Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes

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Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Going Places at Scribbit
2008-06-06 16:47:00
Photo borrowed from FlickrScribbit is holding a writing contest entitled, "Going Places ". I have entered my earlier poem about my misadventures in Ireland back in 1989. You may recall the story about the shillelagh and the old man behind the wheel of the car and the ensuing collision. Yes. I think that's a fitting entry for the competition. Don't you?See here for original post:ShenanigansCheck out Scribbit's blog; it's a fascinating site managed by an Alaskan mom with a flair for writing and a plethora of interesting topics, videos, photos and anecdotes. I'm adding her to my blogroll immediately!(Fingers crossed for me in the contest, please! I could win a gift certificate for some lovely bath products and if you could see the state of me today you'd realize how much I need them!)Kat
More About: Going Places

All about you!
2008-06-03 17:08:00
I'm borrowing this little survey from a new blog I discovered recently here: Insomnia Chronicles So, it's time for you to share a bit about yourself. Please do the survey and post it in my comments. Let's get to know each other a bit better! 1. Name? (First name or nickname is good) 2. Age? (approximate is okay) 3. Favorite book? Poem? Song? 4. Top band in your iPod? (or if you're like me, on your cd player) 5. Favorite blog? (besides mine, of course) 6. Starbucks/Tim Hortons (for Canadians) Drink? 7. Anything Random? example: 1. Kat 2. 46 (47 in, uh, exactly 3 weeks) 3. Thomas Hardy: Jude, The Obscure/ Robert Browning: Porphyria's Lover Sixpence None the Richer: Kiss Me 4. Led Zeppelin - best of 5. Currently: Random Thoughts and Acts of Stupidity 6. Black coffee/San Pellegrino carbonated water ...
More About: Leonard Cohen

A request
2008-06-02 21:07:00
Please take a moment to fill in my poll on the right regarding Insomnia. You'll find out why very soon.Thanks, Kat
More About: Request

Shore Lines
2008-05-30 17:22:00
Photo borrowed from FlickrGetting DuckedI remember, whipping off,our sweaty clothes so fast,wriggling into taut swimsuits,salt-faded from the past.Down, down to the ocean, went we,childish laughter floating out to sea?Summer s that we dove and dove,through rushing wake and wave,plunging from the wharf of stone,we fancied ourselves brave.Flying out the old screen-door,bang!, it slammed behind,feet met fire on wooden steps,so swift, we paid no mind.Tripping, tumbling down the bank,just one goal to reach,limbs bruised up with stains of grass,couldn?t keep us from that beach.Rolling tides on sun-baked shore,we dipped our toes and screeched, ankles, calves, then knobby knees--Atlantic depths were breached.?You go first!?, ? No, you!? we?d yell.?It?s too cold!!!!? (Our fears we?d have to quell),?Hen, rooster, chicken?duck!? above the din,of warming winds-?then we were in.Down, down, to the ocean went we?childish laughterfloating out?to sea.Kathleen Mortensen © 2008
More About: Shore , Lines

Svengali Approach
2008-05-27 15:09:00
Oh, Nymph!He called me CalypsoOf course it was to lure meInto a false sense of security--Give the virgin an exotic name,Mercilessly entrapIn a veil of deceit,Convince me ofMy uniqueness--That fascinating qualityThat failed to exist.He called me CalypsoA master strokeTo use myth against mePlay on the punyEgo resting in my breastHold me to his conceitSpoonfeed meAnd let me gorge--Being a studentOf literatureHe called me CalypsoFull-knowing I would fallInto his armsAnd into his bedOr rather, ontoThe crushed-velvet couchIn the green roomOf the radio-stationOn campusHe called me Calypso?Until his Circe came.Kathleen Mortensen ©2008

Ding-Dong! Avon Calling (for you oldies out there)
2008-05-23 21:50:00
(A vintage Avon Bubble Bath bottle featuring Snoopy)My pal Courtney (who is one of the first persons ever to comment on my blog, by the way) has undertaken a new venture to help fund her college studies, pay for gas etc. She is now a full-fledged AVON lady!Way to go Courtney!So, any of you folks in the USA (particularly the State of California) who need some AVON goodies, please stop by her new website here:http://www.youravon.com/courtneymorr isJust for your info (and this was news to me) AVON is one of the first companies to establish NO ANIMAL TESTING regulations and I for one, think that's fantastic.So check out her site and give her a boost.Thanks,Kat
More About: Calling , Oldies , Dong

