We were the Warriors
Posted on September 2, 2017 5 Comments
Indolent Saturdays poking things with sticks.
We ran the back hills of our home.
Three soldier foray, we flanked…pretending.
Skinned knees and eye pokes, no bother,
as we’d rather dare and tell more lies.
Two Legs and a Heartbeat.
Posted on August 26, 2017 4 Comments
Hello my loyal readers,
So after a 17k bike ride last Saturday, I was bound again on Sunday…only this time it was for a 12k walk. The sky had a hue of overcast but it was warm, perfect conditions actually, so I suited up, gave the bike a rest and headed out on foot. Again, I was blindly setting out to wherever my instincts lead me and as usual it wasn’t long before I had my phone out taking pictures.
You know, there’s something about a good walk, breathing in the fresh air with nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company. Just like the bike, walking was a huge part of my youth, we didn’t have a vehicle so if I needed to get anywhere I would have to get there using two legs and a heartbeat. Probably has a lot to do with how I am today, I would choose walking somewhere 9 chances out 10 if I could. Living in the city I kind of “have to” take the vehicle to get to certain places, but if its walk-able, I’m doing it.
At the foot of the hill I started to see civilization again, there wasn’t a lot of traffic, only Sunday drivers really and the odd dog walker. By the way, this hill was the same hill that I had to be careful with on Saturday, and trust me, it was a lot easier walking down that thing then biking it. Oh, I like to take a moment for this guy too, who looks like he was “shrewed” right from the start.
Sorry, the pun was right there….k….moving on. I paid my respects and made my way off down the trail which was nicely tucked away, relaxing, it was beautiful. I could hear the nearby river as it kept me company with its constant free-flowing, I decided to take out the headphones and take it all in, best playlist ever.
I could smell the harbor long before I could see it, the tinge of salty water reminded me of my days growing up. The gulls were squawking, flying low-level as they scoured the shore for anything that resembled food. Random fishing boats steamed through the harbor bidding adieu to the city, their engines putter-patter rhythmic, (insert homesickness here). It was a serene moment, picturesque as the city was once again settling down for cozy Sunday evening.
A little further down was my point of interest, probably should mention where I was planning to go, it was Fort Amherst. I went there by bike not long ago, promised myself I’d return but this time for a stroll. The views were unreal, bouts of nostalgia hit me as I eyeballed each little houses one by one, tucked away along the hillside full of character.
I also had to somehow pulled myself from the backdrop below, crazy how all this stuff is free, just got to get outside and discovery it for yourself.
Behold, in all its glory the lighthouse, finally I had made it. The walk that I had pictured that day on the bike proved to be quite the aesthetically pleasing amble, only at that very moment, looking our at the beautiful open ocean before me, I realized….now I have to walk back…lol.
Thanks for tagging along for my brisk Sunday walk, hope you enjoyed the pictures and you’re all welcomed back again for another glimpse of Earth to Ash.
Happy trails!!!!
Bike Rider Rides Again
Posted on August 20, 2017 Leave a Comment
Bike rider rides again, the air was fresh, I had a few hours before sunset and I was completely under-dressed, brrr it was cold at first. No excuses, I’ve neglected my bike for far too long lately, I couldn’t take it anymore, I was going no matter what. My sights were set on downtown, I felt like it was far enough for a good ride and close enough to pull the plug at any point. My first obstacle was going down this huge hill, I was not a fan, seeing loose gravel and the fact that I love my skin, I had to be extra careful. Alright, made it down the hill intact, off I go…first stop.
There were people everywhere, Saturday night meant everybody was slowly congregating to their local watering hole for a fun night out, there was so much energy, loads of activity.
The pic above is of a portion of a street by the name of George Street, this street holds the record for the most bars per capita in Canada. Spent many a night a patron of this multitudinous strip of firewater and ale, this street has loads of character, good times.
I all too soon realized that not only was I getting a good workout in, my trek was also proving to be a mental detox, I took a extra second to take a look at things, it replenishes the soul, I was glad I embraced my impulses.
I’ve said this all before but I will say it again, we need to slow things down and take it all in, don’t let life pass you by, get out there and reward yourself with the beauty of what’s around you. Scour the neighborhood and you’ll be surprise what you find.
I continued on, weaving from sidewalk to sidewalk, thinking about my next move. There was a destination that I had in mind, it was just right there, Signal Hill. Really Ash? What stood before me was a long and winding slope that would take everything I had left to bike my way to my own personal Everest(exaggeration but still). Fact is, I’ve actually never ridden up there before, I didn’t know what to expect, but I had come too far to turn around now…..gulp.
Well, the juice was worth the squeeze, no doubt, when half way to the top and I am blessed with the view pictured above. It was beautiful, could have stayed there all night but the end was nigh, I could taste it, no wait, that was a fly.
Victory I tells ya, ah, sweet victory, I made it to the top, look at me now mom! Lol, no but really, it really paid off pushing myself at the the very end. It was a tough run but behold some of the views that awaited me, doesn’t this made it all worth it, and it was all free.
