MONOCHROME MANIACS AND A POEM

POLICE STATION, RUSSELL, NEW ZEALAND

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GOOD TIMES

Remember the good times

They'll serve you well

When life is hard

As tough as hell

Hot summer nights

Lying in bed

His strong shoulders

Resting my head

Laughing and loving

Wasting our days

Entombed in our room

Set in our ways

You doing your thing

Me doing mine

Coming together

For beer and wine

Life carries on

Memories remain

Don't let bad times

Leave their stain

SCENIC SUNDAY AND BLACK WIDOW

More pics from our recent holiday.

ROCKY BAY, RUSSELL, NEW ZEALAND

Follow the link on my sidebar for more Scenic Sunday.

BLACK WIDOW

Her prey is found so easily

She spins her web and waits to see

Her trap is set, she'll make it clear

that loving her was your idea

She's the answer to your prayers

She'll steal your heart while you're unawares

A camelion, swapping and changing

Becoming the girl you dreamt of possessing

She has you now, where she wants you

No turning back, try if you must do

She'll devour you and spit you out

Isn't this what the game's about

Time to move on, find fresh prey

There's plenty more begging to play

Righto, that's enough from me for today. Heading out to my book club meeting.

Bye for now
Love KB
xxx

LITTLE GIRL LOST AND BOOKS READ THIS MONTH

LITTLE GIRL LOST


I turn to talk to my mother but where has she gone? The market is crowded but I’ve never felt so alone. The hustle and bustle continues around me as I stand glued to the spot. How will she ever find me in this noise and confusion? I panic as I see the unending tide of strangers surrounding me. They tower above me, making me feel insignificant. A hand reaches out , I entrust it with my escape. Mum finally arrives at the market office to take me home. The terror I've felt is mirrored in her face. She folds me up in her warm embrace and I am safe once again.

WORST READ OF THE MONTH

It’s unusual for me to start a book and not finish but this one was giving me a headache. I think she is trying to hard. What do you think?

An excerpt from – The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

By nightfall the headlines would be reporting devastation. It was simply that the sky, on a shadeless day, suddenly lowered itself like an awning. Purple silence petrified the limbs of trees and stood crops upright in the field like hair on end. Whatever there was of fresh white paint sprang out from downs or dunes, or lacerated a roadside with a streak of fencing. This occurred shortly after midday on a summer Monday in the South of England.

Shirley Hazzard was born in Sydney and is the author of the award winning - The Great Fire but definitely not my cup of tea.


BOOKS READ DURING JUNE

14. The Meaning Of Night - Michael Cox
15. Windfall - Penny Vincenzi

16. B Is For Burglar - Sue Grafton

I've started another book but don't think my chances of finishing it this month are very good.

Not much to report today. Looking forward to All Blacks/Italy tonight. Here's hoping they do a better job than last week.

Later gators

xxx

P.S. My dear friend Missy has asked me to contibute a story to her Melting Pot.

MELTING POT

Hope you likey.

KB
xxx

COME WITH ME IF YOU WANT TO LIVE

MOVIE TIME

I've been to see a couple of movies recently - Angles and Deamons and Terminator Salvation (hence the title of my post) hehe. I'd heard good and bad reviews for each so I wasn't expecting too much. I enjoyed A&D but not as much as I enjoyed the book. I'm not usually a big fan of Terminator so I was pleasantly surprised with the movie. Nothing like a bit of action and violence in the afternoon and the story wasn't bad either. Loved it. Saw the preview for Harry Potter too..can't wait.

I'll be back...BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID.

SKYWATCH - RUSSELL, NEW ZEALAND

Another pic from our recent holiday.

Follow the link on my sidebar for more SkyWatch

FLASH 55 - A SIMPLE PLAN

The old man hugs his wife goodbye. She can't escape fast enough from his icy grip. She runs into the arms of her much younger lover. Her plan to become comfortably wealthy had been simple but finding true love had never entered the equation. She's made her bed and now she must lie in it.

I'd like to add a special thank you to G-Man this week. The 55 gang grows larger and larger each week yet Galen still manages to visit us all. That's no mean feat (or should I say feet, in your case) my friend. Thanks for visiting me every Friday and leaving your humorous and encouraging comments.

