Writer's Challenge 2010: "G"

Take the Challenge!

The Writer's Challenge 2010 features three pre-chosen themes each week. Your entry will be considered for re-publication online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply below in the comment section and remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

Each week you will have a new group of three words to choose from. At the end of the year, I would like to choose the "best of the best" and publish them in an online anthology at the Sunflower Ranch website.

You are encouraged to write each week. All the challenges will remain online here at the blog and you can add a new poem at any time. Use the search feature on the right to find the series by putting Writer's Challenge 2010 in the search box. Feel free to add your work to any challenge throughout the year. After we reach the last challenge, you will have about a month to add your final submissions. If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Remember, no deadlines, write as many pieces as you wish, and oh, primarily, have some fun with these! Click here for last week's Challenge.

Here are your words for this week: goal, good, grip

Thank you and good luck!

Stormy Weather & Policy Change Note

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The photo above of the young flowering pear tree was snapped about 24 hours ago. What a difference a few hours makes! Heavy rain and damaging winds struck our area during the night and will continue to blow throughout today and tonight. We're contending with snow in the mountains nearby and our temperatures are going to be struggling to get out of the mid-40s for the next few days and near freezing at night. All this now, after a very mild Winter.

Typical Spring weather in the Pacific Northwest! We don't have tornadoes, we don't have large hail, and we rarely have thunderstorms. Our Marine climate produces normally moderate year round weather [read bland, gentle, dull, heavy cloud cover, not too extreme] so any hint of weather activity raises our blood pressure a bit. The screen shot from Weather.com of this morning's weather shows fairly strong rain in the lowlands and foothills and a large area of light snowfall in the Cascades. Click here to enlarge.

Your own area might be experiencing heavy Spring rains, tornadoes, or higher than normal temperatures. You probably have your favorite online weather source, but if you haven't checked out any but your local outlets, take a look at these great sites: Weather.com, AccuWeather, National Weather Service, and Weather Underground. Each one provides great information for your area with maps, trends, and statistics. They are always tweaking their designs and features, so if it's been a while since you explored these sites, check them out. Hopefully you will be able to utilize them for your Spring activities. Hubby and I consult at least one major site and a local site every day for all our gardening, travel plans and outdoor activities.

Do you have a favorite weather site? If so, why is it your favorite? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section. We appreciate your insights!

Which brings me to the Policy Change we have had to implement. I have been receiving a lot of spam comments on older posts and I do not wish to have them cluttering up the blog. I have changed the comments to "Moderated" to catch them before being posted. I am sorry to all my regular posters for being forced to do this. Your comments are important to me. Please don't feel this extra step is set up to block you. It is only being done to eliminate the spam. I thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Thank you for visiting! And be careful out there!

Spring Day at the Dental Office

view from the waiting room

Into every life a little dental tragedy may fall and lately Hubby has had his share. He loves to crunch on stuff and one day broke a tooth which couldn't be saved. Combined with a few other general health problems, he kept putting off going in to have it fixed. Finally he announced the time had come.

I took him in to his appointment in the dental chair. All I could do was hope everything would turn out well. While he was undergoing his procedure, I spent a pleasant few hours in the waiting room. I updated my journal, created several to-do lists, and dipped into a novel I carry around for times such as these. I also took a nice long walk around the block and made some phone calls and texted on my cell. I even had a few conversations with the office workers and two of the other patients and their drivers. Nothing like a day in a waiting room to get caught up on everyday stuff and make some new friends.

Hubby emerged from the patient area, announced he felt fine and that was that. We drove home and a busy afternoon followed.

Of course, he broke the bridge a few days later when he crunched on some cashews. "I thought they'd be softer," he said. Yeah, right. I guessed he must have been "under the influence" of the mild sedation/pain medication when they gave him his post-procedural instructions. "Don't eat anything extremely hard on that side, like nuts, shells, hard candy or apples. Don't chew gum or hard sticky substances." All his favorites.

So we returned first thing on Monday for the "repair" round. It didn't take too long -- I only got the journal updated -- when he waltzed into the waiting room and said, "All done!"

Let's hope the temporary holds for another few days! LOL

For a handy reminder on good everyday dental health and maintenance, click here.

Thanks for visiting!

