mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
You can scroll the shelf using ← and → keys
Mechanism Of The Cosmos
March 20, 2017
— 1 Comment
opening
The mechanism drives forward through the cosmic dust of seasons
Waking the flora and the fauna of each time of year is a serious task
Few moments of equilibrium contrast with plunges into disorder
Filling the months and years with primary planting and development
Fruition of every harvest begins a new cycle of reaping and sowing
The rushing of planets though nighttime sky continues unabated
What kind of seasons will follow these? Will there be more drought?
opening
Path To The River
March 19, 2017
— 3 Comments
Santa Cruz River
Santa Cruz River
On the way down to the river the thick grass rustled as we walked
Animals scampered away as we approached, finding shelter
Our thirsty tired bodies were weary from days of hiding and running
The heat of the day was dry and brutally bright with white sunlight
Tears fell into the river when we finally touched the water at last
Our latest disaster might be averted by this running stream we found
We can fill ourselves and our canteens with liquid we hope is not foul
Our lives have become precarious, supported merely by twists of fate
There is no question that we must drink it, polluted or not, or we will perish
#WeekendCoffeeShare Spring Training Edition
March 18, 2017
— 17 Comments
my front yard
lemon in bloom
pink jasmine
ripe tomatoes, ready to juice
If we were having coffee this weekend I would show you my new favorite item, which is parked just inside my front door. It is my new Power Plate Personal vibration platform. I had purchased a cheap knock of version of this equipment and become very addicted to using it. The knock off completely died electronically after two month’s use. I am always bragging that I am thrifty but not cheap. In this case I proved myself wrong by purchasing an inferior product while trying to “save” money. Imagine my ire when I looked it up on Amazon and found out they are no longer even selling the thing. I left a horrible review, then went on to read many other horrific reviews of the many cheap knock off brands. I reached the conclusion that I needed to invest in a Power Plate to make the most of my dollar expenditure. Amazon delivered, as usual, and sold me a 5 year warrantee on parts and labor that makes me feel secure that I have made a good decision this time about my purchase. My new equipment is far superior to the trashy thing I bought, and comes with a free month of video training. This is the spring training I had in mind. I learned my lesson about Chinese knock off merch.
If you were hanging out here today, perhaps trying the Power Plate, just for fun, you would be seriously treated to major aromatherapy. The pink jasmine in front is in full bloom, along with the white Lady Banksia rose. The jasmine scent is intoxicating, and will soon be followed by two other varieties of jasmine. In the back yard my lemon tree is blooming and setting fruit profusely this year. Last year I had a crop of zero lemons, which saddened me greatly. It looks like a bumper crop this year. The bees are very busy pollinating the flowers. Please sit back and enjoy some iced tea, pink grapefruit juice, or freshly squeezed tomato juice. I processed fresh tomatoes all week, and still have almost a full case, so this morning we are making a big brunch with fresh tomato juice. Please stay for brunch, which will feature very fresh eggs from my neighbor’s pampered chickens.
If we were having coffee (juice or iced tea) this weekend I would extend my sympathy to those of you who suffered severe snow storm, Stella. I loved snow as a child growing up in Pittsburgh, and as a serious downhill skier in middle age, but have no use for it today. I don’t know how to drive in it, and probably could no longer construct a decent snow fort if challenged to a snowball fight. Winter weather does seem rather perfect for writers, in a way. Stuck indoors, perhaps with winds howling past the door, and perilous conditions on the nearest waterway, a creative person could come up with some imaginative stories. I read some really good ones this week on Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo #writephoto blog. My own little fiction story took a hellish, dark, underworld turn, once again surprising me with the disturbing sinister tales my fiction muse creates. I think maybe I need to listen to Homer’s Odyssey to get into this whole journey into darkness and then home again theme. I found it free on Amazon and will add it when Alexa finishes reading my next book. I never hurts to review the classics.
Pray tell, gentle reader, what have you been reading and writing? This movable coffee, tea, juice, and story smorgasbord meets each weekend at Nerd on the Brain’s blog. Please join us here to contribute, to comment, or enjoy the literary and imaginary international gourmet feast.
