Category Archives: Photography

Felinity

Felinity

I believe in love at first sight,
My furry little feline sprite.
In your shelter cage, full of glee…
My heart you stole eternally.

Mood swings from funny to fickle:
Playful, puckish, in a pickle.
Blind luck? I call it destiny…
My heart you stole eternally.

I held you close that fateful day
And helped your spirit sail away.
Chase that rainbow, finally free…
My heart you stole eternally.

I believe in love at first sight…
My heart you stole eternally.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
February 11, 2023

This was written for Tommy Breuning, my furry soulmate who died from lymphoma on September 12, 2020. He was 15 years old. He was my animal spirit, my furry soulmate, and he completely stole my heart from that very first day. Here is the story of how we met in 2005.

It was September 11, 2005. We were on a mission to rescue a cat. There had been a huge influx of stranded kittens into Florida from Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Kate and I went down to the Broward Humane Society, and it was jam packed with folks wanting to adopt the plethora of dogs and cats in need of a home. The local Channel 10 station was even there, covering the news. We had looked at some of the Louisiana rescue kittens, and even stood in a long line to get a chance to meet a few. We held Lucky and another white cat from New Orleans that were from this import, but they were skittish and we really didn’t seem to bond. I knew that we both had to feel something in our hearts, that would be the sign that kitten was the one for us. I was trying to be patient and determined to get the right match.

We went back into the large cat area of the shelter to check out the other kittens waiting for adoption. There at the very back, I spotted him. A little tiger tabby, desperately trying to cover up his poop with a shred of newspaper! He was so tiny and so adorable, and we watched him playing with his little brother behind the glass. His name was “Titus” from the Rome mini-series. It was most definitely love at first sight! We requested a meet and greet. There the little shelter room, he came to us with hesitation and snuggled up to our necks, purring loudly. He had a very loud kitten voice, and we knew immediately we HAD to adopt him!

It was an easy decision, but now the problem was…. would we get to him in time? Once we filled out the application and put in a bid for “Titus,” we were given a number to officially adopt the kitten. But we quickly discovered there were 90 people ahead of us in that packed waiting room!

Frequently, the shelter workers would call out a number and that person would be so disappointed to learn that the pet they hoped to adopt had already been adopted, sometimes minutes before. Many left disappointed, some children in tears. Katie and I were becoming more anxious as we waited. Would we get to Titus in time?

We chatted with an older couple seated next to us who were much further ahead of us in line. They were hoping to adopt a certain dog. Another family was called up, and their dog was already adopted – the same dog the couple next to us were hoping to adopt. The husband turned to me, stealthily slipping me their ticket and whispered, “Here, take our ticket. Good luck getting your kitten.”

I felt like an outlaw, a cheat, at accepting that ticket and “jumping the line.” But at the same time, I could see the hope and anticipation in Katie’s eyes. The mere thought of not bringing this little boy home was more than I could bear. I knew he was my soulmate, and I just had to have him!

About 10 minutes later, our new ticket number was called out. Katie and I approached the desk, hearts pounding. Our application had been approved…. and Titus was still available. He was ours! Tears misted our eyes as I completed the paperwork and paid the $75 fee. They said they were having a “2 for one” special, I could take another kitten home for the same price. I was very tempted to adopt his brother as well, but I did not want to push my luck and take on too much at once! We could go back and pick him up after his neuter procedure was complete. I always say that was the best $75 I ever spent.

On the drive home, we decided to change his name to Tommy, after my beloved father who had passed away two years prior. Tommy Titan. A perfect name for him! There was an immediate bond after bringing him home. I have so many funny stories and beautiful memories which I will continue to share on this blog. Tommy Breuning became a bit of a social media celebrity. He had his own Facebook page, wrote the infamous “A Tommy Blog” and sparred with his sister Jordan frequently. The Blogophilia writing group seemed to really enjoy when Tommy took over my weekly blog! I miss those Tommy blogs, and I have saved every one of them. Maybe some day I will compile a book of them. There are over 40 of them! Below is a video we created for one of our Blogophiia posts.

