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Welcome to Ari-Wood. Step right up and see the sights. To your left, you will see the delicate fragility of fairy land. On the right, watch out for the fiery dragons. For your safety, we recommend you stay on the path and don't stray into the netherworlds of risk and chance. Alternatively, perhaps you like the benefits that go along with taking that chance..........
All rights to the poetry and stories in Ari-Wood
belong exclusively to the author.
That which is not mine,
That which is not good,
That which is not altruistic....
Is requested to leave.
The stories and poems encased in this crystal blog are written from my own imagination and in no way are intended to be viewed as written to any specific person unless I specifically state that it is.
My heart is a book which you leaf through as simply as the pages of this blog..
Antiqued an worn
The words bleed
From a hidden place
Deep within my chapters
Where only one can see
And whispering spirits tarry
Frayed are my edges
Yet my gliding
Remains beautiful
Not a mere ornament
But a testament to the tooling
Which has geared my life
Sown tightly is my binding
I have weathered the years
I shine with wisdom an character
Like no other book
Yet my cover bares the marks
Of ordinary use
Turn my pages lightly
And you shall read
My hued memories
Of dreams and dreaminess
Of times and timelessness
Of lives and liveliness
Upon my inner pages
Are scribbled
Achromatic dreams
My love
My hopes
My life
You are such a treasured book
All my love, Sister of my heart
(Written by a special sister of my heart...MsAlchemy2...a special gift...I wanted to share.)
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| Changes |
Feb 19, 2007 10:49 pm
2420 Views | I have lots of catching up to do, so hopefully I'll get there this week. For anyone feeling neglected, I apologize...and I'll try to get back to visiting very shortly.
It's been an odd experience for me...a feeling of life changing. I hadn't really thought about what was happening in my life...until I felt it change.
Last year challenged me in lots of ways. I found FF; I found people I really loved; I found a man I really loved; I got deeper into a new and challenging job; I got deeper into college. It was really exciting and wonderful for me.
Seems like it was about August things kind of turned around. The relationship I was trying out fell apart; I began to explore my past and work through some issues to do with pain and fear; my friend died in circumstances that led me to feel responsible; my classes got terribly time consuming and frustrating; I had to do some major audits and corrections at work because the data I'd been given was flat wrong; it just seemed like everything was going wrong, getting haywire.
Late in the year I realized that I was really struggling with seeing the numbers in my math book; some of those numbers were really tiny, smaller than even the huge spreadsheets I work with at the office. I also realized I'd pretty much let myself go physically...didn't make time for me anymore. I even gave up my manicures.
It hadn't been getting any better.
For a New Year's Resolution...I handled it this way:
There are things I want to change in my life, so I want to dedicate this year to a time of changing...I set no time limits, no requirements to succeed; just a sincere effort to make the changes. I want to make sure my eye is ok; that the blurriness I'm seeing isn't permanent. I want to give up coffee, salt, smoking, lose some weight and feel better again. I want to stop putting processed anything in my body. I want to give my best efforts to work and school. I want to learn several new forms of dance as a form of working out. I want to finish working through my past and move forward with my life. I want to get my ex completely out of my life.
Hmmm...so, I'd given up coffee. That was easy. I'd given up most salt. That wasn't so easy, but starting this diet has helped a lot. I'm trying to change a lot of bad habits in this process. I watched Super Size It as a prelude to starting this diet. Not that we have McDonald's here; but I wanted to see what they had to say about the food...and some of his research really reinforced how I felt about processed foods.
Once I started the diet, processed foods went out the window; so did a lot of salt and a lot of other foods I didn't really need to be eating. There are hard parts of it. I want to drink something other than water (and low-fat milk sucks rocks). I miss my fruit and juice in the morning. Funny, I'd have thought I'd miss bread and rice the most; but I don't miss them at all. I DO miss nachos. I want them so bad I can taste them.
Some interesting pieces I've gained. I don't have any kind of heartburn, gas, or bloated feeling. I have way lots of energy. I am learning how to eat healthy so I don't feel hungry (although broccoli at breakfast still feels funny). I am actually waking up wanting water instead of coffee. I have lost 10 pounds already.
I finally got my glasses. Yes, I have to wear glasses now. Since I'm near-sighted, the top part of the glasses corrects for this; the central part has almost no correction since my main vision is fine; but the bottome portion is a bifocal. It's very interesting to try to learn to see through them. They tell me I have to stop just moving my eyes, and begin to move my head when I change directions or levels of looking at things. It's rather squirrely; but it's amazing to be able to see with no blurring of fine print. I found that the blurring seemed to make me feel like I was totally not understanding what I was reading.
When I got the grade from my Algebra class, I almost immediately felt a new interest in school. I had let that instructor, and the lack of feedback in the class pretty much stop me in my tracks. I didn't feel good about it...so I didn't do a lot of it. Since I got the grade, I jumped straight back into studying...and I'm loving it again. Funny how just one thing can change our whole attitude.
