A Desperate Prayer with 18 Days Left - March 18, 2012

18 days remain for me,
In the country of my heart
What am I going to miss the most,
Where does the list begin to start?

India, vast and mysterious,
Is forever enticing me,
I've barely seen a tiny bit,
Of all I want to see.

My palate's tasted every food,

And spicy daunts me not,

The breads are bits of heaven,

I could be fatter but I'm not.

I feel so full of love these months,

So welcome where I've gone,

From my Royal Caribbean friends,

To perfect strangers, I've been drawn.

I pray to the gods and goddesses,
To grant my safe return,
For until I touch this shore once more,
My heart will ever yearn. 

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2012 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved. 

I Am Woman - International Women's Day - Mar 8, 2012

I was born a girl child,

In the country of the free,

Yet, even living there,

At times, it's hard for me.

I see among my sisters,

The struggles that they face,

But to find it in the USA,

To me is a disgrace.

For many women of the world,

Gender bias is the norm,

A way of life for centuries,

It is hard to make reform.

Baby girls are murdered,

Their lives snuffed out at birth,

These precious little innocents,

Who are felt of little worth.

Some women struggle endlessly,

For food enough to eat,

For shelter for their families,

They will never admit defeat.

Others do such menial work,

For less pay than men will earn,

Returning home late at night,

Where no one shows concern.

To my sisters facing so much pain,

I am here, in heart and soul,

United and acknowledging,

We share a common goal.

Just know that you are not alone,

Change will come, albeit slow,

Your determination and spirit,

Reap more than you will ever know.

Be proud that you are woman,

Of all you accomplish along the way,

Stand, united, all sisters of the world,

As we celebrate our day.

Copyright (c) March 8, 2012

 by Carmen Henesy 
All rights reserved. 

The Eternity - Meeting the Editor in New Delhi - February 21, 2012

Several years ago, in My Space, I met Harekrushna Mahanta, editor of
"The Eternity", a magazine published twice a year in India.  It has a spiritual
focus in its poems, art work, essays, articles and the like.  While most of my
poetry really is not spiritual in nature, Mr. Mahanta has chosen to publish
several of my works in "The Eternity" which I consider an honor.  "Travel
Thoughts" has appeared in its pages, along with two poems about India,
"The Taj Mahal" and "The Peacock", which is the national bird of India.
During a recent visit to New Delhi, I had the privilege of finally meeting Mr.
Mahanta and a colleague of his, Hindu poet and meditation and yoga
instructor, Dr. Dhanpal Tembharey,  They came to my hotel, with flowers
for Virginia Lynch and me and brought copies of the last issue of "The
Eternity" with a thumbnail photo of me on the cover as a contributor
from the United States.  Inside, there was a picture of my poetry book,
"Life's Journey" and  my poem, Rainbows" also appeared in this issue of
the magazine.

My friend, Virginia, took a number of photographs of the occasion, I
presented Mr. Mahanta with a Sony Holland CD and Dr. Tembharey
prsented me with two of his books, written in Hindi.  I can see that I
definitely must learn the language!

Wearing my silk kurta and pants made at 

Village Textile in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

With my Indian jhumka

Flowers from Harekrushna Mahanta and Dr. Dhanpal Tembharey

My poetry book, "Life's Journey"

My gold mojeres

Harekrushna Mahanta, editor of "The Eternity"

For subscriptions to this magazine, or to buy issues, go online to:

http://www.theeternitymagazine.com/buy-eternity.html.

Nick's 21st Birthday, Better Late Than Never - January 12, 2012

I must say, I've been a bit remiss about posting since I got to India.  It's not
that I haven't been busy...and I HAVE been taking pictures...but I am having
so much fun, I find myself, at 2AM, eyeing the computer, then looking
longingly at my bed.  Somehow, bed wins out.  Then, lathered with Odomos
cream to fend off the attacking swarms of mosquitoes, with the ceiling
fan swirling, I cover myself with a blanket and sleep happily until Kamlah
wakes me with a cup of fragrant chai in the morning.

I cannot believe the number of parties that take place around here!  Of
course, one would expect them with Christmas and New Year's but, then
there was the January 1st First Communion round of parties.  That is a
really big deal here in India, akin to a wedding celebration, almost.  I'll
have to post some of those pictures as well.  Also, there WAS a wedding
here in the compound...on December 28th.  And, next, on January 6th, was
my nephew ( well, for all practical purposes, he is my nephew - I've
dubbed him such and he has made me his Aunty ), Nick's, 21st
birthday.  When I asked Nick what he would like for this special
occasion, he asked for me to write him a poem.  He inherited my Canon
digital camera when I bought my new Canon G12 so he thought that
was more than sufficient.

