interesting hikes I have ever taken. Lion’s Head, Ontario is named for it’s lion shaped rock formation carved into the landscape. The winding trail to the top of the escarpment is a bit challenging but worth every step. You can take your time along the way, admiring a fairytale forest full of mossy rocks, twisted cedars and ancient birch trees. It is surreal. The story ends with this view over Georgian Bay. The varying depths of the water play with the palette of blue.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/depth/
http://www.explorethebruce.com/lions-head.php
River frozen in pieces
Sun painting on snow canvass
As we justify winter
~
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/shadowed/
Agawa Canyon, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
As I wrote “Song for Aki”, it gave me the opportunity to use the Ojibway words that I have been taught as well as challenging myself to some new vocabulary, based on online resources. For those who might be interested, I have included the original version of my last post as well as the English translation. The Ojibway (Ojibwe) language has varied dialects depending on regions throughout Canada and the U.S. The native language is beautiful. Translated to simple English, the poem definitely loses it’s charm.
Song for Aki
Standing atop of Chi Wajiwan
Anishinaabe eyes see what I cannot
Gi za gin, Aki
Gi za gin
From the gigoon in the sea
To the migizi, majestic ruler of the sky
Gi za gin, Aki
Gi za gin
Zhooniyaa is not sacred
Like the giizis and the anangoons
Gi za gin, Aki
Gi za gin
The daywaygan beats
To the rhythm of my deh
Gi za gin, Aki
Gi za gin
Noodin gently rocks
The wiigwaasi-mitigoog
Gi za gin, Aki
Gi za gin
I may be Zhaagnaash
Still the bugwayji calls my name
Gi zi gin, Aki
Gi zi gin
~
Translation:
Song for the Earth
Standing atop of Big Mountains
Native eyes see what I cannot
I love you, Earth
I love you
From the fish in the sea
To the eagle, majestic ruler of the sky
I love you, Earth
I love you
Money is not sacred
Like the sun and the stars
I love you, Earth
I love you
The drum beats
To the rhythm of my heart
I love you, Earth
I love you
The wind gently rocks
The white birch trees
I love you, Earth
I love you
I may be “white people”
But nature’s places call my name
I love you, Earth
I love you
Related Articles:
http://www.nativetech.org/shinob/ojibwelanguage.html
Today in Canada, we remember those who risked their lives and lost their lives at war. A few weeks before “Remembrance Day”, coinciding with the U.S. “Veterans Day” , we donate spare change (or hopefully more) to purchase a bright red, felt- like poppy. These are worn to signify that we have not forgotten the sacrifices of those who have served in the military.
The custom of wearing poppies evolved from the poem, “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. The poem which was published after his death, was recited every year in classrooms across Canada as we approached Nov.11th. Kindergarten crafts were all about poppies.
Who was John McCrae?
He was a Canadian poet. He was also a soldier during WW I.
Apparently, John McCrae was moved by the sight of a million poppies growing on the battlefields and cemeteries of Ypres, Belgium during the First World War. His words were penned as he sat in the back of an ambulance just north of Ypres, where he had recently buried his friend, Lieutenant Alex Helmer.
I have come to realize that some Americans are not familiar with this famous war poem or the symbolism of the poppy. Ironically, the idea of adorning poppies on our lapels originated from an American woman. Inspired by John McCrae’s poem, Moina Michael wore a silk poppy to symbolize remembrance of those who served in WW I. She advocated the idea for two years in hopes of the poppy becoming a national commemorative symbol. Her efforts were not in vain and the poppy is worn proudly in many countries around the world.
The last surviving WW I veteran died in 2012. Her name was Florence Green from the U.K.
Many of our WW II veterans are still with us.
Today and always, let us honour their strength, survival and sacrifices.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae, May 1915
Related Articles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCrae
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/history/the-history-of-the-remembrance-poppy-9852348.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_last_surviving_World_War_I_veterans_by_country
I watched the leaders of my country
Dodge bullets today
Literally, dodge bullets
That was the news
And that’s all it is
Simple violence
Point and shoot
Any coward can do it
But the story is not the news
The story is about a boy
A son, who became a man
A soldier
Corporal Nathan Cirillo
A father, an animal lover
A friend to many
Only 24 years old
The story is about
Hearts ripping, tears flowing
Making sense of inhumanity
Sorrow deeper
Than can be imagined
No, I did not know him
It doesn’t matter
I am a mother
And he was like no other
How do I know?
Just look in his eyes
That is the gift
We have been given
Beautiful soul
One heart in different bodies
One life in different times
One love in different worlds
We are different
Thank God
We are all different
In response to poetics at dVerse…but mostly in response to my aching heart.
~
Dreams drawn in ink
Patiently waiting to
Come to life
Just a short time after taking this photo from the shore of Lake Huron, the cable on this boat was my lifeline as I para sailed for the first time.
Pelee Island is the most southern point of Ontario. Actually it is the most southern point of all of CANADA.
Canada is larger than the U.S.A. (just sayin’)
In the summer months, temperatures range between 75 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit with fairly high humidity on the island. Where I live it is not uncommon for temperatures to be in the high 80’s or low 90’s with the humidex factor during the summer.
From Leamington or Kingsville, Ontario you travel by ferry on Lake Erie (with or without your vehicle) about an hour and a half to reach one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. Our American visitors can hop a ferry from Sandusky, Ohio.
What do you do on Pelee Island?
Nothing.
That’s the beauty of it.
You will not find a Starbucks, a McDonald’s or even a grocery store. There are only a few restaurants (no chains), a fabulous little bakery and some unique craft stores. Pelee Island Wineries has 550 acres of vineyards, tours and a pavilion where they let you “grill” (or barbeque as we say in Canada) your own meat for a minor fee as you sip on a glass of your favorite wine. (We spell favorite…”favourite”, by the way).