I even watched some television this weekend. I got my DVR hooked up to the television and found that it had continued to record some of the shows I used to have programmed. Other than a handful of movies, I hadn't watched television at all in over a year. And I read a little as well. I have so many books to finish reading...and start.
The smoking is next. I want to get used to the changes I've made so far...and then I want to make that change. One step at a time; one tiny piece of my life at a time. This is my year to remake the things I didn't do well to begin with...and I want to do it well...and right.
Making time for me has become a priority...it's going to stay that way. I need to take time to appreciate, enjoy, monitor...the way my life is going. I need to read books about the changes I want to make and the way I believe. I need to just spend time...with me.
So....how is your life changing? What are your goals for you? Where do you want to be at the end of a year? Five years? How can you get there? If you don't find the star you want to reach...and reach for it...and believe you can get there...you never will. Do it for you. Come on...you can do it. I believe in you. | |
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22 Comments | |
| At Long Last.............. |
Feb 18, 2007 12:41 am
2772 Views | I have to tell you, I've hated that College Algebra class since I started it. I had to learn how to handle a very complex calculator; I had to pretty much teach myself the class, since my instructor failed to respond to requests for assistance; and I had absolutely no feedback on my results. I never received a single test or homework assignment grade. I had no idea whether I was doing poorly or well.
I finished the class at the end of December. I just barely got my grade Thursday. Believe it or not, I've filed written complaints about the instructor's failure to provide any feedback and just about begged the college for my grade for more than a month now.
Since I had no feel for how I'd done, I'd often commented that I would be satisfied with failing, because I'd put so much time, energy, and effort into the class. I'd have fought the college...but I'd still feel like I accomplished something.
So...Thursday I get an email from the Coordinator saying that my grade has been posted and where would I like it sent. Well...send it to my house...but what is it? I'll send it to your house. Well...wait a minute...I figure it's not great, but I'd sure like to know. She finally sends it to me. I'm so excited to get it that I race down the hall to tell Michelle.
"Guess what? I finally got my College Algebra grade."
"Really? Finally? How'd you do?"
I'm beaming ear to ear as I tell her..."I got a B and a half."
"Ari...you deserve to be an Accountant."
BTW...a B and a half is now Ari-speak for a B+...and I'm very satisfied with my first non-A grade...if not with my mouth.... | |
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30 Comments | |
| Prayers and Love for Carolyn |
Feb 15, 2007 9:06 pm
2502 Views |  | Most people don't know...and Carolyn...forgive me...that Carolyn is having surgery tomorrow. It's not a really serious surgery, but serious enough to be scary as heck. So...I would really appreciate it if everyone would offer up prayers, love, light, and lots of positive thoughts for my best friend...that the surgery stays minor; that she gets through it well; that she suffers minimal pain; and that she can't exercise for a few weeks after so I can lose more weight than she does....lol...ok, scratch the last one.
Carolyn...I love you; I wish you well; I will call you tomorrow night to check on you. Be strong, my friend...and I wish I could be there to be with you.
For you, my friend.....
Lord and Lady, hear my plea
Sent for someone dear to me
Into your hands I trust this friend
To her I wish your light to send
Keep her close, hold tight her hand
Give her strength and help her stand
Replenish her in time of need
Of any pain, let her be freed
Here before you do I kneel
Sending love to help her heal |
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23 Comments | |
| Happy Valentine |
Feb 14, 2007 6:51 pm
2400 Views |  | A Valentine Kiss. I hope your day was as beautiful as each of you are.
From my heart to yours....
Ari |
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17 Comments | |
| No More Alone - My Valentine Challenge Poem |
Feb 14, 2007 6:24 pm
2302 Views |  | I watched you sleep last night
From the depths of my dream
Traveling far to rest at your side
I watched you sleep
Sleeping, you smiled softly
That tender, loving smile
Trenchant echoes of your affection
Smile softly kissed
My lips broke your slumber
A soporific sense
Your eyes sweeping over me; resting
On satin skin
Subtle invitation
Inevitable dance
Queries stifled in passion’s torrent
Two bodies twined
In unbearable need
Fire of star’s explosion
Binding; two into one; lover’s sun
Eagerly seeks quenching
Devour the flames, my love
Hold closely as eruptions carry
My heart to yours
Deepened slumber awaits
Texture of minds conjoined
So the darkness melds with morning’s light
No more alone |
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6 Comments | |
| Endlessly...Poetic Challenge... |
Feb 12, 2007 4:15 pm
2323 Views |  | Forgotten in the long ago
Her broken heart remembers, though
A hidden life, a secret time
When even words refused to rhyme
He said he’d follow where she’d lead
And for a time he did, indeed
Until one day he turned to go
Refused to hear her begging, so
She climbed the tower high above
The place she’d given all her love
And gazed into the sea below
Where crashing waves reflect the glow
Of crystals dancing on the tide
A place she brought her heart to hide
The love she felt, she longed to share
And twined it in her flowing hair
A flower or two she chose to add
And left a note upon a pad
Then summoned up the wind to roil
Within a monsoon she did toil
To take her heart, for safety’s sake,
To dusty caverns by the lake
Where never more would any spy
A diamond tear fall from her eye |
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16 Comments | |
| A Valentine |
Feb 11, 2007 9:36 pm
2162 Views |  | A year ago, I was given the most beautiful Valentine's Day gift I've even received. It was a poem written just for me. I didn't expect it; in fact, I didn't expect to even have or be anyone's valentine.