There ought to be a law against stealing hearts. Tommy stole mine from the very first day, but I love him eternally for that. Rest in Peace, my sweet Tommy. There will never, ever be another cat quite like you!

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Thoughtful
“The Stowaway ~ A Cat’s Tail” by Colleen Breuning

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 32.14 Topic: There Ought to be a Law
Hard Bonus: Incorporate a quote or line of Sean Connery
Easy Bonus: Use the phrase “in a pickle”

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit

The crimson sun comes crashing down
Blood red rays tumble to the ground.
I see it through the scarlet glare,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

I find joy in falling snowflakes,
Even though my broken heart aches.
Scent of pine needles in the air,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

Oh silent night, most holy night,
I’m drawn towards the eastern light.
I bow my head to say a prayer,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

The crimson sun comes crashing down,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
December 30, 2022

Well I have written yet another Kyrielle sonnet this week. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! It was a very low key Christmas holiday for us. We spent it with the cats in the morning, then up to my Mom’s and my sister Sarah and her family for dinner and gifts. Next year, we’re definitely planning to spend Christmas in Florida to see the grandkids and both Vince and Katie. We’re kind of glad we didn’t follow through with it this year. As it turns out, the flights were exorbitant, and the cancellations were massive due to the crippling winter storm! Next year will be our year.

I finally got an opportunity to run outside today, the first time in over 3 months since having my gall bladder surgery. The day was sunny with high temps in the low 50’s – perfect running weather in my opinion! However, I was giving myself some grace, since it had been so long. But I am happy to report that I did my usual 6 mile run without stopping, 6 laps around the beautiful lake in our neighborhood. The geese were congregating in the middle of the lake, and some parts were frozen. I observed a herd of deer grazing in the lot across the lake. The sun was beginning to set, and I snapped some photos of the reflection on the lake. It was a delightful run, and I’m looking forward to getting back to a regular routine with running once again.

Tonight Dan and I went out for an spur of the moment early New Year dinner at the country club. It was delicious, and not crowded at all. We usually stay in New Years’ Eve, have some shrimp and champagne, and call it a night at 12:05 lol. We don’t care to be out on the roads on what Dan calls “Amateur Night!” There will probably be some Scrabble games, maybe even a fire pit since it is supposed to go into the 60s tomorrow.

I wish for all of you the happiest 2023! May you know many blessings and experience peace, love and happiness.

xoxo Colleen

Mood: Calm
Inspiration: “Silent Night”

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 26.14 Topic: The Spirit of Christmas 
Hard Bonus: Incorporate your favorite Christmas Carol or holiday song lyric  ( “Silent night”)
Easy Bonus:  Include 3 shades of red (crimson, blood red, scarlet)

Beneath the Harvest Moon

Beneath the Harvest Moon

Autumn fires burn in golden sun
October hues have come undone.
As catbird sings his mournful tune,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Whisked on the wind, leaves are falling.
Feel the chill of winter calling.
Love comes not a moment too soon,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Your lips taste of cabernet wine,
Sending chills running down my spine.
Craving your touch that makes me swoon,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Autumn fires burn in golden sun,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
October 21, 2022

Just a quick write while we’re on the road to Florida! We made it all the way to Savannah, Georgia last night. Today we drive a few hours to stay the night with my BFF Marianne & Brian at The Villages.  We’ll check out the town and have dinner, always a good time!  Then Sunday, on to Disney World to meet Katie, Brenton, Posie and Hatcher for a fabulous time in Disney World! After that, we spend a few days with Vince and Natalie and do some relaxing and fishing.

Rather than drive the whole boring I-95 corridor down to Florida, we started our trip on I-81 and I-77 through Virginia, NC and South Carolina. The colors were spectacular, even though I was driving during the most beautiful part in southern VA/North Carolina!  Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!!

