Tag Archives: perspective

the in-between

Twilight ...the in-between, , , , , ,
TWILIGHT

The in-between

Twilight …the in-between is now available on Amazon.

You can find the book using this link: 

  amazon.com/author/lindalflynn_words

Twilight …the in-between is a collection of poetry. The poems are about life in the in-between spaces. That is where we all live and grow. So, pick up your copy today, or one for a friend. Then sit back and ponder the in-between spaces.

Feel free to share your responses to the poems. Those exchanges are also part of the in-between. Part of our becoming.

A little personal history note:

The December 2 release date is in honor of my mother. Some of my earliest memories from my childhood revolve around the two of us sitting on the sofa in the living room, her reading stories to me. Eventually, I was reading stories to her, and then I was off. Often with a book in hand. The love of the written word carried me away and dropped seeds, planting a desire to write. 

So, thank you, Mom, for planting such a love in my heart.

Between Here and There

Things to ponder...., Twilight ...the in-between, , , , , ,

Where are you?

Really, where are you when you are between “here” and “there” or between “now” and “then”?

Perhaps here?

NOWHERE

Or maybe here?

TWILIGHT

The concept of in-between has been on my mind lately. It started after I did a word study of “twilight.” 

I’ve been writing poetry and putting it together for a collection. In looking for a title, I liked the emotions TWILIGHT invoked, but didn’t think it matched the theme of my writing. 

I, perhaps like you, thought twilight happened daily as the sun sets. Imagine my surprise when I learned twilight happens twice a day and is defined as the period when the sun is below the horizon by a range of degrees. It occurs before the sun rises, and after the sun sets. Twilight is the “in-between” time occurring twice a day.

So, where do you find yourself when you are between here and there? I like to think I’m in the twilight. The word suggests a mystique. What a fun way to think about life! And really, aren’t we perpetually somewhere between here and there?

Yes, TWILIGHT …the in-between hints at what this poetry is about. The book will be available soon. Keep watching for updates and ways you can help promote the book. 

Risk

Things to ponder...., , , , ,
Photo courtesy of Felicia Marie

We all entered this life ready to take risks

Emerging into these beings wanting

Adventure

Though many see the adventures of early childhood

They don’t recognize those actions as risky

But merely a part of the growing-up experience

Enter adolescence and the psyche seems more

Inclined toward risk, or risk – averse

Even at this stage of life, seldom do others recognize

This as risk. Those children are often considered

Difficult or troublemakers

Life moves into adulthood 

Where most effort is spent trying to survive

Or thrive

Seldom feeling as though you are 

Making conscious decisions for yourself

It’s not until later in life

When others are evaluating 

Your actions you might hear about 

How people respect that

You would take risks

It’s as though a curtain is pulled back

Revealing a part of yourself 

You never recognized belonging to you

Yet in retrospect you can see 

How one might think that

The adventurous life has been fun

Full of surprises 

And unplanned outcomes

Some I wouldn’t wish on anyone and

Others I would love to share and repeat

Personal benefits of risks have

Provided friends in multiple geographical locations

Memories galore 

Leaving me with a broad range 

Of interests and a rich life

In our overprotective culture

How do we teach children 

To be comfortable taking a risk

Teach them to be wise about what risks 

Are worth taking and which to walk away from

Thoughts

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I recently started a new project, as I felt my mindset had slipped out of some traditional thought patterns. I pulled a gratitude journal from the bookshelf as I decided I needed to get back into the habit of practicing gratitude. 

Each writing offers a two-page spread, with the first page having some thoughts to ponder, some scripture reminders, and the subsequent page is for writing and a brief prayer for ending the session. 

My writing will remain private, but I wanted to share the thoughts to ponder from one day. Day five, to be more precise. 

Some of the truths I’ve known for years, yet somehow, allowed these truths to escape from personal practices. Sometimes we all need reminders.

Yet I was fascinated by the idea that one’s mind actually expands based upon our focus. I liked the examples they used and could see experiences from my past to support the statement. 

The world we currently live in bombards us with information designed to grab our minds and cause us to be fearful or distrusting of others. Allowing such thoughts to occupy my mind creates the possibility for a stream of emotions and actions which I don’t want to be used to describe me. I can accomplish an alternative outcome with how I choose to think. When I ponder all I have to be grateful for, or the beauty surrounding me, I will become more optimistic and content. The prospect of becoming more optimistic and content is exciting; which should cause increased happiness, increased health and more fun for those I interact with. 

So, I have started the “100 Days of Grace & Gratitude.”

What thoughts will you choose?