So a poem he got and I told him it would appear on my blog...sweet
kids here, they think my blog is a big deal.

For Nick, On His 21st Birthday

From His American Aunty

I haven't spent much time with you,

I've lived so far away,

But I can't say how much it means,

To share your very special day.

I only saw you once before,

You were cute as you could be,

The sweetest little seven year old,

Having fun and running free.

I must say, you sure have changed,

You are quite the man,

Most handsome, and so nice to me,

Since my visit here began,

I have had such fun with you,

And it's such a thrill to me,

Every time I see you smile,

And say to me, "Aunty" .

You've made me feel so welcome,

As have your entourage of friends,

That's part of why I'll feel so sad,

When my special visit ends.

I know your folks are proud of you,

As you turn twenty-one,

I know you'll be a great success,

But don't forget to have some fun.

With much love, Nick, and all good wishes for the future.

Aunty Carmen

Of course, his mom and dad, my beloved friends, Ode and Lorna Santos

threw him an incredible party, with aunts and uncles contributing all sorts of 

great food for the event.  There was a DJ and the party was in full force 

until Mumbai's finest arrived about 2AM to tell us to shut the music down.  

We did tone it down a bit but kept on dancing for a couple hours more.

Beautiful Mumbai moon

The outdoor contingent

Usually, some finds a log to burn outdoors...it helps to keep the mosquitoes 

away and adds a little warmth for the cooler late night temperatures.

Family and neighbors, Vera Pereira and Lulu Santos

Me and my other sweet nephew, Jake Santos

Party animals

Proud mom, Lorna Santos, and Nick's true aunt, Sonia Santos

This is my beloved friend, Ode Santos, who I met on my first Royal 

Caribbean cruise, the Monarch of the Seas, on April 16, 1995, right after 

we sailed out San Juan.  He was the Champagne Bar bartender and,

during that seven day cruise, I spent a great deal of time there.  He was the

first Indian I ever met, really, and we became instant friends.  Through him,

I met so many other Indian crew and that was the start of my relationship 

with the country and so many people.  In February 1997, I spent ten days

in Mumbai as the guest of Santos and his wife, Lorna, and I am back with

them this visit, and with their boys, Nick and Jake.

Chef Kumar, who actually has been a chef for Royal Caribbean and

other cruise lines, whipped up several fabulous batches of pasta for

Nick's birthday party

This is me with Noel Pinto.  He parked my walker and appointed himself my champion

for the whole evening.  Every time I got up, he would be at my side to escort me.  If I

needed a drink ( it was Old Monk Spiced Rum for me all evening ), he would pour it

And he was a terrific dance partner!  No matter that Noel is about forty years younger

than me!!!.  

Vera Pereira

This is me, minus makeup.  I was racing out in the morning, 

late, and I had no time for it.  I don't think I've been out in public,

minus my eyeshadow, in 20 years.

It was really a great party.  All of Nick's friends are terrific and so much fun. 

The adults always join in the dancing, too, partly, I think, because the music is

something that everyone can enjoy - less toxic than what I often hear at home...

not a lot of ramp with profanity, insanity, or depravity.

Water Fountain - Ruby Tuesday - January 3, 2012

Several months ago, I met a fellow blogger, Jidhu Jose, an Indian computer
engineer, working in Qatar.  His website is beautiful -
http://www.jidhujose.blogspot.com/ but, of course, he IS a computer
engineer.  It is filled with variety.  Recently, Jidhu asked if I might write
poetry to accompany some of his photography which I said I would be
glad to do from time to time.  Of course, now that I am in India, all I want
to do is be lazy, drink chai, enjoy village life, travel about the country
and, occasionally attend to my own blog.

I did write this poem, inspired by a remembered love ( see, I wasn't
always an old hard hearted lady ).  Jidhu posted it on his site -
and I am making it my blog for today.  I thought it would be part of
a Ruby Tuesday post but, sadly, I see that series has drawn to an
end with the advent of the new year.

The kiss from your lips,
Refreshes my soul,
Quenches my thirst,
Makes me once again whole.

You are life giving water,
I can't drink my fill,
Though I have all eternity,
I need more time still.

Carmen Henesy

Friday Flash 55 - Where Did the Week Go? - November 18, 2011

Father Time, give me a break,

Progress, I'm not making,

The nearer my departure date,

I'm stressed out and shaking.

How can it be, when I pack up,

And send things off to store,

I look around my domicile,

And it seems I've even more!