Xoxo Colleen

Week 16.14 Harvest Moon
Hard Bonus: Include your favorite song title – “Come Undone” by Duran Duran
Easy Bonus: Mention Fire

Washed Away

Washed Away

There is no calm
after the storm.
Waters recede,
the sun shines warm.

Foreboding clouds
have left the sky.
There are no tears
left here to cry.

All that we knew
was washed away.
Our rainbow hues
muddled to gray.

A sense of doom
at damage done.
Picking up pieces
we carry on…

Yes, we are alive
and we shall survive…

We shall survive.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
October 1, 2022

It has truly been a week of introspection and tears. First and foremost, we watched the horrors of Hurricane Ian’s devastation, saddened for all of those affected by this monstrous hurricane. Seeing the images of the flood waters and winds destroying the beautiful southwest coastal towns of Florida was like a dagger to the heart. I cried at seeing the destruction of some of our favorite vacation places: Naples, Ft. Myers, Sanibel, Captiva Island… so many amazing memories made there! My heart is broken, as some lost everything, including their lives.

We are just so incredibly sad to see this happening. It will take many, many years (if ever) to rebuild. But I know how strong and determined Floridians are, having lived there for 24 years. Neighbors help neighbors during tough times! Still, it pains us to see these wonderful people suffering through these hurricanes. It was one of the main reasons we left, as it is a very stressful and exhausting experience to prepare for, weather and recover from a very destructive hurricane. I send prayers to all affected by this horrendous natural disaster, may you find strength to endure and may you recover power, your homes and be safe!

On a personal note, it was a very difficult week for me. Our well pump decided to break last weekend, at the most inopportune time…. right before my gall bladder surgery! That meant… no running water!! Our kind neighbors offered their shower to us for several days, which was a godsend. (Thank you for your kindness, Nikki and Jason!) The morning of the surgery, Dan dropped me off at the hospital and returned to the house to meet the well company. Our well is 1,000 feet deep, and they had to bring a huge crane into our septic fields without harming it. It took all day to pull up the destroyed pump and replace it. Then the next day the company came back to fix our filtration system, which also wasn’t functioning properly.

I am grateful the surgery went smoothly, and I am so thrilled to have running water again (with good pressure)! I am still recovering and trying to figure out what I can and cannot eat, which has not been fun…because I love to eat!  Also I don’t like being physically restricted, and can’t wait to get back to my running and exercise regimen. I’ve been a little out of sorts this weekend as a result of everything. But feeling sorry for myself doesn’t cut it when there are other people suffering greatly in the world. So I’m writing to SNAP myself out of it. Sending good thoughts and prayers to everyone who needs it!

xoxo
Colleen

Inspiration: Enya
Mood: Sad

Water Lilies

Water Lilies

Late
summer
pale blue skies

Wings
flitting
dragonflies

Dew
gathers
lily blooms

Air
filling
sweet perfume

Pale
yellow
floating free

Frogs
gloating
summer spree

Sun
blazing
crystal sparks

Light
fading
into dark

Moon
beckons
rising high

Stars
twinkling
velvet night

Buds
closing
until morn

Day
ending
hope reborn

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
August 13, 2022

This is just a little ditty that I was playing around with that resulted in a simplistic imagery poem. It started with the title “Water Lilies” and morphed from there. The structure was the 3 line stanza composition with syllable of 1-2-3 and a rhyme scheme with the last line of two stanzas matching throughout. I couldn’t find any name for this, maybe I invented it….but I doubt it! If any of you poets out there know a term for this format, please let me know. I love experimenting with the rhyme and structure of the different poetry forms.

