Leigh's Creative Corner

Poetry: New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T05:48:00.000-05:00

On this eve the old year ends and
tomorrow a new one comes
A night to have fun with those dear
family, friends and close chums

Room is pulsed with energy
all await the stroke of midnight
When it arrives all will cheer with
hugs, kisses, dances and delight

In the 'morrow there will be
chance for a new path to walk
New beginnings and rebirth
take action and not simply talk

Another year is over
Yesterday's come to an end
New Years fresh start, a blank slate
Old mistakes a chance to amend

Poetry: Handle with Care

2009-12-23T05:16:00.000-05:00

I have for you a present

A gift not shared often

It's packaged up tightly
Once hard but now softened

My gift is wrapped in layers
Cautiously embalmed with love
As you open each stratum
Be gentle and treat with white gloves

The box was once empty
But now filled with belief
You'll take good care of this gift
Not crush it in a sheaf

This gift is very fragile
And difficult to impart
See you are the one I've chosen
To handle with care my heart

Poetry: Renewal

2009-12-16T05:47:00.000-05:00

A seed emerges and grows
No longer buried underneath
Reaches out to the surface
Visible for the world to see

Previously stuck and stifled
With no ability to exhale
Ground suffocates covering up
Emotions were feeling stale

You came and opened the hole
And freed the budding flower
'Tho covered with shedding tears
It provided a nurturing shower

As the budding flower
Came alive through bloom
Renewed life, new beginnings
Like a babe coming out from the womb

Finally awoke one day
And realized it was all a lost dream
Despite it all, realism brought renewal
Thank you for bringing me back to life.

Poetry: Cherish Each Moment

2009-12-14T05:05:00.000-05:00

Cherish each moment
It may be your last
Time doesn't stand still
As moments flow past

You just never know
When one's time will end
Live each day in full
And have no regrets to extend

Cherish all the moments
Time tends to impel
Friends, family, loves
Memories as well

Reflect and recall
Days of long ago
Those moments are gone
Yet still gifts bestowed

Poetry: Good-bye Kisses

2009-12-13T08:02:00.001-05:00

First kiss so memorable
Sky full of bright stars
A kiss filled with sweetness
The moment just ours

Time together melodic
Feelings felt in kind
Memoirs of yesterdays
Forever etched in the mind

Time moves ahead forward
Moments come to an end
Kisses one in a million
Does the heart ever mend?

The day for a farewell kiss
A circle's complete
Hard to say goodbye
Last kiss so bittersweet

Harmonious kiss
Neither you nor I
Wanted to be the first
To give that last kiss goodbye

Poetry: Black Widow

2009-12-11T08:09:00.000-05:00

Black widow's sharp bite
Draws flesh to be swollen
Not unlike a deadly kiss
Sealed with a lie, love is stolen

Deadly spider's kiss causes pain
Empty feelings run amiss
Does the pain ever lessen
Or does emptiness just persist?

Hate and despair
Two emotions that don't mix
One eggs the other on
'Til there's nothing left to fix

Beware of the black widow
They strike with not much thought
'Tho they might get remorseful
On the day they finally get caught

Poetry: Expression

2009-12-09T05:46:00.000-05:00

Expression is sometimes hard to share
when words just will not flow
These times I don't know what things to say
when I want my words to show

To express the words I want to speak
all locked inside of me
Only wish to release those thoughts
and let those words flow freely

Trapped inside wanting to escape
the words are stuck in deep
Try and try to pull them out
but inside they want to keep

The clock starts to tick and tock
and time is running out
Everyone is listening
but expression is feeling doubt

Oh how to reach those words in there
and let them share their gist
World is waiting with open ears
for those words not to be missed

What am I saying anyway?
no matter here or there
The time has passed, moment's gone
too late to speak no one will care

Reflections: Before PlayStation, Reminiscing Toys of Yesteryear

2009-12-08T06:40:00.002-05:00

Growing up in the 1970's was a lot of fun. In those days we didn't have many bright, flashy, blinking or video-oriented games the kids of today play with, but even though our toys were simplistic in nature, we had some pretty nifty toys.