Oh, I even had the opportunity to meet this guy, there were a bunch of people around so I didn’t catch his name but he was quite photogenic.
It was great way to spend a Saturday evening and I hope you like the pictures, figured I’d share them so you can enjoy things through my eyes.
Until the next Bike Rider adventure….lol, maybe I should get a cape!!….I should.
Disturbed
Posted on August 18, 2017 3 Comments
Ululating beasts disturb the rem of my fantasy.
I lie cowering from the tap, tap, tapping.
Scads of hurt chase sweet dreams into nightmares
…just this time don’t awaken me.
Weathered
Posted on August 11, 2017 2 Comments
A haloed nimbus, like a surge, it comes on without forecast.
Emotions raw, cold, the flashes like lightning.
Still I have neither a hand to squeeze, nor an ear to my voice.
Nothings protected but my foolish promise to you.
Those furtive actions lie forever buried in the sands of time,
like your lifeless soul that erodes with the winds of change.
“They See Me Writing, They Hatin”
Posted on August 7, 2017 10 Comments
Hello all,
Awhile ago, I ran into a friend of mine, a close friend actually. I’m not sure where we were but we did the typical stop-n’-talk and it was great catching up. Well, it was ahhh, great until I mentioned I had a blog. I sometimes mention in conversation that I write, usually with close friends, family, and people I feel would be interested in hearing about it. Anyway, there we were, back and forth chatting when all of the sudden there was a segway right to my blog. As soon as the words had left my lips, this friend (I now use that loosely) kind of almost laughed out loud. I was immediately disheartened, there were a few retorts on the tip of my tongue but I took the high road and gestured to go on my way, but really….
It’s true, I was pretty put off by it, I was upset. I thought of this person as a real good friend, a supporter I had assumed, I guess I was wrong. That said, I wasn’t going to let that negative reaction deter me from writing and the more I thought if it, the more it just made me proud to be doing something that I love to do and something that I’ve been told makes a difference and that’s all that matters. I write for myself, well actually, now I also write for you my readers, so diss my writing…
Cue my point…
Don’t you ever let anyone or anything get in the way of doing what you love to do. No matter what it is, sports, music, dancing, anything that you feel is something you were born to do. It’s in your blood, it’s a part of you, a part of what makes you so unique, so never let go of it. Shame on those who try to get in our way because you know what? It only makes us stronger, more disciplined, and more determined to prove all the haters wrong. Remember, for every hater there are a hundred supporters that will high-five you all the way. Brush all that off and keep moving forward, you work hard and you deserve all the praise in the world for giving it your 110% all day, everyday.
So I leave you with this, never hold back, never ever quit, and always be the best you, you can possibly be!
I Will Remember You
Posted on August 3, 2017 15 Comments
Hey all,
Just wanted to post something a little close to the chest today, it’s another birthday of my Grandfather whose passed on and a few years ago I put together this little video in his memory. I did so for my family, to give them something they could enjoy, sure, there were probably a lot of tears shed when they viewed it but I thought sometimes we can all use a good cry to get those feelings out. As you may interpret from some of my poems, I have lost a few people that are near and dear to my heart. It has not been an easy journey moving on without them, but I feel that expressing myself through writing has helped me with my process of healing so I decided to share.
It’s not easy losing someone, it’s something that we at most times are never prepared for. It’s not until you go through it yourself that we finally understand that our time on this planet is very short and we must utilize every second we can to show our family and friends how much they truly mean to us. Nobody is perfect and we all have areas of our life that we can maybe improve on and our relationships are no different, especially family, relatives are forever bound by blood but it’s true that sometimes we forget what matters in our hectic lives because somewhere along the line we lost our way.
I am guilty of the above, I have relationships that have deteriorated, gone astray that keep me up at night, another part of life I guess. I think about it all the time and I feel sometimes like it was something that I did, sometimes I pass the blame on to the other, none of those examples are 100% true, forget about the blame and just make it better.
Days like today I put my life in perspective and realize that there are those that have gone before me that I wish every day that they could come back, even for just a moment. But I have to realize as well that there are people that I love that are right next to me or only a phone call away, so what’s stopping me?
Give your kids a hug, kiss your spouse, call your mom and have a beer with the buddy because today we have while tomorrow, who knows?
Miss ya Pops
For a Spell
Posted on July 30, 2017 Leave a Comment
Quotidian stories they share,
sitting shoulder to shoulder.
Those confabulating chaps
with their doddery routine,
fidget on a bench of stone.
Each muster for a spell,
hoary old fellows chinwag
anecdotes to their nature,
as I eves-dropped for a tale.
The Black Cat Blue Sea Award
Posted on July 29, 2017 3 Comments
Hey there readers,
You know what’s great? Getting feedback on how your writing is doing, how my written word is being received by the inter-world. I love feedback, the more the merrier in my opinion. The Ink Owl has been one of my top supporters, one of my most frequent readers and was awesome enough to nominate me and my blog for this wonderful award. I’ve been blessed with so much support by the people I’m fortunate enough to have read my blog on a consistent basis, can’t pitch in with my two cents without you-Thank you.
