October

Another cold October
draws to an end,
and I
make another attempt
to let go.

It's the time of year
when sad memories return,
like a cold autumn wind,
to make me wonder
about what might have been.

Visit My Portfolio @ Writing.Com

The Scent of October

Inhale the scent of October,
memories on the breeze of morning
as trees change from green
to hues of orange and yellow.

The scent of October,
a memory of my grandfather
raking and burning leaves
before the arrival
of the year's first snow.

Visit My Portfolio @ Writing.Com

Closing Out October

October has been an interesting and a stressful month. I was without a computer for 15 days (it seemed like forever), so I didn't post to this blog for that time. I had a smartphone, with both a regular (very small) keyboard and a virtual keyboard. I attempted to post to my writing.com blog, using the virtual keyboard, and it took me an hour to post one paragraph. Therefore, I didn't post to any blog after that. Nor did I review on writing.com. The only thing I did with the smart phone was check writing.com and Facebook. 

Happy October

Happy October 

Pumpkin spice coffee ice cream 

Or pumpkin spice coffee cake 

Happy October 

Candy corn with black coffee 

Halloween coming 

Happy October 

Memories of my lost childhood 

Return make me smile 

Success Saturday, October 29, 2016

Jalál (Glory), 15 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 173 BE - Saturday, October 29, 2016 AD about 9:42 AM Pacific Time 

I haven't accomplished my blogging goal for this month. The plan was to post every-other-day to this blog. I haven't posted because I've focused on other writing without looking for themes or subjects to discuss here. I don't have a posting schedule for November because that is National Novel Writing month. In November I will focus on accomplishing the 50,000 words before November 30. The most I might post is update. 

I did succeed in writing several poems this week for a challenge on writing.com. I also posted to my writing.com blog everyday, which wasn't part of this month's plan. The plan was to post every other day to that blog.  Oh well, November is a new month which means new goals. I'll post the November goal in the first. After that I will see how I do in accomplishing them.   

Saturday Summary: Seven Days Left in October

Jalal (Glory), 9 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 172 BE - Saturday, October 24, 2015 about 1:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time

There are seven days left in October. Seven days until Daylight Savings Time ends. Seven days to deal with the rest of October's weirdness. This year October has been a bit weirder then previous years, but I'm not sure why. I've had difficulty focusing on writing poetry this month. Normally I have no problem coming up with a theme and subject. In the past, I've had no problems following the specific form of a poem so that the rhythm flows properly.

This month I attempted to write an English sonnet. I got the syllable count and the rhyme scheme down fine. I stumbled over the rhythm, so now I have to rewrite the poem to get the rhythm right. The problem is whenever I start to rewrite, I stare at the screen or the page wondering how to change the poem to fit the rhythm. I suppose I could just give up and write another poem using the same subject and theme. However, that doesn't seem right. I can't give up the idea that this poem, with a bit more work, can become a perfect English sonnet. I wonder if William Shakespeare encountered this problem when he was writing English sonnets.

October Wind in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 13 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 170 BE - Monday, October 28, 2013 about 6:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time

the wind was scary
things going bump all night
chilling the darkness

I am not sure what time the wind started blowing last night. I know I heard it when I went to sleep on the couch, which was between 6:30 and 10:00 pm. It blew hard enough to rattle the mail slot in the front door and it sounds like someone is attempting to break into the house. I have lived here long enough that I am used to the sound, but when I first moved into this house it frightened me until I figured out what made the noise.

the wind is scary
pushing trashcans down the street
waking me from sleep

I woke up, before the alarm sound this morning, to the noise of plastic trashcans blowing in the street. At least, I think it was sound of plastic trashcans blowing in the wind. It was still dark outside, so I did not open the door or go outside to find out what made the noise. I choose to remain in the house because 3:30 am is too early to go out looking for the cause of noises.

Contemplations on Moving

Istiqlál (Independence), 10 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 170 BE - Friday, October 25, 2013 about 5:43 AM Pacific Time

It is the last Friday in October 2013 and it is the last October I will spend in this house. I am looking forward to moving, which is an event filled with both joy and tears. I am sad to be leaving a house Mom and I enjoyed living in. I am happy to be downsizing my life by moving into a smaller place.

