Gideon’s Challenge

Gentle Evening

A hint of pink
in a world of blue
promises
delicate hues
through twilight hours
as light shades
slide into dark
and mountain peaks
are swallowed
by stars

Let’s linger here
a while
and watch

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

Summer’s Smile

Spring rain
yields
to summer sun
like delicate
purple flowers
that fall
fragrant
to the ground
while yellow buds
open
to greet the day

More rain please

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

The Warning

Startled still
a moment’s pause
you have
my full attention
a warning made
and ears prick
as frozen muscles
twitch
and senses expand
to seek out
what is
being missed

Protect
what’s yours

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_1665The First Bundle

First harvests
are sparse
but healthy
with lush leaves
filled
with cleansing goodness
A gift
bestowed
upon the caretaker
that tends
to her needs
from one season
to the next

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Feeling Your Way

Prompt: “Draw a single random card from your favorite deck and share with us how the card makes you feel.”

Okay, so this isn’t perhaps my absolute most favorite deck, or even the most favorite deck I’m using this month.  But, it is one of the favorite decks I’m  using this month and I’ve really connected with it well and am enjoying it a great deal.

The Alchemist's Garden Tarot - Two of Cups - Rosa multiflora - Rose - ConnectionTwo of Cups – Rosa Multiflora (aka. Rose) – Connection

Throughout history the rose has been revered as a flower of love and the connection between people. Whether the color is red for passion, yellow for friendship, white innocent love, or pink for admiration, the rose is all about the connections that we make with each other and the communion of energies and emotions that are a part of humanity’s makeup.

When I see this card and Rosa multiflora imagery, the clusters of pink roses speak to me of that inter-connectivity and how people need people. This isn’t a single long stemmed rose, but rather it is a variation of multiflora, which grows with clusters of flowers gathered together.

Whether we are an extrovert or an introvert, all people thrive in connection with others… some thrive in large groups, and others with just one or two close people. But, it is that connection between people that helps bring depth and breadth to life as a whole, and most suffer in some way when it is not present in their lives in some manner.

The Alchemist's Garden Tarot - Root of Pentacles - Metrosideros excelsa (aka. Pohutukawa) - NurtureRoot of PentaclesMetrosideros excelsa (aka. Pohutukawa) – Nurture

The Pohutukawa is an evergreen of the myrtle family that is endemic to New Zealand. The kahika flowers that this tree produces offer sweet nectar, while the strong roots that can even cling to rocky cliffs to support the colorful tree that towers above.

This combination of strength and beauty speaks deeply to me of the Queen of Pentacles and her strength… and her beauty.   She is supportive and warm, yet strong as iron.  She supports… she is sweet… and she is hard.

This card speaks to me of all these qualities.  It speaks to me of safety and stability.  Of someone that isn’t afraid to let their strength and stable foundation show, and can radiate beauty even as  they hold together all that matters to them.  It is a card that depicts a delicate and beautiful hand with an iron grip that will be used to support itself and others.

DECK USED:  THE ALCHEMIST’S GARDEN TAROT

Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_1401bWanton

A dragon
lives in my soul
with cinders
for scales
and flames
that scorch
the senses
like begonia petals
in summer heat
as I wait

I am on fire
what are you
gonna do about it?

Photo © ZenStatePhotography