hope

tired and weary bodies march
across shifting sands for our freedom;
blisters on their heels and blood on their hands
becomes their motto in strange lands.

stiff bones and heavy eyes keep watch
for bombs cascading through the night;
these falling stars are unwanted wishes-
they'll miss their loved ones kisses.

aching minds wake to another day
with and without their fellow soldiers.
they're teaching their heart and spirit to cope
while standing front line with hope.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect what our soldiers past and present have done for our country. They've given us freedom at a heavy price to their friends and family. Those who succeeded their fellow soldiers carry an even heavier burden with them throughout the remainder of their lives.

May those who march forward to a new day return safely and for those who've passed... may you rest in peace. To soldiers and veterans alike, "Thank you for everything you've sacrificed for our freedom."

minnows

darting minnows freeze

beneath water lily pads

drawing attention

anomaly

an anomaly
sits alongside the pond's edge
turtle head rock... found.

My husband found this anomaly pondside at a nature preserve one evening. He thought it might be a good photo opportunity for me to share. I tried to take creative shots of this rock but nothing satisfied me and in the end I settled for ordinary. What do you think it looks like?

Also, this past Sunday my daughter and I went hiking (we came back a sight muddier than we'd planned for) when we came upon a turtle in the road. He was poised for a journey across the back road behind our house. After taking a few pictures my daughter gently picked him up and returned him to the weeds. Safe from injury, we drove away.

back road soldier braves
enemy fire, early morn'
a sunday recruit.

Pulled Over

Today my daughter and I had a strange thing happen. We were driving home when I saw a turkey vulture on the side of the road that I wanted to photograph.  Nearing the red light I asked her to turn left and pull to the shoulder.  We were completely stopped at this point watching for passing traffic. When the way was cleared we crossed over two lanes and a median before stopping at the new light that would take us back to the vulture.

During this process we looked down the road to see a police car coming our way.

My daughter immediately says, "OH MY GOD, I don't have my driver's license!" Naturally I start to dig mine out, just in case.  Once the police car arrives at the light he pulls up between our SUV and the median.  When the light changes the police starts inching his way between our SUV and the car in front of us.

When the flashing lights came on I have to say I was a little worried we might be in some trouble. We pulled over and the car in front done the same. It's then the police gets out and talks with the other guy. Relieved, we pulled ahead, grabbed some shots of said vulture and turned back towards home.

Glancing over from the infamous red light we see the car is still pulled over with that same cop AND another. I'm wondering what that guy did to get on the bad side of those cops? Plus, why would he get pulled over when he'd been sitting at the red light for a bit? 

Lastly, is it still considered a U turn if you pull to the shoulder and turn back the way you came? We thought we were in trouble because of this.

Wordless Wednesday

wildflower

a precise red bud
unable to abandon
its gradual blossoms

Written for 3ww though I should have gone with Wordless Wednesday as this is my worst haiku, ever...

back road

                                          

a back road journey

unbridled spirit frolics

behind white slat fence

Photoshop Elements class

Yesterday afternoon I went to the college and signed up for a Photoshop Elements class. Beginning July 1st and running through July 27th, classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6- 9pm. Tom Patrick will be the instructor guiding the class. Can't wait!!

Also, for those who haven't heard yet, I joined a Photography club recently. Our first meeting took place the beginning of May. During the next meeting we're going to share our black & white and color photos (same subject) and tell why it's better in black & white.

I'm pretty excited about sharing my photo though I don't know I can explain why it's better in black & white instead of color... we'll see what develops, grin.

Wordless Wednesday

Apologies

Creating an online identity is easy as choosing a free service and signing up. But, what they don't tell you is how hard it is to preserve your friendships after doing so. It's even further complicated when you begin again. With that being said I want to apologize to everyone who's taken the time to follow me here at Naquillity. I've been distracted by so many things: cleaning house, running errands, taking pictures, sharing computer time, spending time with husband & daughter and lastly computer troubles.

Still that's no excuse for not stopping by everyone's blog, etc. I hope you'll forgive my lag in efficient blog updates and commenting. I promise I've not given up on blogging or my friendships. I've just, simply, been overwhelmed. Again. My apologies. I hope to be back into routine soon. Have a great day.