A Mind of Adventure

One must have a mind of adventure

To regard stories of history

Or tales of what never was,

To look forward to the future

And take on the world.

Based on "Snowman", by Wallace Stevens

Surprises inside

Opening, finding, discovering,

Learning what's inside

Cupboards, drawers, secret compartments.

I feel like a kid

Exploring someone's house

For the first time.

I find all sorts of surprises,

Things I never I thought would be there.

I play hide and seek with myself.

I'm the seeker.

I don't know what is hiding,

Or what I'm seeking.

No matter what happens, though,

I win the game every time.

In a Daze

I feel a sense of sad frustration,

Having no anticipation

For anything causing excitation.

I've lost all my motivation,

For my only inclination

Is to have complete relaxation.

I'm lazy,

Vision hazy,

Ceiling gazing,

It's amazing.

For days, I've been in this crazy phase.

What's the phrase?

Oh yeah.

Upsy-daisy!

Magic is real

Why can't the real world have magic in it?

Real magic, I mean.

The kind found in tales of old.

Faraway kingdoms, enchanted lands.

Wicked witches, wonderful wizards.

Glowing objects, flying things.

People with powers beyond belief.

Laws of nature being bent.

Literally anything you can imagine

Being possible with just

A wave of a wand,

A chant of an incantation,

A brewing of a potion,

Or the summoning of spirits.

Once upon a times,

Happily ever afters,

Sadly, these are only stories,

Nothing more.

But though there's no such thing

As fairies or dragons,

I believe that magic is real, in a sense,

and can be found in this world after all.

Cribbage

You have to be quite clever

to challenge Michelle at Cribbage.

This game requires creativity,

cunning,

and a calculating mind.

Depending on what is currently in your hand

or in the coffer

you count up clones,

sequences of 3,

or cards that total 15.

I'm kinda quick

to catch on

to the complicated rules,

but beginner's luck fails me this time.

Well, good thing I wasn't gambling!

Problem/Soluton

This is a little song that my sister, Annette, and a young friend named Nicholi came up with during a week at camp last week. I've been meaning to put this up for a while (and I have Annette's permission), so here it is:

(chorus)
Problem, solution, remember those to words,
Problem, solution, they'll get you very far.
If you have a problem, don't panic, cry or pout. Think of a solution, and figure something out.

Say you have a sunburn, from swimming way too long,
Just stay cool and calm, and think about this song.
Complaining gets you nowhere, it only makes you mad.
Get some shade or sunblock, and then you will be glad!

(chorus)

If you have an obstacle that's getting in your way,
It won't be there forever, remember what we say.
Find your way around it, or over, under, through.
Make your problems better, that's what solutions do!

(chorus)

Just friends first

I'm lying down and cry in my pillow

Asking God, "What can I do?"

I'm lying down and cry in my pillow

Asking God, "Why am I so blue?"

My crush, he won't commit now

And I feel like this is it now

'Cause he just wants to be friends first

I realize I should've known better

Than thinking that our love would last

I realize I should've known better

I fell in love too hard, too fast

This always happens to me

Looking for my future groom-y
But he just wants to be friends first

I'm the kind of girl who needs someone

To kiss and wipe my tears away

I'm the kind of girl who needs someone

To love and hold and make me okay

He seemed like Mr. Perfect

But we simply couldn't work it

So we're just gonna be friends first

Some time goes by and now I understand
I can be an independent girl
Some time goes by and now I understand
It's not like it's the end of the world

You're still an awesome fella

Maybe feelings could develop
But we'll stick to being just friends first.

I'm single and I'm having a good time

No longer do I feel so blue

I'm single and I'm having a good time

I've finally gotten over you

We may not be together
But we'll both find someone better

And it's thanks to being just friends first.

To my Dad on his Birthday

To my wonderful dad, who I'm always glad
That I get to call mine.
To my amazing Pop, who no one can top.
I promise you, that's no lie.
To a valuable teacher, a fearless leader,
And a talented guitarist
To a brilliant guy who lives his life
with noble intent and purpose
Today's your birthday, so I'd like to say
I wish you happiness galore.
Presents and fun, laughter and sun,
Kisses, hugs, and more.
Today's a big deal, and right now I feel
So lucky to have you near.
I love you Benny, and you have many
Blessings to count this year.
^_^

Simple sentences, expanded upon.

I had the best time at my weekly writing meeting today! Saturday has turned into one of my favorite days, thanks to all the wonderful, funny and interesting people I meet ever week. ^_^ I smile and laugh so much, and I usually get some surprisingly good writing out of the day!

