Update on Two Summer Contests

Good News! Bohemia Beer purchased this painting. It was a contest that Troll hooked me up with. Usually I avoid internet contests because they are won by popular vote; and well, I ain't that popular. But this one was juried by a panel of judges, so on the day of the deadline, I looked around, found a piece of plywood, stained it and painted this piece and got it uploaded to the contest with about 4 hours to spare.
I did not win, but after the contest I was contacted by Bohemia and was told that mine was among their favorites and would I sell it. Im glad they wrote when they did because I was on the verge of gessoing over the piece and painting something else. So a hearty thank you to my friend TROLL. I plan to reward you with art - Secretariat in bottle caps, perhaps? grrhahahahaha.

"The Baptism: Flannery O'Connor" was accepted into the SAAG National Show. I am very pleased because I was worried it wouldnt make it in. 143 pieces were selected out of 600 entries. If you followed the week of blogging called "The Process" you know that I hope to win a prize. We'll see. Now that it is in I can rework some areas I think are weak like her hands and the water. In general, just make what I already have be as good as I can get it before the judge sees it in person. That show opens in October.

To all my bloggy friends that read this page and leave comments: Your support is such a gift. You are wonderful creative people (or else, why blog?), all of you, the ones Ive met and call real life friends, and the ones I hope to meet someday. Thanks a million! xo, Chickory

Haiku Monday: Memory

California;

seeing Mama's memory

in Evening Primrose

*******************
About the Haiku:

Apparently my grandmother gave my grandfather the heave ho. So he stole my mom out of the house in Louisianna and spirited her away to a dusty place in California. She was raised by a wild outdoorsy irish man and his mama, my great grandmother, and an extended cast of characters rich in aunts and uncles. I've seen the pictures, know that she was bit by a snake or maybe it was almost bit and often traveled by train because my grandaddy worked for the railroad. The fragrant air of New Mexico and the flowers in California brought my mother's voice to me; telling stories about her childhood out west. She would have spent a trip in the same way I did; in a love affair with the plants and animals and farms and weather; tidal pools and rabbits on the road and the dogs; my mom would want to meet all the dogs. What follows is a valentine to both my moms. Thank you Judith, for a wonderful visit and for being such a good friend to me. Thank you Mom, for the eternal flame of love that burns like Polaris to guide me through this extraordinary life.

California Notebook: Harley Farms

I have to get some goats someday.

By Tuesday I had mostly completed my Mom's website . She rewarded me with a drop dead gorgeous drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to Pescadero. This is where, or how I would live. The beach is marvelous, but I would want a farm, or at least acreage. This was an agricultural town, with a tiny main street and a few charming little houses with nice gardens and fun architectural accents. We went to Harley Farms; a goat milk farm nestled into a green valley about 2-3 miles in from the coast. The skies at the beach were a heavy low white, but here they shared at least half of the sky with idyllic blue.

the view from the top of the barn

The youngest kids this late in the summer were in a smaller pen, and getting lots of attention

Beside the goat pen, a flower and herb garden to flavor and decorate the cheeses

The sign says it all

I was completely smitten with this little fellow

Every inch of this farm was meticulously maintained 

There was an awesome soundtrack for the farm coming from the barn: classic rock, heavy on CSNY

Farm-to-table dinners are held in the hayloft of the barn. 

Whatever the goats give,  the farm uses; a respectful, inspiring approach to animal husbandry

The goat shop had classic (and prize winning) cheeses; I bought the sun-dried tomato blend

Before leaving Pescadero, we had a snack at this gas station/taqueria

I had the carne asada; but the chile and cheese burrito was even better

The drive home was delightful, the spectacular coastal vistas and the farmland stretched out before us. I was greatly inspired by Harley Farms. We joked about how in the world could I add goats to my menagerie; I already haul 4 hens and two Rhodesian Ridgebacks back and forth in a car. One day, there won't be any "back and forth" and I can flesh out my little homestead with a few goats. I learned how to make goat cheese a few summers ago at the Sustainable Arts Society and enjoyed it thoroughly. I was shocked at how hard I had to tug on the teat and how forcefully the milk shot out. But even if they didn't give milk; I would love goats. They are beautiful creatures and loaded with personality; the crazy positions they would get themselves in cracked me up. I never got a photo I was truly satisfied with, because I couldnt get in the pen with them. As it was, if any other visitor came, I would leave for a little while and only return to the pen when I had it to myself. I wanted to be "alone" with the goats.

