@cyanessence graced by @Amanda84
@Amanda84
Hello friend! This is our pen pal chat. It means a lot to me that you are willing to spend even more time on me.
However, this doesn't have to be big. It doesn't have to be deep and meaningful. It can just be a way to keep in touch, for I too consider you a dear friend. I know life has a lot of demands and not everyone has as much time as I do right now. I am lucky. If I do get wordy, don't feel compelled to write as much. Short responses carry just as much meaning as lengthy ones for me, and sometimes being concise is a way to convey a deeper message than a long message ever could.
So, where to begin? What would *you* like to talk about? Anything and everything interest me.
I used to know the names of many types of clouds. The only one that stuck is cumulonimbus, a dense, towering, vertical cloud. I like it for its prominence.
I wish I knew the names of different types of birds, but the only one that's sticking is masked lapwing. They can be aggressive, but they stick their ground so you can sometimes get pretty close and take nice pictures.
My memory is not meant to hold information like the names for all things...
@cyanessence I'm happy to chat to you, your presence is truly a gift 🥰💜 and you can also message me directly anytime should you need to 🥰 I love the fact you can talk about clouds and birds and have an insight into so many facts and bits of information. I'm lucky to have been blessed with being able to travel the world and see so much, from riding a camel in Asia, to scuba diving the great barrier reef, to a helicopter ride over the great Ocean road, to the salt mines of Poland, tasting the great food Germany had to offer, to seeing the glorious sites of Tasmania. The nature, the landscape, so varying and vast, the culture, the spirituality, the wildlife, the language, a vast tapestry to draw upon 💜🥰
@Amanda84
Then we gift each other with each other's presence! Is this Christmas?!
I don't know how my memory works. It holds bits and pieces, nothing more than what I need. I don't know how I manage to learn anything like this. It's like in order to learn I must change my heart rather than my mind. It leaves me with fewer options career wise, but I feel it helps with creative writing. With a blank canvas I can paint freely.
It sounds like you've been blessed with worldly experience. Indeed, a vast tapestry to draw upon. Do you have a favourite memory of your travels?
I haven't been to many places. I did enjoy living in central Australia while I had the luxury of being there. The community was small, and I feel that made people kinder. The weather perfectly suited me - almost always sunny, with the occasional epic rain to create dramatic contrast. I did not enjoy the flies though. A few here and there are fine, but there were just too many!
@cyanessence I have a million memories but one that stands out is definitely when I was in Germany, I was at an outdoor Mass, and music was playing, my grandad had just died out of the blue, I didn't get to say goodbye but I was really struggling. When the music began playing, for each note, a star appeared in the sky, like they were being conducted, this went on for many minutes, I knew my grandad was saying goodbye 🥰💜
@Amanda84
I'm sorry for your loss. It sometimes happens suddenly, which makes it difficult to say goodbye in the traditional way.
I'm glad you have a vivid memory. That moment when you felt connection must have been truly special. That you can re-visit that moment and share it with others is a gift. Thank you sharing something so tender.
I recall reading somewhere that you're Catholic. Is that right? One service that really helped me recently was a place called Catholic Care. My support worker took me from a broken home and restored my independence. I also received a fridge, a TV, food and vouchers, autism and ADHD assessments, a lift to said assessments, and emotional support. I had no choice but to give positive feedback, which got my support worker recognised by her CEO. I just wanted to express my gratitude...
I'm always confused about the difference between a Catholic and a Christian! I know so little.
I like how people of many faiths and alignments can get along here. It seems we are on the general same page.
