Appreciation

1. Literature lives on

I recently revisited Ray Bradbury’s classic Fahrenheit 451 in a movie form; an HBO adaptation. Even though the plot is slightly different from the book, I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

2. Guarding my space to read

I’ve started with the Summer Reading Challenge. If you’ve been reading me for long, you already know that I treat reading with the same respect I do writing. This also means being absent from social media this summer, except for a random post once in a while. So, to you my reading friends, you’ll mostly find me here.

3. The appreciation for people who give poetry their time…

Lara Trace Hentz, one of the bloggers I follow, has wonderful things to say about poetry, and as she reviews three books. Find her musings here! Also, if you’re searching for a poetry book to read this summer, you might want to try these.

4. Show me the kind of love that begins with SELF!

Last year, I answered to a call to write a poem about self-love; a poetry contest hosted by Yecheilyah Ysrayl on her blog. That poem, inspiration and thoughts on self-love feature, among other works of talented poets, in the magazine pictured below. This year’s contest is an extension of the theme. You can find more details by clicking on the link. If you are poet, please consider entering. The benefit for me was not the rewards but the happy feeling after purging. NB. If you’d like a copy, you can grab it here.

LitMag for Poets

5. Sports fans can teach us a lot about celebrating small victories

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of watching Finland vs Norway rugby game. What is remarkable is not the fact that rugby has gained momentum here, but how Norwegian fans supported their team.

Finland dominated the game, which they eventually won. Anyway, it had already advanced to the double digits and a huge gap, when Norway finally managed to score their first 3 points from a penalty kick. It was a delightful spectacle to watch their fans go wild with excitement and popping a bottle of champagne in celebration.

The lesson here is that they didn’t wait for an impressive try score or a big number on the score board but instead rejoiced for that small contribution as if it was the only that mattered.

So, what about you? Are you the person who celebrates small victories? Or are you waiting to land that big contract, cushy job with a title, fancy car, a husband (or wife), two-and-a-half kids, etc., before you celebrate?

Occasionally, I share five random things I’m reading, watching, doing and thinking about. You’re most welcome to join the conversation.

Purposeful Presence

What man creates is truly ingenious.
Tough and untouched by corruption
it’s everywhere, just like the air we breathe.
Agile and thin it travels at a speed
and eludes the cunning enemy;
a futurist whose foresight raises scorn.
But an obituary? The thing won’t die!
So, I pack my jaded hope and bid it farewell
as it makes its way to invade happiness
and idyllic life in the land of my father.

note: Today is World Environment Day, and this is in response to the Midweek Motif, Plastic Bags, at Poets United.

Up a Gum Tree

I’ve lived here for decades. I was young myself, when I arrived with a young and expectant couple. I remember how they used to fuss over me as they made sure I had enough to eat, and got my daily dose of sunshine. I grew and flourished because I was wanted, and loved.

As a youngster, I enjoyed eavesdropping on the couples’ intimate conversations as they sat nearby. Sometimes they picnicked with relatives, caught up with neighbours or had wild summer nights with friends. Oh, the secrets shared!

It was a privilege to welcome their children into this world. Days were filled with constant chatter; children laughing, puppies yapping and kittens meowing. They all vied for attention and I swelled with pride.

It was a pleasure to bring them joy and fill their days with wonder. I hosted pollinators in spring, and invited seasoned vocalists all year round. I danced wild to the rhythm of wailing wind for their amusement but warned them off during summer storms as I swallowed lightning. All these creatures gave me life and I sustained theirs; a mutual love.

But Mr Commercial has no appreciation. He now calls for my head as he approaches with a bulldozer to uproot me once and for all. Because bottom line is what matters, nowadays. Such is life!

Cabbage Tree

process note: These memories (220 words) are written for Telling Tales with Magaly Guerrero: a Pantry of Prose, and are inspired by the prompt, From the Point View of Trees.

My childhood home is no more. Where it used to be, stands a giant chain store. But gum trees are some of the trees we had at home. And the term “Up a Gum Tree” is sometimes used to mean great difficulties. I’m not a hardcore environmentalist but I believe nature is in great difficulty as human destruction increases.

p.s. It’s not a gum tree in the featured image, I suspect a fern. From all the trees in my collection, I couldn’t find a gum tree. Just goes to show…