I am moving to a smaller place that will be easier for me to keep clean. I am looking forward to making new friends and getting involved in new activities. I am looking forward to re-involving myself in some old activities I enjoyed with Mom. I am looking forward to making new memories and writing poems or stories about the old memories.

I am looking forward to moving someplace where I do not wake up in the middle of the night listening for the oxygen concentrator. Mom died on November 29, 2012, almost eleven months ago, I still wake up in the middle of the night listening for the noise of the oxygen concentrator. I still wake up thinking I hear Mom calling me and then realize it was only a dream. Perhaps in the new place I can sleep through the night without waking up listening for those sounds.

The old sounds still haunt
this house, its bedrooms and hall,
wake me at midnight.

Midweek Reflections on the Last Full Week in October

‘Idál (Justice) , 8 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 170 BE - Wednesday, October 23, 2013 about 8:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time

It is Wednesday of the last full week in October. I know this because I checked the date on my "Happy writing.com Anniversary!" calendar.  My anniversary date is October 31 and I have been a member writing.com since 2002. I joined this writer's website on a whim one Halloween Day and I have remained a member ever since.

This is the last full week in October and I am in the process of downsizing. I have to downsize because I am moving from a three bedroom house to a studio or one bedroom apartment. I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff, but I still have more to either give away or throw away. This morning I put the dining room table with its four chairs on Free Cycle. Hopefully someone will want the table and chairs before this coming weekend.

Since I am moving to a smaller place, I am taking a small black breakfast table and two chairs with me. I am also going to take at least one of the bookcases. I may take the other bookcase with me, but I am not sure at the moment. I have a lot of books to give away, so I should put some of those on Free Cycle. I know what books I want to take with me and what books I want to give away. I need some boxes to put the books in I want to transport to my new place.

It is the last full week in October, I am looking forward to moving. I am not looking forward to packing up everything. I am having difficulty deciding what things I want to take, throw away, or give away. I am making those stressful decisions and learning to let go of the past. I am moving forward one step at a time.

A Chilly October Morning

‘Idál (Justice), 1 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 170 BE - Wednesday, October 16, 2013 about 9:40 AM Pacific Daylight Time

On this chilly October morning,
I think back to last night's drive
across Las Vegas.

Traffic was heavy,
on Charleston Avenue,
as I drove west
toward Rainbow Boulevard
and the Baha'i Center
on West Oakey.

On this chilly October morning,
I contemplate the tranquility
at the Feast of Knowledge,
as I listened to the sacred scriptures
and the prayers
celebrating
the beginning of a new month.

Sunday Morning Thoughts: October 21, 2012

Jamal (Beauty), 6 'Ilm (Knowledge), 169 B.E. - Sunday, October 21, 2012 about 9:40 A.M. Pacific Time The plumber came yesterday and unclogged the sink, so now I can wash clothes and dishes. After the plumber left I washed the dishes from Friday and Saturday; fortunately, there weren't very many dishes from Friday to wash. This morning I finished the dishes, because I didn't do a room check before dumping the dishwater last night, and then washed two loads of laundry. I still have a couple of loads of sheets to wash, but those will have to wait until later today.

I'm tired and I don't think it has anything to do with the laundry or the dishes. True, I can't stand on my feet very long at a time; however, that has nothing to do with getting tired. It's the pain in my knees that prevent me from standing up for more then five or ten minutes at a time. It doesn't take more then ten minutes to was dishes if I don't have to let them sit because of a clogged drain.

The stuff I have under the sink doesn't work very well when the drain is clogged. I will try putting in down the drain once a month to see if that prevents the drain from clogging. Normally, I have problems with a clogged drain once or twice a year. The problem is that the drain always becomes clogged at an inconvenient time; specifically, when I have dishes to wash and several loads of dirty laundry. At these times, the plumber can't come until the next day.

Thought for the Day - October 12, 2012

Istiqlal (Independence), 16 Mashiyyat (Will), 169 B.E. - Friday, October 12, 2012 about 10:25 AM Pacific Time

You're never too old to become younger. - Mae West  Quotes and sayings

After the rain last night, my bones want to become younger. It is colder today then yesterday and my joints are feeling it.  I did not sleep well last night because the damp and the chill settled into my knees and the pain woke me up every time I turned over. I have pain medication, but I do not like to take it unless is necessary. Last night it did not seem like it was necessary; however, this morning is a different story.