Today as an exercise, we took a simple sentence and expanded upon it, without using the original words. We were given a long list of prompts for us to choose from (more than a few of them coffee-related. Haha) and everyone came up with beautiful, witty, and attitude-filled responses. Here are the four pieces I shared:
A small bird chirping ~ I sat on the soft grass in the shade of a tree, lazily breathing in the meadowy air, eyes closed as I felt the wind careers my face. I heard a cheerful whistle, and I looked up to see a sparrow perched high above me, singing his tiny heart out.Chocolate cake ~ It's so beautiful. So decadent. My mouth is watering, the powerful scent of processed sugar bashing my nostrils. I want a slice of it, but it's such a perfect, exquisite mound of dark heaven that I just can't. I won't ruin this masterpiece. I'll just sit here and smell the sweet scent of this artfully made confection.The greenest eyes ~ We came up for air and laughed. "I made it to the sandbar first," I claimed.
"No way," he said, "I beat you by a stroke."
"How about we call it a tie?" I said with a smile.
He grinned and made a funny face, pretending to think about it. "Nah. I'm the winner."
He suddenly scooped me up and held me close to him in the ocean.
"Because I've got you."
My heart fluttered.
I looked up at his face and saw two round pools of deep emerald waters staring back at me, the exact color of the sea we were swimming in. At that moment, I wanted to drown in them.A little gray mouse ~ Snap!
Gotcha, I thought as the crack of the trap reached my ears. I came out of my hiding place and poked my head into the kitchen. There he was, small and lifeless. Caught at last, my pesky, uninvited guest.
I saw the way his neck was caught in the wire, and my breath caught in my throat. I was unprepared for the face of death. I suddenly felt ashamed of myself.
Poor young fellow. That slate-colored rodent was only trying to survive, just like me, just like all of us.
I'd ended that. Who was I to end that?!
Sadly, I walked over, gingerly picked up the trap, and whispered "I'm sorry," even though I knew the creature could no longer hear me.

Try it yourself and come up with your own interpretations! It's wonderful! Enjoy. ^_~

Sweeter than sweet

Sweet is the only word I can think of
To describe the person with whom I'm in love.

Sweet as a puppy, sweet as a doll,
Sweet as a strawberry picked in the Fall.
Sweeter than ice-cream, sweeter than bells,
Sweeter than stories the picture books tell.
Sweet like honey, sweet like a song,
Sweet like a kiss you hope will last long.
Sweet hands, sweet skin, sweet eyes, sweet hair,
A heart filled with sweetness, love and care.
Sweet voice, sweet laugh, sweet smile, sweet soul,
You're the sweetest person I've ever known.
Sweet is the only word I can think of
To describe the person with whom I'm in love.

Marshmallow Air

The air smelled like marshmallows, the crickets chirped and played.
You said you had to see me, you couldn't stay away.
We sat upon a picnic bench, smiling, holding hands.
We shared an indescribable feeling. It was grand.

The air smelled like marshmallows, because of roasted s'mores.
Sitting here alone with you was what I'd waited for.
Gazing at your soulful eyes, feeling you hold you me close.
Sharing this moment with you is what I enjoy the most.

The air smelled like marshmallows, the wind was cool and breezy.
Anything I did with you came natural and easy.
You opened up your heart to me, with the story of your life.
The fact that we'd soon say goodbye cut through me like a knife.

The air smelled like marshmallows, sugary and sweet.
The joy get from being with you simply can't be beat.
Just know that when I'm not with you, you are sorely missed,
And when I'm alone, I think about the next time I'll give you a kiss.

If I were a Human

If I were a human, I could do anything.

I could read, and write, and dance and sing!

I'd have no predators, no enemies, that's good.

I'd have only friends in my neighborhood.

I might be smart, I might be cool.

I can chill with other kids in the pool.

I could do things a bird's never dreamed up.

I could win a big medal, prize, or cup

For being the best in a sport or a game.

I could be on my way to fortune and fame!

But I wouldn't be conceited like some humans are.

I'd be kind, modest, and generous, by far.

Oh the life of a human. It sure would be fun!

But I couldn't stand it if I had just one

More of those revolting, over-sweet candy bars.

I'd never get used to driving in a car.

Plus if I'm a human, I gotta go to school.

I hear that place just bombards you with rules.

Every human needs to know something of money.

This money business doesn't sound funny.

I'd pretty much miss my habits and ways,

When I was cheerful, happy and gay.

So when you think about it, I bet you will see

That I'm better off if I was just me.

If I remember my wish, have you heard the news yet?

I've got a human to be my pet.

-~-~-~-~-

Originally written: February 2, 2006.

When I was 15 years old.

^_^

This is part 2. It's supposed to be coupled with this poem.

If I were a Bird

If I were a bird, I'd be happy and free.

Flying, soaring, diving, whee!

I'd never have to walk again.

Whenever I get tired, then,

I'd fly to the treetops, way up high,

And sit as close as I can to the sky.

In the animal world, there's no currency,

So I can eat and get what I want for free!

I'd play with squirrels and chipmunks, I could.

I'd play hide and seek with a deer, I would.

I'd have no limit to where I can fly.

I'd go to Hawaii, I wouldn't be shy.

I'd love to be a bird, it would be great!

But it wouldn't be so cool if I ate

Worms and bugs every day, I'd get sick.

I wouldn't have pizza, or ice-cream to lick.

I'd have to sleep standing. I'd miss my bed,

And my pillow, were I could rest my poor head.

