Tuesday, November 30, 2010

...from trees... Amber



in haiku reflection

the glow of amber
a gift of transformation
golden exodus.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Amber, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.



~
The Wind and the Willow

a book of original poetry

Special Announcement:
THE WIND AND THE WILLOW
Now available directly from Publish America.
Click on title, place title or my name in search bar of Publish America Entry Page.
Thank you for your order.
ENJOY!


A gift to self or another

Anyone who decides to purchase, The Wind and the Willow, I extend this offering:
Select a poem from, "The Wind and the Willow," that you are particularly drawn to,
inform me of such, and I will send on to you a signed copy
of that chosen poem suitable for framing.

Thank You for your Order.



Monday, November 29, 2010

Destiny


impassioned moment
destiny in soul's splendor
wondrous rising grace.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


click on image for larger view
Destiny, Image: Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.



Sunday, November 28, 2010

From Ashes


transformation...haiku

rise as the phoenix
from ashes to life anew
known be the soul's quest.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Phoenix Rising, Image: Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.

November Sunrise...Day's Awakening


day's awakening
eternal sunrise of soul
rejoice in glory.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



November Sunrise, photo, Flandrum Hill, Wordpress.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

In Wind's Flight


russet hues of fall
season's color in wind's flight
winter light calling.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


In Wind's Flight, image: Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Friday, November 26, 2010

Haiku Interlude


quietude prevails
a deep breath of reflection
this an interlude.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Interlude, Image: Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Through the Ages...


The History of Thanksgiving
and its Celebrations

"Throughout history mankind has celebrated the bountiful harvest with thanksgiving ceremonies. Before the establishment of formal religions many ancient farmers believed that their crops contained spirits which caused the crops to grow and die. Many believed that these spirits would be released when the crops were harvested and they had to be destroyed or they would take revenge on the farmers who harvested them. Some of the harvest festivals celebrated the defeat of these spirits.

Harvest festivals and thanksgiving celebrations were held by the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Hebrews, the Chinese, and the Egyptians.

The Greeks

The ancient Greeks worshiped many gods and goddesses. Their goddess of grains was Demeter who was honored at the festival of Thesmosphoria held each autumn.

On the first day of the festival married women (possibility connecting childbearing and the raising of crops) would build leafy shelters and furnish them with couches made with plants. On the second day they fasted. On the third day a feast was held and offerings to the goddess Demeter were made - gifts of seed corn, cakes, fruit, and pigs. It was hoped that Demeter's gratitude would grant them a good harvest.

The Romans

The Romans also celebrated a harvest festival called Cerelia, which honored Ceres their goddess of grains (from which the word cereal comes). The festival was held each year on October 4th and offerings of the first fruits of the harvest and pigs were offered to Ceres. Their celebration included music, parades, games and sports and a thanksgiving feast.

The Chinese

The ancient Chinese celebrated their harvest festival, Chung Ch'ui, with the full moon that fell on the 15th day of the 8th month. This day was considered the birthday of the moon and special "moon cakes", round and yellow like the moon, would be baked. Each cake was stamped with the picture of a rabbit - as it was a rabbit, not a man, which the Chinese saw on the face of the moon.

The families ate a thanksgiving meal and feasted on roasted pig, harvested fruits and the "moon cakes". It was believed that during the 3 day festival flowers would fall from the moon and those who saw them would be rewarded with good fortune.

According to legend Chung Ch'ui also gave thanks for another special occasion. China had been conquered by enemy armies who took control of the Chinese homes and food. The Chinese found themselves homeless and with no food. Many staved. In order to free themselves they decided to attack the invaders.

The women baked special moon cakes which were distributed to every family. In each cake was a secret message which contained the time for the attack. When the time came the invaders were surprised and easily defeated. Every year moon cakes are eaten in memory of this victory.

The Hebrews

Jewish families also celebrate a harvest festival called Sukkoth. Taking place each autumn, Sukkoth has been celebrated for over 3000 years.