Please show his blog the support he’s shown mine by dropping by The Ink Owl and leaving him a like, comment, and maybe even a follow.
Here’s the Rules for the nominations:
- anybody nominated can nominate up to eight other bloggers;
- the nominee answers three questions posed by the nominator; and
- the questions you ask while nominating can be any three questions.
I follow a lot a blogs and to be so select is an injustice to the others so here’s a few suggestions:
- wholeheartyhappy.wordpress.com;
- Here in the Silence;
- BeautyBeyondBones;
- FLOW ART STATION;
- Orlando Espinosa;
- Ricardo Sexton;
- The Naga;
- J. A. Allen;
- A Mind;
- Quiescentlistener;
- Whole Hearty Happy;
- follow your arrow; and
- Sparky Jen “No Beating Around the Bush Allowed!
Questions asked to me by The Ink Owl:
- What are your goals for writing? Where do you want it to go?
I don’t really have a destination per se, it’s true, I would like to be able to sustain a living by writing, which would be doing something that I can honestly say, is something I genuinely love doing. It’s also an outlet for me, so no matter what, I will always continue to write in some capacity.
- While working on a writing project how do you keep yourself on track or task?
The majority of my wring is impromptu, in the moment, so I don’t really task it, when I do I tend to overthink what I want to write. The only thing that I do task is the fact that I have to “just write”.
- Do you use music to help you write? If yes what kind? If not what do you use to help you write?
I do actually, I sometimes listen to jazz or coffeehouse music that helps me think.My Questions for my nominees:
- How often do you revisit former posts for a reread?
- Have you strayed away from your genre lately, any other layers to your writing?
- How important is feedback to you?
That’s my piece for now, listen just keep on writing and keep showing us that side of you. And for the readers, without you, words would’t make a difference, thank you.
The Mystery Blogger Award X 2
Posted on July 28, 2017 Leave a Comment
What’s the mystery blogger award?
a la the creator…
“Mystery Blogger Award is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging. And they do it with so much love and passion.”
-Okoto Enigma
This, the second Mystery Blogger Award to my credit and it was bestowed upon me by the wonderful Shawna at wholeheartyhappy. She has been kind enough to acknowledge my blog once again, it’s been crazy as of late with these “tip of the hat compliments” to my writing and I can’t give enough thanks. The compliments keep coming and it keeps motivating me to keep up with more content. For her graciousness, do yourself a favor and check out wholeheartyhappy and leave a like, follow and comment.
The Rules:
- Display the award logo/image on your blog
- List the rules of the award.
- Thank the person/blogger who nominated you and provide a link to the nominator’s blog.
- Mention the creator of the award and provide a link to their blog .
- Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.
- Answer 5 questions from the person who nominated you.
- Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice, with one weird or funny question (specify)
- Nominate bloggers
- Share the link(s) to your best post(s)
3 things about myself to share with my readers:
1. Just this month my fiancé and I, Trixie, celebrated our 16th anniversary, she’s been an huge supporter of my blog and anything really when it comes to my creative side plus she tolerates my really bad jokes which by now has made her eligible for sainthood.
2. Pretty stoked that I recently entered a national poetry contest and will find out in a few months how I do. Fingers crossed, actually everything crossed.
3. Almost drowned in a pool once until I stood up, lol, two girls had pushed me under at a water park on the waterside. I panicked and went under and stayed under, I thought I was drowning. I thrashed and thrashed until finally, I heard someone say “stand up”, it was not my finest moment.
What are the answers to the questions from Shawna?
Q1: If you could have any profession, what would it be?
A1: I think for me, I would want to be a full time writer. I know I’m blowing smoke like that would happen but since this is all hypothetical, if I could write all day and night and get paid to support my family then that would certainly be what I would choose to do.
Q2: Is there anything about your blog that you would change?
A2: I am always looking for ways to change my blog, it’s evolved quite a bit since I started already but sometimes I take a step back and wonder how I can maybe add some elements that my readers would want to see. So suggestions?
Q3: What is your favorite book, movie, or song? Why?
A3: I wrote in another post that my favorite book is “The Book of Awesome – by Neil Pasricha” and it was because when I started to read his book, it read as if I had wrote it myself, I loved it and no matter when I read it, it made me feel, well…”awesome”. My favorite movie is tough, don’t really have one but gun to my head i’d go with “Christmas Vacation” for a lot of reasons.
Q4: Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
A4: Master of the pan flute.
Q5: What is your favorite food?
A2: Too many but one is “oatmeal raisin cookies”
By the way, I understand that not everyone participates in these awards, so absolutely no pressure. I tell you what, just pay if forward with a like, comment, or a follow.
Give these nominees a look, so many to choose from but here’s a few…
- cries from an unkempt garden;
- wholeheartyhappy.wordpress.com;
- Here in the Silence;
- BeautyBeyondBones;
- Orlando Espinosa;
- Ricardo Sexton;
- The Naga;
- A Mind;
- Quiescentlistener;
- follow your arrow; and
- Sparky Jen “No Beating Around the Bush Allowed!
I’m off to clear out my draft section, thanks for reading.
Ash Douglas