the bath

≈

as the tips of my toes

touch the warm salty water,

all the tension seems to slip away ~

allowing

the twitches

and

twinges to pause ~

creating a moment in which to fade.

~

i can feel myself floating along a current

of a gentle meandering stream ~ ~ ~

under a canopy of willows,

sounds of crickets chirping

and

an occasional bumbling bee.

~

there is a feeling of calm

which only water can provide,

as it envelopes the senses with care ~

thereby

thrusting open the door,

and

breaking the chains –

allowing an escape from pain’s mighty lair.

≈

Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Mundelein, IL

≈

the tango

….

…

..

reserved yet striking

punctuated with passion

a smoldering grace

.

..

…

….

pictures

‡

‡

pictures so perfect

desirable in all ways

dreams fulfilled by youth

nothing less is accepted

a never-ending nightmare

‡

‡

‡

 

a pas de deux

∼

∼

The tears of a rhapsody

glide slowly along the strings of a violin

as

∼

He stands…

a single vision

under a dimly lit spot light

∼

He waits…

for an essence of grace

to float by and awaken his spirit

∼

He feels…

the melody

breathing life into his limbs

∼

He hears…

the whisper of satin pointes wafting

from behind

∼

He sees…

gossamer fingers embrace his hand

as

∼

∼

She leads…

him forth into a world which transcends reality.

∞

∞

 

Weekly Pet Challenge – Iron Pee gearing up…

˜

It is never too early to begin one’s training…

˜

mommy’s prized hat

˜

or

SO mommy says…

beauty rest comes
before
Iron Pee training

Doesn’t mommy know there is still snow outside?

˜

Please join Sydnee Pee on her weekly training adventure

http://hopethehappyhugger.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/michelles-weekly-pet-challenge-round-up-and-start-of-new-week-26/

a dancer’s inspiration

♦

◊

♦

wafting through the air

chaotic rhythms about

Isadora smiles

Martha and Alvin admire

the final dance of autumn

♦

◊

♦

Pioneers of Modern Dance

Isadora Duncan – 1877 to 1927

Martha Graham – 1894 to 1991

Alvin Ailey – 1931 to 1989

soccer season

∞

a year older

a bit taller

new team

new faces

new uniform

new coach

new field

new goals

new excitement in the air

♥

a new season has begun…

♥

♥

♥

second game of the season
not the greatest picture – there will be more to come:)

Oh – by the way – they won.  2-0!

the looking glass

•

truth or distortion?

what is it you see?

is it a contrived perception

or

the person you believe yourself to be?

•

a mirror can be a friend –

revealing beauty

inside or out.

it can also be a fraud –

killing life’s dreams

and

fueling one’s doubts.

•

there is always too much –

never any less.

nothing ever seems right,

though we desperately try our best.

•

the eyes only see

what they alone can see

and

the mind stands behind

to confirm what it all means.

•

some people find contentment –

they are happy just to be

and

there are those

who struggle daily

never

liking

what they see.

∞

∞

you and the water

up early before the sun rises

standing over the body of water,

waiting

tension running thru her body, soon to be erased

tension running thru her body, soon to be power

as she enters the body of energy

feeling one with mind, body & soul

all cares are forgotten, troubles are gone

reborn in the maker’s fountain

held once again.

∞

Ironman Wisconsin 2006

punch + kick = ahhhhhh…..

 

The scent of sweat and leather

filters through the room

while

the rhythm of thunderous music –

resonates in my ears……….

 

With hands wrapped tight,

and gloves secure,

I find myself

standing –

in front of my

opponent.

 

Or is it my friend?

 

I do not know for certain

but

will soon find out

for sure.

 

I’ve stretched out a bit,

gulped down some water

and

anxiously…..await……..

with all of the others………

 

“LETS DO IT”

 

The warm up is very basic;

to get the blood flowing –

fifteen minutes of

running,

lunging,

push ups

and

squatting.

 

When the bouncing has commenced

it’s time to get serious –

in front of the bag

we stand –

hands up,

face blocked,

on the hop……………….

 

“LET’S GO”

 

There is nothing more

liberating

than throwing a punch –

into a bag

of sand 

weighing 75 lbs –

covered in black leather

hanging

from a chain.

 

The impact begins when the glove

hits the bag –

then

the fist

the arm,

the shoulder,

and neck –

until the whole body is

contracting,

heart racing

faster than  fast!

 

The bag is unrelenting –

it’s firm

with just a little bit of  ‘give’ –

not a pillow –

but it does allow

for a darn good punch

and

a give-it-all-you-got power kick.

 

After 30 minutes of throwing

punches

and

kicking hard against the bag,

it’s time to move on to

the core,

stretch,

clean the leather

&

then

collapse.

 

“GOOD CLASS  EVERYONE”

 

The arms feel like

noodles,

the legs turn into

rubber,

the mind becomes

crystal clear

and the spirit feels

light as a

feather!

 

What I like the most

about this class

is the bag I get to punch.

For me it is not

an object,

it becomes

so, so

much

more –

 

It’s the conflict

deep within me,

all of the chaos that exists –

the darkness,

fears,

the uncertainties,

and struggles

of everyday life –

wrapped in a 75 lb package

for me

to punch

&

kick!