C.A. MacConnell
12/31/2017
12/28/2017
Photo: Wolf Hiding
Wolf Hiding
Cincinnati Zoo
Wolves. Wolves and hawks. My spirit animals. It switches around, it seems. Sometimes geese, ducks, dogs, tigers, cats, a rooster, you name it. Whatever gets my attention. God reaches out to me in so many ways. Truly, I feel like someone is watching over me, sending me messengers.
I think that it takes me longer to bundle up for my walk than it does for me to do my actual walk. It's been in the single digits around these parts, and with the wind chill, it's been negative. But it's worth it. The quiet is surreal, because not many brave souls are out. Not even my hawks are around.
The sunrise was amazing this morning.
On the writing front...I started a new project. Looks like it'll be Book 4 at some point. Just working on the first twenty pages or so, and I'm going slowly on it. Still tinkering away at getting Book 3 out there as well. Might have to revise it, not sure yet. Frustrated sometimes with that, but I keep trooping along. Because it's my dream.
The holidays were super busy for me this year. That's not the usual case, but life changes you, aye? I'm content, and I feel loved and blessed. I hope you feel peaceful. And somewhat wild, like me.
I think that it takes me longer to bundle up for my walk than it does for me to do my actual walk. It's been in the single digits around these parts, and with the wind chill, it's been negative. But it's worth it. The quiet is surreal, because not many brave souls are out. Not even my hawks are around.
The sunrise was amazing this morning.
On the writing front...I started a new project. Looks like it'll be Book 4 at some point. Just working on the first twenty pages or so, and I'm going slowly on it. Still tinkering away at getting Book 3 out there as well. Might have to revise it, not sure yet. Frustrated sometimes with that, but I keep trooping along. Because it's my dream.
The holidays were super busy for me this year. That's not the usual case, but life changes you, aye? I'm content, and I feel loved and blessed. I hope you feel peaceful. And somewhat wild, like me.
Thanks for reading. Much love,
C.A. MacConnell
12/27/2017
A Good Hand.
She’s not playing any
War.
Maybe some stray cats suck cigars.
They like to bet.
They like to watch.
Others play poker in the
Basement.
She returns for
More.
Maybe some like to
Fish.
Maybe by the river, an all-day game
With the packed cooler,
And the bait,
And the hook.
Always, she wishes for a good
Hand.
She can’t live
With the broken zipper.
The only fix
Is the face, and some kind of
Reality, like blue
Eyeshadow.
-- C.A. MacConnell
P.S. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
War.
Maybe some stray cats suck cigars.
They like to bet.
They like to watch.
Others play poker in the
Basement.
She returns for
More.
Maybe some like to
Fish.
Maybe by the river, an all-day game
With the packed cooler,
And the bait,
And the hook.
Always, she wishes for a good
Hand.
She can’t live
With the broken zipper.
The only fix
Is the face, and some kind of
Reality, like blue
Eyeshadow.
-- C.A. MacConnell
P.S. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
12/26/2017
Photo: Hawk
Hawk
Lunken Airport
This guy's there to show all the planes what it's really like to fly.
C.A. MacConnell
12/25/2017
Every Day.
Have a good time with family and friends during the holidays! A new year is approaching fast.
Within nature, every day is a miracle.
Love,
C.A. MacConnell
12/23/2017
12/19/2017
Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays!
I know what you want for you and your loved ones! My books!
If you read along, you'll become part of some magnificent adventures, I promise you.
You can find GRIFFIN FARM here.
You can find THE HOUSE OF ANCHOR here.
Descriptions of the novels as well as details on purchasing are provided by the link. Very smooth and simple to order, I tell you. Both are in paperback. Griffin's available on Kindle as well. Anchor will become an Ebook soon.
I hope you join the journey and purchase these great books during this holiday season. And as always, tell your friends. Spread the word!
Much love to you and your families and friends, wherever you choose to go, however you celebrate. May peace, love, and happiness fill up your lives.