As always, I am truly inspired by all things in nature (as well as music)! So much beauty to behold in summer, and it’s hard to believe it is already mid-August. I guess this is my way of trying to hold onto these long, lazy summer days a little longer, or to at least have some memories to revisit during cold winter days. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

xoxo Colleen

“Time Forgotten” by Brian Crain & Rita Chepurchenko

Scattered Stardust

Scattered Stardust

Southern skies beckon this warm summer night,
Horizon stretching to infinity.
As Venus and Mars cast radiant light,
The Milky Way blossoms in full glory.

Inhaling deep as the twilight unwinds,
Emotions are steeped in indigo blue.
I travel the galaxy in my mind,
Endlessly searching for remnants of you.

As the nightingale sings a mournful tune,
I sense your presence beyond shooting stars.
I find your face in the full amber moon
And know you are watching me from afar.

Memories stretch far as the eyes can see,
Scattered stardust for an eternity.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
July 24, 2022

For My Beloved Dad….

Warm summer nights always remind me of the good old days. I have such happy memories of living on Guilford Avenue. We loved that home and backyard, and that tiny duplex seemed huge at the time.  Like many, we grew up without air conditioning OR a shower – only a bathtub shared by a family of 7, imagine that!  Snapshot vignettes of my Dad come into my mind and for some reason, many of them were from summertime.   

I remember the time he chased a bat in the house with a hat on, broom and dustpan in hand.

I remember how he set up an exhaust fan in the bathroom window, which magically drew a delightful, cool breeze into our bedroom windows at night.

I remember him watching the Long Meadow fireworks from our playroom window with us.

I remember when he worked 3rd shift and how we failed at being quiet as he slept during the day.

I remember his love of all music, from Mozart to Neil Diamond to 5th Dimension to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

I remember him taking me to the railroad yards where he worked, where I explored endlessly, cleaned up and pretended to work.

I remember him playing baseball with all of us kids in the tiny gravel driveway in our backyard.

I remember how the cool basement was his escape, where he used to tinker with old radios and work his jigsaw puzzles on a mint green wooden table.

I remember how excited we were when he drove the library bookmobile down our street and stopped in front of our house, giving us a personal tour.

I remember his love of trains, and how he set up an intricate model train set that fascinated us.

I remember sitting with him in the middle room, watching baseball on the small television set as he drank a Piehl’s beer on a hot summer night.

I remember him driving through Hurricane Agnes to take us on a promised day trip to visit The Smithsonian in Washington, DC.

I remember fun times with the Keller family at the picnics and Chincoteague.

I remember him teaching me how to drive on a manual shift Chevelle, and his infinite patience as I had difficulty mastering the clutch.

I remember dancing with him at Homecoming Dance. 

I remember how all children and babies – grandbabies, nieces, nephews, friends and strangers – gravitated to him.

I remember his words during one of the most painful times in life, and how he inspired me to make the necessary changes.

I remember evenings rocking on the porch with him at the Lankford Hotel in Ocean City as he smoked cigarettes.

I remember his endless love and his support throughout my life.

I remember the last day that I saw him.

I will always remember what a wonderful man and a wonderful father he was to all of us.

I love you forever, Daddy.

One of Dad’s favorite Neil Diamond Albums, Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Lines in the Sand

Lines in the Sand

The wind blew cold
The moon grew old
And just where did our time go?
In void of gray
You slipped away
Where all cloaked emotions flow…

Inhale the breeze
Of churning seas
As hope scatters across land.
I stand alone
Hand clasping stone
And I draw lines in the sand…

I drew you lines in the sand,
Lines in the sand…

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
July 4, 2022

I’ve been on a real Radiohead kick the past few years, and I was excited that both of my sisters are Radiohead fans as well! This is one group I have yet to see in concert, but I’m keeping my eye out for their next tour. 😉

I think Thom Yorke is one of the most brilliant lyricists and singers. His voice is ethereal, haunting, and sends chills down my spine. I particularly love this song, “Sail to the Moon,” which Thom wrote for his son. It makes me think of my beloved Tommy, especially during Tommy’s battle with lymphoma, which fatefully claimed him. I would sing the lyrics to this song to Tommy, and pray he was going to be okay.