@cyanessence
Thank you for trusting me to share something so real and important with me, you had alot to readjust to. Christianity is the main umbrella for many faiths, such as Catholicism, Protestantism, Methodist. They have things in common but the Catholic church suffers greatly in the fact that we believe that the Eucharist, the bread we receive at communion is not a symbol of Jesus, (as other faiths believe), for us, it is a true representation of Jesus body and blood. We believe in the Trinity which is the Father, the Son and the Holy spirit. We honour Mary, the Mother of God and all the saints because we can draw upon their rich wisdom and experience. My faith is my heart, it directs me and drives me. I love celebrating it but I'm not afraid to learn and converse with people about their faiths. I have travelled alot and attended temples, synagogues and different services, always being respectful and understanding of what is required of me and what it means to other people. I am so happy that you got taken from a place that wasn't nurturing you and were given a chance to be free and safe, because you truly have a wonderful heart 💜🥰
@Amanda84
Thanks for explaining differences!
So, in Catholicism, the bread at communion isn't symbolic of Jesus, but literally his body and blood? I won't explain why, but I can see how that could be true. As for the Trinity... I too believe in it. I want to say more on that, but I don't think now is the right time.
Are there saints in our time? I feel lucky to be alive but like I've missed some truly amazing things.
My faith lies in my intuition, in my reasoning, which is guided by my heart. By delving into philosophy, God seemed to exist undeniably. Why He is ultimate good makes sense. Why He is omniscient makes sense.
I'm not very well versed in religion... from the little I do know, there seems to be elements of truth in it all. When we talk about God, I think we are talking about the same God. I believe I am very open-minded, I'm happy to be wrong. I go to a Christian church as that is what I'm familiar with and what is accessible, but I'm more than happy to shift my perspective and see things another way.
You are kind and charitable in your embrace of others. The world needs more people like you!
My heart grew dark where I once lived. I thought I was in the right place but was made to doubt my own mind, confined by someone else's comfort. It seemed my duty to live exactly as I once did rather than to grow and change. Now, my heart keeps me warm even during winter (I actually don't seem to feel the cold!).
You have a wonderful heart Amanda84.
@cyanessence Thank you, your kind words are appreciated 🥰 People always ask me, how do you seem so sure God exists, but I always say, evidence can be not be displayed when that very evidence is from the heart, for faith to be fully understood, it has to be lived. I think therefore I am, faith is not just a theorem to be proven but to be experienced 💜💕
@Amanda84
The concept of God permeates human consciousness. I think it is that way for a reason.
People who follow their heart, who are true and good, always seem to find faith of some kind. They seem the most content, the most kind. They live in truth. I think that says something about the nature of things.
@Amanda84 speaking of clouds, have you read the poem, I wandered lonely as a cloud by Yeats, it's beautiful 💜🥰
@Amanda84
That is a beautiful poem. I looked up daffodils to refresh my memory... to see so many dancing with delight greater than even waves would be striking.
I love reading and writing poetry. I'm still working on my poetry, but I thought I'd share one with you that I thought you'd like. It's simply titled "Flame"
Guarding the flame, the angels cried
Their very tears a threat to the light
No song could sing
Away the winds
They refused to give in to fright
Taking shifts, each played a vital part
To protect the very thing that gives heart
Darkness would come
And defeat some
Each new moment a fresh start
They wished to know what it was for
They knew they had duty, but why, not sure
So they asked
And they basked
In the answer that made doubt no more
The angels came to know of all
That for every rise there had to be fall
That in time
All would shine
Their guarded flame would grow so tall
That darkness itself would unwind
@cyanessence I love that poem, every angel had a role to play, I feel that can be replaced by saying also every human is uniquely here to grace us all with a presence that is only true to them solely 🥰💜
@Amanda84
That is fantastic inspiration, the power of the human spirit. At the very least it can be the source of poetry, but there's also great potential for a story. A story about humanity can be about almost anything.
Thank you!
@cyanessence One day I might write that story 💜 Do you know Seamus Heaneys poem called Digging. It talks about the pen being an even more important weapon than a gun and I really believe that 🥰
@Amanda84
I have been really enjoying the poems you've been sharing with me. I learn from both their structure and messages.