Writer's Challenge 2010: "F"

Take the Challenge!

The Writer's Challenge 2010 features three pre-chosen themes each week. Your entry will be considered for re-publication online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply below in the comment section and remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

Each week you will have a new group of three words to choose from. At the end of the year, I would like to choose the "best of the best" and publish them in an online anthology at the Sunflower Ranch website.

You are encouraged to write each week. All the challenges will remain online here at the blog and you can add a new poem at any time. Use the search feature on the right to find the series by putting Writer's Challenge 2010 in the search box. Feel free to add your work to any challenge throughout the year. After we reach the last challenge, you will have about a month to add your final submissions. If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Remember, no deadlines, write as many pieces as you wish, and oh, primarily, have some fun with these! Click here for last week's Challenge.

Here are your words for this week: fall, fire, forge

Thank you and good luck!

To Blossoms

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To Blossoms

Fair pledges of a fruitful tree,
Why do ye fall so fast?
Your date is not so past
But you may stay yet here a while,
To blush and gently smile;
And go at last.

What! were ye born to be
An hour or half's delight,
And so to bid good-night?
'Twas pity Nature brought ye forth
Merely to show your worth,
And lose you quite.

But you are lovely leaves, where we
May read how soon things have
Their end, though ne'er so brave:
And after they have shown their pride
Like you a while, they glide
Into the grave.

~Robert Herrick

For more information on Robert Herrick: biography, poetry.

Thanks for visiting!

Too Little, Too Late

The White House

Perhaps you watched the drama play out Sunday in Congress as the health care bill passed the House of Representatives. I was poking around You Tube and found the following video. It's been seen millions of times, but it's new to me. It's an eye opener. If you haven't seen it, take a look and share it with your family. Older people, especially, will have something to look forward to in their twilight years, which according to this video are likely to be quite a bit shorter than expected.

Thank you for visiting!

Look Who's Coming to Dinner...

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Hey, where's the menu? I've been asleep for ages and I am HUNGRY! Make it snappy! Or I'll eat YOU!

For information on black bears like this cheeky fellow from Montana, nicknamed Bearack Obearma, click here and here. For a real bear cub ringtone, click here.

Thanks for visiting!

Blossom by Blossom

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For winter's rains and ruins are over,
And all the season of snows and sins;
The days dividing lover and lover,
The light that loses, the night that wins;
And time remembered is grief forgotten,
And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,
And in green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.

~Algernon Charles Swinburne

from "Atalanta in Calydon"

More Swinburne poetry, biography, critique & links to additional information.

Thank you for visiting!

Writer's Challenge 2010: "E"

Take the Challenge!

This year, the weekly Writer's Challenge will be different in several key areas. First it will be issued on Wednesdays instead of Fridays. But that's not the only change you will find.

We'll be using pre-chosen themes each week and there will be an opportunity for your piece [or pieces] to be republished elsewhere online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply below in the comment section and remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

Each week you will have a new group of three words to choose from. At the end of the year, I would like to choose the "best of the best" and publish them in an online anthology at the Sunflower Ranch website.

You are encouraged to write each week. All the challenges will remain online here at the blog and you can add a new poem at any time. Use the search feature on the right to find the series by putting Writer's Challenge 2010 in the search box. Feel free to add your work to any challenge throughout the year. After we reach the last challenge, you will have about a month to add your final submissions. If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Remember, no deadlines, write as many pieces as you wish, and oh, primarily, have some fun with these! Click here for last week's Challenge.

Here are your words for this week: easy, echo, end

Thank you and good luck!

Top o' The Morning to Ye!

St. Patrick's Day Greetings

Here are some stories, prayer, jokes, recipes, and hangover remedies to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Check out the story of a young man in big trouble in "A Fine Irish Lad"; a sweet poem, "For Edwin, An Irish Prayer"; limericks in "Have You Heard?"; great recipes in "Top o' The Morning"; and some hangover cures and a few parting jokes in "St. Patrick's Day Morning After Cures."

Have a joyous St. Patrick's Day!

And thanks for visiting!

