SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
Summer vacation is almost here. Time to spend with family, friends and loved ones. There are so many places to visit or simply stay at home to relax and unwind. Perhaps our readers would like to share their travel plans or write a poem or short story on past experiences or future trips. For me, rafting on the rapids is true bliss and exhilaration. Feeling the spray of the river's mist and wondering what lies ahead at the next rapid means summer is here. Lazy days ahead to hike, read and explore natures bounty make this Heaven on earth for me.
Well...I finally worked this out and created a new topic and layout...miracles do happen. Feel free to share and thankfully not have to scroll through over 400 posts.
ReplyDeleteThe new look it awesome , makes you think of summer. Thanks for the all the work you do for the blog,know its all new to you but you seem to have the talent for it.Cant wait to read your next poem...
ReplyDeleteMorning all. Hey, great job on changing the blog Cross. I knew you could do it! The picture definitely makes you think of fun and adventure.
ReplyDeleteI'll start by sharing a little surfing trip I took a few years ago. I'd like to go more often but it's on the West Coast. You know that I love surfing so I couldn't pass up the chance to go with a couple of friends. They looked at us funny when we brought our boards to the airport lol. We went to Huntington first and man what a fantastic time. The waves were amazing. Talk about a totally different experience surfing out there. The people, the scenery..some very nice scenery haha. We went down to San Diego after that. The waves weren't as good but we still had an awesome time that's for sure. If we get you out to San Diego we'll stop at Kahuna Bob's Surf School. It's a great place, we have to stop there just to see it. I can go on and on with the details but the short story is that it was a lot of fun. I would recommend it to anyone, even if you don't know how to surf just to go out and see the coast is an experience. I'm happy to give you all more details but don't want to hog the blog lol.
Don't worry about being a blog hog that title goes to our very own PM. Sounds like you had a good time. I grew up on the ocean so I tend to drift to the rivers and Mountains, needing a change of activities and scenery but still nothing beats looking out to sea and dreaming of far off places i would love to be
DeleteHey!! I take great offense to that LOL. You haven't had to listen to me in quite a while, I've been quite a slacker so lets see if I can't make up for it.
DeleteJake, the surfing in Cali sounds cool but I was always more the body boarder. I was lucky enough to spend time on Oahu during the winter months and went to the North Shore where the waves were huge..like 14 feet most days. Waimea Bay was awesome. We'd go and hit the waves and after that there was a rock formation that you could jump off of into the ocean, it was like 30 feet up and you had to time your jump with the waves. I did some crazy stuff for sure. You have to go to Pipeline and Sunset too..man talk about some wicked waves! I did some time at Waikiki too but those waves didn't count it was more for the tourist stuff. You definitely have to go in the Winter time for the best waves.
I couldn't agree with you more Cross, the ocean is such a peaceful and wonderful place to dream. I hope we can get out there soon and dream together.
DeleteO.K. ..so just was reading about that poor girl who zip-lined in GA. She fell, apparently got cut and caught flesh eating bacteria. Had both arms and legs amputated and still in critical care. They say it's rare but found in warm rivers and lakes....don't know if I'm doing white Water rafting this summer..really scary ..thinking more like hiking with rattlers in Az. or New Mexico..then the bat caves lol ..with bat virus..What happened to the carefree days of summer in fresh waters and just blood sucking bats with rabies?
ReplyDeleteCross, I heard about that girl too. That's really too bad she seems like quite the fighter but how awful for her to have to go through all of it. You may have the right idea with the white water rafting..these days you never know what you might catch in the water. I'm glad to hear you're only going to hike with rattlers that sounds much much safer lol. I'd love to see AZ and NM, just haven't had the chance to get out there. I guess I can't complain since I was able to see Hawaii. I would definitely like to go back and see it someday. I'm not sure I will but hey you can dream right.
DeleteHow was that..did I get back to my old ways and hog the blog for a while? :)
JUST DREAMS
ReplyDeleteOnce we talked of dreams
And we shared them.
I still remember how it felt
To lie in your arms
Even if we never did
And then we did
And i cant recall now
Which felt better.
You told me once
I taught you how to love
Then you said, "I can't love
And I don't need to explain it "
We are caught in this web
Wondering who is the hunter
And who is the prey.
