Haiku Friday --- Facebook Frustration

For my Facebook friends
I want to upload pictures
Something isn't right

Done this many times
To be exact, eleven
Never a problem

Today no such luck
My knowledge too limited
Words with no meaning

Active X Control
Or try Simple Uploader
Neither one will work!

All ideas tried
Need someone smarter than me.
Reboot try again.

Frustration is high!
Facebook not my friend right now
GRR RRR RRRR RRRR RRR!

Haiku Friday --- A Mark on Life

It's time once again
To write of life in haiku
In three line segments

A topic is found
Then the syllables counted
The perfect words scribed.

What feelings were felt?
Happy, sad, excited, mad?
What was in the gut?

What lesson is learned?
What insight of life to share?
All answered in haiku.

Choices before us
Stretch as endless as the sea
What course shall we steer?

The impact not known
Until you turn and look back
And see your life's wake.



I know I've used these two pictures before but everytime we go on a cruise I stand and look out at the ocean and can't help but marvel at it's vastness, the seeming endlessness of the horizon which never seems to get closer. Then I stroll to the rear of the ship and watch the wake and again marvel at how our little ship on that vast ocean has left a mark that can be seen for several miles. It is just like life, isn't it. We have choices that stretch before us and as we steer through life we impact those around us, we leave a little wake,a mark. It might be swallowed up again, but we left our mark, we made a difference. We were there.

Plans for Saturday Evening in Haiku Form

Valentine Banquet
To be held this Saturday
A table I'll host

Each hostess can do
Whatever she wishes to
For her guest of eight

I've chosen a theme
*Two Hearts Travel Together*
Romance without pink

Things are all ready
For the table to be set
China and silver

An aged looking globe
Greenery and tall candles
Make the focal point

Tablecloth, napkins
Are a rich dark chocolate
Something quite different

Colored luggage tags
To be used as napkin rings
And serve as place cards.

I hope all things work
And match what I envision
You will see Sunday

Haiku Friday -- Grandma and Grandpa's Legacy

Recently my mother sent a photo of her mother and one of her father. Separate photos taken either shortly before of after they were wed. From those photos sprang these thoughts.

My mother's mother
Beula Elizabeth Deaton
I called her Grandma
My mother's father
He's Henry Alvin Britton
I never met him
Wed 1914
Ten children were born to them
Only eight survived

Auto accident
When Grandpa was 47
Five children still home

Aunts, uncles, cousins
Filled my live for many years
Now in reunions

Sometimes I wonder
Would this family please them
This their legacy

Haiku Friday -- Ode on a TV Screen

(click on the icon for more particiapants)

Ode on a TV Screen

All this week and next
Battles will be won or lost
On hundred yard fields

Twenty-two young men
Eleven make up each force
Face to face in war

Proud parents will watch
Fans will cheer in wild support
Glad to be a part

The prize to be won
Is pride and the right to brag
Now and for all time

That day we were best
Will be told for years to come
Spectaular play

As years in the past
2009 has begun
Football on TV

Haiku Friday --- 'Tis the Season

Shopping and wrapping
Programs, dinners, gatherings
Decorate the house

*To do* list is long
As each thing done a check
The list grows shorter

Stop. Do you hear it?
The soft rustling of wings
Angels sing on high

The season of joy
But only if we listen
Pause and be still

Then celebrate with
The gifts, the friends, your family
A Christ child was born.



This was made by Benjamin last year.

A footnote on Rudy. He is doing remarkedly well. He will possibly be dimissed from the hospital this week-end. He was moved into a room yesterday afternoon and got to visit on the phone with his classmate when his teacher called. He told them that he was ready to come back to school. That sounded good. We don't know for sure what the future holds so we continue to pray for the labs to come back with something that can be treated easily.

Haiku Friday -- Whispered to the Wind

brilliant, clear blue skies
contrast the barren beauty
of the grand boulders

secrets of the land
kept hidden through the ages
whispered to the wind

how the rock does stand
but lets the blue sky shine through
we can only guess

as the seasons pass
the rock strong, unyielding
guards the secrets well

This pictures was taken last May when Carrie and I visited Acoma Pueblo near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The mesas and rock formations are a sight to behold as they jut up from the desert floor with there flat tops and huge rocks that seem to do the impossible as they balance on each other. Geologist think they know how and why, but Indian folk lore is so much more appealing when visiting this part of our country.

Day 28 Haiku Friday

Anticipation
Huge sales everywhere you look
Stores open early.

What deals will be found
That will ease the burden this year
So joy can be shared?

To all who will shop
What you seek I hope you find
I plan to sleep in.

Day 21 Haiku Friday --- A Plea for Two Friends

Sad new came this week
Things I didn't want to hear
Heart ache for two friends.

One in Kansas lives,
A tiny lump in her breast
Wasn't one but two.

A biopsy showed
Cancer cells are present
Even in lymph nodes.

