Monthly Archives: May 2023

Oblivious

Oblivious

Red dusk is oblivious
to the catbird’s plaintive cries.
Twilight sighs and shivers
beneath the dappled skies.

Clouds morph on the horizon,
jeweled tones in refracting light.
Half moon rises slowly
beaming in the young night.

Venus makes an entrance
as the sun begins to set.
Pinpoint stars appearing
in fields of black velvet.

Throw another log on
and let the flames rise higher.
Stoke the glowing embers
of passion and desire.

We sip our wine in darkness,
feeling peaceful, slightly high.
Jazz notes floating in mid-air,
holding hands, just you and I.

Alone beneath the shooting stars,
with fireflies to light the way.
Out here we are oblivious
and where we’d rather stay.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
May 27, 2023

Happy Saturday! Well it is Writer’s Choice week, where we can let our muses run wild and write to our heart’s content. Sometimes this is actually harder, believe it or not. This poem was once again inspired by a line in the Outlander book I am reading. “The night shivered.” It stuck in my mind as I was reading on Friday, and I knew it was going to form the basis of my poem.

Last night was so beautiful that after my 6 mile run, we decided to have a spontaneous firepit up in our back yard. We packed up our favorite wine, some glasses, flashlights and the makings of s’mores.  I brought along my iPad and Anker speaker, and we listened to some mellow songs and cool jazz that just make you melt into the Adirondack chairs. One of these songs was “Lighthouse” by Patrick Watson, which is so beautifully inspiring.

High on our west facing ridge, we get an incredibly beautiful view of the sunset, and then can watch as the planets, moon and stars make their appearance. It was just glorious, the colors were so jewel toned and beautiful, and the fire was a gorgeous dance of orange and gold flames.

It had been a relatively cool day so I had 2 layers on, and took my warm shawl along, as the temperature was dropping. Despite the coolness, fireflies were blinking and bats were swooping. I took videos that had some incredible birdsong, the catbirds seem to be the most vocal at night as they settle in. Their chatter always makes me smile. A pair of deer curiously watched us from the top of our property, and ventured closer as they became comfortable. I am always grateful for this time in nature.

I roasted marshmallows and made s’mores for Dan and myself. Have you noticed recently that they are making the giant marshmallows flat now? I can only presume this is on purpose, for making s’mores? Or maybe my bag just got flattened – but it seemed all the bags were the same at the grocery store!

Anway, it was such a relaxing and beautiful night that I didn’t want to end. If I were more adventurous, I would love to sleep under the stars. But I’m not a camper or even a “glamper,” and I would probably get freaked out by some rogue animal and go screaming into the house, haha.

So this poem is simply about a beautiful night spent by the fire with my love, where we basked in the beauty of nature and literally felt oblivious to the demands of the world beyond our backyard. Such a wonderful feeling we plan to revisit often this summer. I wish you all a peaceful, relaxing Memorial Day weekend.

xoxo Colleen

Mood: Romantic
Inspiration: “Lighthouse” by Patrick Watson

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 47.14 Topic: Writers Choice – Oblivious
Hard Bonus: WC – Include a line from an Outlander book (“The night shivered.” – I paraphrased it a bit haha)
Easy Bonus: WC – Incorporate the planet Venus

The Beacon

The Beacon

She is the beacon
guiding in the storms of life
unwavering light.

She raised her children
with unconditional love
always supportive.

She nursed all our ills
cold ginger ale and crackers
loving caregiver.

She exudes wisdom
always speaking her true mind
shining her bright light.

She radiates strength
my divine inspiration
my kind role model.

She is my mother
her home is also my home
and I’ll be right here.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
May 20, 2023

Happy Saturday! This week’s poem is obviously dedicated to my mom Gloria, who has indeed been the beacon in my (and all my siblings’) lives. She has given her blood, sweat and tears to her five children. She inspired me to always do better, to be kind, to work hard and to love unconditionally. She definitely set a fine example of what motherhood is all about, making sacrifices for her kids, taking good care of us, always there when we needed her the most.

Life could not have been easy for her, meeting the emotional and financial demands of raising five very high energy children. I know that when I was growing up, there were times where things were difficult financially, but we never really knew it. We never lacked food, shelter, clothing, support or love. Mom worked hard, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of all of us. She was and still is always there for us, and I am deeply indebted to her for this. She is our proverbial lighthouse in the storm of life.

So…. thank you, Mom! I love you with all my heart, and I am ever grateful for your presence in my life. If you are lucky enough like me to still have your Mom on this planet, please tell her your love her and appreciate everything she has done for you. If you have lost your Mom, my heart aches for you, as it must be a most devastating thing to go through. Sending out good thoughts and love to all moms, my family and friends.  Have a wonderful weekend, all!!!

Xoxo Colleen

Mood: Grateful
Inspiration: My Mom Gloria! ❤

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 46.14 Topic: An Inspiring Person
Hard Bonus: Incorporate a haiku 
Easy Bonus: Use a line from the movie “ET” ( “I’ll be right here.”)

Sisters of the Moon

Sisters of the Moon

Thunder rumbles across the land,
drums reverberating in the night.
I walk alone in barren fields
to join my sisters in the moonlight.