So...many people have secret crushes here...and some not-so-secret. I challenge each and every one of you to write something special for your valentine...secret or not. You never have to use a name, a description...anything that would identify them, although...you can, if you wish.
People are almost always flattered and pleased to know someone cares. But, don't do anything that embarasses you.
If you could...if you would...what would you write for your valentine? A poem, a play, a joke...whatever feels right to you.
And...as Sharon would say...I double god dare you.... |
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13 Comments | |
| Watch Over Me |
Feb 11, 2007 8:01 pm
2059 Views |  | Watch over me
When night is long
When words enchant
When nothing’s wrong
Please stay my tongue
When hurt uncurls
When taunts sink in
When rage unfurls
Hold still my hand
When anger boils
When hate attacks
When temper roils
Keep safe my heart
When weak I am
When passion tempts
When love’s a sham
Wrap tight my soul
When faith is weak
When hearts are hurt
When truth I seek
Watch over me
When life would flee
When time would cease
Then come for me.
For you, Carolyn. I hope it helps you to feel better.
Love...Me |
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14 Comments | |
| Empty Me |
Feb 10, 2007 11:02 pm
2024 Views |  | Why does it hurt inside me?
How can there be such emptiness?
Those things I love seem distant
And abstract...
Unreachable acquisition.
Hope hungers always alone
Searching faces people my dreams
Sensation of detachment
Broken free
Whirling atom dancing the wind.
Who have I hurt so badly?
Payment in chosen penalties
Unbearably high prices
Inflated
For one having nothing to give.
Inquisitive eyes mirrored
Imagining future events
Seeking opportunity
To repair
Damages my heart marks as owed
What woman is reflected?
A reflection unfamiliar
Crystalline tears spilling down
Tender cheeks;
Where went the person she once was?
Offer empty promises
There is no honor in your lies
Save them for one who’ll listen
Silently
Hope echoing every lost word
Untamed path seeking answers
Love’s nature unconditional
Acceptance spiritually
Search no more
Let passion’s flames beckon me
Images never lasting
Time’s ravages cannot be stopped
Value of hearts enduring
Can’t you see?
Her beauty’s an unopened gift
Offer a heart that’s open
A person who’s soul can fly free
Doesn’t expect perfection
Only me.
Enter into the lady’s dream…. |
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14 Comments | |
| I'm So Proud of My Sister |
Feb 10, 2007 10:58 pm
Mood: happy, 1962 Views |  | A friend of mine had a pacemaker installed last year. It's strange, but she was perfectly fine one day, the next day her neck hurt severely, the next she was in the emergency room being told she needed a pacemaker. She had no warning and was very fortunate that she went to the hospital for the neck pain.
Some time later, the doctors turned her pacemaker down to "save the life of the battery". I can't describe how upset she was that her doctor made this choice for her with no discussion. He decided that it would not hurt her if it was turned down and did so.
She immediately had some very unpleasant symptoms, including passing out right in front of him. Her memory suffered, she was occasionally incoherent, her work was a mess. I know because her work feeds directly into mine. It frightened her to realize just how badly she was doing. So, she went back to the doctor who told her everything was fine.
Several weeks later she was again rushed to the hospital...this time to have a stent put in one of the coronary arteries by a new specialist. Amazingly, she is now back to normal and doing well.
When the stent had been installed, her doctor put her on the South Beach Diet. Now, she's not following it exactly...she's rather stubborn that way. She's also terrified that if she does any exercise, her heart will be damaged. So, the diet has done almost nothing for her and she continues to gain weight.
However, the fact that her doctor recommended the diet really spoke volumes to many people around her and a number of people I work with...and play with...are now on the diet.
I brought this up because my sister and her husband also went on this diet. In the four weeks they have been on it, her husband has lost some 20 or so pounds. It's going to take him awhile to get down to where he needs to be.
I had talked to my sister on the phone rather frequently, but didn't see her in most of those four weeks...until the other day. She looks like she's lost 30 or more pounds...and she looks amazing. I just wanted to say...I am soooooooo proud of you, Ronda. You look phenomenal. It excites me to see you finally getting where you wanted to be.
And for anyone who is interested; it's definitely worth trying. The people on it love the recipes; and once the first two week detox period is over...they say they don't much miss the bad carbs, sugars, and unhealthy fats they were once eating. They get plenty of the healthy ones to replace them.
Our family is not big on pictures and none of us have very many of each other. I was looking for a picture of my sis...and this was the most recent one I had...taken of the two of us ten years ago. Guess I need to go invest in a digital camera. |
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17 Comments | |
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