Happy reading and writing everyone.

Love KB

xxx

Flash Fiction - Each Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss -

G-MAN If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.

CARRY ON TUESDAY #6

You would have understood me, had you waited
Would have loved me instead of hated
Your words cut deep and hurt me
Misrepresented and dirty

A mystery still unfolding
Begrudging instead of holding
Let loose on a sea of hate
Bide your time and commiserate

Battles fought, still raging on
Lovers distraught, mind has gone
You could have loved me, had you waited
Destiny and fate untranslated

Follow the link on my sidebar to join in the fun with Carry On Tuesday.

THE MIGHTY ALL BLACKS?

My Dad is a huge football fan. I remember when I was a wee lass he would spend hours watching and playing football. He didn't have much time for watching other sports but would make an exception when the All Blacks (NZ's international rugby team) were playing. Back in those days the All Blacks were a force to be reckoned with and would leave the opposition quaking in their boots. How things change.



I moved to NZ with my family when I was 15. Coming from England, which has a huge football following to NZ, which has a passion for rugby, was quite a change for me. I remember I would often ask my boyfriend if he would like to go out on the weekend and he would stare at me like I was mad and reply, "But the ruggers is on." Or I would phone him and he would say, "I'll have to call you back, the rugby is on." As you can imagine, rugby wasn't very popular with me.

Some considerable time later, hubby, G and a friend went to watch Auckland play a rugby match. I kept the telly on just in case I saw them in the crowd. Before the game started, there was an interview with one of the players - Carlos Spencer. So began my obsession with Carlos, or should I say, rugby, hehe. I began watching all the Auckland games and was surprised to realise how much I enjoyed the actual match (not just the perving), once I learned more about the rules.







I've been to several matches over the years and cheer on the Auckland teams and the All Blacks religiously. I have met (stalked - see pics above) many of the players. I've been known to get out of bed after four hours sleep and watch a rugby test before heading off to work. When NZ were knocked out of the last World Cup, I actually wept (sad but true).

I've been noticing a change over the past few years. It seems that since the game has turned professional (which means the top players are paid), our once formidable All Blacks have become an average team. New Zealand produces outstanding talent (in my opinion) only to head off overseas where the big bucks are. You can't blame them as they have to earn a living and New Zealand cannot possibly compete financially with the likes of many other countries.

Gone are the days when I could name the team, the position they were playing in and the province they represented. I watched a game on Saturday night and didn't recognise half the players and couldn't understand why some players were put in positions they weren't suited to.

I remember many years ago, Buck Shelford (former All Black legend), being asked what he thought of rugby turning professional. He replied that it would be the end of NZ rugby as we knew it. At the time I just thought it was sour grapes because he'd never been paid to play but now I agree with him.

I must say, I really enjoyed Saturday's game and I will continue to cheer on my boys with the usual gusto. I'll also be keeping an eye on our Women's rugby team. If memory serves, they've only lost one game in the last decade. Better watch your backs boys.

P.S. Dear Missy, well you did ask how the boys were doing. LOL!

WASTING TIME

Sitting here drinking my wine

Writing to pass the time

Waves smashing rocks outside

Motel room warm inside

Feet hoping inside pink socks

Time to dance, this music rocks

Sun setting over the bay

Thoughts of family, miles away

Time to dress and put on make up

Hoping the process will help me wake up

Relaxed and happy, all is well

Shame this rhyme went to hell

CROSSED WIRES

Pleasantly exhausted from a long day at the zoo, Rebbecca gazed wistfully at the children playing.

"We missed so much," said Jack.

Rebbecca was surprised he had read her thoughts so well. They had been unable to have children of their own.

"'Such a shame we didn't have time to see the giraffes," added Jack.


Flash Fiction - Each Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss -

G-MAN

If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.

Happy reading and writing!
Love KB
XXX

HOLIDAY PICS

Hubby and I recently spent some time in The Bay of Islands (Russell in particular) and Rotorua.