I cannot wait to get back to Chickory and see my own garden again. Im sure that all I have left growing are winter squashes and watermelons. Im guessing the tomatoes have burned up and that the summer squashes are exhausted. But I look forward to prepping the soil for fall crops and finally getting the long overdue garden shed built. One day, I hope a visit to Chickory delights guests with the sweetness and goodness of life that I felt at Harley Farms.

Haiku Monday: Walk

intoxicating
mercury waves and poppies;
no wicked witches.

We Have a Haiku Monday Winner!

ho hum. another gorgeous vista from NorCal

Hello, all you fabulous poets,

The question is not -- to judge or not to judge, but rather how to judge.  I am both honored and humbled by this daunting task that was set before me.  I've done my best and enjoyed every minute spent with your wonderful haiku poems. What unique talents you have.  Even though you all addressed the same subject, your creative efforts led you in diverse directions.  That's the beauty of the beast.  Each haiku is special. Thanks for all the new things I learned.  What an inspiration you have been to me.  You have my love and appreciation. Keep writing.  I'll be reading and may join you and write myself from time to time.  One day we should try an exercise in Cinquain.  That would be fun. I invite your comments and will welcome your insight.  Please contact me at: allegro_88@comcast.net.

Sincerely,

Karen

Here we go, my dear poets.

(Troll)

A boy or a girl?

December's choice warms or cools.

Real Climactic Change.

Once I realized the boy and girl were El Nino and La Nina (duh!), our famous California winds, this made great sense.  Well written.  Contains the traditional seasonal reference.

Corp of Discovery

Courageous Captain:

"Ocean in view. O! The Joy!"

Wet winter awaits.

Best classical haiku and traditional use of kigo and kireji.  Exuberant exclamatory kireji cuts this clever haiku, leaving us to wonder which ocean, where is he headed.  This immediately called to mind "Master and Commander."  We hope he is somewhere in the southern hemisphere for this winter journey.

**********

(Karl)

High translucent crest,

roaring into the shoreline

Cowabunga dude!

Having surfed (or tried to) at Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA in the sixties, I can definitely relate.  Exciting image of catching that perfect wave.  Because this great verbal exclamatory kireji is at the end, we feel a heightened sense of closure; he rode that wave all the way.  Cowabunga! 

**********

(fishy)

Riotous colors

expressed b'neath half moon light,

Cowabunga blooms!

Seasonal implication.  "Riotous colors" vibrantly fills the imagination.  Once again, an exciting kireji that expresses a bursting forth.  Nice visual imagery.

Chickory photos:

Hydrangea envy,

Pacific pinks for your Mom!

Mine look like bruises.

Evoked similar feelings of my own black thumb.  Best friend's perfectly Pacific pink flowers put mine to shame.  This haiku paints a perfect picture, both visually and emotionally.  Love it!  Made me laugh.

**********

(Fleur)

Golden Mountain

Land of Golden Dreams

lures with shimmer, and betrays.

Mirage, far from home.

Title calls to mind something glorious.  But we are in for a surprise.  This haiku runs the gamut of emotions -- hope, disappointment, even despair.  Excellent use of imagery in describing our fair California.  Having lived here off and on for years, I can relate to her siren song and abrupt betrayal.  This kireji slams us to the mat.  We feel the deceit and question our choices.

(Fleur)

Hawaiian Honeymoon

palm fronds and flowers

blushing limbs and seaspray tang

lava buries us

This haiku elicits both visual and olfactory senses.  The ending suggests inevitable destruction

Cedar Closet

Mohair sweater hangs;

a bittersweet souvenir

of Sausalito.

A modern, rather than traditional, haiku. Evokes an emotion all of us have felt at one time or another--perhaps for a lost love?  I can just see that sweater hanging there.  

**********

(Czar)

South---. Swimming in it..

Like Rodgers', Hammerstein's heirs:

Nothing like a dame.

This brought a smile as I conjured up visions of Bali Hai, beetle nuts, and Nellie Forbush.  Clever that you omitted "Pacific" to keep to 5 syllables; hmmmm, what would the master say?  Great kirejic cut with the traditional colon, which establishes a connection between the two parts, implying that the last line represents the essence of the former.  Cleverly conceived.

September plunge brings

Santa Monica surprise.