"Deer" Friends

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The deer above were photographed while on a casual trek through a friend's yard. He said these two showed up one morning about ten days ago and paused briefly for their pictures before jumping over the back fence. It looks like a full grown doe and a yearling. Talk about sweet! I like to see them like this, not munching on rosebushes, stepping into newly planted gardens, or leaping out in front of cars.

You can see the tail in the larger one, which would give them a positive identification as blacktail deer and not whitetail or mule deer. Check out the Northwest Trek website description of the blacktail deer. At any rate, they are such beautifully innocent creatures and always a joy to see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that "our" deer will return. But for now, I can enjoy these enchanting animals in someone else's garden. I hope you enjoy them, too.

Thanks for visiting today!

Daffodils at the Bulb Farm

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The daffodils in the photo above were snapped a few days ago at the VanLierop Bulb Farm in Puyallup, Washington. They occupy a sunny bed in the display garden near the farm's store. Beyond the store and the display gardens and barn area, the fields teem with acres of the green shoots of thousands of vivid tulips. Though the tulips were right on schedule the day this photo was taken, our Spring weather can be quite fickle and a recent turn toward more wintery conditions may retard their growth.

We plan to visit the farm again next month. I can't wait to see the acres of full grown tulips nodding in the sunshine. Any slight breeze rippling through the field reminds me of a highly competitive group of speed skaters. Their colorful helmeted heads bow and dip in unison as they race each other around the track, Apolo Ohno style.

If it's not windy that day, the tulips will be able to pose quietly for their photos and turn their proud little heads toward the sun. They will have many opportunities to star in snapshots and video, as this farm is a magnet for eager photographers of all skill levels. VanLierop's is a premier destination for families, school children and tourists. The only thing I would worry about is if we can find a place to park! We will keep you posted. It might be quite an adventure. LOL

Thanks for visiting!

A Purr-fect Sweetheart

Sparkle

Meet Sparkle, who lives with our dear friends, a traditional family of four. At four years old, Sparkle is, as you can see, a demure creature, though her eyes have that slightly "alien" look in this photo. She's petite, meticulous and loving. During the day, she assists Mom & Dad with the kids' schoolwork and helps regulate study and play time. However, she only goes as far as the door, peeks out, and refuses to join the family in any outdoor activities. She remains inside, forever on guard for intruders, except when she's on Rosa's bed, stretched out and sound asleep, or when she's helping Matthew with a special project. She also loves to help them both play their favorite electronic games. She's very good helping them vanquish a variety of villains! Sparkle even allows Rosa to dress her up for special occasions. [Of course, it doesn't last long, as Sparkle's patience only goes so far and no further.]

Though she is basically a scaredy cat, Sparkle is definitely the family boss. Dad explains, "She's just spoiled."

If she could speak, she might quote popular author Amy Tan, "I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever."

Sparkle has found her place with a good and loving family. What cat or family could ask for anything more?

Thanks for visiting today!

Writer's Challenge 2010: "D"

Take the Challenge!

This year, the weekly Writer's Challenge will be different in several key areas. First it will be issued on Wednesdays instead of Fridays. But that's not the only change you will find.

We'll be using pre-chosen themes each week and there will be an opportunity for your piece [or pieces] to be republished elsewhere online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply below in the comment section and remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

Each week you will have a new group of three words to choose from. At the end of the year, I would like to choose the "best of the best" and publish them in an online anthology at the Sunflower Ranch website.

You are encouraged to write each week. All the challenges will remain online here at the blog and you can add a new poem at any time. Use the search feature on the right to find the series by putting Writer's Challenge 2010 in the search box. Feel free to add your work to any challenge throughout the year. After we reach the last challenge, you will have about a month to add your final submissions. If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Remember, no deadlines, write as many pieces as you wish, and oh, primarily, have some fun with these! Click here for last week's Challenge.

Here are your words for this week: date, dirt, drift

Thank you and good luck!

A Little Spacey...

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I found another very cool background to use on my computer and my Twitter page. At Free Wallpapers, you can find a variety of interesting wallpapers suitable for adults on a variety of topics. I don't think you'll find too many teenage heartthrobs but you will find some amazing photographs of nature, panoramas, machinery, National Geographic -- each one captivating in its own way. However, you do have to register to use the website, but don't worry, they only ask for a valid email address to confirm your registration and of course, it's free. If you find something you like, be sure to share it in the comment section below.