Joy

Light Hearted Living..., , , , , , ,

Summer is running,
already running away
It just arrived…

We spent a day at the county fair,
what a day it was

On a whim 
we entered the Butterfly Farm exhibit
Enclosed environment filled with 
beautiful
fragil
graceful
free
curios
butterflies

And people
All captivated or standing in awe

Numerous varieties of butterflies
each with their own colors and markings,
different species were drawn to various colors

They were emboldened and landed on whatever drew their attention.
The people moved among these winged creatures.
Enchanted by their movement,
their color,
their beauty.

We left the butterflies
Enjoyed other exhibits
Went out to dinner with friends
Returned home, contented

Reflection afterwards
brought the realization
most were smiling in this butterfly environment.
Leaving one wondering 
when and where was the last time so many people were visibly happy?
why does it not happen more frequently?

Yes, we left the butterflies
yet a part of their spirit remains within me.
I say,
Bring on the butterflies!

The Big Easy

Things to ponder...., Travel, , , , , ,

Finally
Sitting in a quiet space
My senses are settling down
Sifting through the exposure of this trip.

After landing in the historic, multi-cultural metropolitan area
Sights, sounds, smells and flavors all came together at one time.

In one place…
Constantly
Traffic never stops
Sirens punctuate the air
Music blares, escaping various doorways
Colliding with the sound of those performing in the street.

People walk these streets
Holding hands
Carrying drinks
Smoking
The smell of marijuana hangs heavy in the outside air.

Honing my senses to look beyond the surface
I find buildings designed in days gone by.
Some proudly display hanging baskets and planters overflowing with flowers
Set against decorative metalwork balconies and entrance ways.
Others, covered with graffiti often host for-sale signs 
Hoping to lure someone into the neighborhood.

Many small shops emit strong fragrances from within
Tobacco from the cigar shop
Conflicted florals from candle shops or body works shops
Rivaling savory or smoky fragrances from the plethora of eateries
All compete against the backdrop scent of overflowing garbage bins and pot wafting through the air.

Cuisine is as varied as everything else in this city 
Showcasing the multiple cultures that settled and blended here.
Surprising
Delightful
And, so enjoyable!
I ate my way through the city with each meal awaking different taste buds.

The people who lived or worked within the city were friendly
They genuinely wanted you to enjoy your stay in their city. 
They were proud of their heritage 
Sharing stories of their history and the culture’s survival through time.

A few more days removed
I recognize how much new historical knowledge I gained while there.

Given the opportunity, The Big Easy could awaken something in you too.

Highlight for today

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Allow me to celebrate with you, my friends…

You will have to click on the link to be taken to the poetry on The Galway Review.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and to leave your comments.

Linda L. Flynn – Four Poems

It’s Live

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy, , , , , , , , ,

Are you ready to…

…laugh

…be surprised

…be entertained

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy is now available on Amazon, in both print and ebook formats. Use the link below to be able to access this book.

https://www.amazon.com/author/lindalflynn_words

Then sit back, relax, and let the stories take you away.

After reading the book, please return to Amazon and leave your review. You are the ones who help others find my books. And feel free to leave comments or questions here on my blog. I’d be happy to talk about how this book came about.

Bougainvillea

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Bougainvillea plants explode with color

Petals are thin

Each bloom holds four to six petals tightly together 

Two white dots fill the center of each as identifying marks for the species

Some tower to the sky growing against the house

Others fill large areas of the garden

Whichever, they fill their space with color and gaiety

Colors vary depending upon plant

The blossoms dry then flutter to the ground

They swirl in the air, ultimately landing below

Like tissue paper scattered and left after a celebration

Tissue Blooms

The yard represents life

Family visited for two weeks

House filled with laughter

Children played games, ran in the garden

Shared cooking experiences

A glass of wine enjoyed in the evenings

Tomorrow’s adventures planned

Car loaded

Family departed

Time flies

Memories are left scattered around

Different shades and hews

Much like my bougainvillea tissue flowers

Blossoms, like memories scattered everywhere

Some People Say…

Things to ponder...., , , , , , ,

…2020 was the lost year.

I disagree

2020 was the year… 

I became focused

I got serious about my writing

Enjoyed contact with writers from around the world

Was challenged and encouraged

To be bold

To let the words out

To trust my voice

Learned the peace of spending time with my thoughts

Found joy in simple pleasures

Around my house

With my husband

Enjoyed time to read

And then read some more

Cooked some amazing meals

Wrote, and wrote and wrote some more

Became comfortable with Zoom and its limitations

Met other creatives who were open about their struggles during this time

Up rooted myself

Moved

Settled in to find myself surrounded by unknown plants

Doors opened to new learning 

Writing continues

Meeting neighbors and others

Continue Zoom meetings with writers

Projects progressing…

2020 was the year that continues in 2021!

Amazing Agave or Dr. Seuss Tree