Warm sun; sea fall fresh

Classic kigo and kireji invokes the southern California autumn.  Nicely written.

**********

(moi)

Neither hippie nor

holy holds the key.  Peace, bro?

Fight the current's flow.

This one could have some deep meaning, in my opinion.  I really like the "hippie" and "holy" reference.  Excellent choice of words.  Society's ills presented simply.  I like the mid-kireji question.  The answer is up to each of us.  Great haiku; however, typically they "shouldn't" rhyme.

**********

(foam)

Vortex of refuse ..

Great Pacific Garbage Patch:

Plastics, sludge, debris.

Definite visual, albeit negative, imagery.  Dredges up not only the literal litter/trash image, but also one's emotional sludge as well.  The traditional colon calls for inward scrutiny of both parts; perhaps asking ourselves, are we doing our own individual part, however small, to protect our environment?

**********

(fishy)

Pacific vibe:

Churlishness declined.

Raman's peace shall reign upon

all unwasteful guests

Those who have not been to Raman's Coffee House in Half Moon Bay might not appreciate the depth of this haiku.  Is the writer speaking only from the pictures and commentary on the blog; if so, he or she caught the essence of the place and of Raman himself.  The kireji that ends the first line invokes that line's importance to the whole.  I think I'd use a dash instead of a period, for emphasis.

**********

(pam)

Cranky baby cries;

his bottle is not ready.

here's pacifier.

This one inspires a common vision and emotion experienced by all moms.  Clever to think of "pacifier;" not quite "Pacific," but no matter.  Simply stated, in keeping with the goal of haiku to give voice to the ordinary daily events of our lives.  Great traditional usage of the kireji, although I'd use a colon after "ready" to entwine the two parts.  I can see this frazzled mom, especially in the "olden" days when we didn't have the speed of the microwave.

**********

(pam)

California dreams

were manifest destiny.

Young man going west.

History presented simply -- Gold Rush, Pony Express, "Paint Your Wagon."  May I suggest here that poems have different meanings for us at different times, depending on our current frame of reference.  Having recently watched "Paint Your Wagon," I instantly thought of Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin and the title song, "Got a dream, boy, got a song. Paint your wagon and come along."  Nicely conceived.

**********

(princess)

Great Barrier Reef

Coloured kaleidoscope

Beauty lies beneath

Lovely visual imagery leads us to vividly imagine the beauty that lies beneath.  Beautifully expressed.  You must have been there, princess.

Battle of the North

Japanese unrelenting...

Them Yanks sure could fly!

We can visualize this magnificent air battle.  Perfect emphasis and tie-in made with the use of the kirejic ellipsis instead of a colon.  And, yes, them Yanks sure could fly!  Go Jimmy Doolittle and raiders ("Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo"), just four months after Pearl Harbor.  Please clarify your reference to the "Battle of the North."  I'd be interested to know more.

**********

(aunty belle)

Pacific Pinnipeds

Remember how we

climbed mist sprayed rocks--And the

stench of Sea Lions?

Cool!  A new word for me.  Guess I don't know much about sea lions and walruses.  This haiku awakens senses of touch, sight, and smell.  Oops!  I see only six syllables, but I definitely smell the sea lions.

**********

(aunty belle)

ESALEN

Ghosts of Kerouac,

Huxley; Human potential--

clothing optional.

This thought-provoking haiku caught me literarily off guard.  I must confess I googled Jack Kerouac and Aldous Huxley for more in-depth background, which enlightened me immensely when it came to understanding this work.  I learned that Huxley espoused visual communication and sight-related theories--hence, "clothing optional."

I enjoyed learning something new.  Thank you.  Interesting how you put together these few syllables.  Oh, I also learned that Esalen is an actual place, a retreat.

**********

(boxer)

Lake Burning, car full

travelling to a new coast,

my forever home.

I see you moving across the country, something I know a lot about, having experienced it more times than I care to remember.  Evokes images for anyone who has ever relocated, hoping this move will be the last.  Nicely put.

**********

(Karl)

Watching bubbles rise

Decompression pondering

Half Moon Bay haiku

Great picture of the thought process as you contemplate what to write.  Superb visual picture of the diver searching for words.

**********

Seductive Sarongs

Trade winds, baguettes and Bordeaux

Tahiti beckons

After reading this delightful haiku, we'll all be on a slow boat to Tahiti, not China.  Evocative imagery.

