Cafe Crossing Harbor of Thoughts

"To Be or Not To Be"

2010-03-12T08:33:00.000-06:00

The two questions of the week have been; what is family, and what is a friend?

One who is loyal beyond all disagreement?
Or is the saying, "good fences make good neighbors" more applicable in truth?
One who is honorable and trustworthy in the face adversity, pain, and betrayal?
One who "watches your back" and stays true to the end, despite pressure
of societal issues?
One who stands on both solid feet, at your side, and will not be moved?
One who takes each individual opinion, and balances it with truth,
integrity, and is willing to listen first, and talk later?

From the moment I was born, I was a very independent soul.
I raised my little fist in independence, and individualistic defiance,
in my 9 month old pictures. I have always been a free spirit.
My mother tells me that she never could get her own way with me. LAUGH*
(She preferred her own selfish motives to the detriment of others.
That took a lot to admit to. Who wants to say that about one's mother?)
Despite that, I was taught to believe in love, loyalty, honesty, integrity, goodness, truth,
and to remain "true blue" to family and friend.
Idealistic? Perhaps.

Family and friend are loved beyond their short comings, their growing up,
their humanity.
We are in the world together, and we need each other. Some people do not
like the word, "need" but the truth is, we have all been weak, low, sick, or have
deep blows in life that cost us our "hope." That is the point when others gather
around us, and offer shelter from the storm.

Have I been betrayed?
Have I sustained wounds from family and friend(s)?
Have I felt all alone in those moments of the dark night of the soul?

You already know the answer.

If you want to be family, or my friend, your bottom line is character.
If you want to be counted as a close part of my inner circle, you are loyal,
you look past OUR frailties and faults, and you offer genuine love that
is laced with a mile of grace.

Carol

Tweet Feet On My Patio

2010-02-25T10:02:00.000-06:00

I have tweet feet on my patio snow drift. Those impressions make me laugh when I see them. They run all over the place, which reminds me of the sand pipers on the beach sand in summer.

The baby mourning dove comes in every day at a certain time to feed. It's ritualistic too, just like human beings can be. He comes in every afternoon between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and stays until 5:30 p.m. He is the only dove out there feeding. I love to watch him walking around pecking at the bird seed. These birds have similar habits to ours. They have personalities. They must depend on each other. The little birds come in to eat, and the bigger birds wait and then fly in, snatching the seed that is being knocked down by the smaller birds on the feeders. They have this system down pat. I would like to think they have learned the art of sharing, but this is not so! We have one big redder breasted mourning dove that is a meanie. He chases the other birds off the patio, and pecks at them, puffs up his chest, and makes sure every one knows HE is head huncho. We can tell he is the dove bird-child of his father, mourning dove, Big Red! He has the same personality as Big Red, but not as big in body type. He is a bully! He struts around, and acts like he owns my patio, and truly there is enough food for all of them. So they are not selfless, sharing, thoughtful birds! They have down "pecking order" to a T. I have learned so much by watching them day to day.

We have watched their broods hatch, and learned that both parents are highly involved in the hatching of each egg. They are constant tenders of the nest, and protectors too. They each spell each other so the other parent can get a break, and get something to eat, and fly around for a brief interval. They are very protective of their young too. Mama mourning doves are always close by the baby doves for the first year at least. If you see a younger, skinnier bird, you will find a big mourning dove not close behind. That's why I find it so odd that "the baby" as we call him, is out there alone at 5 p.m. feeding alone. It's unusual. We are the parents for this bird when we are home at supper time. We keep a close watch out for the predator red hawk as well.

We also noticed the rabbits have been on the patio, and something else with soft pads, making a print like a dog, cat, or raccoon. We have seen a mother duck and her 12 baby ducks, a fox, and an absolutely awesome, red tail hawk who has the audacity to sit out in my patio chair, waiting for his prey....my mourning doves! ICK! That is nature at it's finest though.

