Sunday, May 31, 2015

Spiritual Sunday: Healing Prayers on Sunday Morning

Jamal (Beauty), 15 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Sunday, May 31, 2015 about 8:09 am Pacific Daylight Time

Sunday morning
I woke up in pain
because I lay down to sleep
last night.

I know better then to lay down to sleep because everything I lay on causes my back to hurt. I doesn't seem to matter whether it is a mattress, a couch, or a love-seat about halfway through the night I wake up with excruciating lower back pain. Last night or rather early this morning (about 12:30 or 1:00 am) the pain woke me up and I could hardly pull myself off of my love-seat because of it. I finally managed to sit up and then put my feet up on a large plastic storage container I keep in front of the love-seat. Because of the pain it took me a while to go back to sleep.

As I recite
the short healing prayer
revealed by Baha'u'llah
the pain subsides
in incremental amounts.

The last time I saw my doctor, I didn't have her renew the prescription for the pain medication. It's not that I don't need it, it's just that I don't like the idea of becoming addicted and the side-effects of the medication. I will see my doctor sometime in June so I'll ask her about over-the-counter meds. Then I'll discuss the pros and cons to see which is best for me. She may want me to go to a specialist before she prescribes or suggests any type of pain relievers.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Saturday Summary: May 2015

Jalal (Glory), 14 Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Saturday, May 30, 2015 about 10:05 am Pacific Daylight Time

Shall I
recapitulate,
perhaps I should write
encapsulate,
the merry month of May.

Was May 2015 a merry, joyful, or happy month? As I look back over the past twenty-nine days, I wonder if merry is a good way to describe May. The weather was nice, which in Las Vegas means that we did not experience triple digit temperatures. According to the weather forecast, this is supposed to change today. Temperatures across the valley are supposed to rise into the triple digits with the high expected to be about 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

What shall I write
about May
that hasn't already been said.

For me, May is passing successfully. I still have $10.00 in my purse. I ate my first watermelon, which I received at one of the food banks, of the year. My checking account was not overdrawn. I wrote several romance stories (a new genre for me). I wrote several poems and one was a romantic poem.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Foodie Friday: Ice Cream and Other Summer Favorites

Istiqlal (Independence), 13 Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Friday, May 29, 2015 about 4:23 pm Pacific Daylight Time


"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream"
Word and Music by Howard Johnson, Billy Moll, and Robert King

That song was published in 1927 and I was born in 1946. I remember singing the song when I was a child. My grandparents might have had a record or they could have taught it to me as a child. I don't remember when I learned the song because I have sung it all my life. Every time I think of this song or sing it, I think of summer and my grandparents.

This year summer, in the northern hemisphere, begins on Sunday, June 21 at 12:38 pm Eastern Daylight Time (9:38 am Pacific Daylight Time), when the sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. This is called summer solstice which is derived from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). It is time for ice cream and watermelon (not necessarily at the same time).

While I am not opposed to putting ice cream on watermelon, I prefer ice cream on pie or in a cone. My favorite pies are rhubarb and cherry. I like them warmed with a scoop of vanilla or French vanilla ice cream on top. I like a cup of hot coffee with my pie ala mode. I also like coffee with my watermelon, but I have been known to drink soda while eating watermelon. Sometime I eat the watermelon without any type of beverage because a beverage with watermelon is unnecessary.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Midweek Reflections on a Morning Drive Across Las Vegas to see a Doctor

Idal (Justice), 11 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Wednesday, May 27, 2015 about 12:35 pm Pacific Daylight Time

One of the things I am thankful for is that I can go to my doctors office for a blood test. This requires driving across Las Vegas every three or four months to either my GPs or my kidney specialist office. I cannot eat or have coffee before the blood test so I plan the test drive (without coffee) so that I can arrive at the office between 8:00 and 8:30 am. The kidney doctor's office opens at 8:00 am and the GPs office opens at 8:30 am.

This morning, I went to my GPs office for the blood test because I my prescriptions are due for renewal around June 13. The GP wants the blood test done two weeks before the appointment therefore I had to have the blood test done this week. I left the house (or thought I left) somewhere around 8:00 am, took a couple of bags of trash to the dumpster, and then drove to my doctor's office. I arrived at the office about 8:10 or 8:15 am and had to wait in the car for the office to opened.