**********

August Forty Five

Uranium's fury

Ends Pacific War

Again we have extreme visual remembrance from only a few syllables.  Amazing what images words can conjure up.  Well written.  Just need 7 syllables in line 2.  Powerful!

**********

(buzz kill)

Wild waters to left,

Certain death highway - pshaw!

Frisco here I come!

Having traveled north and south several times on California's beautiful, curvy, magnificent, treacherous Highway 1, I clearly see the visual picture here.  Love the kirejic exclamation and joyful, devil-may-care ending.  Alas, there are only 6 syllables in the second line, "pshaw" being pronounced with a silent 'P'.  Perhaps, "Oh, pshaw!" to make 7 syllables?  This was fabulous.  Loved it.  Write more.

**********

(fishy)

Pacific:

Phosphorescent waves

heave upward, reaching point break,

curling into me

Once more we see vivid imagery.  Can almost hear the pounding surf.

**********

Casey Haiku Submission #1

misty bay captures

ancient secrets carried west

burned up by the sun

Hauntingly mysterious.  Stirs the imagination.  Beautiful.

**********

Casey Haiku Submission #1

Land of fruits and nuts?

Sunshine...coastline...wine and weed --

Methinks thou art blessed!

This one brought the biggest smile and loudest laugh.  Conjures up all sorts of images associated with California.  Fun!  Good honk!  Clever indeed.  Double entendre?  Great use of ellipses to give emphasis.  As the reader, we want to pause for a deep savory "ahhhh" breath as we visualize each word picture.  Love the idiomatic "methinks."  Yes, we Californians are blessed, despite the taxes, lousy politicians, and high gas prices (taxes again!).  Yep, gotta be grateful.

**********

(xl)

Pele's fiery hand

slow to caress the ocean

quick to give the land

Absolutely awesome imagery.  Beautiful choice of words to invoke the Volcanic Goddess.  Perfectly painted picture.  Some may take exception with the first line, but I must go with Webster's first choice for pronunciation of "fiery" as "fir'e" in opposition to "fi'e'ry."

**********

(who wrote this?)

'Neath moonrise glided

waves an ancient of the deep

rises--blue as lupines.

Summons forth a haunting image of the Blue Whale, largest animal to have ever lived.  These whales look true blue underwater, but on the surface they appear a mottled blue-gray.  Beautiful imagery.  Was fun to read about these whales.  Thanks.

**********

(bob)

Judgement of Haiku

Where to place the kireji?

I'll be out of town.

Wait till I get my hands on you, bob!  Leaving me to judge these awesome haikus alone.  You know Libras can't make decisions.  "Where to place the kireji?"  Typical of bob, with his conscientious aviation background and meticulousness.  My friends, should you fly into SFO, he'll be controlling your plane once it hits the ground.  If you're departing, find a sudden gate change, and have to make a run for it, he will have done that too.  But he really is a nice guy and an awesome guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

**********

Thank you, Ande, for this amazing opportunity.  I feel honored and unworthy of this judgmental position.  To the Haiku writers, your amazing talents made this very difficult. 

I've taken the liberty of issuing my own "awards" as follows:

Most Classic/Traditional:  Courageous Captain.

Seasonal:  December; September; August '45; Courageous Captain; Hydrangeas; Riotous color.

Evokes Emotion:  

Golden Mountain; Cedar Closet; New coast/forever home; Captain.

Historical:  California Dreams; Flying Yanks; August '45.

Sensuous (not sensual, you hooligans):  Hawaiian Honeymoon; Pacific Pinnipeds

Action:  Cowabunga Surfer Dude

Simple and Sweet:  Baby; New coast.

Humorous:  Hydrangeas; nothin' like a dame; land of fruits and nuts.

Visual: Riotous colors; hydrangeas; Hwy 1; Vortex of Refuse.

Most obtuse (had to search for the meaning): Boy/Girl; Raman's; Kerouac/Huxley; Ancient of the Deep.

Best Painted Pictures:  Barrier Reef; Tahiti; Phosphorescent waves; Misty Bay; Pele.

Whatever:  Hippie/Holy; Bubble/Decompression

And the WINNER is: 

CASEY!

Land of fruits and nuts?

Sunshine...coastline...wine and weed --

Methinks thou art blessed!

This has been such a joy!  Thanks to all of you.