Sukkoth is know by 2 names - Hag ha Succot - the Feast of the Tabernacles and Hag ha Asif - the Feast of In Gathering. Sukkoth begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, 5 days after Yom Kippur the most solemn day of the Jewish year.

Sukkoth is named for the huts (succots) that Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert for 40 years before they reached the Promised Land. These huts were made of branches and were easy to assemble, take apart, and carry as the Israelites wandered through the desert.

When celebrating Sukkoth, which lasts for 8 days, the Jewish people build small huts of branches which recall the tabernacles of their ancestors. These huts are constructed as temporary shelters, as the branches are not driven into the ground and the roof is covered with foliage which is spaced to let the light in. Inside the huts are hung fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, corn, and pomegranates. On the first 2 nights of Sukkoth the families eat their meals in the huts under the evening sky.

The Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians celebrated their harvest festival in honor of Min, their god of vegetation and fertility. The festival was held in the springtime, the Egyptian's harvest season.

The festival of Min featured a parade in which the Pharaoh took part. After the parade a great feast was held. Music, dancing, and sports were also part of the celebration.

When the Egyptian farmers harvested their corn, they wept and pretended to be grief-stricken. This was to deceive the spirit which they believed lived in the corn. They feared the spirit would become angry when the farmers cut down the corn where it lived.

The United States

In 1621, after a hard and devastating first year in the New World the Pilgrim's fall harvest was very successful and plentiful. There was corn, fruits, vegetables, along with fish which was packed in salt, and meat that was smoke cured over fires. They found they had enough food to put away for the winter.

The Pilgrims had beaten the odds. They built homes in the wilderness, they raised enough crops to keep them alive during the long coming winter, and they were at peace with their Indian neighbors. Their Governor, William Bradford, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving that was to be shared by all the colonists and the neighboring Native American Indians.

The custom of an annually celebrated thanksgiving, held after the harvest, continued through the years. During the American Revolution (late 1770's) a day of national thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress.

In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom. By the middle of the 19th century many other states also celebrated a Thanksgiving Day. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving. Since then each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation, usually designating the fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday.

Canada

Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Observance of the day began in 1879."



Information Source: http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/story.htm


Nymphs Filling The Horn of Plenty, oil on canvas, circa 1617, Sir Peter Paul Rubens, 1577-1640.


To All Who Visit Here

It is a thanks giving that we each share in many special ways. Thoughts, words, visions, artistry, perspectives, experiences, love and care, are put to print, sent over cyberspace and there we are in the embrace of another, in another space of time. We thank one another and offer responses. We are validated, appreciated and valued for who we are and what we choose to bring to one another. And so my blog friends you are each in Thanksgiving Celebration, your shared abundance honored with joy.

Happy Thanksgiving
2010


Rose Marie Raccioppi


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

PRESENCE ...‎...Autumn Sky... strokes of color...words of haiku...


closing of day's light
sunset's breath of reverie
luminous glory.

hues of golden light
the grandeur of piety
praise be Creation.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Autumn Glory, image: Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving ~ Blessed We Are


Blessed we are
For the passion and allurement of love
For the delicate innocence of each new born
For the wonder of each child’s way
For the meaning we live this day

Blessed we are
For the understanding we seek
For the compassion we feel
For each sunrise we behold
For each story told

Blessed we are
For the striving and the path
For the strength to meet opposition
For the knowing within the Word
For the listening beyond all heard

Blessed we are
For the bounty
For the harvest we gather
For the restful reflection
For nature's perfection.

Blessed we are
For the tender touch that comforts
For the embrace that secures
For the determination to be
This moment blessed and free.

A Most Happy Thanksgiving to All


Rose Marie Raccioppi



Rest at Harvest, Oil on canvas, 1865, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1825-1905.