Russell is a 3.5 hour drive from my home town. Followed by a short vehicle ferry journey.


VIEW FROM PAIHIA TO RUSSELL VEHICLE FERRY



THIS IS WHERE WE STAYED





OUR VIEW



A REGULAR VISITOR




RUSH HOUR IN THE VILLAGE

Russell is a small town, everything is cutsey and within walking distance.












DIDN'T TAKE US LONG TO FIND THE PUB




OH DEAR

We enjoyed a delicious meal at the local Thai restaurant. I spotted this Tuk-tuk outside and of course, I had to get inside. I wanted to get in quickly, have my pic taken and run away before anyone saw me. Unfortunately, I wasn't satisfied with any of the pics taken (this was about the fifth attempt) AND I banged my head on the ceiling. Poor hubby, I don't know why he puts up with my antics sometimes.




MANY OF RUSSELL'S ORIGINAL BUILDINGS STILL STAND (I'll write more about that later).





NZ'S OLDEST CHURCH



THE POLICE STATION




I'll leave it at that for today. I'll write about our day trips tomorrow.

Have a great day/night.

I will, my rugby team is playing tonight....GO THE MIGHTY ALL BLACKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Love KB
XXX

FLASH 55

The sound of the explosion echoed in Sara's ears. The air around her shook. The barn was alight. Townspeople ran amid the chaos, terror in their eyes, screaming the names of loved ones. Sara barely noticed the glass beneath her bare feet as she followed the masses. Her precious children were alive. Nothing else mattered.

Flash Fiction - Each Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss -

G-MAN

If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.

Happy reading and writing!
Love KB
XXX

NAUGHTY BUT NICE

Look what I made last night. McDonalds, eat your heart out!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have.

-Doris Mortman

RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Why do I have my best writing ideas while I'm shampooing my hair with not a pencil in sight?

LESSONS LEARNED

Packed your bags.

Moved away.

Coming back soon.

So you say.

Left me wanting.

Confused, ashamed.

Mistaken identity.

Beast untamed.

Moving on now.

Wounds liked clean.

Scars are hidden.

Rarely seen.

Good times remembered.

Heart beats anew.

Lessons learned.

For me and you.

YOGA TV FOLLOWED BY RANDOMNESS

YOGA TV

My Doc suggested I try yoga or pilates to help me relax. If you've read my early post re pilates, you will no doubt have realised pilates was going to be a disaster. The instructor advised people with neck injuries (e.g. ME) to avoid some of the exercises but of course, silly me decided to try them anyway. I spent the following days with severe neck pain. *slaps self*.
I decided to give Yoga a try instead. I have tried yoga before and quite frankly, I spent so much time laughing and falling over during the poses, I gave it up. Anyway, I noticed in my TV Guide that Yoga TV is on five days a week at 6.30am. The only reason I would be up at 6.30am would be if I hadn't gone to bed yet so I set the decoder to tape it for me.
I arrived infront of the TV at 1.30pm ( told you, I don't do mornings). I spent the next half an hour in fits of laughter but I must admit I felt fantastic after I'd finished.
Let me explain my amusement with Yoga TV. Firstly, the opening music seemed more fitting for some kind of porn show and I wondered if I had taped the wrong channel. I settled down on my exercise mat with Coco eyeing me suspiciously from her own mat. Hubby tried to watch but was banished to another room. Me thinks he enjoys watching all that bending over a little too much, hehe.
The first few minutes involved concentrating on our breathing, followed by an ad break. I thought - this is my kind of exercise programme for sure. The first exercise consisted of lightly punching my scalp (I'm not kidding). Followed by walking around like a duck. I was beginning to think I was actually watching an episode of Candid Camera when we arrived at the more serious stuff. Bend this way and that, stretch this and that...basically my version was...fall over, burst out laughing, stretch and wonder if I will need a stretcher to get up again.
The main instructor was fantastic but it was difficult to listen to her between ogling the cute muscly guy at her side, gasping in horror each time one of the girls lifted her hairy armpits and the occasional tongue in my ear from Coco whenever I lay down.
After the next ad break, I was intrigued when the instructor showed up with a huge turnip at her side. Thankfully, it was to advertise a healthy eating segment and not some new form of torture she was going to put me through.
I have learned a lot from my first session of Yoga TV:
Leave Coco out of the room next time
Yoga is much harder than it looks
Shave armpits before I ever appear on TV


QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no criticism.