I checked the thermostat when I got up this morning. At that time it read 74 degrees, but it felt colder. I think the reason was the humidity. It rained all night. It thundered and lightning lit up the sky, a beautiful sight. However, this morning I am feeling the humidity in my joints, but I guess after 65 years that is to be expected. Therefore, I eat something and take my pain medication. After a while my joints feel less painful.

Thankful Thursday, October 11, 2012

Istijlal (Majesty), 15 Mashiyyat (Will), 169 BE - Thursday, October 11, 2012 about 7:48 AM Pacific Time

Today I am thankful for

1. Rain in Las Vegas
2. I was able to get Mom transferred from her bed to the wheelchair without her slipping onto the floor
3. Canned applesauce because it is easier to get Mom to take her meds with a spoon of applesauce
4. Powered (dry) milk because I can have milk on my cereal anytime I want and the dry milk is easy to mix
5. The autumn chill in the air
6. The groups of school children walking past my house on the way to school because it reminds me of my childhood
7. The lady that walks her dog every morning
8. The neighbors cat that sits patiently in front of their door waiting for someone to let her/him in the house
9. The daycare bus and driver that pick Mom up Monday through Friday and take her to the daycare center
10. Fresh brewed coffee

The beginning of the holiday season

Kamal (Perfection), 12 Mashiyyat (Will), 169 B.E. - Monday, October 8, 2012 about 9:20 A.M. Pacific Time

It is October and the beginning of the holiday season, which means I can purchase some of the candy I like that I cannot get any other time of the year. In October, I usually purchase candy corn because I like the flavor and I cannot buy it any other time of the year. In November, I will buy turkey shaped cookies for the same reason that I buy candy corn in October. In December, I will purchase Santa Claus shaped cookies and candy canes for the same reason that I buy candy corn in October and turkey shaped cookies in November.

I like sweets. I like the memories that the holiday sweets bring to mind. When I was a child my grandmother always made turkey and Santa Clause shaped cookies for those holidays. She always bought candy corn for us around Halloween. I do not celebrate or commemorate these holidays any more, but I do buy the sweets that go along with these holidays. As each holiday approaches, I will write more about my memories of my grandparents and the way we commemorated or celebrated each holiday.

Time to close the books on October

Fidál (Grace), 17 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Tuesday, November 1, 2011 about 3:23 PM Pacific Time

I like to stay home on the first day of the month. This is when I close the books. This morning I couldn’t stay home, so it’s afternoon and I don’t have October’s books closed or November’s books open and this mean a late night bringing everything into balance. Oh well, it is my own fault.

The only financial work I accomplished today was setting up the house payment to come out of the checking account on the seventh. Usually, I close the proceeding month’s books before going to the mortgage website to make the house payment. That way I can put the payment amount in the budget spreadsheet with the confirmation number. I wrote down the confirmation number, so I have it when I set up November’s spreadsheet.

I will close October’s books after Mom goes to bed. I don’t like doing this because I prefer to close the books when I am by myself and don’t have to listen for Mom. Sometimes Mom gets out of bed and walks down the hall. The problem is that she doesn’t always remember to use her walker. It’s difficult to close books when I have to listen for footsteps in the hall.

At 3:05 AM October 23, 2011

Jamál (Beauty), 8 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 23, 2011 about 11:55 AM Pacific Time

At 3:05 AM, I heard someone walking down the hall. I got up to see if I had left the door unlock, but instead of an intruder, I found Mom in the living room. I managed to convince her to go into the bathroom and change her cloths. Then we went back into the living room so that I could start giving her, her morning medication.

I convinced her to take the first pill and then began my day. After she took the pill, I went into the kitchen. Instead of taking my second pill of the morning, I started a carafe of coffee and then got us each two slices of pound cake. I did not realize until a few minutes ago that I forgot to take my pill. Getting old is not for wimps.

Since Mom got out of bed at 3:05 AM, I did not get my morning shower taken. It is a good thing I took a shower last night before going to bed. I took a shower last night because my psoriasis was itching and burning. I put baking soda on a washcloth and used that on my psoriasis. I did think the baking soda helped much last night, but this morning the psoriasis feels better and itches less.

