Slam Poetry.

Lashes Of Life

The lashes of life you may not see

Just by looking at me

I have hid the emotional scars deep within

And I have pretended my tears were diamonds

My mother beat me most of the time with an invisible whip

made with hurtful words that cut deep

But no one read the abusive signs

I carried like chains

When she thought I hadn't suffered enough

She beat me with anything close to her hands

And each time when she finally let me go I ran

Hoping to find a way of escape

No matter my childhood age

I was a frightened child

For I lived in the devil's rage

Even now that I am a grown woman

That frightened child lives within me

But I hide her so the world will not see

What a "Mother" did to her

When my mother died

People wondered why I hardly cried

I, and the child within me watched

as mother was lowered in her deep dark grave

And I knew she would never again

Hurt the little child within me.

The Ripple Effect: The Heartbeat to Eternity

What a TRIP!

The long and short of it:  Angels followed us, and let us everywhere.  This trip belonged to mom and I, and I will share some, but not all.  Some of it, I have to keep in my heart.  It's only for me.  I love her so much.

It's alot to tell.  B.B. King sang the entire concert to mom.  He had been tipped off that mom is very ill, and this concert was on her "Bucket List"...long story short...We ended up spending an hour chatting with B.B. King, about this and that, after the concert, on his tour bus.  I only took one picture.  The rest of it belongs to my Mom.  I love you.  Thank you, B.B.  We will never, ever, ever forget you.

The Details!

So, we're leaving today!  This afternoon, we'll be in Detroit.  Going to spend the night there, and then we're jetting off to Memphis, Tennessee.  Checking in to the very hoity-toity Peabody Hotel, then a fancy-schmancy dinner at the B.B. King Blues Club, followed by front row seats to see our favorite granddad, Mr. B.B. King. 

On Sunday, we'll tour the Rock and Soul Hall of Fame, and (if we're not exhausted), Graceleand.  We even have a rental car!  Thanks to the people at WMMQ, who offered this trip, and thanks to our amazing luck, we won this trip! 

This is huge.  SO exciting. I'm just...without the words to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the people who made this happen for us.  Time is invaluable.

With love.

Karen

The Trip of a Lifetime!

This is my husband's mom.  This picture was taken shortly before she found out that her breast cancer had returned, and returned with a vengeance.  This summer, we learned that our time with her would be more precious and valuable than ever.  The cancer that mom beat, years ago, has attacked her bones.  Terminal. 

We were called to her home, where we were given the devastating news.  Sat, sobbing, afraid, so many questions, so few answers. Anger.  Grief. Unwielding sadness.  Frustration.  Fear.  Silence.

Mom got up, and returned with her "Bucket List"...a list of things to do before she "kicks the bucket."  Hard to hear...but then...we realized...we can DO some things for her, we can make memories, we have a JOB!  So, long story short...we're going to Memphis.  Tomorrow.

On mom's bucket list, there was one line: "Go see BB King again".   We've seen him every year for the past few years.  The Universe blessed us, and,well, we will see B.B. King..in Memphis, at The BB King Blues Club, the flights, our meals, everything...paid.

So!  We're leaving tomorrow!  I'll be spending 4 incredible days with My Mama.  The gift of TIME was bestowed onto me.  I love and admire this person so much...she's been more of a mother to me than my own.  And, we'll make memories, because, you see, she's not dying...she.is.living. 

I LOVE YOU, MOM!  Here we go!

GROOVY,BABY!

These are the leather cuffs that were left over after my daughter confiscated the ones SHE wanted!  I'm loving the one in front, with the fused glass focal.  Not sure if it's the colors, or possibly all the WORK that went into making it.  Seriously, that one took a WEEK to make, from start to finish! 

She's Crafty!

Yesterday, the house was quiet, the day was absolutely lovely, so I spent my time in my studio, in the company of beautiful glass, leather, solder, frit, and lots of cool tools.  I am IN LOVE with this piece, but it's on it's way up to http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Riverside-Studios-Artists-Kevin-and-Karen-Nichols/62119242312

We have a HUGE show coming up in October, so I'm really pushing creativity to the max, to make lots of art.  My art is usually functional, but this piece, it's just so beautiful, I hope someone loves this as much as me!