#WeekendCoffeeShare
St. Patrick’s Day Special – Irish Weather – The Musical – Narrated by renowned author – I.V.E. Mildew
March 17, 2017
— 1 Comment
St Patrick’s Day Special
#Writephoto The Hinges Of Hades
March 16, 2017
— 8 Comments
Hades
His death was sudden and unexpected, leaving matters in disarray at home, at his business, and with his students. The mystery school had been meeting in underground caves teaching secrets and rites of magical passage. Delphina became Fidel’s assistant, a priestess who inherited prophesy and ritual magic from her people, who came from an island with a volcano. When the volcano erupted few survivors managed to make it to safety. Delphina and her grandmother were saved by a passing ship. She was only 3 years old when she arrived in her new land, so she found it easy to adapt to the culture and language. Her grandmother suffered from nostalgia and yearned for a home Delphina did not remember.
Fidel lived next door and was her friend all through childhood. Her grandmother was cautiously approving of him, observing his exceptional nature. After her grandmother died Delphina moved in with Fidel’s family, and eventually married him. Their work together at the school replaced children and family in their lives. They dedicated themselves to higher truth and strict observance of their beliefs. She had grown up within the culture, and never questioned the motives or the fundamental beliefs of the elders. They always told her she was lucky to be alive, and she agreed. She did not question the essential mystery she had been taught. She believed that wealth was the most important and significant reward granted to the faithful. Her teachings reflected her willingness to do anything to acquire money. Fidel, whose very name meant faithful, was a son of Lucifer, trained in the art of stealing souls. He was raised in splendor and glorious excess to impress the rest of the populace. It never occurred to him that the rest of the inhabitants were there because they had been cursed. He never suspected their deep resentment of his position. He never even suspected who he was himself. His whole life was the ultimate betrayal.
While he was carrying out a ritual hypnotism in the inner sanctum of the cave, a group of hooded assassins stabbed him a thousand times with pitchforks. The shocking news reached Delphina as she descended into the chamber to deliver ritual wine. The large heavy gate at the top of the stairway slammed behind her, leaving her trapped with her husband’s murderers. This was the first inkling she had about her true location and her fate. She read the sign now facing her on the gate. “Hotter than the hinges of Hades”, was all it said.
#writephoto
This is a response to Sue Vincent’s photo prompt. Please visit to contribute your own story, read, or comment. There is a lively and interesting mix of writers who regularly contribute here. Enjoy!
Musical Instrument Museum
March 15, 2017
— 4 Comments
Dragons and Vines Inlay
Dragons and Vines Inlay
Dragons and Vines Inlay
Dragons and Vines Inlay
Dragons and Vines Inlay
Dragons and Vines Inlay
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is a destination worth a lengthy visit. I spent the day there recently in complete awe. The special exhibit on display now is an incredible collection of artfully inlaid instruments. They exhibit includes videos to show the methods and makers of this specialized art. The intricacy they achieve is impressive, and almost impossible to discern with the naked eye. The museum furnishes the visitors with little flashlights to illuminate the inlay for better appreciation of the detail. This show is all in one large room, but is packed with amazing art. The exhibit is both enlightening and inspirational. I have a new appreciation for this fine craftsmanship.
The well designed space tells the story of the history and evolution of music all around the globe. There are instruments and videos to explain the origins and uses of them arranged by geographic region. Plan to spend a long time, or go back more than once to see the entire space. I took out some time in the afternoon to attend a concert by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in the small acoustically perfect theater on site. The selections played were very special for the small space, and I had a front row seat with a direct view of the conductor. It was intimate and wonderfully transformative. I enjoyed the concert immensely, and would return for another matinée the next time I plan a trip. The concert/museum combination is hard to beat. The concert series offers all kinds of music, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality. The concert hall is a real treat in itself. I highly recommend this museum for an hour or a week. It is fascinating, and feeds the soul.