Most of the toys I grew up with were made of durable wood. Our parents didn't have to worry about breakage and replacements over the course of time, and boy could these toys withstand some rough play! A few of these toys are still manufactured today, but they don't seem to be able to compete with the electronics and plastics that fill the toy shelves today. Read more..

Poetry: Blindsided

2009-12-06T05:43:00.001-05:00

Blindsided in the blink of an eye
Happened so fast
Never understood why

Didn't see it coming, not from a mile
You had me so fooled
With charming words and sweet smile

Your stories, excuses and all of those lies
I believed every word
And never saw deception in your eyes

Never would have thought it, nary a clue
When you dropped the bomb
I couldn't believe it to be true

Blindsided when the realization came
How could you do it
When in love as you claimed?

Poetry: Never Look Back

2009-12-05T05:44:00.002-05:00

Time never stands still
Just keeps marching on
If you start looking back
You might miss what's to come

Never look back towards
Sorrow, pain or tears,
Sweet moments pass so fast
Don't waste all of your years

Keep your eye on the future
When tomorrow looks bright
Even if it doesn't
You can still put up a fight

Don't look over your shoulder
Focus eyes straight ahead
Can't live for yesterdays
Those days have gone to bed

Tomorrow's the future
Yesterday is the past
Can't live in yesteryear
But in memories they'll last

You can still remember
And yet live in the now
The trick is balancing
If I could only learn how

Poetry: Real Love

2009-12-04T05:50:00.001-05:00

Real love so gentle
A kind of love so sweet
Your kind is the kind of love
Which makes my life complete

This kind of love shares all
A brand of love so true
Genuine love shares laughter
And shares the heartache too

Real love shares bad times
And also shares the good
Real love has patience
And a trust that's understood

Real love stands the test of time
Forever and for always
I'm glad you are by my side
For all the rest of our days

Poetry: It Seems Just Like Yesterday...

2009-12-03T05:41:00.000-05:00

It seems just like yesterday
We were just kids
Riding our bikes
Hitting brakes as we'd skid

It seems just like yesterday
All freckled and fair
Playing with Barbie dolls
And dressing them with flair

It seems just like yesterday
You had your first date
Primping hair and make-up
Remember you stayed out too late?

It seems just like yesterday
You had your baby boy
Now he's grown up
And ready to deploy

It seems like decades ago
Sadness took over your life
Battled and bruised
Years full of such strife

It seems like last week
You're mind was finally free
Now you're down in the dumps
And seem so sad to me

Now it's tomorrow
I wonder where you are
Are you all right?
It's hard living away so far

It seems like just yesterday
When you were just a child
Where did those years go?
Those days when you last smiled

Poetry: Storms

2009-12-02T05:34:00.002-05:00

Bright blue skies
Rapidly turn dark grey
No sun shines anymore
Darkness encompasses the day

Stormy weather ahead
No warmth of days in sight
Only downpour after downpour
'Til each day is black as night

Maybe someday sun's rays will shine
Through stormy dark clouds
Until that day arrives
Walk numbly through the crowds

Poetry: When You have to Walk Away

2009-12-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

When something isn't working right
There comes a time you must choose
Stay in a bad situation or walk away
If you stay, chances are you'll lose

Inhale a deep breath and lift one foot forward
First step is a powerful one to take
Subsequent steps will come easier
With each step comes less of an ache

Walking away isn't an easy choice to make
Initial steps filled with fear and anguish
Hold your head high and reach forward
Alternative is falling into the depths of languish

Walking away is not the easy way out
It is often a difficult road to pick
Take each day one at a time
Emotions often will come flowing quick

Hang onto courage, strength and resolve
And in the end things will be okay
Even if you don't want to do it
Sometimes you just have to . . . walk away

Poetry: Survival

2009-11-29T03:01:00.000-05:00

Accident unexpected
Crack of a tree branch shaded
Sudden unnatural quiet
All consciousness faded