I truly believe words are more powerful than our most powerful weapons. With the right words, with undeniable logic, one changes hearts, not only defeating enemies but making allies. In a sense it brings the dead back to life, restores the mind. Through reasoning, truth is revealed, and once shown, it cannot be unseen. I wrote a poem titled "Reason". I wish I were more creative, more wordy, but it expresses my view.
Reason can be dark, it can be light
It can be grey
It can be cold
Reason can be sharp, it can cause fright
It can dismay
Should it be told?
Reason unfolds
Allowing one to say
Reason’s start, reason’s plight
The reason it is bold
That it holds sway
Is that it is spark, it is might
Reason is how sense is made
It is the why for night and day
It is why we work and play
It is what illuminates the way
Original reason is pure truth
Truth is pure, it is good
Since the beginning, from its youth
It drives improvement, it withstood
The test of time
Reason is sublime
@cyanessence
I think you have captured perfectly the ever changing ebb and flow of reason, it can mean something different depending on how one perceives it 💜🥰
@cyanessence just popping in to say hello andI hope all is well with you 💜🥰
@Amanda84
All is well! I'm actually overjoyed. I have been especially productive. I found 6 of my old short stories, bringing my total to 18. I'm getting close to having enough content for a short book. I'm thinking of sharing a revised version of one of my old short stories here.
I've also been inspired by a friend of mine. He asks philosophical questions that drive me to write. I don't think he understands how much I like to have my thinking challenged.
How have you been? I know it can be rough out there. I hope the world shows you all the kindness you deserve.
@cyanessence
Wow! That's very exciting, your own short book. I like forward always to reading anything you post here 🥰💜 I am good, busy, playing a bit of hide and go seek with the sun at the moment 🥰
@Amanda84
When you feel the sun again, it will be more magical than before.
@Amanda84
I just wanted to thank you again for reviewing my story. I realised, thanks to Creamyyy, that I made a mistake: I referred to the homeless child as he at first, then she later on. They are female!
You have a special way of describing things. It's very emotive and kind. I wish I had such talent so I could comment on the work of others more. I still try, but you are gifted.
@cyanessence
Ah you calling me gifted means so much, thank you 💜🥰
@Amanda84
Also, thank you for tagging me in poetry posts. I want to frequent the poetry section more, but I'm spread thin as is. It seems what speaks to you, speaks to me.
What goes on in your world at the moment?
I'm reaching the end of my creative phase. I'm running out of ideas for short stories... I'm at 20. I cut one once, but that opened the door for another. I think I've said most of what I want to say for now.
Next step: compiling it all. Then, I'll likely have to self-publish. I can't accept editorial cuts or modifications. I need full creative control. It's going to be a whole journey. I will have to get help from people in the know.
I'm not sure there are books like the one I want to publish. Combining poetry, short stories, and philosophy into a piece that flows... is it just a fool's dream?
@cyanessence
A dream is what you make of it and trying to achieve it, is what matters 🥰 I'm good, hectic, looking after my parents and my nephew is on his summer holidays, so he's in the mix now and boy does he need alot of entertainment 🤣 The sun is severe, well to the Irish person that is 🥵
@Amanda84
Sorry for the late reply. I've been trying to catch up on here all day!
I agree, trying is what matters. Even if I'm an unsuccessful writer, I have healed by expressing myself.
I'm glad to hear you're good despite feeling hectic. I hope your nephew enjoys your entertainment! You are a bundle of joy on here, I can only imagine what you're like IRL.
Best wishes to your parents. You are kind and caring. Things to be proud of.
I miss the sun. The weather varies wildly here. It can snow in the winter, and reach over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. I just want to feel the warmth again, but there's still much winter to experience.
@cyanessence
Never feel like you have to apologise, I'm pretty chill 😁 I am a winter person, snow, dark evenings, layers of clothes, that's my vibe 🥰 I am blessed to have my parents and my nephew, truly its the people in our life that bring the meaning, and im glad I can call you a friend 💕
@Amanda84
You are chill! I try to be too. I'm not a fan of chaos.
