A note from Kezzie
I don’t doubt that you wondered if I gave up on writing! No, my friend, no–just busy, busy and busy!
I finally posted the assignments I completed last November and December. Kaja, my mom and I took a longer break from this program than I anticipated, but we should be starting again soon. In the meantime, I’ve been studying for the ACT and working busily on other schoolwork.
My intentions to do much more writing are strong! I just hope they carry through with actions. :P Last fall, a friend and I commenced another sort of blog, Pursuing the Mystery. Unfortunately, the posts there have been rather infrequent! Let’s hope that changes soon.
Until later,
Kezzie remains affectionately yours-
Escape to Shelter
Escape to Shelter
Frozen ice darts fiercely from above. Darkness joins the scene, throwing her dark shadows daringly across the open pathway. One lone fledgling, a minute winter wren huddled in a sphere of muted feathers, silently shivers. As a colossal night owl swoops close, the delicate wren startles suddenly. Attempts to escape to security seem ineffectual; extended from her tiny body, her crippled toes turn inward, prohibiting anything but futile movement. However, her desperate struggle–rocking, tottering, and trembling—to travel across the hard earth begins and continues long into the night. Finally, managing one final feeble hop, she nestles underneath the thick undergrowth trimming the wide path–sheltered from harm at last.
Winter Wren and Morning Crickets
Winter Wren and Morning Crickets
Trilling in the crispy morning, I skip merrily along the still branches of the enchanted woodland. The sun peers through the heavy thicket, reflecting off the early dew that hangs like pearly, tear drops on the roughage surrounding me. Suddenly though, I cease my melody and still my cheerful hops. With my impertinent head cocked, I hungrily eye the glint of light jumping off a polished, black, surface in the dirt below me. Snatch! Hastening down through the brush, I capture the coal black insect, and he now squirms, protruding from my slender beak. I swallow the cricket with a gulp. Satisfied, I commence my musical glee and lift my dull speckled wings, taking flight into the morning.
Night at the Park, Part 2
Night at the Park
These community picnic events produce such a rush of activity! Rays of evening sunlight cascade on the commotion around me. My volunteer position serving meager hot dogs at this picnic, the Lakewood Community Park Days, keeps me hustling too. Though I enjoy the opportunity to serve, I sigh at the endless line of hungry, and sometime greedy, picnickers. Smoke from the nearby grill irritates my eyes, and I grimace as the aroma of raw meat wafts through the stuffy tent. Exhausted, I wipe my brow, and continue my duty of plopping boiled hot dogs onto the many Styrofoam plates being shoved and plunged at me. What a demanding crowd I serve!
Eventually, after what feels to be an eon of time, the hubbub of activity around me begins to dwindle. Families settle down on massive blankets and deluxe folding chairs, while awaiting the evening entertainment of music. Squeals and squawks blare from the outdoor stage where the orchestra prepares to play, rocketing my headache sky-high. Yet, as I begin my duties of cleaning up, the glowing of the setting sun and the whispering of a cool breeze lifts my spirits. With a smile, I silently thank God for the beauty of his handwork. Tired, but content, I know it’s going to be okay.
Picnic in the Park
Picnic in the Park
Cheerful colors and playful sounds radiate from the grassy picnic-area where my children play. Nervously, I glance toward my kids, Bobby and Jeana, where they are chasing each other close to the park creek. Piles of forsaken shoes litter the creek bank while the scads of other community kids dip and immerse their bare toes and feet in the cool stream. Moving ahead in the long food line, I motion toward the volunteer worker to add three broiling hot dogs and three crinkly bags of chips to my Styrofoam plate. At the end of the line, water bottles and various pop flavors refrigerate in a large metal tub of icy water. Hesitantly, then quickly, I thrust my hand into the freezing water to retrieve a bottle of spring water. I spot our worn picnic blanket spread on the grassy earth amidst the crowd of others and call Bobby and Jeana to come and eat with me.
Soon after, the community orchestra begins to warm up their instruments on the expansive outdoor stage before us, sending a patchwork of noise into the open air. Happy and satisfied, Bobby grabs a few handfuls of buttery popcorn and runs off to join the other kids wading in the creek. The sun behind the stage, like a masterpiece backset, drops slowly in the sky. As the music begins and the night sweeps on, the chatter from the crowd around me subsides. A clear, starry night falls. My children return, and together we relax beneath the stars as the orchestra continues its joyful serenade to the Lakewood community.
Escape Resort, Part 2
Escape Resort, Part 2
Nestled between majestic pines in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Escape Resort includes comfortable cabins, thrilling recreation, and an abundance of scenic views and opportunities for exploration. Each of the rustic cabins welcomes visitors with a toasty fireplace and inviting bunks piled high with thick warm blankets. Lively yet relaxing, the activity lodge is an ideal hangout to keep warm while enjoying family games and entertainment. Hikers may take a short jaunt on a path through a magnificent canopy, a forest of tall pines, to view sights of splendor. Pristine white snow is like a blanket, covering a low meadow. While recreation seekers enjoy the outside mountain regional temperatures, they can indulge in the myriad of skiing, hunting and skating centers. After a fun-filled day, exhilarated resorters are beckoned to relax in the lodge or sleep in their cozy cabins. Strategically positioned and genuinely inviting, this mountain getaway extends a welcome to all those who are seeking stimulating activities or a peaceful winter escape. Escape Resort offers something for everyone!