Caring people
Came to her aid
Helicopter arrived
As she silently laid

A necessary act
To save a girl
Careful, meticulous
Face covered in curls

Dainty clothing
Ripped at the seams
Tattered and slashed
Injury changed all dreams

Emergency treatment
Given with care
Revived her life
Along with prayer

Deeply sleeping
For many a day
Movement is sparse
As everyone prays

Slowly awakened
One eye at a time
Dazed and confused
From coma she climbed

Head injury severe
Lot of healing to do
Treatment intense
But she saw it through

Illuminating dreams
Brought back alive
'Tho things are different
Spirit driven to strive

Amazing recovery
Each day brings a smile
Days never taken for granted
Knowing life is worthwhile

Poetry: These Dreams

2009-11-28T08:32:00.001-05:00

Dream so vivid and so strong
Play out at night just like a song
Memories of days where you belong
And how at times it still hurts

Now that you're gone for good
Took a while to be understood
In the grass saying goodbye I stood
Sadness still comes and goes in spurts

I dreamed of you again last night
Of a time when we had our last fight
Many things were wrong, but some were right
And how at times it still hurts

My dreams just continue to occur
But in the morn it's mostly just a blur
Although strong feelings it can astir
Sadness still comes and goes in spurts

You're gone but the story doesn't end
Dreams prevent the heart from mend
Missing you very much my friend
And how at times it still hurts

Reflection: Life's Special Moments

2009-11-26T00:05:00.000-05:00

Time is endless.

Yet despite this fact, the hours, days, weeks and years are one of the few things in life which keeps moving forward and never looks back. While our individual time on earth is limited, it is a constant that time will continue on with or without us. This is a good reason to make the most of the time we do have.

As individuals we can reflect on times gone by; days gone by cannot be repeated, so the only thing we can do is look back, reflect or simply remember. Special moments are times which have meaning and are typically something etched in our minds forever.

The moments may relate to a special person, event or just that, a moment. It could be a smile, a kind word, a loving embrace or a chance meeting. Special moments can be memorialized and attached to a special song, movie or other more tangible presence. Or they could exist solely in our minds as a special defining time.

Have you ever met someone that passed through your life quickly but had a significant impact?
Do you reflect on the first time you fell in love or received your first kiss?
How about your wedding day or the birth of your child?
The first time you learned how to ride a bike by yourself?
The day you hit the winning home run in a baseball game?

While sometimes we experience bad times, it's always good to think back and reflect upon life's special moments, both those which have passed and thoughts of those to come. Live life to the fullest and don't waste time on the things that really don't matter in the long run. Instead focus on those special moments that make life so, well special.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Poetry: Carpe Diem

2009-11-25T04:17:00.000-05:00

Seize the moment
Live for the day
If you find happiness
Grab it today

Carpe diem
Hold onto this time
Enjoy the minute
Missing out is a crime

Seize the moment
For it likely won't last
A split second is over
Left behind in the past

Carpe Diem
Don't leave any regret
Live life to the fullest
Enjoy moments you'll never forget

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Music Touching Lives

2009-11-24T04:20:00.000-05:00

Music has the innate ability to touch the inner depths of our souls. Because of the strong sensory feelings associated with words and sounds embedded in a musical piece, for many people, music has a tendency to touch deeply within.

Melodic tunes can remind us of special family members, relationships, or friends. It also can bring us back in time to special trips, school memories or long-ago dates.

Throughout life many different events and experiences occur and, whether prominently or less discreet, music often plays a large part in rejuvenating memories of past events and important people in our lives.

Today is a good day to sit back and listen to some music. Why not kick back, pop on some old favorite tunes, whether they be vinyl, cassettes, CD, or digital? While the format of music is constantly changing due to technology, the great feelings music brings are timeless.

How does music touch your life?