Then news from Austin
Great joy, in her womb a babe
But some thing's not right

Something dreadful wrong
This tiny one may not survive
Both parents' hearts break.

Unanswered questions
That both friends seek answers to.
"Please, God, help them both."

Day 14 Haiku Friday -- Gentle Sounds

I'd probably get in trouble for this if hubby read my blog, but since he doesn't I feel pretty safe.

Coming from the couch
Hark, gentle sounds of snoring
The song of day's end



The cause of this comatos state may have been the huge plate of pancakes smothered in butter and syrup with a good half pound of bacon on the side. All washed down with a quart of milk.

Tonight was the annual Kiwanis Club Pancake Supper. This turned out to be quite the social event to attend. (Oh, for those who read Wednesday's blog I was dressed appropriately. Jeans, cute black flats, long sleeved tee with a short fly away jacket.)

The supper was to last from 5:00 to 8:00. Robert and I went about 5:30 thinking we would be eating with what we lovingly call *the blue-hair set*. No we were eating with BC. We stood in line -- for pancakes -- for about 20 minutes visiting with many people we know from Lions Club, church, and chamber functions.

When we did get in we were served our fresh from the grill pancakes that were as big as the plate by our preacher. I didn't know he was a Kiwanis member.

A young man, high school age, heaped bacon on our plates from a cooler. As I was served the he said, "May I serve you bacon, Ma'am." I nodded my head trying not to burst out laughing at his attempt at an English butler accent. "I hope you have an accomodating evening," he continued. At that I burst out laughing. I think I hurt his feeling because he ask if he had said something wrong. I reassured him that what he said wasn't wrong, it just was funny considering where we were. We quickly went to find seats; stopping only to get drinks --- coffee, milk, or colas of several kinds.

We sat across from a couple we didn't happen to know, but were soon best friends with. Then headed home, stopping at HEB for a couple of birthday cards. What an evening.

Day 7 Haiku Friday A Gray Wet Cloak

The past couple of morning Robert's and my walk has begun in the dark with a light fog around us. By the time we get back home the sun is beginning to rise and the fog dissipate. We don't have the colors of fall here that many of my blogger friends from from points east and north have shared in photographs. But I have taken my fog and those images and drawn inspiration. Thank you to each person who has posted a beautiful autumn picture. Your photography means a lot to me.

A dull wet blanket
Wraps the world in dripping gray
Fall's colors hidden.

Weakly come the sun,
Struggling to free the brillance,
To throw off that cloak.

Once again in light
Colors, red - orange - gold
Thrill the viewing eye

Haiku Friday --- Ode to Trick or Treaters Past

The following haiku is from memories of Halloweens past. I won't be treating anyone at the house this year. Hubby and I won't be home. We have another engagement --- The big Fall Festival/Carnival hosted by our church for all the kids in town. It is big doings that requires lots of hands. And it is fun for all. But in years past I've ooooed and ahhhhed over lots of little boys and girls in costumes both store bought and home made. It was always fun when the girls were young and they went out first with hubby or me with them and then when older with a group of friends in the neighborhood. Always coming by the house for a treat from mom and dad with lots of giggles.
Ode to Trick or Treaters Past

Ding dong -- door bell rings.
What's this standing at my door
One pretty princess.

"Trick or treat," she says.
Candy goes into her bag.
Sweet voice says, "Thank you."

Batman and cute friends
Arrive and leave with, "Thank yous"
Candy served to all.

Settled back in my chair
Again I hear the bell chime
I rise to the call.

Three non-costumed boys
Stand at my door all staring
Thrusting sacks forward.

I stood there waiting.
There is a phrase they must say
To get their reward.

Finally one spoke.
"Trick or treat," he snarled at me.
Reluctanly paid.

No thanks, they just leave.
As they step into the street
My porch light clicks off.

The hour has grown late.
Cute goblins are now tucked in bed.
I've no good treats left.

Haiku Friday --- Women of Faith Conference

At the Toyota Center
The Women of Faith Conference
Praise be to the Lord.

My life has been blessed
I'm a chosen child of God
His lives in my heart

Walking with the Lord
I desire to feel Him close
Worship and praising

I seek to learn more
Sing His praise; to call His name
He is Yahweh Sabaoth.

So I shall attend
With daughter and many more
A weekend of praise

Haiku Friday --- With Autumn Comes Parades

This week's haiku is dedicated to my husband who has spend the past month along with several other tens of men getting ready for the annual Bay City Lions Club Rice Festival. This celebration of the rice grown in this area was started back in 1941 and has been on going since. The men work hard and do much good with the money raised each year. Hubby is in charge of the parade -- and we pray that this Saturday is doesn't *rain on his parade* -- neither figuratively nor literally. So here's to you Lions.