How does one with a heart
Love one that has none?
I never asked for the real
Content with the alter universe
We shared for years and years
Better than the real
Sometimes worse than Hell.
Do your feet touch the ground
In your dreams?
Everything has a shelf life
I think I have reached mine.
JUST UNDER MY SKIN
ReplyDeleteYou have entered my flesh
i can feel Your blood run through my veins
Just under my skin
Your heart beats as mine....
just under my skin
Your breath blows softly on my neck
just under my skin
My body awakens as you crawl
just under my skin
Lust begs for more as you enter
just under my skin
I once thought this love..this
just under my skin
This flesh eating bacteria
just under my skin
You needed mine..my flesh, my soul
For you are nothing
just under your skin
Your veins do not flow with blood
just under your skin
A heart does not beat
just under your skin
Vampires do live....
Just under our skin
© 2012 Southern Cross
Just had to post those poems because I was thinking of the difference a year can make in our lives..For me, one summer's love , long past this June..*sighs*
ReplyDeleteCross, these are such wonderful poems as usual. It is amazing the difference a year can make in our lives. While your dreams began in the light, full of hope and wonder..they ended in the dark, full of evil, sadness, and anger. You have learned many things through this experience and you will never be the same that is for sure. Your life is yours and those dreams will never become your nightmares again. The vampire has returned to the darkness from which he appeared.
ReplyDeleteWell..my poems pale in comparison to the talent that Cross has and shares with us all the time but I have a short poem that I put together, I hope everyone enjoys it.
ReplyDeleteJOURNEY
We talk about nothing at all
But the nothing leads to something
We talk about all the things we like
Our words melt together as we laugh
We talk about dreams and we look up
We talk about desires and we look down
Minutes become hours and we continue talking
Time seems to mean nothing
As we share the things that make us..us
We drink in the stories of our lives
Our hearts grow closer as we hear the words
Our minds reach beyond this world
We go to a place that is all our own
It's the journey that means so much
Because without the journey
The future will never be the present
This is so inspiring and I do believe your best work so far. Hallmark would grab you in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Cross! I really didn't think it was that good. I just sat down and typed it out in about 5 minutes. Those seem to be my best ones, when I just sit down and type and don't force it or think about it. I'm not sure I'm quite ready for Hallmark but thanks for the compliment!
ReplyDeleteWanted to re-post this as It was one of my favorite writes
ReplyDeleteTHIRST
Adrift in the two worlds of coexistence
Hard to find those drinkable drops
So plentiful on the sea but not for me.
My thirst parches the soul more then my body
Words can quench the lust, the heart...
But ..it is the soul that is suffering from the drought
So many waves rush in to shore
Too many at times drudging in flotsam
Drifting aimlessly about ..no destiny
Nor purpose other than just to be
Wasteland of the ripples of the sea
Then I met you ..or was it you met me?
And we drank not of the sea but of the rain
Amid the thunderous skies..lightning electrified
And caste the tattered sails adrift on the
Typhoon and the fierce winds..
The battered ships sailed on to calmer waters
To shores guided by the Southern Cross
Rocking gently against the tide
Just two bodies enjoying the ride
© 2012 Southern Cross
Cross, I really think you must be a professional writer and you're too modest to say so for some reason. This thirst is so hard to quench isn't it. I'm so glad to see that your battered ship has finally found a safe harbor. The tide swept away the storms and has brought you the peace you deserve.
DeleteYou must let me know when class begins. lol
You make me laugh..but for a fee, I'll sign any piece of paper
DeleteRING MY CHIMES
ReplyDeleteGuess I'm just missing the smell of fresh leather
Or dreams of days in bed with the phone unplugged.
Wishing moments spent were
Not just the clock ticking
But the chimes ringing...and yet....
I am still here....waiting perhaps for those chimes
And the bells and all the whistles of yesterday..
I don't want to be a ghost you feel but can't see.
Do you still "see" me ?" feel me"
"Hear me" ? I often wonder.
I still believe in walks in the rain
Sunsets that lead to Sunrise
Touching toes under the tables
Music with words of meaning
Poems that take your breath away
Books with endings that make you cry
Those darn sad movies that need a tissue
Kisses that linger long after gone
Passion that fulfills intense desire
And the love that creates it all
© 2012 Southern Cross
P
The bells and whistles can seem so shiny and new but once you've experienced what they have to offer, you realize that they are better left untouched and forgotten. You have such a wonderful heart and it's been a great experience to see it healing as you write. As always..wonderful.