One more 55 remains,

Until I board my two airplanes!

I'm participating in my next to last,

Friday Flash 55 - hosted by that ever so brilliant and charming,

Mr. Know It All - check out the site and add your 55 to join in the fun!

Friday Flash 55 - Not Gone, But Forgotten - November 11, 2011

I'm stilll around,

Not posting much,

A couple days a week or such.

It's been just hell,

Sorting through my life,

Discarding much has caused such strife.

I'm nearly done,

The end's in sight,

December 1st, I'll board my flight.

I'll have four months,

To get to know,

An exotic country that I love so.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2011 Carmen Henesy

All Rights Reserved

I still have a bit more to do to finally vacate my home of

thirteen years but I am definitely on my way to India on

December 1st!

I am participating in Mr. KnowItAll's Flash Fifty Five -

check out the site and join in the fun!

Friday Flash 55 - Playing With The Pooches - August 12, 2011

CA State Capitol

Wikipedia

I'm glad the Terminator's gone,

To me, he seemed a freak,

Though admired far and near,

For his muscular physique.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, 38th governor of California

Wikipedia

He did little for the Golden State,

And left office cloaked in shame,

For some politician movie stars,

Every woman seems fair game!

Republican husband, Democrat wife,

Seems, to me, a source of certain strife!

Carmen Henesy

I am participating in Mr Know It All's Friday Flash 55 -

check out the site and join in the fun!

I am a hundred miles north of my Daly City home, house sitting with my two

granddogs while my son, Alex, and his wife, Laura are spending eight days on

a two island vacation in Hawaii - four days on Oaha and four days on Kauai. 

It's Laura's first time in Hawaii though I've taken my boys there twice.

They are having a wonderful time and I am really enjoying the adoration of

these two doggies.  I can't believe how loving they are.  There is no question

in my mind that pets can lower one's blood pressure.  I have felt so relaxed

since I got here.  Taffy and Bucky are constantly with me, following me

from room to room and, of course, they hop onto that California king bed

at night to keep me company.  I'll really miss them when the kids get home!



Happy 4th of July - Home To The USA - July 4, 2011

It's almost 2AM here in the San Francisco area and, already, I can hear

firecrackers going off.  I guess some folks must have been out on the

town and have decided not to wait until tonight to celebrate our

country's independence from England.  I have no special plans

myself.  I've been busy shredding papers all day, going through

boxes and trying to tidy up a bit before my dear friend of forty-

nine years, Martha Genin, arrives on Wednesday.  That is cause, in

itself, for celebration. 

My oldest son, Shawn, just got back late tonight, from a weekend with

friends in Las Vegas so I suspect he may sleep away the 4th.  My

youngest son, Jeremy, stopped by briefly this evening after an

afternoon of fishing and crabbing with a friend on the Pacific ( they

threw back their catch ) and Alex, my middle son, who lives a hundred

miles away in West Sacrmento is working.  That's all fine by me.

I celebrate the 4th in my heart, glad, in spite of all the problems we

face in the United States, that I am an American. 

Everyone knows, I am sure, how much I love to travel and I've been

truly blessed in that I have, until the loss of my job three years ago,

been to practically every corner of the globe.  The cherishd memories

of the beauty of this earth, the wonderful people I've met along the

way, the delights I've experienced will forever be with me.  Yet, when

all is said and done, it is always good to return to my homeland, this

country that I love above all, these fifty states that make up America.

One of the first poems in my book of poetry, "Life's Journey" which

was published in May of 2010 is called, "Home To The U.S.A.".

I may have printed it in my blog before but, today, on the 4th of

July, I am repeating it.  I love you, America!





Home to the USA

I*ve traveled all about this world,

And seen sights most sublime,

The marble towers of the Taj,

And set my watch by Big Ben’s time.

I stood in awe at the Acropolis,

Drank wines thoughout Bordeaux,

Sailed past the Sydney Opera House,

Played black jack in Monaco.

I’ve watched a Barbados sunset,

Rode the Star Ferry in Hong Kong,

I saw exotic dancers in Bali,

Heard Bangkok temple bells gong.

I marveled at David in Florence,

Prayed at a mosque in Brunei,

Danced tango in Buenos Aires,

Sampled samosas in far Mumbai.

Yet, no matter where I travel,

And how far afield I roam,

It feels good to return to America,

The best country of  all – for it’s home.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2005 Carmen Henesy.

All Rights Reserved

I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday #128 -

add your post and join in the fun!