Escape Resort, Part 1
Escape Resort, Part 1
Desolated in the frozen depths of the Colorado mountains, Escape Resort consists of a few shabby structures tucked beneath tall pines. The main lodge, a weathered flat, promises the warmth of one ancient furnace while the scanty cabins boast only of charred, drafty fireplaces. After a ten-minute hike to the west of the cabins, visitors will note a gray meadow of snow steeping down to a frozen pond. Although the view of a distant ski lift may give hope for a skiing opportunity, reality admits otherwise. That ski resort folded years ago! Unfortunately, Escape Resort’s activity lodge is devoid of action and sparse of much comfort or entertainment. Inside, piles of threadbare blankets are like sloppy haystacks, and two old board games fail to entertain the bored. The dry amusement of watching fellow escapers huddle beneath blankets while lifelessly scooting pawns across the outdated board games may be the only highlight of the resort. Dull and frigid, Escape Resort is just another point on the map for vacationers to avoid.
Francis Scott Key, Poetic Patriot
9.25.06
Francis Scott Key, Poetic Patriot
“Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Sung proudly from our American lips, the well-known words to the “Star Spangled Banner” are like a triumphant victory song. Bud do you know anything about the author of these loved words? Who was he? Francis Scott Key was born in 1779 just proceeding the very years our country was founded. Nurtured on Terra Ruba, the expansive Key farm, in Maryland, Frank grew healthy and strong. While listening to his father’s experienced of fighting in the Revolutionary War with General George Washington, Frank developed a love and honor for his country.
Consequently, General Washington became Frank’s hero. How ecstatic he must have felt when the General himself visited the Key farm! While Washington’s visit may have been short and brief, surely it remained etched in Frank’s memory for years to come. As a boy, Frank also spent much time with his blind grandmother. Reading the Bible to her and conversing with her often, he developed life-long skills of oration and writing. The mentors, influences, and experienced of these early years, paved the way for much of the talents, accomplishments, and dreams that Frank’s future would hold.
In fact, these early years laid the foundation for one of his most well known accomplishments. Poetic and patriotic, Francis Key penned the “Star Spangled Banner” one September dawn during the war of 1812. During the bombing of Fort McKinley by the British, Key was actually being held temporarily aboard a British warship harbored near the fort. However trying, this complex situation gave Key a clear view of the American flagpole that night throughout the bombing. When the dawn of morning revealed the U.S. flag still flying, Key was inspired to write. Thus was penned our national anthem. Though Key was mostly lawyer and statesman, his poetic skills shone throughout his entire life. Americans today are thankful to Mr. Key for using his God-given talents to honor our country with the words that now compose our national anthem.
I hesitate to post this…Kaja knows why. :-) I had a slight slip of the keyboard last week, enabling a friend who might read this post to perhaps figure out that Kezzie is me. Oh well! Let me know if you comprehend.
Sanctuary in the Flowers
9.11.06
Sanctuary in the Flowers
Collapsing in a field of flowers, I breathlessly gaze at my surroundings. Vibrant scarlet poppies, dancing in the wind, stretch broadly from skyline to skyline, rippling like a gentle sea. Amidst the poppies, picturesque oak trees kiss the wide blue sky. I rest under the shade of the mighty oaks’ extending limbs, a canopy of green. As the cool breeze refreshes me, I lean back and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation.
Evidently, I am not the only one indulging in this field of flowers, an Eden-like picture. Around me, I notice other creature passing through. Slowly and silently, two young deer appear from nowhere, tossing their slender, graceful necks into the soft breeze. As I contemplate their peacefulness, suddenly a bright bumblebee buzzes alarmingly close to my nose. He interests me. I laugh as I watch him continue on his way, gleefully diving into the open cups of the poppies. I return my attention back to the twin deer, only to notice they have disappeared as silently as they appeared. All alone in this expansive, yet secluded sanctuary, I continue to admire this beauteous world created by a loving Creator.
Friendly Footwear
9.7.06
Friendly Footwear
Smiling as I walk, each step I take in my new leather shoes bounces with joy! Okay…. So I bought them from a thrift store and leather is probably man-made imitation leather. Nonetheless, I have not regretted my recent purchase, a pair of everyday Sketchers, from the second-hand store. Already gently worn-in by a previous owner, my new friendly footwear have quickly provided me with comfort. Glossy and smooth, their surface is like the shiny hide of a newborn calf. Strikingly, ecru laces and two angled stripes down each side provide a delightful accent against the chocolate exterior. On the toes I find some gentle scuff-marks showing that they were loved by their former owner. I too just love these shoes! Eagerly, I look forward to many more steps in this fine pair of footwear.