Poetry: Dealing with Liars

2009-11-23T04:19:00.002-05:00

Lies twisted the dagger
With a fast quick thrust
Didn't see it coming
As the liar broke that trust

Beware of the liar
Cloaked in false words
They lunge like a snake
Wrap you up in girds

Designed to cut hard
Left behind just cold
The liar plays that card
With lies way too bold

Listened to the lies
Believed every word
With high hopes and trust
Now it is all blurred

Be mindful of the liar
Uses words to woo
Chances are you'll be snaked
And the liar will fool you too

California's Amazing Route 1 Scenic Drive

2009-11-22T01:19:00.000-05:00

When we first came up with the idea to travel to California, many of our friends told us a trip wouldn't be complete without a ride down Route 1.

We heeded their advice, but got lost in the process. We started in San Francisco and "headed west" without a clue as to where we were going. Our ride took us through a forest to the top of a mountain (what incredible views!).

La Honda was a town we came across as we reached the top of the mountain.

A view from the mountain. This view was amazing and I'd wished I'd been able to capture the full view and the beautiful woods we'd driven through to get here, but there wasn't many places on the curved roads where we could really stop.

As we ventured down the mountain, we began to see farmland. This shot was one I'd asked my husband to pull over for as it struck me as a unique and interesting photo.

Suddenly as we looked upon the various fields of crops and animals, the Pacific coast appeared unexpectedly -- what an incredible feeling -- breathtaking was an understatement. The first beach we'd seen, which was practically across the highway was San Gregorio Beach.

Taken several miles down the road at Pigeon Point Lighthouse:

Going further south, the cool air finally begins to subside. Up by San Gregorio there was a noticeable chill despite it being mid-August, but about an hour to and hour and a half south, it warmed up a bit.

Our Route 1 journey began at San Gregorio beach. We stopped for a while and explored the shore, then continued south stopping along the way. We had hoped to reach Monterrey and Carmel, but only made it as far as Santa Cruz. It has been said this ride is hands down one of the most beautiful scenic rides in the US. After making the trip, I'm inclined to agree.

Our end destination, Santa Cruz

Reflections: Experiencing Deja Vu

2009-11-21T04:27:00.001-05:00

Deja vu is an interesting phenomenon. Is it a dream? A premonition? Or perhaps it is simply a figment of the imagination?

When the sensation occurs the feelings accompanying deja vu are often strong. Every time I have it I'm left with a strange feeling, almost uneasy or in most cases, a sense of eerieness. Frequently it feels something terrible is about to happen at that moment, but then it doesn't. Yet that feeling doesn't waver. While the circumstances of the deja vu differ, the feelings that immediately follow it are usually the same.

Have you ever experienced deja vu? Is it frequent or just a sporadic occurrence?

Whether it's a dream, premonition or figment of the imagination, when it does happen, it can provoke food for thought or offer an opportunity for self-reflection.

Whatever the case, deja vu is an interesting experience.

Poetry: New Beginnings

2009-11-20T04:21:00.001-05:00

Yesterdays are gone
Memories distant past
Time to move on
Those moments have passed

A path to the future
Journey still unknown
Stumbling in search of clarity
Of seeds yet unsown

New beginnings
Full of prospect and dreams
With change comes great hope
And nothing's as clear as it seems

A new start beckons
Its calling your name
To ignore new beginnings
Would be such a shame

Opportunities missed
Loss of starting anew
Embrace new beginnings
As life's moments are few

Reflections: My Husband is a Father

2009-11-19T05:20:00.002-05:00

Watching a husband transform into a father is a beautiful time. I remember so clearly the day I watched my husband lovingly gaze upon our little one for the first time, and the love swelled with pride and adoration.

I recall with distinction the first time he coped with our child's scary nightmare, and how he gently comforted that first "boo-boo" he fixed. This man, who at first was so worried about his ability to be a father, has come into the role so naturally and in the process he's proven what I'd intuitively known all along.

He is a good dad.