Monday, November 22, 2010

...midnight hour and into the morning... Shroud Of Night And Moon


Blue Moon and indigo sky to behold
wondrous light to embrace and enfold
shroud of night and moon be spun sublime
a flowing swaddling of soul's rapture divine
hallowed moments of Presence they be
lunar waves cresting the celestial sea.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Shroud of Night and Moon, image: Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Sunday, November 21, 2010

a guest joins me this day... Leaves by Grace Boyle


Leaves I gathered this very day
Seven leaves in the sun did play
And onto the paper they be
There for me to see.

Grace Boyle
seven years of age

and together we did say

Upon the ground so quiet they lay
The winds calmed at this hour of the day
A blanket of rustic charm covers the ground
If not touched there be not a sound
Underfoot I can hear them sing
A refrain of crackle, crackle, they do bring.

Rose Marie and Grace



Leaves, Grace Boyle, image: Grace and Rose Marie, 2010.


...look I to... The Sky Above


a Sunday morning with skies so fair
the barren Dogwood dressed
anew in the light of God's care
the towering Oak leaves yet
in red rustic array
holding the glory of
sun's glow this day
upon the ground
a blanket of leaves
of colors yet bright
they too dressed
in the splendor
of this day's light
and I look to the beauty
of the lambent sky above
feel I the embrace
of God's heavenly love.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Firmament, Watercolor, Skyscapes, Rose Marie Raccioppi, http://www.apogeeart.com


Saturday, November 20, 2010

GYBE! - 01 Storm ~ music... brush strokes...words...


reverie be the mood
sweet passions at play
awaken awaken
this the new day
ever the will and purpose shown
the spirit of SELF in soaring known.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


a tribute of gratitude to
Ben Pagano


Shadows Cast Gold, Watercolor, Rose Marie Raccioppi, http://www.apogeeart.com



..imaginative moments... Autumn Fantasy


autumn fantasy
silken threads of falling leaves
spin a cloak divine.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Autumn Fantasy, image: Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Friday, November 19, 2010

...but a ribbon...Across The Fields


across the fields of time and space
upon a path of light to trace
sky and earth and destiny be
the calling, the calling of Spirit's decree.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Ribbon of Light, image creation, Vistas of the Mind, Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Cosmic Joy


it is cosmic joy
lambent light of moon and sun
twinkle light of star.

through all darkness be
wax and wane of silver glow
golden rays afar.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Cosmic Joy, created image , Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.



Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Vista Of The Mind


vista of the mind
blissful dance of reverie
lambent be the light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Musing Light, Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

November Morning


November morning
cloaked in golden warmth of sun
Autumn hues of light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi




November Morning, Watercolor, (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Monday, November 15, 2010

This Night Enfolded


this midnight hour
a silken sapphire cloak
sumptuous and inviting be its folds
beckoned I am to night's chamber
enfolded I be to bear its beauty.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Enfolded, Watercolor (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.



Sunday, November 14, 2010

This A Sunday Hour


embraced by a loving Presence
clear blue of the sky
reaching warmth of the sun
gentle winds in lilting melody
hues of heart known
this a Sunday hour.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Wind, Sun, Sky, Watercolor (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


After The Rain


after the rain
the sun
autumn leaves in gleeful flight
streams in mirthful flow
all in triumphant acclaim
all in glory in praise, His name.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


After The Rain, Watercolor, (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Saturday, November 13, 2010

Saturday Night and so... Night Mood


music of the night
sounds of blue and violet
feeling the night mood.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Night Mood, Watercolor, (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Alchemy of Autumn


amber waves of light
the alchemy of autumn
leaves in heaven's hues.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Alchemy Of Autumn, Watercolor, (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Friday, November 12, 2010

Wellspring ...the Great Mind...


Wellspring of earth and the Great Mind
Creation, abundance, the bequeathed spoils of time
Waters and the light of the heavens above
Flow with life, rapture and divine love.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Wellspring, Watercolor, (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Golden Light


wondrous planet earth
indigo sky of the night
golden light of dawn.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Golden Dawn, Watercolor, (modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.



Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Miles Davis - The Cool Jazz Sound (1959)


Haiku Jazz

cool jazz Miles Davis
soft and moving be the sound

ah know the feeling.


Rose Marie Raccioppi


Cool Jazz, Watercolor, (modified) Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.







Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Cauldron Of My Mind


Cauldron of my mind
Waves in resounding plea
Sensibilities, passions and quest
Echoing refrain calls calls to SELF.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Cauldron of My Mind, Watercolor, (original modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010.


Monday, November 8, 2010

Tide of Thought


music...winds...the chill of the day and...
this moment of breath
this moment be it known
this moment with passion perceived
this moment holding to the ebb and flow
this ever cresting tide of thought
reaching to shores of grace.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Tide of Thought, Watercolor, (original modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Pulsing


Stand I and feel the pulsing of all life
From which I shall not depart
Resonance, accord, cadence, orchestration
The flow of blood, PRESENCE within heart
This resplendent sounding of sentience
The majesty of every cell, its signal, its call
Within my hand, each gesture, each breath,
The revealing pulsing grace of ALL.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


haiku in reflection

the Creator's gift
the kingdom of life within
blessed our Being.


In 1996 major surgery brought wounds to be healed. Fluids in hues of red, orange, pink and yellow drained from these wounds. I thought then, and know now, the Creator, the artist within heals with splendor. And so this day, fourteen years past, in loving gratitude, I hold to God's divine pulsing flow.


Pulsing, Watercolor (original modified), Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010, http://www.apogeeart.com



Saturday, November 6, 2010

Islands of Thought


...this moment...

islands of thought beseech this mind
reflections of present and of past time
a word, a person, a vision to trace
meaning and purpose to time and place
vistas of soul in flowing quest
beauty be known lies my behest.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Islands of Thought, Watercolor, (modified original) Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010



Friday, November 5, 2010

The Quiver of the Grass


the quiver of the grass in silent refrain to sing
the glory that faith and surrender destined to bring
no less than the journey of the stars
no less than the waxing of the moon
no less than the mountains capped high
no less than the ebb and flow of ocean tide
the quiver of the grass in silent refrain to sing
the glory that faith and surrender destined to bring.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

In Dedication to Gail
for all her heart hears
for all her soul knows
for the beauty she ever shares.

image: http://iberianature.com/lucyblog/


~
The Wind and the Willow

a book of original poetry

Hardcover Edition

discounted for holiday giving
order now to receive in time

http://www.publishamerica.net/BargainHardback-ss7.htm
Buy $14.95. The Wind and the Willow, by Rose Marie Raccioppi ISBN: 978-1-4512-5969-8, 160 Pages, 5.5 x 8.5 ...


A gift to self or another

Anyone who decides to purchase, The Wind and the Willow, I extend this offering:
Select a poem from, "The Wind and the Willow," that you are particularly drawn to,
inform me of such, and I will send on to you a signed copy
of that chosen poem suitable for framing.

Thank You for your Order.


Anthony Caruana's Rays of Hope


Rays of Hope

This calling quest I now hear
Vacant of doubt, barren of fear
Light and color resplendent array
The passion, the hope, I to convey
Sonorous be this sounding plea
Vistas of resolve held and ever free.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Rays of Hope oil on canvas, Anthony Caruana,
Published 'ART OF ENGLAND,' magazine, April 07,
http://www.paintingsilove.com/artist/anthonycaruana




Thursday, November 4, 2010

Emergent Flight


upon canvas

mood and Fall's plea
'tis glory of color
that calls to me
brush strokes beholden
to this season's call
a day darkened by gray clouds
and torrential rains that fall
sweeping winds
holding to leaves and color alight
the embrace of change and time
all in this moment's emergent flight.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Emergent Flight, Watercolor, Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010, http://www.apogeeart.com


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Within This Hour


Haiku Reflection

setting sun of gold
alchemy be this moment
with light One behold.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Golden Sky, Watercolor, Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2010, http://www.apogeeart.com