Good Morning, Mrs. Bliss!

Before the weekend begins in earnest, I'd like to post two things for your reading pleasure (or non-pleasure). The first is the poem that was jointly written by myself, Maire and Helen. I posted my contribution last week and we met up this week to write a poem from three separate poems. It was really fun! I think all three of us enjoyed the process and even though our poems were originally about three different things (the ocean, Rome and Giles County - all with the title of happiness), I think our finished product reads pretty well.

Felicita

The angels and the sculptured men

Learning to fly, free falling into growing up

Heaven was above my head

And beneath my feet some pebbled stones

Picture me, sandwiched between hot breath and not so sculpted bodies

Then comes the snow, two hours delay

She lingered until my mouth was warm

As he lay beneath its blank ceiling; belly bent and crumpled

Falling in love, serious this time

The sound drew closer as my ears froze

His exhausted body is sketched into history

Whether you want it to be or not, this knowing

Other than its place upon this globe

As round as an orange under light

Preserve the colour, colour, colour!

Heaven and eden belong to him now.

The second post comes from our Writer's Workshop response. Our speaker mentioned a project she had worked on about a woman being shot by the IRA. It was based on true events and when she researched it, the papers listed the cause of death as "Death by Misadventure". While her topic was serious, the phrase stuck with me because as some of you know, I frequently refer to my dating life as a misadventure. SO, with that thought in mind, I recalled a short story I had heard a couple years ago (courtesy of SJB), based on a personal ad. So the following is my own effort. I hope you like it.

Death By Misadventure

WANTED

SWF looking for SWM. Also looking for a LIFE. If the said male could contribute to this, the author would gladly agree to a second date. Looking for male who is kind and funny, also would prefer intelligent. Would prefer a life that does not require author to work in a chocolate factory but would very much like to eat chocolate, should the male provide this for her. Other things that would contribute to success: enjoyment of foreign films (author would like to note she would not judge male for NOT liking foreign films, but a willingness to watch would suffice), appreciation of fried foods (excepting oreos and twinkies as author finds these disgusting). In fact, though the author does not discriminate against vegans or vegetarians, she would very much like to not date one, as she enjoys bacon cheeseburgers and would not like to feel more guilty than she already does for consuming them. That being said, she welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and walks of life though a lack of criminal record provides an advantage. Author would like to highlight the fact that she does not seek a male to provide her with a life necessarily as she is sure she can find either one on her own. However, as she is clearly making an effort it seems silly to look for one and not the other. Qualities looked for in life would involve a certain amount of travel, though not anything that involves natural disaster or life or death situations, author would like to clarify she wants to travel for recreation only. Some things to consider before replying to this ad: as author condones full disclosure of all information to any replies, she wishes to come clean about a few things. Author does not have room for chickpeas or pickles in her life old or new and would greatly appreciate her future and perhaps potential life partner to respect this. She also would like to stress that although she is looking for adventure and excitement in life she does not look for drama (unless, of course, it involves the New York Metropolitan Opera or any community theatre performing musicals or Tennessee Williams). New life must be an upgrade from present life as the author is content at the moment where she is and would not like to digress but rather broaden her scope beyond Ben and Jerry’s Dublin Mudslide, the Princess Bride, the Disney Channel and singing Taylor Swift in the comfort of her own vehicle. She would very much like if she is not judged but rather cherished for these things. Lest she be categorized as flighty, the author would like to emphasize that she would never expect something of her partner she is not capable of herself. The author also enjoys crossword puzzles and public radio, as well as documentaries and volunteer work. Respondents are not required to share all of these interests, but those who do not will most likely not be compatible with the author and will therefore be discouraged from responding. Goals in life include learning a new language, traveling through Africa, owning a neon purple motorbike, living on the water and dying by misadventure. If a SWM or LIFE should be interested you can reply care of this publication. The author of this ad looks forward to hearing from you, but not overanxiously, as she does not want to appear desperate or too willing.

Happy Halloween!