-- C.A. MacConnell
12/15/2017
12/13/2017
Cape
Hi there. Poem I wrote just now. Little flash poetry session. Hope you like it. Poetry helps my writing get back in gear...you know...focus on each little word and line, the rhythm of it all. Hope you're having a good day. I feel blessed, truly. Love, C.A.
Cape
I have heard this yelling:
blue eyes make me weep
in the morning's brittle garden,
in the wind's canine chill,
in the hungry afternoon,
in the vapor-rich night,
in the screen of the sky's sea --
how it pours forth the gray coat --
in the almost-accident,
in the azure sunset,
in the sure, little death
of each and every sleep,
in the wicked toss to wake,
and in the backache stretch
to rise. Tear off the sheets.
We wear secret, golden skins.
Some call us sun and moon.
See the baby in the cape.
C. A. MacConnell
Cape
I have heard this yelling:
blue eyes make me weep
in the morning's brittle garden,
in the wind's canine chill,
in the hungry afternoon,
in the vapor-rich night,
in the screen of the sky's sea --
how it pours forth the gray coat --
in the almost-accident,
in the azure sunset,
in the sure, little death
of each and every sleep,
in the wicked toss to wake,
and in the backache stretch
to rise. Tear off the sheets.
We wear secret, golden skins.
Some call us sun and moon.
See the baby in the cape.
C. A. MacConnell
12/12/2017
12/06/2017
12/05/2017
12/03/2017
Well, Look at You.
My Friend Argo
Well, Look at You
Today, I was in line at the "self-checkout" at the grocery, which is where I always go, because I must, I must fill my bags a certain way. Anyway, at first, there weren't any checkout stations available, so I waited at the front of the "robotish self-checkout" in that space that's really part of the grocery aisle. I'm sure most shoppers know the feeling. When I stand there, random shoppers try to come through, and usually one or two appear with the "kid car-cart," and they barrel on in, and I'm totally in the way. Every time.
Yes, in the way, I scanned the stations. Still nothing open.
But when I looked at the station directly to the right, I saw a short-haired, thin woman slowly checking out, filling up her bags, pressing the buttons on the screen, heading for the credit card machine. Her movements were slow, jerky, slow. And by her side, stretched out on the floor, looking regal, there was a tan, medium-sized, pointy-eared, beautiful service dog. He wore a crimson coat with a tag that read, "Ask to pet me. I'm friendly."
Today, I was in line at the "self-checkout" at the grocery, which is where I always go, because I must, I must fill my bags a certain way. Anyway, at first, there weren't any checkout stations available, so I waited at the front of the "robotish self-checkout" in that space that's really part of the grocery aisle. I'm sure most shoppers know the feeling. When I stand there, random shoppers try to come through, and usually one or two appear with the "kid car-cart," and they barrel on in, and I'm totally in the way. Every time.
Yes, in the way, I scanned the stations. Still nothing open.
But when I looked at the station directly to the right, I saw a short-haired, thin woman slowly checking out, filling up her bags, pressing the buttons on the screen, heading for the credit card machine. Her movements were slow, jerky, slow. And by her side, stretched out on the floor, looking regal, there was a tan, medium-sized, pointy-eared, beautiful service dog. He wore a crimson coat with a tag that read, "Ask to pet me. I'm friendly."
To the dog, I said, "Well, look at you. You're so beautiful."
Then the dog turned his head and looked at me through incredibly soulful, black eyes, and he rose up. Ever so gently, he began to approach me.
So I asked the woman, "Can I pet him while he's working?"
She smiled wide and said, "Yes, you can."
The dog came closer, and he rubbed his nose on my leg. Then he looked at me again as if to say, "Go ahead, touch me. But only you."
So I did. I told him I loved him. I could have stayed there all day.
Now, what I didn't realize was that while all of this spiritual dog energy was going on, several checkout stations had become open, and the line was growing and growing behind me. I didn't care. I was having a moment -- a silent connection with this dog -- and it meant the world to me.
But just then, the woman behind me angrily asked, "Are you going to check out?"