- George Eliot


Coco was determined to make herself comfortable on me even though my lap was unavailable.

RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE DAY


Recently, I have noticed a number of gyms offering special deals to lose weight. Can you imagine the reaction if we had told people a hundred years ago that in the future we would pay organisations to help us engage in physical activity. They would have thought we were mad. Just another of the many random thoughts that go through my head.

CARRY ON TUESDAY #4

THE BOOK WAS THICK AND BLACK AND COVERED WITH DUST. Catherine picked it up and added it to the collection of her mother's papers. It had taken several months after the funeral to return to her family home to sort out her parents' belongings. Finally, the task was completed and she could move on with her life.



She decided on a quick cup of tea before she began her long drive home. Curioulsy, she picked up the black book and began to read it's pages. She immediately recognised her mother's beautiful writing. She had stumbled upon her mother's diary. A record of her first years of marriage prior to Catherine's birth. She was intrigued and settled down with her tea.



Page after page uncovered a surprising side to her mother. She wrote of her devotion and undeniable love for her man. How she'd finally found the love she'd waited for. Catherine knew her parents were close but never realised how deeply in love they were in the beginning.



As she immersed herself in her mother's world, a different meaning became clear. This undeniable love wasn't for Catherine's father but for another. The last entry was dated seven months before Catherine's birth. She had so many questions. She had never felt close to her father, could it be possible she wasn't his flesh and blood?



She returned to the cellar to look for more journals but non were to be found. The thick, black book in her hands must have fallen behind the shelves many years earlier. The identity of her mother's secret love would remain buried with her mother forever.







There's a link to Carry On Tuesday on my sidebar. Feel free to visit and join in the fun.

AN UNUSUAL BEER HOLDER

A friend of hubby's suggested sticking a can three quarters full of beer up a chicken's bum (before cooking it) would make it more delicious (the chicken not the beer). He was indeed correct but even if he wasn't, it was worth the pic.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Learn to wish that everything should come to pass exactly as it does.

- Epictetus

I'SNT EASY LOVING ME

Emotional uncertainty lurks inside.

Laughter erupts as tears subside.

High maintenance emotionally.

Isn't easy loving me.

Questions raised at every move.

Much to gain, more to lose.

I need you now! No, let me be.

Isn't easy loving me.

Crazy stories out of the blue.

Thoughts I share, amusing you.

More inside than what you see.

Isn't easy loving me.

Laughing and loving, what I do best.

Others come first but the real test.

Loving myself to set myself free

but, it isn't easy loving me.

RAMBLE

Hubby and I recently returned from hols. I got a little carried away with my camera (what's new you say) and snapped over 200 pics. Hubby took quite a few too so we are in the process of sorting them before we share. Hopefully, there will be some for you tomorrow.

I spent much of my time away writing. I've a few 55's up my sleeve, G, half a dozen poems and I don't know if you remember my story called Ghosts - I have finally gotten it out of my head and on paper. Will share what I have when I have edited it a bit and chosen a name for my leading lady.

BOOKS I READ DURING MAY

10. The Last Templar - Raymond Khoury
11. Suite Francaise - Irene Nemirovsky
12. Coldwater - Mardi McConnochie
13. The Company - Robert Littell

That's all folks! See you tomorrow.

Love KB

xxx

FLASH 55 - TOGETHER AGAIN

I'm back from hols. Missed you guys!



Dreams of you and me together.
Souls entwined, for now and ever.
Candles lit, music playing.
Red wine flowing, bodies swaying.
Probing tongues, exploring mouths.
Hands and fingers, heading south.
Clothes are falling, skin exposed.
Ways to reach me, no one else knows.
Lost in each other,bodies entwined.
I am yours, you are mine.

Flash Fiction - Each Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss -

G-MAN

If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.

Happy reading and writing!
Love KB
XXX