quotes
concert
antiques
mini glass orchestra
antiques
bagpipe
Ella Fitzgerald’s dress
harmonicas
William Mead, Ninth Great-Grandfather
March 14, 2017
— 2 Comments
Entrance to Old Sound Cemetery, also known as the Tomac Burying Grounds
“William Mead, born in England, about 1600, probably sailed from Lydd, County Kent, England, in the ship, Elizabeth, Captain Stagg, April 1635, for the Massachusetts Bay Colony; first settled in Wethersfield, Connecticut; removed to Stamford, Connecticut, in 1641, where he died about 1663. His wife died at Stamford, Sept. 19, 1657. Their children were: Joseph, Martha, and John. Joseph and John settled in the town of Greenwich. See “History & Genealogy of the Mead Family”, Spencer Mead.”
THE MEAD FAMILY
The Mead Family of Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Conn. was originally from England, and came to this country shortly after the Mayflower had landed its load of Pilgrims on the shores of Massachusetts. It has generally been the tradition in the family that two brothers came over; that one stopped at the Eastward, while the other came to Horse-Neck. That two brothers or possibly three, came over is very probable, as it would not be natural for one to come alone, could he find a relative to join him in his adventures. In the “History of Lexington, Mass.” we find that Gabriel Mead was one of the earliest settlers of that place, as also David. The dates of their arrival, and of William of Horse-Neck (or rather Stamford) agree with one another, leading to the conclusion that all three were near relatives; furthermore the Coat-of -arms of both branches is identical, which is almost proof positive. It is not fully detemined from what part of England the Connecticut family came; but searches that have been made there seem to show a starting place somewhere near London, possibly Greenwich, Co. Kent.
The first record of any Mead in Fairfield Co. is the following in Stamford Town Records: “Dec. 7, 1641, William Mayd received from the town of Stamford, a homelot and 5 acres of land.” This William was undoubtedly the ancestor of the Fairfield Co. Meads. His wife died Sept. 19, 1657. We have record of three children. Joseph, born in 1630, the ancestor of the Ridgefield and North Fairfield Co. Meads; Martha, who married John Richardson, of Stamford, and John, the ancestor of the Horse-Neck Meads. The two sons, Joseph 2 and John 2, seem to have migrated (though if proved only a temporary sojourn) to Hempstead, L. I.
John 2 removed from Hempstead, L. I. to Greenwich (Horse-neck) in 1660. It was in this village that he purchased land; the date of the deed is Oct. 26, 1660, and is as follows, verbatim et literation.
These presents witnesseth an agreement made between Richard Crab of Grenwich, on ye one side & John Mead of Hemstead on Long Island on ye other side, viz: ye sd Richard Crab hath sould unto ye sd John Mead all his houses & Lands yt sd Richard Crab hath in Grenwich with all ye Apurtenances. Rights & Privileges & Conveniences yt doth belong unto ye sd houses & lands or shall here after belong unto them namely ye house yt Rechard Crab liveth in. Ye house yt Thomas Studwell liveth in with ye Barne yt is on ye other side of ye hyewaye; also ye home lott ye house stands on being bounded with a fence about them Lying on ye North west side against ye home lott also Eightene Acres of Land in Elizabeth neck more or less being bounded on ye sea on ye East ans south east and a fence on ye west norwest & ye north. Also ye Rig (ridge?) with five acres of Meadow Lying in it more or les. Ye rig being bounded by ye Sea on ye south east. Williamses Land on the east & a fence on ye northwest. Ye hye waye & hubert (Hubbard?) & angell Husted land on ye west; also three acres of meadow in ye Long meadow & one acre of Meadow by ferris bounded by Jeffere Ferris land on ye southwest and ye Cove on ye west and northwest: ye hyewaye on ye East & northeast & five acres of meadow in myanos neck. All these above spesiffied I do acknoledge to have sould unto ye above sd John Mead. His heaires & asignes fully & freely to be posses forever & for ye just & full performance hereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand Ann 1660 October 26 Daye.