With that, I jumped, rolled my cart forward, and the dog seemed to smile, heading back to his owner's side. I looked back at the line, whispered, "Sorry," and moved to an open station. Indeed, I knew I was caught up. See, the past two days had been rough, and for that minute, when I was connecting with the dog, I forgot about my restless mind. I forgot that I was at the grocery. Indeed, I lost all sense of time and place. All that mattered was the innocent creature in front of me...and the love coming from his eyes. He was so incredibly gentle and kind with me.
Now, what I didn't realize was that while all of this spiritual dog energy was going on, several checkout stations had become open, and the line was growing and growing behind me. I didn't care. I was having a moment -- a silent connection with this dog -- and it meant the world to me.
But just then, the woman behind me angrily asked, "Are you going to check out?"
With that, I jumped, rolled my cart forward, and the dog seemed to smile, heading back to his owner's side. I looked back at the line, whispered, "Sorry," and moved to an open station. Indeed, I knew I was caught up. See, the past two days had been rough, and for that minute, when I was connecting with the dog, I forgot about my restless mind. I forgot that I was at the grocery. Indeed, I lost all sense of time and place. All that mattered was the innocent creature in front of me...and the love coming from his eyes. He was so incredibly gentle and kind with me.
And I thought, Hey, world, that is God.
All the way home, I felt the connection stay with me. See, ever since I was a little girl, I've often connected more with animals than with humans. And some particular animals strike me more than others, just as some people hit my heart harder than others. All creatures have their awesome personalities, their trials, triumphs, and quirks. And all are so unique. And yet each and every being understands the language of love. Truly, the Spirit of the Universe speaks to me through the eyes of so many creatures.
All the way home, I felt the connection stay with me. See, ever since I was a little girl, I've often connected more with animals than with humans. And some particular animals strike me more than others, just as some people hit my heart harder than others. All creatures have their awesome personalities, their trials, triumphs, and quirks. And all are so unique. And yet each and every being understands the language of love. Truly, the Spirit of the Universe speaks to me through the eyes of so many creatures.
Well, look at you. You're so beautiful.
C.A. MacConnell
12/02/2017
False Events Appearing Real.
Fear. For the past few days, I've been all in my head about certain situations. Over Thanksgiving as well, now that I think about it. But none of the things I was worried about were real fears; that is, none of them were things I was presently facing...right here, right now. They were all "future events appearing real."
When I told others what I was thinking, I heard this: That's never happened to me in 70 years, Give yourself a break, and What can you do about any of it right now?
In all truthfulness, there's nothing I can or need to do about any of it right now. So what helps? Telling on myself. Telling others the thoughts that are running around in my head. Letting go of the shame about my thoughts and putting it all out there to someone I trust. This seems to alleviate some of the stress.
Now, this is something I learned years ago, so why does it always seem so difficult? I suppose I worry of judgement. Or I worry that I may "bother someone." Things of this nature. But when I think about the times that others have called on me for the same reason, I've never felt annoyed or judgemental. I've felt honored that someone would trust me with their deepest pains.
So, today, give yourself a break. If you're struggling, find someone you trust and let it all out. Sharing takes the power out of fear, I've found. Allow yourself the opportunity to reach out and be healed.
I hope you find love and peace today,
C.A. MacConnell
When I told others what I was thinking, I heard this: That's never happened to me in 70 years, Give yourself a break, and What can you do about any of it right now?
In all truthfulness, there's nothing I can or need to do about any of it right now. So what helps? Telling on myself. Telling others the thoughts that are running around in my head. Letting go of the shame about my thoughts and putting it all out there to someone I trust. This seems to alleviate some of the stress.
Now, this is something I learned years ago, so why does it always seem so difficult? I suppose I worry of judgement. Or I worry that I may "bother someone." Things of this nature. But when I think about the times that others have called on me for the same reason, I've never felt annoyed or judgemental. I've felt honored that someone would trust me with their deepest pains.
So, today, give yourself a break. If you're struggling, find someone you trust and let it all out. Sharing takes the power out of fear, I've found. Allow yourself the opportunity to reach out and be healed.
I hope you find love and peace today,
C.A. MacConnell