DeleteWow cross I have to say long for alot of that myself and just leaving me speachless again with your poem......
ReplyDeleteSUMMER'S HEAT
ReplyDeleteA Poem by Southern Cross
..to those that have taught me the rewards of patience..especially ..me..
SUMMER'S HEAT
Harsh winters will not destroy the brilliant flowers of the seed.
One must simply wait for the blossoms to return.
Patience rewards those that sojourn
As i shall wait for you... for us...
For the spring that will have brought beauty to the seedlings.
Flowers bright with the colors of the rainbow
Gently kissed by summer's winds as they
Wait for the dew of the morning
To caress it's petals with moisture
I shall await your touch..once again in the
Heat of the summer, along the river
Caressed by breezes that ignite bodies
Bathed in the passion of hot summer days
© 2012 Southern Cross
It is so nice to feel the warmth of summer. The freedom, the peace, and just enjoying the things around you. You capture so much of a season in so few words.
DeletePerception # 1
ReplyDeleteA Poem by Southern Cross
Perception #1
Knowing someone too well and yet
not knowing them at all
Makes for very strange bedfellows
Your perception is definitely reality. It's a reality that really hurts and makes you struggle to find who you are again doesn't it?
DeleteI'm officially a blog- hogger simply because no one else is around ..*sighs* You will all miss me when I'm gone and not a threat ....but...If no one posts ..I'm outta here
ReplyDeleteThere's no way I'm giving up MY title without a fight!! LOL I'm too nice and commit my time to everyone but me. I'm sure I'm not the only person that does that here but I really need to find some more time and space for me.
ReplyDeleteI think I may able to enjoy a little bit of free time this weekend with it being Memorial Day and all. I do want to say thank you to everyone that has served in the military to defend our freedom and way of life. To the families of loved ones that made the ultimate sacrifice for us, my thoughts and prayers are with you. We take too many of our freedoms for granted. I hope you readers will join me and make sure you shake the hand of a veteran or active duty military person and say thank you. That hand shake and those two words mean so much. This is not a soap box that I will ever jump off of either, we must take care of those that protect us.
What a beautiful post. Thank you so much and Bless all the veterans, past and present who have dedicated their service to our country. To their families for their understanding and patience...no soapbox here but God Bless America.
DeleteThank you Cross. It's something I deeply believe in and I know you do as well. Your words mean a lot to me on this holiday.
DeleteOh..on a side note, you may now return my title to me. LOL
I must share one more thing as well...the flowers I bought last week are still alive! They've made it one week now lol. I'll assume it's because I haven't touched them at all.
ReplyDeleteI should really take a picture of my yard so I can share it and actually prove things are alive and growing for now. haha
Hey people, how's everyone doing? Sorry I ain't been around its planting season so I've had lots of work to do. You all know me by now, I'm not big into the poetry but Cross your poems are good. I think I get most of the meaning to them. I see the puppet dude came back its probably been killing him not to talk but I see he made up for that.
ReplyDeleteWell you were asking about summer and some ideas so I think if you haven't been, you should go to Kentucky. There's lots of things to do especially if you like the outdoors. The mountains are great for hiking or just wandering around but be careful you don't end up some place you don't belong, some of the boys don't take kindly to strangers nosing around. If you're into horses, you have to go to the Kentucky Derby. There are meant things you'll get me to get all cleaned up for but the time I went for derby day, it was worth every penny. I'm more the outdoor guy so I can't help you with museums and stuff like that but I'm sure there are great ones in the state. Well gotta run, I'll come back soon and share some more.
Yes Kentucky is very beautiful always wanted to go to the derby esp when I was raising my horses. Thanks for posting your ideas.
DeleteYeah that's too bad you couldn't get to the derby. What kind of horses did you raise? I was never lucky enough to raise horses but they are great animals. I've ridden them many times around the back country.