As I sit here lamenting on all the ways my husband has become a father, I'm watching him lie on the floor with our youngest who is now eleven months old. The two of them are quietly playing with some blocks and a wooden pull-toy, a grasshopper. He's carefully explaining in his soft voice how the grasshopper works as she responds enthusiastically by chewing on one of the blocks.

It is the sweet moments like this I see the wonderful father my husband has evolved into. My husband has dedicated all of his adult life to serving in the US Army. When he met me, I'd already had two children. Over the course of time he got to know them there was an ongoing and nurturing bond growing as they got to know each other.

When we were dating, he would sit down and play quality time with my son. I used to tease him that he was coming to visit on leave to have play dates with my son. It was captivating to watch the two of them play video games, discuss history, the military and to play "army men" scattered all over the floor.

Then he would talk to my almost-teen daughter about her likes and dislikes; he even read the types of books she liked just to learn about them so he could converse with her about the stories. I had been enchanted with and falling for my husband after we had our first date, but over the course of time as he began interacting with my children in the amazing ways he did, I fell in love.

The kids really looked forward to his weekends he came to visit while on leave and always had a great time together. I'd been worried about how my kids would feel when I eventually started dating and after a while introduced them, but any apprehensive feelings I'd initially had rapidly evaporated.

After a couple of years we married and my husband became an instant dad, which I imagine must have been quite the lifestyle change for him, yet he embraced his new role wholeheartedly right from the beginning.

Six months later we discovered we were expecting. His reaction was one of both laughter and tears at the same time. I already knew he was a good dad and I was excited to know he'd get the chance to experience and enjoy the baby years too.

The first time he held our daughter was amazing to watch; I just quietly sat in the hospital bed watching the two of them interact. My husband is a great daddy. From day one he stepped in and accepted the role of father and has always been there for all of us.

Each time he demonstrates by his attention and his actions shows how much he loves and adores our three children, I fall in love with him all over again.

Poetry: Puddles of Water

2009-11-18T00:29:00.002-05:00

Rain sprinkles cool showers
Down upon the dusty ground
Creates pools of murky water
Splashing puddles seen all around

Kids race down the dampened street
Hopping and skipping their best
Spot a puddle, take a big leap
Full of laughter kids are blessed

Across the street a girl cries out
Eyes appear puffy and red
Her cheeks show signs of puddles
Streaked from tears which have been shed

Cries herself to sleep at night
Feeling such pain and sorrow
Tear-stained pillow when she stirs
More puddles on the 'morrow

A boy stands idly near the bay
While his daddy sails the sea
Wonders when dad's coming home
Longing and wants to believe

Sea washes up sandy puddles
Father's been gone for a long time
Wetness splashes the boy's sleeve
Filled with sand, grit and grime

Puddles and emotions
Are inherently entwined
Joy, sadness and wistful
Joined by moisture and the mind

A puddle forms when dampness
Collects as one and takes shape
Wetness of different sizes
From water there's no escape

Photos: Autumn in The Plains, Northern Virginia

2009-11-17T03:07:00.000-05:00

It wasn't until this year I stopped to notice how pretty the autumn months in Northern Virginia are, and this summer and fall I'd gotten a chance to begin venturing west of the DC Metro area.

In October we'd taken a trip to Corn Maze in the Plains to visit the corn maze and see what the festival had to offer. As the family was enjoying the day, I couldn't help but stop and take notice of the picturesque scenery. Things that had nothing to do with pumpkins, playgrounds, corn mazes or fall fun. As I turned around, I saw the little one noticed too..

If you take I-66 west, the farm is located maybe an hour or so from Washington DC. Once you get past Manassas and Gainsville, the scenery begins to change from the suburbia of Fairfax to the more rural areas to the west. It's a pretty ride, I-66 narrows and doesn't look so much as a "highway".

This shot was taken from the center of the corn maze. I looked up and the clouds floating by were splashed as the perfect backdrop to the cornfield and also the trees located in the distance.

Taken from the hay ride...this region was in the midst of peak, but there was still a lot of green.