In fact, Mom got up so early that I did not get a chance to do many things I planned to accomplish this morning. If Mom is going to get up early on the weekends, I have to rearrange my morning chores and activities so that I can do them in the evening.

Thoughts on our October’s Menu

Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Thursday, September 29, 2011 about 11:05 AM Pacific Time

I have to make a daily menu for October because I am tired of trying to figure out what I want to eat. I have plenty of food in the house, which could be the issue when it concerns fixing something to eat for myself. Mom spends Monday through Friday at the Day Care Center, so she gets two meals there.

Mom can eat four means a day, so I have to find two meals for her during the week and four meals on weekends. Sometimes I can eat four meals a day and sometimes only two. We have pasta and canned vegetables, so most of the meals in October will consist of that. I know that for breakfast, I will eat cereal, but I think I will cook rice for Mom to eat.

There is only one box of Mom’s cereal left and she cannot eat my cereal because of the high fiber content. White rice has little or no dietary, so I will fix that for her breakfast. If she wants something to go with it, I will give her canned fruit or milk. Mom likes milk, she drinks at least one cup of milk in the morning.

Because the hearing aids require a co-pay, the October budget is tight. I only hope that Mom does not lose the new hearing aids. If she does, I do not know what we are going to do.

A week remains in October 2010

Jamál (Beauty), 9 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 167 BE – Sunday, October 24, 2010 about 12:57 PM Pacific Time

About seven days remain in October. About two months remain in 2010. It seems the month and the year has flown past. October was an interesting and stressful month. Twenty ten has been an interesting and stressful year. It well become even more stressful if I do not put some sort of schedule into action. I know that I have accomplished a great deal during the month and the year. I cannot see what I have accomplished because my efforts are scattered and I do not have a schedule.

When I worked outside the house, I never worried about schedules because I went to work and came home at predetermined times. Since I am home and have to work online, I have to have a schedule. I have struggled with the schedule for the past several years, without much success. Therefore, I think I will take a new approach.

The mistake I made in the past is not including interruptions in the schedule. This time I am including interruptions as part of the schedule. I plan to write in ten or fifteen minute intervals and then do something else. Most of the interruptions I encounter are random, but expected because the interruptions occur as a results of Mom losing her glasses, jewelry, etc. Most of these interruptions occur during the morning.

In addition, I have to set the writing and other activities I want to accomplish during the day. I know I cannot accomplish everything I want to in a single day, but if I work it properly I can accomplish a great deal more then I have accomplished up to this point.

Cool weather is coming to Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 17 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Wednesday, October 13, 2010 about 5:34 Pacific Time

Cool weather is coming to Las Vegas, I'm not sure exactly when, but it's coming. I know this because it's October and I've lived in Las Vegas for over twenty years. October begins warm, sometimes even hot, and ends cool. I turned off the cool air on Tuesday and haven't turned on the warm air yet.

Right now, the temperature in Las Vegas is too hot for the heat to be turned on and too cool for the cold air. Therefore, I have my air conditioning unit turned off. I hope I can leave it off until after Thanksgiving, but I will have to wait until November to see how cool this desert will get at night. If the November temperatures don't get below 50 degrees, I will put some extra blankets on the bed at night.

Normally, it doesn't get cold enough before the end of November or the beginning of December to turn on the warm air. However, the weather in this part of the country can get weird sometimes. This year we had a lot of rain in January and February, but not too much rain the rest of the year. I'm not sure what to expect this winter, so I think I'll check our sweaters in the next couple of weeks to see if they need fixing or washing. If the sweaters need fixing, I may use that as an excuse to get new ones. We haven't had new sweaters in several years and Mom will enjoy shopping for them.

Thursday was not a lost day

Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Mashíyyat (Will), 167 BE – Friday, September October 1, 2010 about 5:46 PM Pacific Time

Thursday was not a lost day because I spent most of the day driving across town. I went to the auto shop because I thought something was wrong with the car. There was nothing wrong that I needed fixed right away. I have to take it back the end of October or in November to have some work done.

I spend most of today driving across town as well. It is a good thing my car is easy on gas. Mom enjoyed herself today because we went to the store for some coffee and peanut butter. We also bought two packs of soda and some candy corn.