Somehow as I was listening to this song, it inspired this poem. I don’t know why but it just came to me, starting with the phrase “lines in the sand” and it just sort of morphed into this. I love when that happens! Thank you, Thom Yorke, for your constant inspiration!

xoxo Colleen

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice

The sun is settling down gently,
casting shadows upon western peaks.
Baby bunnies scurry towards the brush
as the lonely catbird speaks.

Clouds refract soft pastel hues,
cotton candy melting in the skies.
A spark of joy ignites my heart,
and I am dancing with the fireflies.

I chase the summer solstice,
down to the wooden bridge.
I leap through golden meadows
towards the mountain’s ridge.

The deer are grazing with their fawns
in the glades upon blueberry hill.
The scent of lilac perfumes the air,
as the balmy breeze grows still.

Beyond the bend, I catch my breath
to rest in dewy fields of green.
The strawberry moon rises to greet me,
its ambient glow pink and serene.

As I settle by the water’s edge,
the frogs begin their symphony.
Their music strikes a lonely chord,
and I wish that you were here with me.

I send a message to you on the zephyr wind,
beyond the stars and shimmering moonglade.
The secrets of nature are waiting for us,
with a multitude of promises to be made.

So make your way down to our secret pond
and you will find me waiting there,
with taste of honeysuckle on my tongue
and the scent of summer in my hair.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
June 20, 2022

I started this piece on my birthday, after observing nature on a walk at the end of the day. I jotted down a few stanzas and then forgot about it, in the busy-ness of life, work and travel. As I was recovering from bronchitis and pneumonia this week, I came across it reading through my poetry notebook and put the finishing touches on it. It’s a tribute to the beauty and delights of summer. I hope you enjoy, along with this music which complements it and was actually playing as I wrote the piece. (If you know me, I rarely write in silence, music always inspires….) xoxo
Love to all, Colleen

Mood: Summer
Inspiration: Sophie Hutchings “Sunlight Zone”

Shipwreck Heart

Shipwreck Heart

Black
sea churns
as waves crash
on rocky beach
storm rages offshore
distant lightning flashes
neon bolts splitting the sky
the turmoil is moving closer
but there is no shelter from this storm
I crouch in the sand, pelted by fine grains
as the west wind whips into a frenzy
thunder rumbles as the storm rages
a tempest in my shipwreck heart
reeling that you were taken
when I needed you most
your silent presence
to calm my soul
in this vile
world gone
mad

Colleen Keller Breuning
June 19, 2022

A double etheree inspired by writing prompts and the music of Enigma.

Spirit of the Forest

Spirit of the Forest

Far above the towering redwoods
Where the lone bald eagle flies,
Steely clouds conspire and gather
To break in alabaster skies.

Monsoon descends upon green woods,
Crystal raindrops mingle with tears.
Shadows creep within the forest,
Stirring up my deepest fears.

A life of suffering and sins,
I hear your cry upon the winds.
If only I could stop the rain,
If only I could ease your pain.

Standing firm in distorted thoughts,
Unwillingness to sacrifice.
Tempting fate until the end,
You made your choice and paid the price.

Thunder crashes across the valley,
Walls of rocks are tumbling down.
They seek revenge, restless natives,
As your spirit walks these forest grounds.

A life of suffering and sins,
I hear your cry upon the winds.
If only I could stop the rain,
If only I could ease your pain.

Would you spend each day as if it were your last one?
Would you ride a white horse into the setting sun?
Would you change your mind if you had a second chance?
Would you dare to leave your fate to circumstance?

A life of suffering and sins,
I hear your cry upon the winds.
If only I could stop the rain,
If only I could ease your pain.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
June 11, 2022

Inspiration: Moby “Lie Down in Darkness”
Mood: Pensive