This little stream flowed between the festival and the farmer's market located across the way. As I glanced down as we crossed the bridge way, it seemed the perfect opportunity for a quick shot with the camera. This was one of my favorite autumn shots of the day, if you click the photo, you can see a lot more detail.

Next year the plan is to go a bit further west to see Skyline Drive during peak time for sure!

Poetry: A Single Red Rose

2009-11-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

One single red rose held in his hand

Broad smile on his face as he sees her plane land

One single rose, all petals of red
Graceful and pretty, thoughts of love in his head

Delicate petals, crimson in shade
Scarlet, precarious, and yet she's unafraid

Rose thorn is jagged, gives a fleeting prick
Love heals all wounds, two hearts as one tick

These petals of red, illuminates a bond
Eternally linked, today and beyond

This single red rose, signifies a love
Forever and always, like heaven above

Poetry: Anything is Possible

2009-11-15T03:31:00.000-05:00

Anything is possible
The mind sets itself on
Won't know 'til you try
To see what can be overcome

Envision a dreamed future
In a place you want to be
With vision and spirit
Where you can fly high and free

You don't know your strength
Until it has been tested
Trials and tribulations
Tho' sometimes you'll get bested

Just when you come to think
Times are too hard to bear
You should always remember
How much others care

Lean on your family
Or on a close friend
Most of all lean on yourself
Your strength will show no end

Anything is possible
If you give it a chance
Just reach high for the stars
And take the time to dance

Photographs: Flora in Niagara Falls, Canada

2009-11-14T04:15:00.000-05:00

The grounds on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is simply breathtaking.

While the Falls themselves are an amazing creation of nature , as I walked along the sidewalks in Canada, I kept finding myself drawn to the many flowers and plants.

The various flora are located along the walkways, in gardens and several other areas surrounding the Falls. Everywhere I turned there was contrast of color.

As we strolled along touring the Falls, and as breathtaking as those spectacular waterfalls are, I couldn't help but get distracted enough to stop and take a few photos of the various flowers and plants. This shot of the tree with the falls in the background is probably one of my favorite shots of the day.

While I love flowers and have a strong compulsion to photograph them, unfortunately I haven't the slightest idea what any of these plants and flowers are.

These were billowing in the wind and I took several shots of these plants.

The colors to this plant (which I used to know the name of!) kept catching my eye.

This was a night shot...

While walking through Canada's side of Niagara falls, it was pretty clear the grounds are well tended to and given serious attention. The vast amount and variety of flowers were pretty abundant, but beautiful to walk amongst.

Off the Beaten Path Photos of the Grounds of Mount Vernon, VA

2009-11-14T01:04:00.000-05:00

Mount Vernon, VA is one of my favorite places to visit.

The home of George and Martha Washington has been meticulously restored to its former glory and the grounds and gardens are well cared for.

While the mansion itself is definitely the highlight of a visit, if you have the opportunity to spend time just enjoying the grounds and taking the time to smell the proverbial flowers, there are many other spectacular things to see.

No these things aren't necessarily historic, but they do thrive on historic grounds. The photo to the upper left was some ivy on one of the grounds buildings that happened to catch my eye. I'm not sure, but if memory serves correctly, the ivy on this building was growing on the original tomb location of the Washington family.

I couldn't quite capture the magnificence of this spider web, but I gave it my best shot.

This was taken down one of the trails leading to the Potomac River on a warm September day. You can see the Potomac River peeking through in the background.

Over the Potomac River...

Poetry: The Good Old Days

2009-11-13T23:08:00.000-05:00

Back in good old days
Kids had so much fun
Times they could play
In the morning sun

When the sun awoke
Time to leap out of beds
Run to the window
Sun shined on their heads

Bounce out the door
Whether rain or shine
Danced in the backyard
Oh those days were so fine

Come home at dusk
Else mom have a fit
Those hours dallied away
Never too tired to quit

From dawn 'til sun's close
Free to play outside
Too bad those times are gone
As fear and freedom collide