Winter isn't too bad. It gets a little too cold to do things though. I like spring. For me, it contains perfect weather, and is welcome after a long winter. Summer is pretty good too, but can get too hot to do things. Autumn is pretty, and has some nice weather.
You are a blessed soul, Amanda. I agree, our loved ones make life much more meaningful. I'm glad you have good things in life. I hope more good comes your way.
I am ever grateful to be your friend. It makes me feel blessed. I can't even remember how I came across 7 Cups... but it has been an endless source of light.
What brought you to 7 Cups? I remember just needing support. I think, perhaps, I Googled "mental health forum", and 7 Cups was a curious name, so I dived in. No regrets.
@Amanda84
Thank you for liking my recent posts.
I've missed talking with you ^^;
@cyanessence
I missed you too , always got your back my friend 💛🤗
@Amanda84
*Napoléon Bonaparte,
Napoléone di Bounaparte,
supreme French military commander,
for Vice-admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve*
What did Pierre see 🤔
as he sailed ⛵ the seas 🌊
A Naval captain,
voice louder ,;_((
than a crashing wave ((;c,`~ ;" ' _ _,‐–—- ,_ ")')``
Surfing 🏄♀️ 🏄♂️ wooden 🪵 boards
Singing 🎶 sea 🌊 shanties
Commanding a fleet of ships 🚢, sailing ⛵
Pierre, a Naval leader
Did he wield sabre 🤺?
Did he fence whale 🐋?
Could he tame a sabre-toothed cat 🐈?
As stormy gusts
put wind 💨 in sail ⛵
his strong, booming 💥 💙 voice
put gusto in belly of sailor and crew 💓
even in sight
of Merman-kind 🧜♂️, Mermaid-kind 🧜♀️
• tea 🍵? 🤔
• boiled 🔥 water 💧
• oat milk 🥛
• chilli 🌶, garlic 🧄 flakes
• coffee ☕? 🤔
to have vietnamese food
so wonderfully prepared
steeped in history
shapes heart
flavours develop
as temperature changes
hot food, that warms with aroma
art in a dish
would thaw my frozen tears
even when cooled
even when chilled by Winter winds
I heard a radio 📻 broadcast, from the depths of space. It spoke of fairies 🧚♀️ 🧚♂️ that could lay waste to waste 🗑, with frightening haste.
Can a can be recycled ♻️? Sure, for sure. You could get several cents, to purchase a mug, and bring that which is bought to an other, to be brought to an auction, so a buyer may buy it, at some price.
Was it the radio 📻, or the fairies 🧚♂️ 🧚♀️, that said: cannot the can be opened? Can't it be torn? Can opened by pull-tag, pushed into the corner, to tear open wider, for a vessel that won't break, sturdier than mug a drop could waste?
Zip, broken, breaking heart 💔 by not zipping, could parch water. The fairies left parchment: without a twist, but a zip and a lip, such a bottle could be pried, rending that which seems wasted, a saving grace. Zip may close, bottle-opener may open, but can a zip open bottle without a screw?
To ask a fairy 🧚♀️ 🧚♂️ how they know
could be a waste
a terrible fate to deny
the self's thinking mind
"Think for thyself", they said,
and disappeared into radio,
broken radio, to hold books, on a shelf
@cyanessence
I like the idea of fairies roaming around weaving magic with them 💛
squeeze ginger & lemon 🍋,
stab banana 🍌
storm of poblano Mexican pasilla chilli 🌶 powder
coconut milk 🥥🥛 rain 🌧,
smashed cinnamon sweet bread 🍞
broken knife scoop apple 🍎,
garlic 🧄 & chilli flakes
baked apple sultana cinnamon wholegrain wheat bread, with chilli & garlic flake dipping sauce
*spiced berry entree*
oats and toasted muesli
berries 🫐, of kinds or kind
habanero & ghost chilli 🌶 sauce
protein milk 🥛 or milk alternative