Have fun & thanks for visiting!

Strolling Through the Neighborhood

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The oaks and the pines, and their brethren of the wood, have seen so many suns rise and set, so many seasons come and go, and so many generations pass into silence, that we may well wonder what "the story of the trees" would be to us if they had tongues to tell it, or we ears fine enough to understand.
~Author Unknown

Have a wonderful day!

Cheetah Love

Anatolian Shepherd & her Cheetah

I found this last night while checking the KOMO news site and thought you might enjoy it as much as I have. If you love working dogs or endangered big cats, this story will warm your heart. CLICK HERE to see the news video and story.

Thanks for visiting!

Catch the Good

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To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life.

~Samuel Johnson

Thank you for visiting today!

Bald Eagle & Friends

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The bald eagles are once again returning to their nesting areas throughout western Washington state. Most birds complete their journeys without incident. But one unlucky fellow needed a little help from his friends. The rescue was captured on video by Seattle's KOMO 4 News. Click here for the report and video.

Thanks for visiting!

Writer's Challenge 2010: "C"

Take the Challenge!

This year, the weekly Writer's Challenge will be different in several key areas. First it will be issued on Wednesdays instead of Fridays. But that's not the only change you will find.

We'll be using pre-chosen themes each week and there will be an opportunity for your piece [or pieces] to be republished elsewhere online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply below in the comment section and remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

Each week you will have a new group of three words to choose from. At the end of the year, I would like to choose the "best of the best" and publish them in an online anthology at the Sunflower Ranch website.

You are encouraged to write each week. All the challenges will remain online here at the blog and you can add a new poem at any time. Use the search feature on the right to find the series by putting Writer's Challenge 2010 in the search box. Feel free to add your work to any challenge throughout the year. After we reach the last challenge, you will have about a month to add your final submissions. If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Remember, no deadlines, write as many pieces as you wish, and oh, primarily, have some fun with these! Click here for last week's Challenge.

Here are your words for this week: cool, carp, cloak

Thank you and good luck!

From The Waiting Room

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The photo above is the historic First Congregational Church of Tacoma, Washington. The picture was snapped last week from the second floor of the clinic waiting room in the huge complex across the street. In the window you can easily see several ghostly reflections. But don't worry -- it's a few of us grouped between the low bench and the window. We were probably too close, but it was such a spectacular winter day, we didn't care. We knew the nurse was due in a moment to call hubby in to see the doctor and we wouldn't have long to wait. Since most of the seats were filled, we stood for a while, just enjoying the view.

Besides providing the expected religious foundation of a neighborhood, this church has had a history of providing other activities equally important to the community. For many years, it was the home of the Pilgrim Players, a volunteer theatrical troupe. When the group moved out of the church and changed its name to the Tacoma Little Theatre, it continued its tradition of quality productions. It has remained one of western Washington's most popular community theaters. And to think it got started in that church ninety years ago.

But soon hubby's name was called and we'd finally know if he needed an operation on his shoulder. Suddenly real life seemed a bit more important than local history. Perhaps a visit to the church's sanctuary for a moment of spiritual comfort would have been more helpful.

We didn't have to worry. With the correct balance of physical therapy and rest, he probably won't have that operation. Perhaps the church, even from a distance, had influenced events after all. :)

March Forth, Crocus

To a Crocus

Welcome, wild harbinger of spring!
To this small nook of earth;
Feeling and fancy fondly cling
Round thoughts which owe their birth
To thee, and to the humble spot
Where chance has fixed thy lowly lot.
~Bernard Barton

In honor of the first day of March, we feature the photo above from my sister's garden. The soil is glacial till, sandy, with rocks of all sizes. She has had to add much compost and topsoil to achieve a mix that will grow anything other than moss. She planted the crocuses in the autumn of 2007 and they have bloomed every late winter since.

Here is an additional photo, which I took early in the morning of March 2, when I stopped by my sister's house. They do look so very different -- because of the time of day? the cloud cover? the early morning as opposed to the afternoon light? the camera? Interesting, all these variations. I've included a jumbo copy of this if you would like to have it for your personal/non-commercial use.

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Thanks for visiting today and good luck with your own early spring plants!

Have a great day!