Friday Flash 55 - He Love Me, He Loves Me Not - June 17, 2011

 

She had begun to doubt his love,

He often was away,

But, imagine her surprise today,

When she received a huge bouquet!

The fragrance of the roses,

Spread throughout the room,

But when her finger touched a thorn,

That's when she met her doom!

Her last thought was that her love was a forensic toxicologist.

I am participating in that wonderful meme, Friday Flash 55,
hosted by non other than the charming, debonair Mr. Know It All.
Check out the site and join in the fun!

Alphabe Thursday - "D" Is For Dogs - May 12, 2011

For my "D" post this week, I decided to use a poem about dogs that I wrote a few years
ago.  I love dogs  but have not been able to have one of my own in the past 23 years
because I've been a renter.  The first thing my son, Alex, did, after he and Laura bought
their home two years ago, was go to Yolo County shelter, and get a dog.  Two months
later, they went and got a second dog to keep Taffy company.  I've been so happy to
have granddogs and I am always so thrilled that, though I may not see them for a couple
of months at a time, they always seem overjoyed to see me when I visit. 

Taffy, granddog 1

Bucky, granddog 2

Dogs

Dogs come in every shape and size,

With coats both straight and curly,

Some breeds seem warm and friendly,

Others appear aloof and surly.

Dogs can be the working type,

Herding sheep or finding prey,

Others guard your hearth and home,

And some just like to play.

Often called "man's best friend,"

Dogs can fill the lonely times,

And, by their very presence,

They inhibit many crimes.

Dogs are loyal to their masters,

And love the children in their lives,

They become part of the household,

Where every member thrives.

When those warm eyes look up at you,

And the wag begins to start,

You realize this dog before you,

Is the holder of your heart!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2007 by Carmen Henesy

All rights reserved.

I am taking part in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday -

check out the site and join in the fun!!



Alphabe Thursday - "C" is For Crab - May 5, 2011

There are quite a few crustaceans,

Swimming in the sea,

But, when it comes to tasty eating,

Crabs rank number one with me.

They may look a little scary,

With claws that try to pinch,

But when I want some gumbo,

They don't even make me flinch!

I really like the blue crab,
It's meat is great to eat,
 I like it best at soft shell time,
When it really is a treat!

Dungeness crabs are larger,
With claws that are divine,
With San Francisco sourdough,

And a nice California wine!

The king crab from Alaska,
Makes me stop and pause,
Whenever I think of butter,
And his scrumptious tasting claws!

I hope I do not meet a crab,
When on an ocean swim,
If something like this joined me,
I know I'd feel quite grim!

So, if I have my druthers,
I think that I will wait,
And have my introductions,
When this creature's on my plate!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) Carmen Henesy

May 5, 2011

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday!
Check out the site and join in the fun!

Alphabe Thursday - A Is For "Awful" - April 21, 2011

"A" Is For Awful

As life sometimes can be,

When things go all wrong,

And we feel misery.

Awful is when,

We miss the last train,

And as we walk for the bus,

It pours buckets of rain.

It's just awful to find,

We've going to be late,

Where others are waiting,

For a most special date!

Dining out can be awful,

Your meat seems like wood,

With the price that it cost,

It should really be good!

It's awful to be generous,

And loan your car to your son,

You're amazed, in the morning,

At the trashing he's done!

Thank heavens, those awfuls,

Don't usually last,

And are uusually forgotten,

As soon as they're past!!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) Carmen Henesy

April 21, 2011

I am participating in Alphabe Thursday  - the great meme creation of

Jenny Matlock - check out the site and join in the fun!



Friday Flash 55 - Those Were The Days - April 15, 2011

Once again it's Friday,

Just another day for me,

I often think of yesteryear,

And what fun it used to be!

Young nurses, just off duty,

We'd head to Bourbon Street,

To imbibe on tasty hurricanes,

And indulge our dancing feet.

An exciting place, that New Orleans,

Home of voodoo, jazz, and Mardi Gras queens!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) Carmen Henesy

April 15, 2011

Come up with a post in 55 words and join Mr. Know It All in Flash 55 Friday -

it's a great start to the weekend!

 

 



Friday Flash 55 - A Whole Lot of Shaking Going On - April 8, 2011

Japan has faced another quake,

With so much yet to do,

It seems so overwhelming,

With all that they've been through.

In Mexico, a quake was felt,

I felt a pang of fear,

With all this seismic turmoil,

Will San Francisco have one here?

In 1989, we had a 6.9 earthquake which was pretty scary!



I am participating in Friday Flash 55 -  the meme of that brilliant Mr Know It All -

check it out and write your own contribution in fifty-five words!