peace – Page 2 – Colleen Keller Breuning

Cool Blue Water

Cool Blue Water

Hope springs eternal in my heart
Ever ready for a fresh start
A place for dreams and reverie
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Give me the splendid silent sun
As bees and flowers come undone
Running through fields of green, so free
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Drifting down in the aqueduct
I vow my life to reconstruct
I accept time absolutely
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Hope springs eternal in my heart,
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
January 28, 2023

Hello! A late post again, and y’all know why….. Work, work, work! That’s all I do! You know the old saying. The overtime at work has been crazy this month, and I’ve barely had time for anything else. There is so much for us to push out in the month of January it is insane. I’ve been logging 20-30 hours of OT every week this month. I think I already wrote that last week. But just THREE MORE DAYS until things ease up. We are an amazing team, we’ve got this. *BREATHE DEEP*

I have gotten so much done and learned so much this past month. I really love my work, and definitely enjoy serving our clients at my accounting firm. It has been such a tremendous experience! But you know the saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull, dull boy.” (I think that is from The Shining, one of the best movies!) Yes, that’s kind of how I feel this month. DULL, lol. Dan and I are both so busy that we have not done one social thing all month – except go to a holiday work event, which was very nice indeed! I have worked every single day, including weekends, this month except New Year’s Day. The overtime pay has been nice, but I’m ready to at least get my weekends back.

I started writing this last Sunday, but then got super busy and did not get back to it until this evening. I really miss writing more often and especially reading my fellow blogger’s blogs. I feel guilty about that, even though they probably understand – if not, please bear with me during this season. I miss photography. I miss going to a winery on weekends. I miss seeing my family and friends. I miss Face Timing with the grandkids more.

But it’s all good. Life is good. I actually have two outings planned for next weekend – woo hoo! I don’t really have anything else to say. I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and hope you stay warm. Sending love to y’all.

xoxo Colleen

Mood: Sleepy
Inspiration: “The Water Diviner” by Ludovico Einaudi

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 30.14 Topic: Hope Springs Eternal
Hard Bonus: Use a line or quote by Walt Whitman (“Give me the splendid silent sun” and “I accept time absolutely”)
Easy Bonus: Include an aqueduct

In the Mountains

In the Mountains

There is a calm before the storm
Beyond the place where black winds form.
Miles away from cacophony,
Where the soul finds serenity.

Breathe in the pristine country air,
Observe the beauty everywhere.
Blue skies stretch for infinity
Where the soul finds serenity.

Here in the mountains I shall stay
As the winter sun fades away.
Resting here for eternity,
Where the soul finds serenity.

There is a calm before the storm
Where the soul finds serenity.

Colleen Keller Breuning @ 2023
January 14, 2023

Today is my sweet Posie Mae’s third birthday! It is hard to believe she is already 3 years old. We were unable to travel to be with her this year, but we did FaceTime with her this morning. We got to see her open the presents we sent. She loved the pretty pink princess dress with accessories and the ballerina music box! She even modeled the pink dress for us, and was absolutely in heaven. I love her more than words can say!

I’ll be honest, I’m feeling melancholy and sad in every cell of my being this afternoon. I wish so badly to be with Posie on her special day. Even though FaceTiming is great, it does not even compare to being there and celebrating with her. There were several reasons we did not make the trip this year. First, my busiest work month is January. Hell hath no fury, compared to an exploding workload of client year end filings, W-2s and 1099s to issue by January 31! Second, the airfare that I researched was completely outrageous and we really can’t afford it right now. We had some major expenses in 2022, just like 2021. Third, I’m not retired and rich, nor will I ever be. LOL

This year we are planning to spend Christmas in Florida with the grandkids, so we probably will not be able to make another trip there for Posie’s birthday in less than 2 weeks next year either. That is life – we must make hard choices. I’m sad that I can’t be there for every single milestone for the grandkids, but in reality my kids’ grandparents certainly did not make it down to Florida to celebrate every birthday, holiday or milestone either. It’s just not physically or financially possible. I need to remind myself of that occasionally. But I’m human, and I admittedly have FOMO. I want to share every special moment with them, but we don’t live in Florida anymore and can’t really afford to retire. Wah! Okay, time to snap out of the pity party, Colleen lol!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and hoping that your year is off to a grand start.

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Melancholy
Inspiration: “Enigmatic Encounter” by ATB/Enigma

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 28.14 Topic: Hell Hath No Fury
Hard Bonus: Use a Clive Cussler book title (Black Winds)
Easy Bonus: Mention something you might see under a microscope (cell)

Searchlight Soul (A Sonnet)

Searchlight Soul

I woke the same as any other day,
Endlessly searching for the black hole sun.
A shattered world tempered with shades of gray…
Searching for traces of light, finding none.

I walk this long and winding road of life,
Endless anxiety laced with duress.
The frigid winds blow through my bitter heart…
Searching for inner peace and happiness.

I breathe in deep to seek release from pain,
But frigid winds blow through my bitter heart.
Oh, won’t you come and wash away the rain…
Searching the universe for a new start.

My spirits will rise with a brand new day…
For I’m a searchlight soul who’s gone astray.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
December 17, 2022

Hi everyone! Brrrr, it’s cold out there! I hope everyone is staying warm. Winter is coming! At least in Northern Virginia it is. It has been a very cold and gloomy week, and I have not felt my best. I have been recovering from yet another sinus infection, but feeling much better than last weekend. Ever since I got COVID last November, it seems my immune system is down and I catch every little virus or sickness that passes by me.

