Photography

Collect Moments, Not Things

I collected great moments this past weekend and lots of them. Deep in the forest, on the shores of a peaceful little lake, I found love, laughter, camaraderie, serenity, silliness, beauty, and a whole lot of fun. I will cherish every memory I brought home from this past weekend. On the other hand, I also found sunburn and mosquito bites. I will be happy to forget those. Still, I’d be willing to turn redder or itch harder if I could go back and do it all again.

I also took pictures, a LOT of pictures. Writing is my passion. It always has been. However, photography is quickly becoming my favorite distraction. Believe me, I am no professional. I just love everything about it, from seeking my subject to finding my favorite shot of it when I’m done. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. For a word nerd such as myself, there is a lot of allure in that.

Anyway, it was my intention to get back to the grind today. However, a deadline calls… that’s right, I have a deadline. That sounds like something real writers say! Instead of new poetry for the blog today, I am working on a couple of new pieces for a book. There will be lots more about that to come.

In the meantime, I thought I’d share a quick pic from my adventure.

Verge of Summer

Tomorrow I will disappear into the woods for a few days. Where I am going, cell phones don’t work. Internet is a luxury. Instead of the lights of towering buildings and racing cars, we will gaze upon the twinkling lights of a billion stars. I’m going to paddle a kayak instead of drive a car. I’ll absorb sunshine like a solar panel. The drinks will be cold and come in bright colors. The food will come off the grill instead of out of the oven. This weekend is the first of our summer cottage weekends. It would be absolutely perfect if my oldest could be there too. Sadly, he has to work.

I wrote this in honor of the upcoming weekend, and the beautiful summer that will follow…

Campfires
Umpires
Parade clowns
Resort towns
Mosquito, mayfly
The Fourth of July
Long walks
Beanstalks
No school
Swimming pool
Warm nights
Squeals of delight
Speed boat
Beach tote
Firework show
Suntan glow
Run free
Climb a tree
Squirt gun
Hot dog bun
Swimwear
County fair
Summer night dream
And ICE CREAM!

Fire

Earning
Yearning
Turning
Burning
A torrid kiss earning yearning dire
Her thirst for him turning burning fire

Photography: http://fav.me/d8ytfqf

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Cabin 6 in the Woods

“Come with me, you’ve got to see this.
They said there were 5 cabins but I’ve found number 6!”
For 3 days I’d sat, sequestered with my pen.
I was restless and bored, he needn’t tell me again.
I ached for adventure, a trek sounded good.
So blindly I followed him through the dense wood.
I think we hiked for at least 4 miles,
Scratches from thorns had replaced all of my smiles.
Deep into the forest, it was as dark as the night.
Vibrant trees gave way to those starving for light.
A break in the foliage gave way to a shack.
The moment I saw it, I wanted to turn back.
“This door is locked. I will try a window.”
“I’d rather not.” I replied, as I shook my head no.
“Beautiful coward” he assured, “I will protect you.”
To which I countered, “Lets leave so you won’t have to.”
Either he thought me not serious, or just didn’t care,
He found a broken pane and let himself in there.
I remained outside until the place began to glow.
Then I stood transfixed until I heard him bellow.
Instincts drove me from the scene of the attack,
Until a woman’s shriek caused me to look back.
Alive was the thicket, it enveloped that hut,
Obstructing all access; every escape route was shut.
I could hear him weep from within nature’s jail.
In the distance a banshee continued to wail.
Her desperate cries, a paralyzing sound.
I covered my ears and fell to the ground.
A minute, an hour, or maybe almost a day,
How long I lay there, I just couldn’t say.
All was quiet when I opened my eyes.
However, that alone was not the surprise.
Cabin 6 in the woods, it was no longer there.
It and its prisoner disappeared into thin air.