The Tooth of the Matter: Brushing Kitty's Teeth
2008-05-23 18:07:00
This is Blanche...she's never had her teeth brushed. She's 15 and I can tell that she may be having some tooth problems - after she eats, she sort of does this imaginary chewy-thing from side to side, so I believe she's got some dental issues. I'm freezing some Greenie tartar treats as I write so I can get her to do some serious crunching. Judging by this photo, she may have even lost a tooth.In my day (I sound like I'm 90), the idea of putting a tooth-brush anywhere near your cat was unheard of! The cats were outdoors all day, not allowed on furniture and locked up in the basement at night.Our (very fortunate) cats are indoors, fully-clawed, go where they please and take up half the bed at night, but we've never brushed their teeth. Now people are buying meat-flavoured pastes and starting when their pets are only kittens. We bought the paste and the tiny brush, but the cats just laughed behind their paws. They did like the taste of the paste, but when it came time to...
More About: Teeth , Matter

Clothes-shopping is fun?
2008-05-21 12:54:00
(breaking all the rules!)DisdressedInvited to 1st boyfriend?s, 2nd wedding.Nice! But now it?s dress-buying I?m dreading.My usual attire is jeans and shirt.Once in a while, to church, I?ll wear a skirt.Those hemlines hold me hostage from the start.Too long just drags, too short--I look a tart.To sleeve, or not to sleeve, the question sits--Must hide the flabby flesh beneath my pits.The fabric is a feature pondered long,Cuz clingy stuff enhances all that?s wrong.Each bump and roll's revealed, rather than hid.I stick to stiff, of jersey I'm well rid.Next, collar issues get me in the neck.Too deep ? we get E.T., too high ? Star Trek.Yet boobies bared don?t matter, mine are small--Décolletage on moi?s no thrill at all.Lately them that?s there are southward bound.The cleavage that once was cannot be foundWithout a push-up from the waist below,Which every day, appears somewhat to grow.So ladies if you?re shopping here?s my tip:Don?t try to be a model or look hip.The dress-designers have...
More About: Shopping , Clothes

Rule Britannia once again!
2008-05-17 02:16:00
Here in Canada , the holiday that commemorates the longest-reigning British Monarch is upon us. Queen Victoria ruled for 63 years. Canadians typically, (at least where I'm from, here in Ontario) head north to the cottage and shoot off fireworks. Although never one for showy displays or loud bangs, I too am northward bound this weekend, not only to celebrate Victoria Day , but also to mark the occasion of my mother-in-law's 75th birthday on May 26th.I shall return on Monday and undoubtedly will be anxious to get back to my laptop and my fellow-bloggers. I will try and squeeze in some poetry-writing while I'm away (hiding in a cabin, trying to escape the fray). You see, I'm already at work!Have a great weekend, wherever you are!Happy Birthday Your Majesty!Kat
More About: Rule , Britannia

I dare you to watch and not cry.
2008-05-15 13:33:00
Do Something to Save DarfurDestiny: DarfurTroubled times surround usIn this world of love and hateWhere we?re born we don?t choose--God determines every fate.So, some exist in plentyStability and wealthWhile others dwell in poverty,Oppression and ill-health.With this lack of balanceThe correct thing it would seemIs to try and even up the score,Contribute and redeem.How often do we think thus,But fail each time to act?Rarely do we go beyondIntention, that?s a fact.Once in a while we meet oneOf strength -- one of so fewUndoubtedly, in them we seeThe Light of Christ shines through.So we have the fortuneOf being truly blessedTo see a great exampleOf one who has witnessed.Daily, we learn the tragedy,Horrific they endureIn sprawling desert of SudanThe area Darfur.Of vastly complex nature,The politics and suchAnd try we hard to contemplateYet, fathom it not much.?Til graced with humble presenceOf missionary priestWho called to Order known to us,Spent decade there, unceased.He opens up this...
More About: Watch , Lord , Blige , Dare

Where I'm From - in poetry
2008-05-13 02:22:00
My Great-aunt, "Big Clara" (the tall one),as opposed to "Little Clara" (the shorter).Colleen, of Loose Leaf Notes left a comment on my blog yesterday and I found myself at her blog, thanking her and having a nose around to see what she is all about. She is a brilliant writer, who writes from the heart and writes in such a way as to immediately draw you into her world. I have added her to my links in the sidebar.At Colleen's blog, I read a poem entitled "Where I'm From". Upon reading it I began to wonder if she would think it too bold of me if I should attempt a similar type of poem since it was such a wonderful expression of who she is. I was pleased to notice that she actually attributed this poem to another person's blog and that there is in fact a template for anyone who wants to write one like it. I can see Michelle Hix of Sont les mots... taking this on, or perhaps Fenny . Here is the link to the template and a bit of the history of the origin of the piece. You can rea...
More About: Poetry , Catholics , Belfast , Atlantic , British Army