My home would be a nest. It's really quite plain

That this kind of house can't keep out the rain.

Besides, I'd miss my family and friends.

If only I could be with them again.

So when you come to the point, I think it would be

In my best interest if I was just me.

And when I get that longing, haven't you heard?

I'll soon be getting my very own pet bird.

-~-~-~-~-

Originally written: February 2, 2006.

When I was 15 years old.

^_^

This is only part 1. It's supposed to be coupled with this poem.

I love my Dad

It's not every man who gives his family

such time, attention, and care.

I'm so fortunate that I have a dad

who I know will always be there.

With countless awesome skills and

wonderful life-lessons to teach,

You never fail to inspire, to show me

just how far one can reach.

You're the best dad

IN THE WORLD!

Simply no question about it.

I love and appreciate you

every single day.

I hope you never doubt it.

^_~

Hi now.

Time just seems to pass me by now

Life is not as easy as pie now

Every day my head's in the sky now

Wish I had wings so I could fly now

I'm feeling something I can't deny now

I feel happy, like I can jump high now

Then I'm sad, like I need a cry now

I'm confused and that's no lie, now...

This poem's random. Are you surprised now?

I don't know, so I'm asking you why now

Doesn't make sense, so don't even try now

I have to go, so I guess I'll say 'bye now...

For Mothers

You clothe us, you feed us,

When we were young you'd read to us.

You cook for us, you clean for us,

You passed along your genes to us.

You share with us, you care for us,

You even cut our hair for us.

You loved us, you birthed us,

You're a zillion dollars worth to us.

Your kids are what they call us.

You, Mom, are worth it all to us.

Happy Mother's Day!

^_~

Hanjie. Ahh!!!

Help!

Anyone?

Not

Joking!

I'm

Entirely

Addicted!

Help!

Help!

!!!

Happy Birthday DAD! ^_~

Dear Ben,

Looks like it's that time again.

It's that time of year,

The day we all cheer,

And show Poppa Bear

How much we care.

Thanks for your love and dedication.

You are my hero, my inspiration.

A wonderful teacher, patient, fun,

With a smile as warm as the sun!

Happy birthday wishes,

Many hugs and kisses!

I'm sure you know

I love you so!

*Yom Huledet Samayach!

(*That's "Happy Birthday" in Hebrew)

Love, Bettina. ^_^

HVD!

First thing in the morning, guess what I say?
To all my Blogger friends, "Happy Valentine's Day!"

If you're reading this now, you are a friend of mine.
I'm really glad to know you. You're one of a kind.

I value our friendship, as well as our connection
Whenever you're on my mind, I regard you with affection.

Roses are red, Violets are blue.
Blogs are fun, but not more fun than you.Author's Note: [H.V.D.! (That's Happy Valentine's Day in abbreviation. ^_~) I really do love all you guys! Remember, when it comes to love, pay it forward! Tell at least one special someone you love them, because... what, I have to tell you?! It's Valentine's Day! ^_^]

Love: What Dreams are Made of

♪♫ First Verse ♫♪
I often wonder what life is really about.
I'm in a box, but how do I think out?
Am I really the person I want to be?
I gotta find someone who'll love me for me.

But you're the reason why I sing this song...
I have a feeling it's been you all along...
♪♫ First Chorus ♫♪
I think love... is the thing that dreams are made of.
I don't mind it,
I like the feeling,
It's been inside me from the start.
Because love...is the thing that dreams are made of.
Now I've found it,
I'll never lose it.
I'll always keep love in my heart.

♪♫ Second Verse ♫♪
You're always dreaming of something better than this
Is there a plan, or is life a hit-and-miss?
Then someone special wandered into your life
And something about them made you feel so right.

She makes you feel exactly like a flower...
'Cuz you're growing every minute, every hour...
♪♫ Second Chorus ♫♪
You say love... is the thing that dreams are made of.
Do you mind it?
What is your feeling,
Every time that we're apart?
Because love...is the thing that dreams are made of.
When you find it,
Try not to lose it.
You've got to keep love in your heart.

♪♫ Bridge ♫♪
I, re-mem-ber,
When you sent me letters as a sign of your love...
You, would, al-ways,
Say that talking to me was like sunshine from above...
We'd, stay, up, and,
Talk about the books we'd someday write... and
Did, you, hap-pen,
To dream of me last night?
'Cuz I dream of you...
Yeah, I dream of you...
♪♫ Third Verse ♫♪
Now we're together and life is as it should be
I've got you and, naturally, you've got me.
I'm glad that we met all those years ago,
'Cuz if we didn't, I would've never known.

That falling in love makes you feel so grand...
And every day, all I want to do is hold, your, hand...♪♫ Third Chorus ♫♪
We know love... is the thing that dreams are made of.
We don't mind it,
We like the feeling,
It's been inside us from the start.
Because love...is the thing that dreams are made of.
We have found it,
No doubt about it,
And we'll always keep love...
Yeah, we'll always keep love...
We'll always remember to keep love in our hearts.
♫♪ ^_^ ♪♫