You can camp here but I would recommend a cottage or one of their unique B&B’s.
Pelee Island is a migratory paradise for many varieties of birds so there are lots of photo opportunities. Nature surrounds you here and without the convenience of internet or consistent cell phone service, you can easily succumb to it’s lure.
Then there is something we’ve come to refer to as the “Pelee wave”. It is courtesy here to wave at every car in the oncoming lane. If you don’t…well…you are just grumpy.
You can rent a bike and in about four hours, ride the perimeter of the island. Sandy beaches on one side. Rocky terrain on the other…equally beautiful.
But nothing beats the sunsets…
These international bridges link two different countries, Canada and the U.S.A., sharing the same waterway and sunset skies.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/between-danielle-hark/
Thousands of ships sail through the Great Lakes, a major passageway from the U.S. and Canada and a gateway to the rest of the world. Clashing with mother nature’s stormy seas and mazes of ice and rock, these giants along with their crew are forces to be reckoned with. They are hauntingly beautiful to watch on a foggy night and spectacular sights on a sunny day.
Letters adorned on their bow and stern tell of their origin. Some are quite obvious while others depend on our knowledge of faraway places.
…just in case you were wondering.
Seagulls rule the beach. 
We can build our little castles in the sand, but these guys will eventually inhabit what we claim to be our own.
Poised and perched, they poke fun at our creations that simply give them new places to govern their domain.
Seagulls stay on top of things.
Downtown Toronto skyscrapers
Sky Scraping
If I have to look up to see your grandeur
Then what importance do you hold for me?
Everything essential to my heart and mind
Is in front of me
Yes, I look to the sky, why wouldn’t I?
To the clouds, to the wind
To the spirit within
But not you
You have always been my saboteur
Reminding me of the cold
That paralyzed my plight
Your capital charisma
Does nothing but amuse me
And I will not be impressed
By your obvious stateliness
For success is not dressed
The sun bares the truth
Magnified in your every window
Exposing your hard lines
Disclosing your designs
Of your eyes on the pie
As you scrape at the sky
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/03/07/photo-challenge-perspective/
Winter waves its arms
Blowing white smoke
Outside my door
Rattling the latch
As we batten down the hatch
Snow squalls
Life stalls
Tires spin tales
Of neglected snow shovels
Underestimated forecasts
And unhelpful neighbours
~
Winter smirks as you
Predictably marvel
At what you’ve seen
So many times
Muddled and mystified by
Sparkling glaze
Blinding haze
Shadows sprawled
Over welcoming, white canvass
Trees bound and burdened
With nature’s business
The CN Tower in downtown Toronto offers an infinite view of the city’s metropolis structure. During this particular visit, I enjoyed sharing one of Canada’s iconic landmarks with some American family members.
It all made for a sunshiny day.
Lake Ontario to the left seems to be another “infinity”.
Exterior elevators take tourists from all around the world to the top of this observation tower. Standing over 1,800 feet high, it is still the tallest free standing structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Related Articles
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CN_Tower
• • http://www.cntower.ca/intro.html
• • http://www.edgewalkcntower.ca/
From heron in
To heron out
I watch you
As I focus
But it is bogus
To you
Intrusive
Illusive
You watch me
Fumble, fiddle
I am your riddle
If you could laugh
You would
All for a picture
Of a bird
This gallery contains 10 photos.
Oh Canada!! This week’s photo challenge was a great opportunity to share these shots of the Canadian Snow Birds giving a very heartfelt and patriotic performance over Lake Huron, Ontario. It was a bright, sunny July 1st (Canada Day). I love my country. I love the Snow Birds. I love the lines, angles and patterns […]
With weathered wings
They take flight
Oblivious to our gaze
Graceful glide
Pace and stride
Bellies rise
Above our eyes.With weathered wings
They reach out to
Fellow feathered friends
Clumsily aligned
Directionally defined
Uplifting hearts
That long to fly
Canada geese departing from a dock on Lake Erie.
#3. When tobogganing down a steep ravine, a wine skin filled with cherry whiskey, will soften the blow of every tree you hit.
Looking back at it now, I can’t believe we really owned one of these. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language describes it as “a bag made from the skin of a goat for example, and used for holding and dispensing wine”.
I am fairly certain that I was unaware of the goat skin as I sipped chugged my cherry whiskey, hoping my socks would stay dry. We were trudging through a foot of good packing snow with our plastic Magic Carpets, waxed up wooden toboggans and super flying saucers. Woooo Hoooo!!!
Life was good……in the 70’s.
My husband and I decided to take advantage of a cool but sunny spring day and take a hike at a nearby conservation area. A man passed by and told us there was “some kind of animal” sleeping up in a tree not too far ahead.
Sure enough, there it was……
….all curled up in the crook of a tree about 30 feet above us.
After taking a few pictures from the trail I quickly decided to get closer.
I always want to get closer!
I was afraid the sound of crunching leaves under my feet would wake him from his nap, but he did not move a muscle as I edged closer to the tree.
He (or she) was the size of a baby bear, but we were fairly confident that there were no bears in this neck of the woods!
He was completely undisturbed by our conversation and at one point, we wondered if he was actually alive.
His creepy little “hands” reminded me of a character in a fantasy movie.
At the same time, I was captivated by him.
He looked so snuggly, covering he eyes from the daylight as he slept.
We finally left him to his slumber. He’d never know that we were ever there.
After some photo editing and debate, we decided he was an EXTREMELY large……..
racoon.
This was a moment in nature I will not forget.
mishunderstood 