Take some time to listen, to observe, and be aware of what sits right near your door. Nature has many lessons that life affords. They are for the asking, because they are free.

God's EYE

2010-01-23T10:34:00.000-06:00

To all rescuers and those family members, who still search for that "someone" who may be alive; we continue to pray for you, and your work to find those who might still be alive! I pray that God will direct you with his eye,
and though you can not see those people who are waiting under the rubble, HE does. Hope is believing in what is UNSEEN, and knowing intuitively, when others do not know. Prayer continues!

Self Reliance of the Private Citizen

2010-01-19T09:29:00.000-06:00

I have become aware of the fact that we all need to be more self reliant. What did our families do in the past without everything being taken care of? Looking at Katrina, and the flooding that has been going on, global pandemics, and now Haiti, it is apparent that we all need to have some sort of supplies, first aid supplies, and medicine on hand, in case we experience our own area chaotic event. Specialists and major authorities have been warning us of that necessity, but it really hit home this past week with Haiti. Ask yourself a few questions:

Do I have enough of my own prescription medication to survive, and a very good disaster, first aid kit to survive in the event of a major societal happening?
Do I have extra over the counter medication for pain, and every day items such as deodorant, tooth paste, tooth brushes, shampoo samples, hand soap?
Do I have food for 3 months planned and purchased?
(These would be dried, prepared meals, packed away for emergency. Good sources of easy protein and energy, can goods.)
Do I have water to sustain myself and loved ones for 3 months?
(Cases of bottled water, or gallon jugs of water.)
Do I have a fire arms to protect myself, and other family members?
Do I have ammunition for each fire arm? Have I been through gun training and know how to handle a weapon safely? Have all members of my family been through gun training and know how to use a weapon?
Do I have an alternative plan, a place to go, and know that plan has been talked over,
and set into motion with other family members, or friends who will be with me?
Do I have enough gasoline to leave the city or town I am living in and get to another place?
Do I have documentation ready in case I must leave my place of residence?
Do I have a tent, and sleeping bags in the event I would be out doors in the elements?
Do I own substantial outdoor garments, and boots to sustain being out in the elements?
Do I have a Swiss Army knife, a hunting knife, and scissors packed away in emergency gear?
Do I have maps of my region?
Do I know how to run a generator if I would be called upon to do so?
Do I have a generator at the place my family will gather at, and fuel to use it?
Do I have flash lights, batteries, a radio, candles, and things to generate light?
Do I know what can be eaten in the woods, and out in the wild? Have I studied such things so
I have some sort of knowledge that would be necessary to survive?
Do I know how to prepare a fire, and gather what is necessary to make one?
Do I know how to use a fire place, or wood stove?
Do I know how to run a water purification kit/system so that I can drink water from other sources
around me? Do I have such a kit available in my emergency gear?

These are just some of the questions to ask yourself in planning for a major weather related event,
or global pandemic, earth quake, and being able to take care of yourself. This is not written to generate fear,
and anxiety. This is to say that we can not rely on a government to rescue, sustain, and be there
for us in the event of a major problem, when there is no one to be there for us. It will be each
private citizen's responsibility to fend for themselves. This government is not our parent. It is a
government for the people, and by the people of this United States. Let us see the reality of that
point and be more self reliant.

C.F.

Friday Thoughts

2010-01-15T10:08:00.001-06:00

I sent my Haiti poem to President Obama last night. All the things he said yesterday in his formal address to the citizens of this country, fit with my thoughts in poetry. I am hoping his staff will get it to him and he will be
able to read it himself.

My commitment to be that "voice" in 2010, and seriously answering the calling of my vocation to write, is my goal, my direction, my tenacious journey, and renewed passion this year. I have been put here at this time and place to do just that, and I intend on doing it.

Today is busy and full of responsibilities of the mundane sort, but my resolve is to keep my best energy for my writing purpose.