Arise, oh pagans of the north
our fevered fires burn within,
taste of honeysuckle on our lips,
the zephyr’s touch upon our skin.

Eyes scan the indigo skies,
searching for the waxing moon.
Gardens burst with pastel colors
as May gives way to bloom.

Dance, sisters, in green meadows
with crowns of flowers in our hair,
holding hands and singing songs
our voices floating in the air.

Now here comes the rain again,
trying to drown the fires within,
like the Temple of Artemis
washed away by greed and sin.

Huddled in the forest haven,
soaked by the relentless torrents,
we chant prayers of solemn thanks
until the dirge of clouds relents.

Rise up, sisters of the moon,
feel the flames within ignite,
always running wild and free
on our path to eternal light.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
May 13, 2023

Happy Saturday! I was not planning on writing a piece quite like this, but believe it or not, the Green Day lyrics steered me in this fun direction. It could be also that I am in the midst of reading one of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. If you haven’t watched or read the Outlander series, you are missing out! I mean, you know…. Jamie Fraser in a kilt!!! *sigh*

If you’ve seen the show, the introduction of each episode features the mysterious Gaelic Beltane dances, which is just beautiful. The ritual dancers with long flowing dresses and candles, so very mysterious and stunning. I just let my imagination run free this week and imagined dancing in the fields with my two beautiful sisters, whom I love very much! I always feel young and invigorated when I am with them, and we always have such funny and beautiful memories to share. Love you Barb and Sarah!

This week everything seemed out of whack, work was tough and things were getting me down. Today was a rainy day, and fortunately, we had planned to go visit Mom to celebrate Mother’s Day a day early. Sarah, Chris and the kids joined us. We picked up pizza and salads and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with Mom, full of stories and laughter. I love casual get togethers like that, and for me it was a huge mood lifter! On the way home, we encountered a huge backup on the Potomac River Bridge, where Route 340 to Harpers Ferry was completely blocked and the police were diverting everyone to go south on Harper’s Ferry Road. We were stuck quite a while, and it took a long while to finally get to Purcellville. We saw many Loudoun County fire and rescue trucks heading west for what we hear was a major accident. It took us a lot longer to get home, but we were grateful to get home safely…. as some were not so fortunate apparently. Makes you count your blessings, for a small  inconvenience is nothing compared to the alternative.

Wishing all you Moms of all kinds out there a very safe, happy, peaceful and restful Mother’s Day! XOXO Colleen

Mood: Imaginative
Inspiration: “Outlander”

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 45.14 Topic: Staying Positive in a Negative World
Hard Bonus: Use any lyric from a Green Day Song – “here comes the rain again” & “always running wild and free”
Easy Bonus: Reference one of the 7 wonders of the world (modern or ancient) – Temple of Artemis

Nature’s Calm

Nature’s Calm

Rain
brewing
in dark clouds
feeling washed up
and hung out to dry
doubt pulses through my veins
feeling sorry for myself
pondering my mere existence
all mistakes and regrets amplified
thundering loudly in my addled brain
wallowing and pathetic in my pain
I step outside and take a deep breath
inhaling sweet scent of wet grass
letting the rain soak my skin
doubling down on courage
I pick myself up
and let nature
instill deep
sense of
calm

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
May 6, 2023

Mood: Cloudy and Unsettled
Inspiration: Native American Flutes & Nature Sounds

Hello, all. It’s amazing how nature can instill a sense of calm when you are feeling down. We all have those days where we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. We wouldn’t be human if we did not. So what to do? For me, it is to get out of my head and into nature.

I was feeling extremely out of sorts this week, like wet laundry hung out to dry. (Excuse the punny simile).  I almost did NOT go out for a run on Wednesday evening. I was making so many excuses: it’s too cold, it’s windy, I’ve got too much work to do, I’m tired, etc. etc. However, I forced myself to because I was feeling down and being hard on myself. I just knew in my heart that a run would make me feel better. But I went through the motions, put on those running shoes and bundled up, even though it was looking like rain. What was the worst that could happen? Getting on rained on during a run? No biggie, I actually find it much more refreshing running in a light rain than running in hot weather. Having a thunderstorm kick up? Well, that has happened to me as well. Not a problem, the running trail is only 1 mile around the lake and a quick sprint via shortcut to the safety of my house.

I’m happy to report that nothing stopped me, not the wind, cold or the cloudy skies.  In fact, I was so much better for forcing myself to do something I didn’t think I wanted to do – but desperately needed to do. While out there on the trail, I saw some amazing sights of nature. Herds of deer pausing to look at me as I ran quietly by. A green heron stalking prey. Flocks of swallows circling the lake in search of insects. A beautiful sunset peeking out beyond the billowing rain clouds. And it did sprinkle on me during my last lap of the trail, but it was light and invigorating. I felt so much calmer for getting out of the clamor of my negative thoughts. Thank you, Nature. I love you.

I hope you will remember to step out into nature whenever you’re down (even if it is just on your patio or porch). It’s a natural prescription, a refreshing margarita, or a depression remedy for those days when you are feeling blue. I hope you have a lovely weekend! Love you all!

xoxo Colleen

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 44.14 Topic: Hung Out to Dry
Hard Bonus: Include a double down
Easy Bonus: Drink a margarita