I am not sure why I arrived so early because it usually takes me longer to drive to the office. This is Wednesday and I usually have my blood test either on Tuesday or Thursday. It is possible that the traffic that early on Wednesday is not as heavy as it is on Tuesday and Thursdays. It is also possible that I started out five or ten minutes earlier then I thought.

I enjoyed sitting in the car listening to the birds sing and a rooster crow. Apparently my neighborhood is not the only one in Las Vegas to have chickens. Chickens in a residential neighborhood of a large city is something unexpected. This is one of the reasons I like living in Las Vegas. I am always encountering the unexpected in this beautiful desert city.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Meditation Monday: Memorial Day 2015

Kamal (Perfection), 9 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Monday, May 25, 2015 about 10:30 am Pacific Daylight Time

Memories
of Uncle Roy the Doughboy
who never spoke of his experience
in the American Expeditionary Forces
of World War I.

I think back to the years I spent in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I think back to the times I saw Uncle Roy. I regret never asking him about his experiences in World War I.

Memories
of my father
who served in the Army Air Corp
during World War II.

I think back to the memories of my father. I remember him as a tall man and a gentle man. I don't remember him speaking about his experiences in World War II. I regret never asking him about those experiences.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Spiritual Sunday: Sunday Morning in Las Vegas

Jamal (Beauty), 8 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Sunday, May 24, 2015 about 10:50 am Pacific Daylight Time


White clouds and blue sky
Gentle breeze dancing through trees
Morning prayers said.


It's a beautiful and spiritual morning in my Las Vegas neighborhood. The neighbors are at peace with each other this morning. A dog barks a greeting to someone while birds fly or sing in the limbs of pine, olive, and oak trees. The palm frowns sway whispering their prayers to the wind.

Prayer book open
To praise and gratitude
Intone Baha'u'llah's words.

A new week begins. The last week in May 2015 begins with prayer and meditation. There are no worries about this week because everything is placed in God's hand. There are no worries because God's plan moves forward at a steady pace as the minutes and hours flow forward into the future.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Saturday Summary: Days of Drama

Jalal (Glory), 7 Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Saturday, May 23, 2015 9:42 am Pacific Daylight Time


An exciting week
Not what I was wishing for
The drama is past

Except for a barking dog and cooing pigeons, it's quiet in my neighborhood this morning. After all the drama of the last two or three days this is a relief. Beginning on Wednesday evening and extending through Friday afternoon the drama level was higher then I've witnessed. Most of the chaos concerned neighbors shouting, yelling, and cussing each other out either on the street or in their apartments with their windows open.

On Friday afternoon we had a bit more excitement. The police blocked the Eastern entrance to my alley off. They also block the Fremont entrance to 21st street off. I don't know what was going on. I don't know who or what they were looking for. I just happy the excitement is over with for a little while.

Despite all the drama and excitement, I accomplished a few things this week. I wrote two short stories and finished a poem. I also managed to pick up my medication and make some blog entries. I didn't get everything done I wanted to do, but that's all right because no one ever accomplishes everything they want done in a week's time.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Midweek Reflections on Socks and Laundry

Idal (Justice), 4 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Wednesday, May 20, 2015 8:44 am Pacific Daylight Time


I washed my socks out
today in the bathroom sink
using laundry detergent.

It is unusual for me to wash my socks out using laundry detergent because normally I use either shampoo or dish washing liquid. When I returned home from the laundromat yesterday, I brought the open jug of laundry detergent into the house. Usually I leave the detergent in the car because I don't have a washer or dryer in my apartment and it's easier to keep the laundry soap in the car rather then find a place to store it in my studio apartment.

As I washed my socks
I contemplated the metaphor
of laundry and the meaning of life.

I didn't take my dirty socks to the laundromat because I usually lose one in either the washer or the dryer. When I wrung my wet socks out, after the second rinse, I noticed that I had five socks. Since I wear two socks at a time, this meas I am missing a sock. I guess it doesn't matter where I wash my socks because I'm probably going to end up with missing a sock.

Where do lost socks go
when you lose them in the wash?
Do monsters eat them?

Since I only managed to do half the laundry yesterday, I'll have to do laundry again this month. I'll plan another trip to the laundromat next week sometime. Of course, I could change my mind and go on Thursday of Friday of this week.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Meditation Monday: Meditation on the Rain

Kamal (Perfection), 2 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Monday, May 18, 2015 about 2:03 pm Pacific Daylight Time


Echoes of thunder
Lightning and cold drops of rain
Monday afternoon

On this rainy Monday afternoon I am thankful that the electricity did not go out. I realized, when I saw the flashes of lightning and heard the echoes of thunder, that my flashlights do not have batteries.