CF

For Haiti

2010-01-14T01:07:00.000-06:00

Being a poet and writer means I must speak out at a time like this. I felt low all day, wondering what I could do to really help such a horrific scene of devastation. So I wrote this poem for Haiti, and shared it tonight at the open mic/music night at our local Starbucks. The place was packed with people, and the audience was very quiet while I read these thoughts.....

Before the dust settles across our minds,
and we no longer see or hear their cries,
and return to the gregarious music that
fills your mood, and also mine,
lets take a few moments to think of
Haiti tonight.
What can WE do to simplify
our inadequate ability to not be there;
digging with our own hands through
all the rubble and cement,
pulling out bodies, hearing those cries for help,
and responding with SOMETHING that WILL
make a difference?
We want to take a cool wet cloth,
and wipe a face full of dust, blood, and fear,
and hug them, bringing a moment of comfort,
if that might be possible.
We want to bandage wounds,
sit with those who have lost loved ones,
and everything!
We want to make soup, and sandwiches,
and cover those lying in the streets with blankets,
offering them water to drink,
and not just walk by them.
We cry out too, and wonder WHY,
and ask "WHERE is our God?"

Let me tell you,
there is something you can do!
It takes just one person who believes,
and can organize things.
Instead of saying, "that isn't I!"
I say, "yes, it is!"
If you have ever gone through hardship,
suffered any kind of loss,
been sick,
been hungry,
been almost homeless,
or maybe even homeless,
lost a job and been on unemployment,
without health insurance,
known death,
or known ANYONE who has,
then you can do something to make
a difference tonight.

Can you write a song?
Can you speak up amongst friends, family,
schools, churches, and ANY and EVERY group,
you belong to?
Can you organize others to support,
the organizations and churches,
who are there?
Can you donate your time, resources, or funds?
Can you say in your heart of hearts,
lying there in the dark,
"Haiti, I won't let you go and slip away?"
After the media is gone, you are
going to need us, day after day.
I will COMMIT a portion of this "self,"
who felt helpless this morning,
and this afternoon, and tomorrow,
and I will STAND with my other
fellow human beings,
person to person,
arm in arm,
to make that difference
in THIS moment of human need?"

I say to you,
what good are the words of a poet,
unless they call you to mobilize,
prioritize, and show others
what love is?
I am not here to offer charming words,
and little quips.
Did you ask yourself, "where God is?"
Of course you should pray,
according to your own faith,
but God uses US to make
that difference in Haiti.
To bring the help, the human touch,
and answer their prayers through
each one of us.

Before the dust settles tonight across our minds,
and we no longer see, or hear their cries,
will you stand with me for Haiti?
Go home, and DO something!

--Carol F. Neuman
In respect, and awareness of the deep needs
of utter humanity, and being our "brother's keeper."
To Haiti!

2010-01-13T06:20:00.000-06:00

This is a brand new year for my writing and self. So I have taken on new adventures, and wish to share more than my poetry. Featured here will be thoughts, my creative journey in 2010, stories, and whatever shows up through the creative process. Come on this adventure with me, and don't be afraid to comment with your own thoughts. To the voyage! The ship has left the harbor.

Quiet

2006-12-04T01:16:00.000-06:00

You enveloped my head,
whispered "silence" in my ear.
Your thickness surrounds me,
and consumes my senses.
I feel you like a lover;
totally entranced and beguiling.
We explore each other,
as if this is a virginal opportunity.
You woo me continuously,
with endless excitement and
a conqueror's victory.
You know me; my longings, my wishes,
my need for peace.

You slip into my dreams,
darting behind my sleepy eyes,
and sitting down in the control chair,
of my mind; you sing for eight hours;
a sweet lullaby.
I feel you like a mother,
rocking me back and forth,
in your strong arms, sublime.
We look at each other, eye to eye.
You sooth me constantly,
with unending stability,
and you smile, blissfully.
You know me; my patterns, my schedule,
and my highly sensitive tendencies.
Quiet, you are my peace.
You live and breath, internally.