We can help Burma!
2008-05-09 14:06:00
PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TODAY!UNICEF or Direct Relief Internationalhttp://www.google.com/myanma rcyclone/USCampaignForBurma http://uscampaignforburma.org/index.phpDo ctors without borders http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/...A vaaz http://www.avaaz.orgMore links can be found on Google
More About: Nargis

First-time Lurkers: Have your say!
2008-05-08 22:57:00
Hello!If you're stopping by for the very first time(maybe from Squirrelmama's),please don't be shy!I don't bite.I would be delighted if you'd have a look around(dig deep - the archives hold a lot of interesting stuff too)and please take a minute to leave a thought or two.Thanks for dropping in and I hope you enjoy your stayenough to come back.Poetikat (Kat to my friends)P.S. Check out the Robot test (and some other neat ones) at the bottom of the page.
More About: Time , First Time

Fiction: A Moment's Peace?
2008-05-06 17:19:00
CatnapBy Kathleen Mortensen ©2008The photograph at the top of the page was of a large, furry, orange cat with big yellow eyes. A computer printed notice read:LOST: GINGER TABBY.ANSWERS TO THE NAME OF ?CUDDLES?.REWARD. Please call: 555-3167Helen Chadwick picked the flyer off of the driveway where it had blown, gave the photo a cursory glance, crumpled it up and tossed it into the bin in the garage. ?The nerve of some people,? she thought, ?running around littering on other people?s property!? She unhooked her wailing son, Joey from his car-seat and hefted him to her left hip, slammed the car door with her other one and stalked out of the garage and up the front steps.Inside, Malcolm Chadwick lay sprawled on the sofa in the family room, dozing. Corn chips spilled over a too-small wooden bowl on the oak coffee table as he grabbed another fistful. Condensation from his root beer mug streamed onto the tabletop forming a wet, white ring.?Mack!? she cried. ?What the heck do you think ...
More About: Peace , Fiction

Which celeb is your pet?
2008-05-03 18:21:00
Here are the famous celebs my crew are modelled after:Gilbert THE STRONG ONE (top right)Blanche THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY (bottom left)Daisy THE TROUBLED ONE (bottom right)Red THE GOOFBALL (top left)
More About: Celeb , Oprah , Celebrities , Hilton , Knoxville

Miley Cyrus - Exposed or Exploited?
2008-05-01 18:27:00
SnappedWhen Miley had her photo tookMs. Liebovitz, she needed hookFrom other side of camera?s vue--So stripped she down, the ingénue.No Hannah now, with fresh-faced smileOr Daddy?s girl--does this defileThe Sweetheart, new, of U.S.A.--Has Disney?s darling gone astray?In satin, white, of bridal gown,A bed-mussed sheet, set to slip downWith trailing tress ? not ponytail--The trap is set--the bait, for jail.In light of Zion , Bountiful ?This child?s nubile, and naked pullIs out of joint, and upturned now--Transforms the babe, to cold-cash cow.Kathleen Mortensen ©2008
More About: Miley Cyrus , Hannah Montana , Cyrus

The remedy - and what's coming up.
2008-05-01 17:28:00
Photo by Gio JL on FlickrHi everyone!Thanks very much for your thoughts and good wishes. I am feeling much better now, though a bit gun-shy about antibiotics. In fact, I have decided NOT to take my clindamycin - since I just read how it can cause colitis and other nasty internal issues. The worst part is, you can take the stuff and seem fine and weeks later the disgusting digestive problems can rear their ugly heads. So...instead, I'm taking garlic! Yes. Garlic apparently has the properties of penicillin and can do the same thing for me as either of the two antibiotics. Since I'm not in any pain with the tooth and the infection has been there for a while, I'm going with garlic! I don't have any pearl garlic capsules in the house, so this morning I mashed a clove of organic garlic with a bit of honey and I ate it! You guys are lucky this blogging thing isn't in SMELL-OVISION, or some such innovation because, believe me, you wouldn't want to be in front of me at the mome...
More About: Remedy