DeleteI raised and trained mostly Arabs but had one Anglo Arab which is a cross between an Arab and a Thoroughbred and one pony an Appaloosa
DeleteI just want to thank all of you for posting..I guess when I twist an arm it hurts..My punch isn't bad either
ReplyDeleteWell Cross I'd say you definitely got your point across didn't you. lol You knew PM would never let you take his title away from him. Could you imagine if he won the lottery or something crazy like that and had nothing but free time to write, we would never get a word in EVER. haha
DeleteIf this is your arm twist, I bet no one wants your punch either :)
I can pack a mean one but have learned it's all in the glare of the eyes and that certain pout..works for me most times
DeleteGOOD MORNING
ReplyDeleteEyes flutter open as the daylight rushes in
Your senses rush to start the day
The first thing you see is your dream
But how can this be?
The brain tells you..touch her, make sure
You reach out and feel the skin
Soft, delicate, made of silk
Your hands wander and explore
She turns to you as you touch
You breathe her in, her scent so sweet
You listen for her voice as you pull her close
Her words are slow as her voice emerges
Your bodies connect and you feel complete
She looks at you and you at her
Her arms wrap around you pulling you in
You lean your head down touching her nose
Your lips meet and passion explodes
You taste your desires so wet and warm
It lasts but a moment but means so much
Our lips part, the body now awake
She says "good morning my dear"
The day must begin but her wink tells you
The night may never end
Sweet morning thoughts, Jake..and and an even better ending ..the tease and the wink..that girl sure knows how to make you hurry home after work
DeleteBagpipes
ReplyDeleteThe sound of Bagpipes play endless in my mind.
Reminiscent of a funeral ..sad, solitary sounds
Like a death of the soul and although
The heart keeps its beat, dances to the bellowing
Of the instrument, it beats with no rhythm
Just continues to strut like a marching band
Void of a parade..sounds played..not heard
Feelings long relegated to that prison
Somewhere in my body.. locked away
In the cell with no key.. bound, chained.
Eyes blindfolded so long they no longer see
And if they did, perhaps what was seen as
Rebirth, love, promise was only imagination
Of a too vivid mind filled with fairy dust.
And the pipes drone on , distant legato sounds.
No rest, no stopping..just like the heart
That continues to beat with no end.. till the end
© 2012 Southern Cross
Cross, you never fail to surprise me with your writing. The bagpipe imagery is wonderful. It is such a powerful instrument, you can hear the wailing as it plays. Don't ever stop dreaming though..it's what makes you, you. The pipes play now in sadness but they will play again when you're happy and fulfilled.
DeleteBeing totally EMO on a sunny day
ReplyDeleteTotally EMO..you're funny. It may have been a somber day but the poem is wonderful. I know I could change the somber beat in your heart if you give me the chance. I'll change that tune to happiness and joy as the sun shines down on us.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a playa..Go hit the beach ..I saw those chics you were with at the reading ...like last count was 3 LOL..at once !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNah that's not me at all I'm not a playa, deep down I'm a quiet shy guy. I think the chicks say YOU walk in with me and got jealous real quick since you were the hottest chick in the place. I think they were just trying to make you jealous lol.
ReplyDeleteLOL sooo funny but thank you for the compliment
ReplyDeleteWell loved the poem cross as always and thanks for sharing and sounds like u have a admire...
ReplyDeleteWolffman, you are so right when you say I admire her. She's beautiful, funny, talented, and has a wonderful heart. I admire her for all of these things. I just hope she sees me for me and gives me a chance to share everything together.
ReplyDeleteUmm...Can we start with just our poetry?..but I thank you for seeing qualities in me that I sometimes overlook in my overly critical state. I was recently told , "You are your own worst enemy" and no truer words had ever been spoken.
DeleteWe can definitely include our poetry in this. You're a wonderful woman and I do understand being hard on yourself but you're more than that statement. We can enjoy time together while still being cautious. I know you've been through a lot recently but I also know how strong you are. You are an exceptional person, that's for sure.
DeleteJake you're very right about Cross, she's a wonderful person that deserves the best. It looks like she may be started down that path here... lol
ReplyDeleteThanks guys :)
ReplyDeleteRIVER OF GRASS
ReplyDeleteA Story by Southern Cross
...sometimes, to escape the dangers of the city, one must return to nature...