Afternoon shower
On a cloudy day in May
Strange thoughts come to mind

What happens if the electricity goes out while I am washing dishes? Even if the flashlight had batteries, it would be out of my reach when I am at the sink. My flashlight is always on my computer desk.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Spiritual Sunday: Sunday Prayers

Jamal (Beauty), 1 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Sunday, May 17, 2015 about 1:02 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Sunday prayers said
White clouds sail across blue sky
Sun casting shadows.

Morning's slow passage
A breeze blew through the pine tree
Sparrows songs echo.

Ate watermelon
With my coffee for breakfast
Time for noon prayers.

What do angels eat?
A cold sweet watermelon
Afternoon wind whispering.

Memories return
Church service and Sunday school
Grandpa and Grandma.

Sunday prayers said
Dish washing meditation
Afternoon's passage.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Thankful Thursday: The Second Thankful Thursday in May 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 17 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Thursday, May 14, 2015 4:10 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ...for my sense of humor because without it I would be a very boring and depressed person. My sense of humor helps me through my depression by by chasing the away the dark clouds hiding the joys of life or at least by turning my tears into hysterical peals of laughter.

02. ...that I can always find something on Facebook to make me laugh. When I find something I think is funny I repost it so that I can share the laughs. It is a well know fact that laughter increases person lifespan.

03. ...for the five ballpoint pens I received when I went to the food bank yesterday. Now I do not have to look all over my apartment for a pen that works when I need to take a message or write down a poetry or story idea.

04. ...that the prescription I picked up today did not cost me anything. This means that I still have $5.00 in my purse for gas or something else.

05. ...for the silence and the tranquility that is pervading my apartment and mind this afternoon. It is nice to write without disturbing music echoing from next door.

06. ...that I rode one of those electric carts through the store when I went shopping this morning. I enjoyed driving the little cart and sit was much easier then driving a car.

07. ...for the rain we received in Las Vegas late last night and early this morning because it cooled the temperatures down enough that I do no have to use the air conditioning today.

08. ...that the wind is blowing and keeping the temperatures cool here in Las Vegas.

09. ...for the tomatoes I received when I went to the food bank on Wednesday, May 13, because I can now have tomatoes in my chicken salad.

10. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Tuesday's Topic: Contemplating This Afternoon's Doctor's Appointment

Fiḍal (Grace), 15 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 9:33 am Pacific Daylight Time

What will my doctor say
when I visit him today?

What did my blood test reveal
about my health
and the say I feel?

Sometime I feel good,
sometimes depressed,
and sometimes I don't know
exactly how I feel?

I feel
better when I write,
when I meditate,
when I pray,
and when eat a balanced meal.

The songs of birds
improve my mood
and my morning coffee
makes me smile.

Taking my medication
as directed
improves the way
my body works.

As I write theses lines
I wonder
what did my blood test reveal
about the way I feel
and what will my doctor say
when I visit him today?

Monday, May 11, 2015

Meditation Monday: Monday Morning Miracles

Kamal (Perfection), 14 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Monday, May 11, 2015 about 8:21 am Pacific Daylight Time


Monday miracle
I woke up without pain
and got out of bed.

It is a beautiful Monday morning here in Las Vegas. I have consumed two or three cups of coffee, ate a small container of yogurt, and written approximately 650 words in response to blog prompts from three writing.com blog groups. I have changed my mind twice about going to the supermarket later today. At this moment I have no intentions of going because I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon, so I can stop at the supermarket after I leave the doctor's office.

Monday miracle
at dawn I heard a rooster crow
and birds sing.

It is a miraculous Monday morning here in Las Vegas or at least in my neighborhood. The sun cast dark shadows across the sidewalk and streets while birds walk-hop on the ground searching for food. The sky is blue with wisps of ghost clouds flowing either from west to east or from east to west. A tranquil feeling permeates the atmosphere along Sunrise Avenue while two or three streets over dog bark.

Monday miracle
the city wakes up, stretches,
yawn, and goes to work.
 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Spiritual Sunday: Mama taught me how to pray - A Mother's Day Poem

Jamal (Beauty), 13 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Sunday, May 10, 2015 7:20 an Pacific Daylight Time

Mama taught me how to pray,
"Now I lay me down to sleep,"
I said this prayer every night,
I knew my soul the Lord would keep.

