Friday, January 31, 2014

Photo Heart Connection: January

This image I've chosen as my photo heart connection represents what January was all about; frigid temperatures that 'hurt', snow and ice that made venturing outside treacherous and grey skies that hung heavy.


It meant that this past month has been mostly spent indoors, bundled up in blankets drinking steaming hot mugs of tea.  My cats and I spent many hours staring longingly out of the window; them at the birds, me for a glint of sunshine to warm things up.  One of us was disappointed.
 
That said it has allowed me the time and space to read more (one of my goals for the year).  So far I've devoured Introvert Power, Probable Future, The Noticer and a few others whose names evade me right now.  What did your January look like and what book are you reading?

Linking up with Kat for Photo Heart Connection.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Edge Of Silence - A Collection Of Poetry & Prose

This is the cover for my book of poetry and prose which is in the final stages of revision. 
 

Stay tuned for its official release and your chance to win a free copy.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

In The Studio

I don't usually work with music on but it's been nice to have some Blues playing in the background while I painted today.  The perfect mug of tea helped things along too.
 

As you can see from my work table I have some journals on the go at the moment.  I also have two finished pieces that I hope to add to my Etsy Shop soon.  I'm currently pondering over what their titles should be.  


Some of you may know that I've been working on a book of self published poetry.  I finally completed it and am waiting to receive a proof copy in the mail.  I am excited to see what it looks like before hitting the publish button. 


Still very cold here in Ohio and it 'hurts' to venture outside.  I find myself longing for some sunshine and it has me thinking about places to vacation.

. . . . . time for another mug of hot steaming tea I think. 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Ode To Mum


your thighs and his nose
his hair and your toes

your skin and his pimples
his hands and your dimples

your strength and his reserve
his legs and your curve

your emotion and his silence
his height and your guidance

your heart and his wit
his stubbornness and your grit

what a mixed bag I've turned out to be
but if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be me


Linking up with dVerse and Poets United.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Mirror

 
a portal to another place
. . . . . perhaps
reflecting truth and sincerity
draped with respect
lest it trap a dying soul
seek not your own reflection
should life be your ultimate goal

Linking up Poetry United

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Bird Diary

I'd been trying desperately to get a photo of the pileated woodpecker but whenever he came around I never seemed to have my camera nearby . . . that was until a couple of days ago.  It amazes me how big they are, much bigger than the red bellied woodpecker.


We've also had a crazy amount of starlings visiting our feeders.  They can be quite boisterous, especially as they tend to stick in groups.  I love their coloring though, so pretty when the light catches it.  Did you know a flock of starlings is called a mumuration?
 
 
There have been other visitors to our feeders too.  The downy woodpecker's always look so small and cute while the poor finches look like they are going to freeze to death.
 
 
Thankfully it's not snowing today, although there is more predicted for the weekend. 
 

Stay warm everyone, it's been a cold January for so many of us.
 
 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Shadowy Tricksters


tongues wild with silence
in murmurous blackness
etch fear into frigid bones

as shadowy tricksters
wielding concealment
cavort with the mind

their treacherous
               lecherous
                        inky fingers
harvesting fear
for the light of day


Linking up with imaginary garden with real toads.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Receive A Handwritten Letter & Free Photograph

There's something special and exciting about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail don't you think?  So here's the deal . . . . .


If you'd like to see something in your mailbox other than bills simply send me an email at dychedesigns@hotmail.com with your full name and address and one or two random facts about yourself.  That's it!  It doesn't matter where in the world you are (no exclusions).

Then sit back and start the vigil for a handwritten letter and photo to appear in your mailbox.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Bbbbrrrrrrrr

It's been cold and icy here in Ohio for a while now and we're set to have a bunch of snow over the next few days.  It's funny how I love snow over the holidays but once Christmas is done so am I.  I find myself longing for lighter nights and brisk breezes rather than a deep freeze.
 
 
I often wonder how the birds don't freeze to death with the temperatures we've been experiencing lately but I guess, unlike me, they have it all figured out.
 
 
I try to make sure the bird feeders are well stocked so that they have plenty of food to keep them going.  If only my own fridge was filled with the same care and attention.
 

There's something about the greyness of January that seems to mirror my own mood.  I'm trying to shake loose of it but it can be pretty clingy.  Still it will pass, it always does.  Hope you are all staying nice and warm in your neck of the woods.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Tarred & Feathered

 
tarred and feathered
with words and labels
thrown into a box
to be defined by
your outermost edges

Monday, January 13, 2014

A Mind Gone Blind

 
where did all my thoughts go
who stole them from my mind
I know I had them yesterday
but today I cannot find
the trail of words and images
that were once aligned
it's simply blank, there's nothing there
it's like my brain's gone blind

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Introversion

My facial nerve pain has been spiking a lot recently.  It seems to be worse during winter and with low pressure.  This weekend was a particularly rough one with quite a lot of pain.  It gets a little frustrating when it prevents me from doing many of the things I like to do such as painting, reading, writing or computer work, however, I did manage to finish a book called Introvert Power that I'd been reading.  I have to admit I'm not big into self-help type books and to be honest there are not many books I read that I truly love but this one definitely stood out.


It shines a huge spot light on the misconceptions of being an Introvert and not only explores the different ways Introverts and Extroverts view situations, but also focuses on many of the Introverts strengths.  I was surprised to learn that approximately 50% of the population are Introverts and shocked to discover that, until just recently, introversion was labeled a disorder in the field of psychology!

This book contains a lot of insightful information and I believe that many would benefit from reading this, particularly Introverts but also Extroverts wishing to understand the Introverts in their lives.

Friday, January 10, 2014

In Loving Memory

 
I held your hand
as you once held mine
both of us learning
to take the next step
mine towards life
yours towards death
 
In loving memory of my dad

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Intensity

 
enraptured by your intensity
emotions blazing
heat radiating
hungry you consume me
o  d  r  i  n  g
until we are all but extinguished

Linking up with Poetry Jam

New At Dyche Designs Studio & January Sale

6"x4" Journal
 
 
6"x4" Journal 


14"x11" Textured Art Painting
 
15% of all artwork for the month of January.
 
Simply enter coupon code JANSALE during checkout to receive your discount. 
 
Offer excludes shipping.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Rooted

 
my trunk is packed
but I remain
rooted to the spot
this time and place

creaking, groaning
twisting and moaning
as you breathe life
into these tired limbs

inevitably there will come
a point in time
pressure so intense
that SNAP, I break

Linking up with dVerse and Texture Tuesday

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Puzzle Pieces


on a path to nowhere
I sit, arms crossed
gazing downward
at strewn puzzle pieces
of whys and why not's

a puzzle with infinite sides
numerous parts missing
for life doesn't come in a box
with a picturesque image
and all the pieces

Linking up with Poets United and Imaginary Garden With Real Toads.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

A Mind Bereft

 
envisaging change
a shifting of axis
on the eve of a promise

a long slow breath expels the past
a deep breath inhales the new

receptive lungs fill with wishes
yet travel north and you'll find
a mind bereft

Linking up with imaginary garden with real toads.