Tag Archives: writing

Millie’s Rainbow

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This post was inspired by a ‘new’ image.

It’s a wonderful gift to receive an image you’ve never seen before of a person you’ll not see again (in this version of life). My mom’s cousin had recently sent me a batch of family photos, a few of the images I’d not seen before – what a treasure to see my mom’s pearlescent smile in a ‘new’ way. I merged Millie’s image into the rainbow photo shown.

The rainbow happened on a most horrible day — a day not blackened by the dark weather but by my words. It was the day I told my sweet mother I was sending her to a nursing home. And that beautiful woman had the gall to smile, to tell me she understood and that everything would be okay.

The weight of my heart forced my tears forward like the storm. Then not long afterward, the rain stopped, the storm clouds moved on their way, and there outside, arcing over my house, was the most complete and perfect rainbow I’d ever seen. It was Millie’s Rainbow.

Thank you,
AnnMarie❤️

The Steady Blue Firmament

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vito fbi copy 3
Dear Dad,

Your eyes flashed the colors of a summer storm.
Thunder rolled along the pink of your mouth.
Your shadow filled our home whether you were with it or not.
All this hurricane in one man.

But as terrifying as the clouds of my childhood could be at times, you were the sky.
How I miss the steady blue firmament of your presence in my life.
Today, somewhere out there in the nebula, you’ve turned 92 years old.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

Love,
AnnMarie

Where Beauty Is Easy

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When in New Mexico, simply aim your camera anywhere and the breathtaking sky does the rest.
new mexico

My husband, son and I spent a glorious week in New Mexico. My wonderful friend, D, who lives in Santa Fe, was a marvelous cook and an amazing hostess.

We enjoyed the heated outdoor pool, went on a pilgrimage to the Aztec Ruins, visited the galleries on Canyon Road, purchased handmade items from local artists, put our feet in the pristine San Juan River…and of course, we ate too much:)

Alas, all good things must come to a landing —

home again

If you haven’t visited New Mexico, do try and get there – it truly is the Land of Enchantment.

Thank you for stopping by,
AnnMarie:)

Happy Father’s Day

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Dang, I miss my dad quite a lot. Can’t believe it has been six years.

The UFOs Came and Went but They’ll Return Again Next Year to Pine Bush, New York

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For the last few months, I’ve been busily preparing for the UFOs and aliens that descend once a year upon the little hamlet of Pine Bush, New York, a town notorious for its SIGHTINGs and outer-worldliness. Pine Bush even has its own UFO and Paranormal Museum. And the annual UFO Fair draws in both the curious and the faithful by the thousands.

As a first-time vendor to this fascinating experience, I was surprised and amazed at the LOVE everywhere. Storm troopers hugged those who needed hugs. Green and purple people alike held arms. Folks, who’d traveled from near and far, visited the over-hundred plus vendors who were selling UFO tees, posters, stories, books, art, food, handmade items, gifts, jewelry, costumes, music, mementos…

I was blessed to have dear assistants willing to do the 7:30 AM setup, the 4 PM breakdown while smiling, standing, and working through it all. (Large husband and growing son in upper right photo)

My personal hope was to sell something, anything, so I wouldn’t have to walk home with my art-tail between my legs. I was pleasantly surprised. I sold art prints, my poetry book and tees too. I made a nice chunk of dollars that I’ve since deposited into my art & writing account. And now, I can use this hard-earned bounty to create more monsters and aliens! What a great day it was👽

I hope you are all well and managing life on earth. I thank you for visiting my little planet.

am❤️

I can never say enough

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about my beautiful mom who’s smiling down today and every day❤️

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you spectacular moms🌹!

Millie shown here at 25 years of age with my sis Grace:)
Geez man, I wish I had been blessed with that gorgeous broad smile!

Love, Cheyenne

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Love, Cheyennecheyenne's gift

Cheyenne’s spectacular gift wrap featured above!

Burying the Dead Twice

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I am honored and thrilled to share my latest published essay Burying the Dead Twice. https://underthegumtree.com/

The writers, artists and photographers featured in Under the Gum Tree are exceptionally talented, and I am humbled to be featured among them. This volume is breathtaking, the layouts sublime. Order your copy today. Under the Gum Tree is worthy of coffee-table real estate:)

Those of us living on earth generously acknowledge that no good work is created in isolation. To this end,  I give a shout out to my dear friend and fellow writer, Deb Levy, for her 1,000 reads and sage suggedits (as we kindly call them).  I also give great thanks to Under the Gum Tree’s fabulous editor, Dorothy Rice. Dorothy’s editing vision transported this piece to a more intense and clear-storied place.

Thank you,
am:)

As for that bucket list…

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bucket

May this year be spent in noble pursuit of your dreams, met simply, one day at a time

am:)
photo: my beautiful daughter back before she knew anything of bucket lists or books with titles like, 100 Places to Travel Before You Die