Today she walks in paradise,
With my grandmother by her side,
They were always the best of friends
In God's garden they now abide.

Mama taught me how to pray,
So on this Mother's Day I write,
About the prayer she taught me
To say before I slept each night.

Friday, May 08, 2015

Foodie Friday: Cranberry Apple Juice Ginger Ale

Istiqlal (Independence), 11 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Friday, May 8, 2015 about 1:51 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I picked up my senior commodities today. In one of the bags was a 2 qt. jug of apple juice. I have an 11.5 fluid oz. bottle of concentrated cranberry juice. According to the direction on the cranberry juice, I need to mix the cranberry juice with 35 fluid oz. of water. I will mix the concentrated cranberry juice with apple juice instead of water, which means I may have to add slightly more apple juice then I would water. I will taste it once I have to juice mixed to see. I have mixed apple juice with the concentrated cranberry juice before and then I had to add a little more apple juice to make it taste right for me. Another way to do it is make the cranberry apple juice and then when I go to drink it mix it with ginger ale. This combination tastes good as well.

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Thankful Thursday: The first thankful Thursday in May 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 10 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Thursday, May 7, 2015 about 6:09 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I am thankful for
pine limbs dancing in the wind
sun casts long shadows

I am thankful that I was able to take an afternoon nap while I listened to the wind blowing through my neighborhood.

I am thankful for
the one-half sub sandwich in
refrigerator.

I am thankful that I have a coupon for a free dozens eggs. I will get them when I go to pick up my eye drop prescription on Friday.

I am thankful for
the cranberry juice I have
waiting in the fridge.

I am thankful that I was able to purchase a new water filter for my pitcher when I went to the store last week.

I am thankful for
scrambled eggs with bacon
and a green salad.

I am thankful that I have turkey bacon in the refrigerator waiting for me to fix it for breakfast.

I am thankful for
the sound of the wind blowing
through the neighborhood palm trees.

I am thankful that I did not have to turn the cool air on today.

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Midweek Reflections on a New Filter for My Brita Pitcher

Idal (Justice), 9 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Wednesday, May 6, 2015 about 9:12 am Pacific Daylight Time

I finally purchased a new filter for my Brita® pitcher. I had a checkout coupon for $2.50 off a three pack so when I went to the store on Saturday, May 2. I used the coupon when I purchased a 3-pack of new filters. The new filters I purchased on Saturday are different from the ones the company used to have. I purchased the new and improved filters which eliminates soaking the filter before putting it in the pitcher. This helps in two ways. First it is a time saver because I can put the filter in the pitcher immediately. Second it lets me use the container I was soaking the filter in for something else. In this case, making own salad dress or hotcakes because the container I used to soak the filter in was the one I also used to mix those foods. Another thing I noticed about the new filter is no black flakes in the pitcher. When I used the old filter I always noticed black flake in the water reservoir after putting water in it. Even though I have not used this new filter very long, I like it better then the old filter already.

Monday, May 04, 2015

Meditation Monday: A Tranquil Mind

Kamal (Perfection), 7 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Monday, May 4, 2015 about 12:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I listen to the sparrows of morning
intoning their praise to dawn,
singing their joy for another day of life
and happiness.

I intone my prayers on rising
in the first light of day,
my praise joining the sparrow
melody.

Tranquil thoughts embrace my mind,
as I begin a new day
and a new week.

The birds are not blue because
today is Monday,
they are happy
that a new day has dawned
nor do they worry
about what tomorrow will bring.


I inhale the fragrance of morning,
I place the day
and the week in God's hands knowing
that it the way
to achieve a tranquil mind.

Saturday, May 02, 2015

Saturday Summary: It was a very good week

Jalal (Glory), 5 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Saturday, May 2, 2015 about 1:09 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It was a very good week
for for writing romantic stories,
making blog entries,
and listening to the ice cream truck
every afternoon.

It was a very good week
for listening to the birds singing
in the trees across the street,
for waiting for the post man
to deliver the mail,
and for cleaning out
the refrigerator.

It was a very good week
for breaking dishes
(I only broke one),
for taking afternoon naps,
and washing dishes.

It was a very good week
for celebrating the beginning
of a new month.