Some people are so dog-gone nice!
2008-04-29 22:55:00
Sandy of the I Beati's Meeting Place blog, has gifted me with this lovely award. I haven't had one in a while so it is doubly nice to be reminded that my work is enjoyed, as well as nice to have it come from her, since she is one of my most loyal and devoted followers. She even told me that if I were to publish a book, she would buy it and treasure it! That made me feel so positive and good inside, I tell you. It's people like Sandy who make what I do feel purposeful and truly worthwhile.Naturally, it's no good just to grasp on to such a gift - you must share it! So, I choose the following 3 people (ladies - sorry guys!) to take the award for themselves, as they too deserve it.Thanks so much Sandy! You made my day!Lydia - at Lydia's Organic Gardening(she's always thinking of others with her wonderful, delicious recipes and heartfelt words)Linda - at Linda and her surroundings(A warm, thoughtful, funny person who goes out of her way for people)Detroit Dog - at The Dog House...
More About: People , Nice

Feast of Creativity
2008-04-29 20:19:00
Photo by cdw9 at Flickr I'd like to invite you all to make a little journey to explore the Soup To Nuts progressive dinner blog carnival. The carnival begins today! Hurrah! This is the second one of its kind and there are some marvelous entries this time around. Soup To Nuts "2" will surely be one of the best blog carnivals of 2008! So you may be wondering, how does a blog carnival work? Well, you start out at one house or "restaurant" to have hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, then move on to a the next one for appetizers, and continue moving to a different place all the way through to dessert. Please check it out at the websites listed below. I would like to mention that I am in fact represented in all 5 categories. Thanks to Kilroy (the desserts host) at the Fear and Loathing - The Gonzo Papers blog and the four additional terrific hosts who have worked to make this carnival a success. Thanks also to everyone else who entered their posts. Make sure you check out all the...
More About: Creativity , Feast

Hell Week
2008-04-28 17:53:00
Hi Friends,I thought I should put you in the picture about things of late. When I last posted, it was to tell you, in poetry, about my misadventure with a dose of penicillin. This proved to be far worse than anticipated. I was laid up in bed for the better part of the week, couldn't eat, scratched myself until I was raw and bruised and in pain, bathed in a mix of baking soda and oatmeal, nearly lost my mind on a few occasions, or wept out of sheer frustration.I have not been able to take my daily vitamins, my black cohosh for menopausal symptoms (pity my husband) and was drugged up on Benadryl most of the time. My pupils were consistently dilated and I felt like I was in a fog for a number of days.I would like to thank my wonderful husband for being so solicitous, helpful and considerate (he even bought me the 3rd Season of the O.C. on dvd as a surprise), my internet writer-buddies, for keeping me distracted by their excellent and creative blogs (and perhaps indulging my long-w...
More About: Week , Hell

Big Bang Update (now with added scroll box)
2008-04-26 18:49:00
*Start Copy Here*You do not have to be tagged to play along. This game is simple and so are the rules.1. Copy from *Start Copy Here* through *End Copy Here*2. Add your site(s) to the list. Just be sure to post the "Big Bang " at each site you add.3. Tag or don’t tag, your choice, however, the more tags you create the longer the list will grow.4. Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list. (If you would like a scroll box code, leave me your email address and I will email it to you.) Scroll Box Example. (I decided not to use the box for the Big Bang for ease of copying.)5. Come back and copy the master list back to your site, often. This process will allow late-comers to get as much link benefit as the first ones in. Once you are on the master list people who have participated earlier will update their bookmarks and help everyone lower than them out on the list.1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Juliana's Site 3-Rusin Roundup...
More About: Update

Take this award and pass it on!
2008-04-26 03:55:00
Here are the rules: leave a comment telling me at least 2 things you love about yourself (because how often do we admit that?) Feel free to take this award and spread the love. This award comes to you courtesy of Suzanne at the Rose-Cottage StudioRose-Cottage Studio is a heavenly place you should visit to see the beauty of nature, some wonderful animals and gorgeous painted roses by Suzanne herself.
More About: Award , Pass

Friday Flashback - One Year: Later-Sick Vick
2008-04-25 21:47:00
A year ago today, authorities raided NFL Atlanta Falcon, Michael Vick 's Virginia property where he was running a dogfighting operation. Like many people, I was sickened and appalled by these events. I may have four felines, but I love dogs too, in fact there's not an animal on the planet that I won't go to bat for against cruelty and neglect. At the time, I didn't think I could write a lighthearted poem about such a heinous crime and sadistic human being. I was wrong. After stewing on it for a while, this simple-styled, almost sing-song piece evolved, very quickly. Its simplicity belies the feeling of disgust that I harbour over the situation. Read it and you may laugh, but the humour is still shadowed by a dark feeling of sadness over the minimally meted-out justice and vindication for the many dogs who suffered and those who continue to do so.To read about some of the luckier dogs from Vick's kennel, take a look here: CNN From fighters to friendsKatBad Dawg, #7Michael...
More About: Friday , Flashback , Sick , Year