Richerd Crabb
Tomac Burying Grounds
William Mead (1600 – 1659)
9th great-grandfather
John Mead (1634 – 1699)
son of William Mead
Benjamin Daniel Mead (1667 – 1746)
son of John Mead
Mary Mead (1724 – 1787)
daughter of Benjamin Daniel Mead
Abner Mead (1749 – 1810)
son of Mary Mead
Martha Mead (1784 – 1860)
daughter of Abner Mead
Abner Morse (1808 – 1838)
son of Martha Mead
Daniel Rowland Morse (1838 – 1910)
son of Abner Morse
Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Jason A Morse
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
Value For Dollar, Air bnb
March 13, 2017
— 1 Comment
I was a travel agent for many years, and have not lost my love of hotels. There is nothing like a stay at a first class establishment to make you feel pampered and rested. I prefer to save up for a special stay if I want to stay in a hotel. When they converted the Waldorf-Astoria to apartments last week I was really happy I had stayed there a couple of times. Once I talked the sales representative into giving me a two bedroom suite for the price of a double room. It was spectacular, and I will never forget it. The Sunday brunch was also to die for. Five star hotels are memorable, but they are not the only way to have a special vacation. Since air bnb started I have used it for particular locations. Sometimes the most important aspect of the stay is the exact location. Air bnb has expanded my choices when I travel to include a large and growing number of private homes, guest houses, and rooms for rent to paying customers. I used to rent private flats in other countries, and it was tricky. Now this has become easy and safe for all involved parties. Air bnb connects renters with exceptional spaces to rent.
The company carries insurance for both the renter and the property owner. There is a vetting process, and the reviews are made public. If a guest is undesirable and is reviewed as a bad prospect, other owners will not want to rent to him. Conversely, if an accommodation is reviewed as less than perfect, prospective renters can take this into account when deciding on a rental. I have only had one property that worked out well for me but I declined to review because I thought it was not appropriate for most travelers. I have been around the world and have a pretty wide range of tolerances, but this is not the case for all clients of air bnb. The base of customers and rentals is growing, which means there are new places on the rental market all the time. I keep some wish lists of properties for future reference. This helps me check certain cities for my dream accommodations quickly. There are many choices, and trip planning is a sport for me. I can get lost in the air bnb site for hours, just doing research on new locations.
I go to Tempe, Arizona at least once a year for a weekend. I like to live like a regular person in the neighborhood when I am there. I don’t always cook, but I like the option of a kitchen for flexibility. This is one of the major advantages to hotel life in my mind. Each host is different, but generally the renter is given free use of the kitchen, and normally the outdoor barbecue, if there is one. If nothing else this allows me to store any produce I pick up at framers markets, and gives me a place to make my coffee in the mornings. Hosts almost always provide coffee and tea. Some go all out with gifts of food and wine for the traveller. I have moved in to find a case of fizzy water and other goodies left by the previous tenant. The host describes what is provided so there is little chance of surprise. Being accurate in the description is an important issue to the company. I find they are all good at that. Obviously, some personalities will fit better than others, and staying in someone’s home is intimate. All my hosts have been just right for my tastes, usually leaving the premises, and leaving me alone. Many will leave a key or a lock box for convenience checking in while they are at work. My recent stay at Larry’s place in Tempe worked out very well for my needs. I would recommend his property for anyone. He is friendly, but low key. His very well presented guide book helped me navigate the area when I arrived. It was very helpful.
Larry’s yard
Larry
The referral and vetting system is similar to Uber or Lyft. If you use my invitation link to sign up , you will receive a discount of $40 on your first booking. I will be rewarded with $20 in credit after you take your first trip. It is a win/win situation. Have you tired using air bnb, gentle reader? It is becoming much more popular all the time.
#WeekendCoffeeShare Spring Fever Edition
March 13, 2017
— 1 Comment
aloe
aloe
bees on lavender
aloe
aloe
If we were having coffee this weekend, you might notice I have not shown up until Monday morning. No real impediments kept me from meeting my own deadline here. I have just been feeling spring fever. I have been particularly lazy on my blog, although I did manage a short piece of fiction this week. After my quick trip to Tempe and Scottsdale last week I started to shop around on air bnb for other wildflower destinations. I told myself I would fit in one more photo safari on this exceptional rain year when I am finished preparing my income taxes. I found some excellent options near Anza Borrego, California, where there is a gigantic super bloom happening now. It is very tempting to just pick up and go, but I do need to consider finances.