(Pictures are from the 2007 Rice Festival Parade)

with autumn's cool breezes
comes the Rice Festival fun
our Lions' Club affair

rice dishes are made
eager judges taste samples
and eye how each looks
a parade floats by
carrying our Queen and court
who reign for a year



for both young and old
bingo, games and carny rides
swirl in sights and sound

autumn is special
in so many different ways
celebrate the time

Haiku Friday --- A Haiku on Nothing

Haiku thoughts not here
I just couldn't do it right
Nothing seemed to fit

Some topics were tried
Inspiration would not come
Nothing made a spark.

Finally I thought
I would just write on nothing
But even that flopped.

So here you have it
A rambling pointless haiku
One that wasted time.


Sorry guys, I just couldn't get inspired today. Between a thousand things going on last night, not getting home until 10:30 pm and having to be at school early this morning with a cooked roast and some onion soup I just couldn't get inspired to write even my usual weak haiku. I tried several topic out --- even roast and onion soup ---- wouldn't work.
If you are curious the roast and onion soup were for the birthday celebration the teacher and staff have twice a year. The theme was *Medival Banquet* --- It was fun to visit with everyone at one time. For this hour and half the kids are watched by parents and the teachers get to just be with each other. It doesn't happen often in a social setting.

Haiku Friday --- Salute to a First Graders

Salute to First Graders

reading, writing, math
subjects must be taught daily
little minds must learn

using context clues
choose the words that match the clues
yes you can, that's right

six red plus four green
count the answer learn the fact
next we will subtract

recess, lunch and p.e.
bodies grow stronger too
run, jump, twist and turn

your feelings got hurt
you didn't get to answer
but I really tried

your day is crammed full
preparing you for your life
thank you for that hug.

On Thursday I had the privilege to substitute in first grade. What a busy life those little lead. This is for them. They are wiggly and squirmy and full of answers, right or wrong. They talk to each other, they cry when their feeling are hurt but they all really want to please and learn. I had a great day with them. :)

Haiku Friday --- Tribute to Summer

My summer will officially be ending October 6. I may or may not be posting as often after I begin working full time again. Who knows. I may actually have more to say. Below is my tribute to summer.

Today I will be going back to substitute in a second grade classroom, but only for the few hours in the afternoon. This means I will probably teach math and science and social studies. Discussion classes. It should be a good afternoon. This is a class I haven't been in before so I have new names and faces to learn and hopefully will gather up a few more hugs.

The job starting in October will involve working with students in third, fourth, and fifth grades at risk of not passing the TAKS test in reading and/or math. The students are identified from their test the previous year and teacher assesment after the first six weeks of school. I never know for sure how many I will be working with, but we try to keep the number to about five. So I have groups of five for about thirty minutes each or possibly be in the classroom with the students and assist that way. We have done it both ways, and I'm not sure which way the teachers are thinking this year. I'll find out soon enough.

Haiku Friday --- Shameless

From a hobby dear
Comes 'Gladly the Cross-eyed Bear'.
Each one quite unique.

Fifty -- maybe more --
Bears whose eyes stitched in a cross
My creations are.

Most have found a home
Given as a gift or sold
To be hugged and loved.

Four still need a home.
Living with me until a time
For them love is found.

New bear underway
A commissioned one to make.
With deadline to meet.

So blogging must cease
And creating must begin
From cloth comes a bear.

I warned you this haiku was shameless. :)

This is a sampling of what my "Gladly the Cross-eyed Bear looks like. I don't happen to have any of these particular bears on hand now. They have all found loving arms to hold them. However, if you are interested in purchasing one I have available or in having one made for you contact me at rpbain@att.net with Gladly Bear on the subject line for more information. Each bear is about 18 inches when laid out and about 12" sitting.

Haiku Friday --- A Cruise to Remember

Finally on our ship

Vacation soon to begin

Ecstasy we will find

Before we can sail

A "muster drill" must be had

Safety, number oneKaren gives a wave

Pink glass signals the party

Hey, I'm on my way

Captain's Reception

A formal night to enjoy

A toast and a dance.

Next night. Girls' Night Out

Feel the music, Dance the dance

Can I steer the ship?

Others in our group

Who joined us for a party

Drinks were on the "ship"

Birthday girl and I

Party in the dining room

Rocking, rolling ship

Last shot on the cruise

Celebrating thirty

Memories sealed away.

Haiku Friday --- I Want to Help, Too

Beautiful sunrise
A cooler, cloudless day dawns
Promises of hope.

Hope for wee Ivy
Who, at two, knows awful pain.
Brings pain to my heart.

You and I can help
Your name is all that's needed
To make the HOPE real

Those minds can be changed
Read more about Ivy here
Curly headed girl.

I know my readership is small compared to many, but after reading Lotus and then about Ivy, I wanted to help too. This is a beautiful child with a loving mother who wants the best for her child and needs our help to hopefully get that help. It only takes a moment so follow the links either in my Haiku or in Lotus' haiku and help make that difference. Thank you.