In honor of the day you were born
I went to the beach
that’s across the Sound from where you were born.
The Sound splashed celebration
while I made you this cake
and the sunshine made wishes.
We wished you were here.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
The other day as I was walking home
I found these green pod things.
Seed pods?
Aliens?
It was getting dark, so I brought them inside for a better look.
I wondered if those spiky spiny things were good or not.
Like anything, it depends on how you look at them.
I wanted to look at them up close. Roll them over. See them from all sides.
Like little ideas. Seeds of ideas. Good or not?
Do you weigh your ideas,
or stack them up against one other?
Do your ideas turn into worries
and get heavier. Bigger?
Do some ideas just overwhelm?
Or maybe they’re good, growing stronger.
I decided I liked these ideas.
We all did.
My family each took an idea.
Tossed them around.
Wondered what to do with them next.
Wait and see, we decided.
Wait and see.
So we waited.
One day and one night.
And the seed-idea seed-pods dried up.
Seeming sad to no longer be green.
But guess what?
Those pods had a plan.
Shriveled up seedpods
turned into teapots
and poured out a
hundred new baby ideas
like stars in a sky
made for wishing.
A galaxy of new ideas!
Wonder what will come of those?
It was still sunny the next day
when my friends showed up on the steps
to play with our new pal.
I began introductions.
First, meet the 3 wish rocks.
The Brothers Cairnmotzov
whose dream is to be a balancing act in the circus.
Seaweed Sam.
Who couldn’t stay long because of the sun.
He didn’t want to dry out so we threw him back in the sea in a sec.
Rumpleshelltskin,
a shard of his former self but whole nonetheless,
with a great sense of humor.
And “The Claw”
a retired world-class wrestler who still likes to tease the kids.
All in good fun, of course.
Shy shell said hello.
Nice to meet you.
The Cairnmotzov Brothers were too polite to mention
the shred of seaweed stuck to his lip.
We sat and talked awhile. Mostly small talk. Getting to know you kind of stuff.
Then I asked,
What should we do?
I did not expect what happened next.
They wanted to play the “clowns in a Volkswagen game”
and I couldn’t stop them.
The three little stones piled inside first.
The waves applauded.
Suddenly it seems I had met a whole new creature.
It was astounding how they formed themselves a troupe.
The Brothers Cairnmotzov called their agent to see if together
all six of them might apply for the circus.
I haven’t heard from them since.
Keep an eye out for them, will you?
The other day I was down at the beach at low tide.
I’d been talking to seaweed and jellyfish
When I saw him half submerged in the rocks.
Well, not so much submerged as laying there with a mouth full of sand.
So I went over and introduced myself
And asked if he wanted a hand.
I wish I could spell the sound of a shell spitting sand from it’s mouth.
I gave him a shake and he was clearing his throat.
He coughed and he sputtered and was about to say thanks
when
Oooops!
I wish I could spell the sound of a shell hitting sand. I didn’t mean to drop him.
Slippery little sand feller.
I’m so sorry!
Let’s just a sit a minute.
Ahhhh.
Warm sand. The sound of soft ocean waves.
Shhhh.
There now. That’s better.
So once we had rested a bit, I suggested we go.
Let me take you up to the stairs
where we can see more of the sights.
I know. It’s a great view from here.
Yeah, I come here a lot. I love these old steps.
Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to my friends.
We’re going to have such a good time…
Played hopscotch at the dock last night.
Note to Self: Always bring sidewalk chalk with the picnic supplies.
And don’t forget the marshmallows.
A curious equine
leans down to sniff
Hey, horsey
Come see me
What’s your name?
A second later, this one bit my hand!
I’m done.
I’m gonna explore
Hi little mushrooms
Can you see spot a four-leaf clover?
Rooster wants to play lookout
He’s comin’ to get me
Tough little bugger
Pretty preener
(Kristie, this one’s for you!)
Out back of the barn there’s this
old worn down lean-to
I have to go see
Magical blossoms
A moth a’lit there a moment ago
Balance beam angles
I love these blue beams
Wobbley balance beam to the barn
Emerald green pastures
sploch splish splooooch
Can I balance around the bend?
No.
Guess it’s time to go home.
Now I just have to drag it home…
Do you ever feel like a windvane,
running in vain, going nowhere,
waiting for a gust to change your direction?
Or do you feel like you sit still all day?
Sitting surrounded by infinite grains of sand
casting long shadows with that slight slant of sun.
What will make you stand up and take a first step?
And keep going, as awkward as it feels.
Even if you have to drag that damn poser post behind you for now…
Take an even bigger step, even if you feel off balance.
You might need to ask for help before the tide gets any higher.
Those willing to help will appear.
Which is great cuz then
you’ll have someone to dance with.
It’s your Liberated Soul Swing!
Emotikin World 