My vacation and photo shoot quickly turned into a spa staycation when a surprising turn of events changed my financial picture. The cheap knock off vibration platform I have been enjoying daily kicked the bucket. This was distressing because I am now addicted to using it, and must replace it with one that will not break after two month’s use. I read reviews and did more research than I did the first time, including calling an old friend who is a vendor of the Power Plate brand. The superior quality as well as the warranty convinced me to order a Power Plate platform. It will arrive tomorrow. I have a new appreciation for it, and see it as a good exchange for a short vacation. This will contribute to better health every day. I have become accustomed to the convenience of using it whenever I want at home. The wildflowers will have to wait. I have invested in my home spa gear and my every day pleasure. This investment will pay off in the future.
We are still finishing the ruby red grapefruit, and Bob brought home two cases of mangos from the produce distribution in the neighborhood on Saturday. He arrived as they were leaving, and wanted to get rid of extra tomatoes and mangos, so he took six cases of tomatoes, and two of ripe mangoes. They are in perfect condition, so I was roasting and simmering stroganoff and soup yesterday. I still have many tomatoes, so today I will set up the food drier to take care of more of them. I will make a batch of mango chutney and some salsa today too. I love the smell of chutney while it simmers. Please help yourself to fruit to go. We are overstocked once again.
If we were having coffee I would ask you to enjoy the scent of the lemon tree blooming in the back yard and the pink jasmine and white roses blooming in the front. The perfume of spring is heady and floral. It is warm and sunny. We cleared out all the wood from the garage, not expecting to need another fire in the stove this year. Tell me how your writing has been going. I hope you are not on a lazy streak like I am. This is not writer’s block. This is plain old procrastination. Do you suffer from that? It seems like after I miss one day of blogging it is easy to skip another. I need to jumpstart that writing engine and get in gear. Thanks for sharing stories and digital beverages this week. Pardon my tardiness, please. I will work on that for next week.
If you would like to connect with a group of talented diverse writers, check out Nerd in the Brain, our gracious hostess.
#WeekendCoffeeShare
#WritePhoto Sunken Spirits
March 9, 2017
— 11 Comments
horizon
The excursion lasted for months. The tedium had begun to take it’s toll on the crew. Provisions had run low, and the boring meals of salt cod and oatmeal were getting on everyone’s nerves. The search for the shipwreck had turned into a nightmare. Now lost, after the GPS was washed overboard in the storm, they wondered if this island would be their final resting place. Landing on an uninhabited island, they questioned who had built the pillars on the beach that were now in ruins. They surveyed the beach and the inland for signs of human occupation, but found nothing more recent than the ruined pillars of stone. They could find no stones of similar type on the island either, which made them speculate that the stones had been brought to the island from another place.
They learned to catch fish in the lagoon and the ocean to survive. They had a fresh water spring to keep them alive, but there was little vegetation. Day to day life was a struggle that created tension and friction between everyone. There was not enough to eat, and there was little hope of rescue since they had no idea where they were. This Gilligan’s Island was all too real for this group who had never seen themselves as survivalists. When they sailed from Bermuda they all wore snappy nautical outfits and hats with matching logos. When the boat capsized in the storm they lost all the extra clothing, and most of them drifted ashore in pajamas and nightgowns. They found themselves without any of the comforts on which they had become accustomed. They feared the worst, but had not been brought up to even know about the worst.
In other circumstances they might have bragged to all their friends back at the club about discovering an island with stone ruins, then learning it was Atlantis. Under present conditions it was doubtful that they would ever see the club or their friends again. They had sunk their vessel out in the channel, and with it, their hopes and dreams. They started making up stories about Atlantis and the Bermuda Triangle to pass the time while they slowly perished.
Please join a lively group of writers for stories inspired by today’s photo prompt by Sue Vincent. Read, comment, or submit your own story.
#writephoto
mermaidcamp 