An oldie, but a goodie...
2008-04-24 16:09:00
I came across one of my old poems while working on my new exclusively poetry blog entitled, Poetikat's Parlour of Poetry.With this fresh season upon us, I thought it would be the right occasion to repost it for my readers who may have missed it the first time and for some who may like to read it again.Tennyson wrote: "In the Spring a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of love." In keeping with this notion, I thought that I would repost this poem as a word of warning to all you eager young lads, cads and roues. I've been on the receiving end of some ill-treatment and 25 years on, I still remember, and even plot my revenge! Nah! Enjoy this poem for the lighthearted fun that it is. Just don't drink any tea poured by your exes.TeatotallerIn my imagination, I?m working on a plot,Mashing up dried mandrakes, I put them in a pot,And fill it up with water from kettle, whistle-blown,Then steep until it?s ready for serving men I?ve known.I fancy myself Alice, in my own Wonder world;Wh...
More About: Christmas

Here's what's been happening...
2008-04-23 22:51:00
(Not for the squeamish)24 Hours +A call came from my dentist unexpectedly Monday.It seems a gum infection was revealed by an x-ray.She called in a prescription to my drug store for some pills,Though little did I know that after two, I?d start with chills?Then florid rash presented on my torso, first of all,But when the itching started I picked up the phone to call.I couldn?t go on taking penicillin with this flush,Or else I?d need an ambulance to hospital, me rush.My face puffed as a fugu fish, temp dropping by degrees,I crawled under two duvets, so my body to unfreeze.I swallowed antihistamine; by now, I was sooo tired;It didn?t help me out, but then the label read: expired.My good man took good care of me, with snack of cheese on toastI nodded off, but fitfully, my settings now on roast.Made it down the stairs to spend some time flaked on the couchWatching Simon Cowell at his worst--the nasty grouch.Back to bed I stumbled, falling into our futonFeeling rather dizzy and my appetit...
More About: The O

What's your flower?
2008-04-23 21:38:00
I am aDaffodil What Flower Are You? Which Grand Duchess Would YOU Be?

Kat goes Live!
2008-04-22 18:24:00
Welcome to my new venture on film: Poetikat Presents.(I'm a total novice at film-making, so please bear with me while I work out some major kinks).Since I can't set up a poetry reading for all of you in your locations, I thought that using the medium of film would suit very nicely. Only trouble is, my little digital Canon Powershot has to be set to a compact speed to be downloaded by Blogger and the mic on my camera doesn't create very good sound quality.So, please make allowances for the film grain and the lisping sound I'm making. There's not much I can do about my appearance personally (more's the pity).Enjoy!Kat
More About: Live

Please scroll down
2008-04-21 02:02:00
I've posted a poem, a video and a story recently. Please scroll down past the Big Bang Meme to read my most recent work.Thank you!Kat

Maximum Exposure
2008-04-21 01:48:00
*Start Copy Here*You do not have to be tagged to play along. This game is simple and so are the rules.1. Copy from *Start Copy Here* through *End Copy Here*2. Add your site(s) to the list. Just be sure to post at each site you add.3. Tag or don?t tag, your choice, however, the more tags you create the bigger the list will grow.4. Let me know your blog?s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list. (If you would like the scroll box code, leave me your email address and I will email it to you.)5. Come back and copy the master list back to your site, often. This process will allow late-comers to get as much link benefit as the first ones in.1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Juliana's Site 3-Rusin Roundup 4-Grow Rich Along With Me 5-Comedy Plus 6-lynda's loft 7-Amel's Realm 8-MAX 9-Speedcat Hollydale 10-Mariuca 11-Complain Complain Complain 12-Mariuca's Perfume Gallery 13-Life Is A Roller Coaster 14-Sugar Queen's Dream 15-First Time Dad 16-Life 17-My...
More About: Exposure

Carefree high-way
2008-04-19 16:22:00
This piece came about as the result of two observations at two entirely different times. The first half took place early last Winter some time before Christmas. I was stopping in at Starbuck's for a tea and a relaxing, enjoyable spell of just sipping and thinking. I had my laptop and was a bit disappointed to find out that I couldn't connect to the internet, so instead, I took the opportunity to clean up some of my files and take some notes. When a gang of young girls wandered in, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. I made note of it in poetry.Just this past week, I was in my living room, tidying up some old cassette tapes(!) and happened to look out the front window, where I noticed 5 young girls sitting Indian-style on the trampoline in the backyard. The house is on a corner lot and the yard is wide open except for a low hedge.I saw right away that the girls were passing something around and I could see the clouds of smoke emanating from their device. I wa...
More About: High