Karen (aka Allegro) 

* NOTE FROM MANAGEMENT: CASEY IS A MEATSPACE FRIEND FROM BLUE RIDGE WHO ALSO COMPETED IN THE CHICKEN CHALLENGE. (Casey, you cannot get your prize unless you show yourself in the comment section of this blog. just saying -prove your reality! ) CONGRATULATIONS TO CASEY, AND A VERY GRATEFUL THANK YOU TO KAREN FOR AN EPIC JOB WELL DONE.

Haiku Monday: "Pacific" ....still working on a winner

The theme was, appropriately enough, "Pacific". The entries were incredible this week, one of the toughest competitions in Haiku Monday history. I couldn't begin to pick a winner, so a real live "california person" was drafted into the duties of judging. You are in for a treat, Haiku People, because this judge is exceptional. She knew haiku, but took the responsibility of judgement seriously and even studied in preparation for the task of evaluation. We have discussed your haikus at length, their merits, originality, formal structures...our judge is funny, generous of spirit and spot on in her assessment. But a decision has not yet been made. (any day now, right Aunty?) The consolation for this delay is that every single haiku entry has received commentary. So hang in there.

in the meantime:

"Nest" the junk shop by the sea

HMB Marina

California people

We're just looking for a handout, not a hand

Ornaments for the ocean home

Where I would live

Sister Moon (nothing like the Sun)

A rare celestial sighting
four directions; one feminine side
shared chalice
seagull silhouettes against the moon
the missing are called to the circle
moonlit kayakers gather
for the August child, a blessing in one word
herons call from the evergreens
to the labyrinth by the sea

Farmer's Market / Half Moon Bay

* Still accepting Haikus. See this post for details *

Haiku Monday Challenge: "Pacific"

As the winner of the Haiku Challenge "Veneer" I am honored with both the Badge of Great Honor and the duties of hosting. This week, the theme is, appropriately enough for my 20 this week, "Pacific". I do believe that the word has a broad spectrum of meanings not limited to the ocean, or North America or even nature. Although, as we have learned from Master Basho's Ghost, indicating a season is a good practice.

Two early entries:

The Wild Pacific.
And over Sado Island:
River of Heaven.
- Troll


High translucent crest,
roaring into the shoreline
Cowabunga dude!
- Karl

You may enter as often as you like. The haikus will be assessed and judged by a panel of California people that my Mom has assembled. The winner will be announced on Wednesday morning, and will be awarded the Badge of Great Honor and a fine archival print of one of my best Pacific photographs.

**************

Seeker: "where can I find the best chai on Earth"

Babaji: "This secret must not be reveled to the undeserving. Therefore, I will whisper it in your left ear once, just like the rishis of ancient times did when they imparted deep secrets to their students. You will find this nectar in Half Moon Bay, California at 101 Main Street"

Raman's Chai Shop. I loved it. I have had chai maybe one other time. I asked Raman to prepare it as he would like. This seemed to please him. It was very very good with pieces of fresh nutmeg swirling in the elixir.  I was amused (no, delighted) by the signs in his shop. Instead of writing "Please don'ts", his notes offered opportunities for character development, and spoke with some degree of authority as well:

A folk art duo played their original songs in the shop which was attended by a nice selection of generations; mothers and children, road worker guys, us, lots of ladies and couples sipping chais at tables arranged around a stage set under a hindu painting Hanuman a part monkey and part man figure bowing prostrate before Surya. While Raman was in the back of his shop, a lady came in and started calling for him. When he emerged, he instructed her to not be so impatient. I just smiled. I really liked Raman.

After Chai, we stopped at the Hastings House, which is one of the most lovely gardens I have ever seen. In addition to being a riotous explosion of color, the composition was masterful. Consideration of shape and texture was a priori and the artist/gardener Linda said that photographing a garden in black and white was a great way to work on garden design so that you are not distracted by the colors. Clearly flowers love cool consistent diffused light.  Proof:

Last night on my way to the beach at dusk, I saw this rabbit. I miss the companionship of animals; the Rhodesians and my hens. I think the reason I don't travel more is I hate to leave my animals. I miss my husband too - but I never worry about him like I do our beloved pets. Im sure he is taking great care of them, and appreciate him loading the hens and traveling with them. It takes a special man to endure that.

Today, we are headed to the farmer's market, and of course the Moon Ceremony is tonight. Have a great weekend everyone, and don't forget to submit your Haiku.