This is a little dark piece that was inspired by perusing the different Soundgarden lyrics. I found quite a few that fit with what I wanted to write. I haven’t written a Shakespearean sonnet in a while, so that is always fun for me – like putting a puzzle together. This piece reflects a bit of a passing mood from the other day when it rained relentlessly and I felt crappy. That’s the beauty of writing – write it out, release your crap mood, and then you feel better!! It was supposed to be a snow day, but no snow fell – only some annoying ice which looked so beautiful from my view inside. As for this weekend, it will be time for getting all of my Christmas wrapping done. I am afraid my packages to Florida are going to be a little late in getting out, due to a busy time with the grandkids earlier in the month. But nobody really minds, the grandkids will certainly have plenty of gifts to open from Santa! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with a warm fire and good tidings!

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Crappy
Inspiration: “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 24.14 Topic: Brrrr, It’s Cold Out There!!
Hard Bonus: Incorporate a lyric by Soundgarden (“I woke the same as any other day”; “black hole sun”; “won’t you come and push the rain away”; and “I’m a searchlight soul”)
Easy Bonus: Mention something money can’t buy (peace, happiness)

Promise of the Rose

Promise of the Rose

A promised green garden withers to seed,
Dried petals scattered on the barren ground.
Silent anguish as the crimson rose bleeds,
Grief carried on the wind without a sound.

Tears burn a path when hope has slipped away,
Hot crystals sparking precious memories.
The fragrance of the summer jasmine sway,
The gentle rhythm of the crashing sea.

Now the nightingale sings a soothing tune,
Spread your wings, set your restless spirit free.
It’s time to soar beyond the crescent moon,
For the universe is your destiny.

Somewhere beyond a million silver stars,
Eternal rapture beckons from afar.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
February 15, 2021

A repost of a poem written and dedicated to Cherry Rose, a kind and beloved poet who passed away. Love to all! xoxo

Come listen to my poetry reading on Spotify!!!

Promise of the Rose

Promise of the Rose

A promised green garden withers to seed,
Dried petals scattered on the barren ground.
Silent anguish as the crimson rose bleeds,
Grief carried on the wind without a sound.

Tears burn a path when hope has slipped away,
Hot crystals sparking precious memories.
The fragrance of the summer jasmine sway,
The gentle rhythm of the crashing sea.

Now the nightingale sings a soothing tune,
Spread your wings, set your restless spirit free.
It’s time to soar beyond the crescent moon,
For the universe is your destiny.

Somewhere beyond a million silver stars,
Eternal rapture beckons from afar.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
February 15, 2021

A poem for friends who have tragically passed away … another one for the dark sonnet series. 😥 ❤

Blogophilia Week 50.13 Topic: Promised Rose Garden
Hard Bonus (2 points): Use a song title from Frankie Valli and/or the Four Seasons (Slip Away, Silver Star)
Easy Bonus (1 Point): Mention a town or city from North Dakota (Hope; Crystal)

Secret Bonus Phrases:

1.  Hot lips
2.  Pink lipstick
3.  Sealed with a kiss
4.  Stealing kisses
5.  Lover’s kiss
6.  Pretty in pink
7.  My lips are sealed…
8.  Cupid’s bow
9.  Love is in the air
10. Dangerous liaisons

Topic:  Stormy   Picture:  Christopher

Grasshoppers, Dolphins and Eagles

Grasshoppers, Dolphins and Eagles

Stay
or go
the question
to be answered
I look to the skies
searching for harmony
but I see clouds of discord
anxiety builds up inside
and suddenly, I want to break free
like grasshoppers jumping in fields of green
like dolphins swimming in the azure sea
I want to soar in crystal blue skies
I want to fly like an eagle
let my spirit carry me
to a place where peace dwells
a place where hope thrives
and we can feel
peace and love
for all
time

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
January 8, 2021

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 44.13 Topic: Stay or Go
Hard Bonus (2 points): Use a Lyric from a Song with the name of an Animal in the Title (“I want to fly like an eagle, let my spirit carry me” from Fly Like an Eagle by Steve Miller Band)
Easy Bonus (1 Point): Incorporate a Strange Food (Grasshoppers)

Secret Bonus Phrases:

1.  Writer’s block
2.  Old School Computer
3.  Typing School
4.  Vintage Royal Typewriter
5.  The editor’s desk
6.  Journal time
7.  Writer’s choice
8.  Organizational skills
9.  Tools of the writing trade
10.  Starting the new year with a clean slate

Topic: Tyler Pic: Dahlia

Refrain (A Kyrielle Sonnet)

Refrain

Night echoes in my heavy heart
Painted darkness, my work of art.
Words and anguish mingle with rain,
My soul released with each refrain.

Voices clash, intentions aground
When everyone has his own sound.
Sing out chorus, relieve this pain,
My soul released with each refrain.

Hope abides in blue skies and seas,
The mountain range, the forest breeze.
Harmony restores, peace sustains,
My soul released with each refrain.

Night echoes in my heavy heart,
My soul released with each refrain.

Walk With Winter

Walk With Winter

Here in the wake of gentle morning hush,
shimmering sun rises in its scarlet blush,
whispering namaste in the bitter breeze
amidst the crow and bluejay’s fervent pleas.

Here in the woods, you are never alone;
nature comes alive in its welcoming home.
Squirrels bury nuts under the towering oak,
white-tails bolt as distant shots provoke.

Here the forest yields its stark winter scene,
all barren branches save for tiny evergreens.
These solitary pine trees, if they grow at all,
shall grow ever strong, ever free, ever tall.

Here is where I long to sleep, in pale moonlight
beneath snowy blanket on long December nights.
Walk with winter, let broken hearts become whole,
with peace and serenity to ease your weary soul.

Colleen Keller Breuning
December 18, 2014