RIVER OF GRASS
I have been down many rivers, sailed in the seas but the River of Grass holds a special place in my heart. Living in Miami, it's hard to escape from bodies filled with so much plastic, thrown overboard, they could never drown. A language not of my native tongue is spoken here and I confess to being the last Gringa left this far west of Miami. Don't get me wrong..I live here because I love it. Latin culture. food, people and samba music fills every mall.. Some days I long for old Miami and then I simply open the vette and drive down Highway 27 to reach the Glades. Here you can still mingle with tobacco chewin "red necks" wearing worn boots, wide leather belts with huge silver buckles donned with a picture of a gator or bronco (as in horse not car). Men say ma'am and German tourists laugh at the un -intelligible southern drawl. Indians sell trinkets and hide their dually pick ups with Hemi engines that were bought with sticker price cash. Best of all , you can try the greasy (oil clinging , clog your arteries) fried gator and fries. Somehow nutritional labels never made it this deep in the Glades.
Despite the odd assortment of characters, the River is as close to peace as you can find in these parts. Located in the Everglades National Park, the glades is a protected biosphere preserve and the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. It's swamp like atmosphere is filled with wading birds, turtles, manatees, American crocodiles ( real crocs not the plastic neon ones worn on your feet) reptiles, fish, mammals and miles and miles of sea grass. Along the way, there are those ever present tourist traps offering rides on loud ear splitting air boats and caged crocs that hiss and snap their jaws at you as if on cue. Nothing like boarding a boat with squealing kids, too sunburned tourists , a river full of crocs and a driver that just has to spit his tobacco when you're caught in the wind draft. You may even see a Florida Panther that doesn't hold a hockey stick but has the desire to rip you in pieces and fight with the gators to consume your flesh. Oh and don't wear sandals because the copperheads love those pretty polished toes. No perfume either, mosquitoes ' bout the size of helicopters, will eat you alive.
Gotta love the tourists that see a wild croc and have to get that perfect up close pic holding the 3 year old in the foreground...Lady, there is a reason the rabbit is hopping as fast as he can and the birds are lifting off like planes at Heathrow. Not that I'm one to talk, as I got fined for taking wild orchids off the trees..big bro is watching even in the swamps. Just going to head down there ....some days you have to escape the crazy dangerous city.
© 2012 Southern Cross
Well Cross, you completely surprised me with this post. I always assumed you were the girlie girl that would never enjoy something like the Everglades. I would love to see all of this stuff. I never get that far south I'm just stuck wandering around the hills of Kentucky. I've seen airboats on tv shows and I'd love to ride on them. I guess we'll see what happens. Well thanks for sharing.
DeleteCross, that is pretty incredible that you have the Everglades kind of in your backyard. I would love to do all of those things just once. We'll have to talk about it some more when you have time. I do understand what you mean about the escaping the city. I bet you really need to get away, living in Miami. Thanks for sharing as always.
DeleteFunny..yes I am the "girlie girl" but still love adventure always and forever. Snakes, men, bat caves, volcanoes, raging rivers...all a challenge and worth exploring...oops did I include men in that ? Sometimes, I think a man combines all of these and is the most challenging of them all.
DeleteWow Cross the way u describe the way it is down there makes me want 2 get in the van and take a long drive. Understand what u r talking about with the language and how it has changed but also how some things will never change .Reading your story lets me see it through ur eyes and heart and i love it..... Thanks again for sharing and its beautiful just as you are. take care........
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for such kind words. This post was supposed to be about summer and as always we manage to stray from the topic at hand. All we have here is beaches and gators and swamps so summertime usually incorporates a trip to both.
DeleteGood morning bloggers. I apologize for being away again, darn work is keeping me much to busy lately. Before I say anything else, I'd like to welcome our new member, Kaya. I'm sure you'll enjoy our conversations and I definitely encourage you to jump right in. We talk about anything and everything. You will find that I'm normally the long winded one here lol. Welcome again and I look forward to reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back..summertime is busy for us all. Post when you have the inspiration or the free time :)
DeleteWelcome Kaya..a very gifted writer !! I hope you enjoy our silly banter and post a word or two...You have such talent in story telling ..I am sure everyone on here would love to share in your thoughts. We need a new topic and would welcome any thoughts. I have been thinking of a short story topic and a post from you would be the perfect addition !
ReplyDelete