Haiku Writting...Will You Write One, Too?

I just wrote this poem after editing my last post.  It is inspired by this picture:

 

Woman on the Moscow Metro by Alice Ficklin

Your small stoic face

Stares at me in the metro

Criss-cross of cultures.

Here is a classic poem also written by me, Alice Ficklin

Haiku Poet

Counting syllables

Real poems just less commitment 

The haiku poet.

I love that I can sit down for five minutes and have one or more haikus written. Haiku is perfect for the very busy poet.

You should write one and share it in the comments, either here or on social media. I want to hear your voice. Remember a haiku is a short three-lined poem. Historically, it was a nature poem, but I take the liberty to write haiku about anything I wish. In haiku: The first line has five syllables, the second seven and then the final and third line again has five syllables. Happy writing.

Travel Tuesday: Russia

 

Traveling is one of my favorite things.  Before becoming a more responsible adult, I could do more of it, including leaving the country.  My first passport stamp was from Russia. The thirteen-hour flight was a new experience.  Jet lag was also a new experience.  Of course, both of these new experiences were well worth it.

When we arrived, our hosts, my friend, Janette's parents, were working for the U.S. Government at the Embassy in Moscow, and there was a 4th of July party.  Janette's parents thought the best thing for us to adjust to the time change would be to stay up and enjoy the party.  We enjoyed the party from lawn chairs, laughing at each other as we alternately fell asleep.

Moscow is a beautiful city, filled with lots of history.  The Russian state itself has been around since 862.  Going to their history museum on Red Square was special because of that rich and long history.

State Historical Museum, Moscow

Red Square, which is east of The Kremlin(the capital of Russia), hosts other tourist sites besides the museum: Cathedral of St Basil the Blessed, and Lenin's Tomb.

Cathedral of St Basil the Blessed

My favorite on the square was St. Basil's.  Each dome is a separate chapel, and each is filled with ornate decor and art.  The cathedral was built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible to celebrate his military conquests.  

Lenin's tomb was also a fascinating stop on Red Square.  Here you line up to see the deceased leader.  We asked our tour guide if we needed to purchase tickets for the tomb to which she responded: "Who would anybody pay to see a dead communist?"  It was obvious that she and many of the citizens of Moscow didn't really love their political famed past. The stop was even more memorable because while walking past the corpse of Lenin, the military police posted on each corner started coming toward me with their rifles drawn, and speaking loudly in Russian.  I had my hands in the pockets of my sweater and promptly removed them, not knowing that this was the cause of their dismay and as soon as I raised my arms, they went back to post.  Apparently, it is a signal of disrespect to have your hands in your pockets?  Maybe they thought I was a threat with some hidden weapon?  Seems silly seeing I couldn't make Lenin any more dead...truly a peculiar stop.  A very well-preserved and plasticy Lenin lays beneath thick clear glass.  Not really how I want to be memorialized and a smidge creepy. 

Janette and I in front of Lenin's Tomb, it is the tiny building in front of the wall

Rich art and architecture could be found everywhere in the city. One of the memorable buildings are the Wedding Cake buildings built during the Stalin era.

During the peak of the USSR, Stalin wanted to demonstrate Russia's power and felt that the lack of skyscrapers in Moscow diminished the appearance of that power.  From 1947-1957, seven of these buildings were erected.  Currently, the majority of them are upscale hotels, one is a government house and another is part of Moscow State University.  These buildings are filled with marble, sculptures, and arches.  Each structure is topped with a gold five-point star, directing attention to how tall these once-tallest structures in Europe truly are.

Russia was truly a rich experience.  I am thankful that I went back then, seeing not too many people travel there today, with the whole war going on in Eastern Europe.

I remember the people of Moscow seeming very stoic and a little apprehensive about us Americans.  They definitely noticed us.  We were louder than them and we dressed differently.  One of my favorite pictures is this one: 

Here we are going down into the metro, which was strangely very deep underground. Notice the face of the young woman on the far right of the photo.  To me, she symbolizes the people of Russia.  I wondered what was going through her mind as she saw me taking pictures of her normal life metro escalator.  She seems serious and hesitant.  

Little side note, many of the metro stations are also constructed majestically in the style of the Stalin Era.  I had never seen gold leaf and marble used for subway stops, and it seemed odd to me, but again Mother Russia is a bit different. And since the Cold War Era, Russians have always been weary of Americans and I could feel it while visiting. 

Also, another side note, if you do ever get to Russia, be sure to take your own toilet paper.  Most public restrooms either don't have any or it is made of the brown paper that is used for paper towels here in the States.  Oh, and mentally prepare that you may encounter a squatty potty while out and about there.  I survived though, even if I almost slipped in: 

Oh My Soap!(and deodorant)

 Since I was little, I have had sensitive skin.  I grew out of the breakouts, but I still like to use natural products on my skin.  I used to use Yardley, which I could purchase at the dollar store.  Lavender was my favorite, but I always looked for other options. I desired variety. 

One fine day, I saw an ad on Instagram.  Dr. Squatch filled my feed.  I was hesitant because it is aimed at men and I am not one.  But eventually, I caved and I am glad I did.  The scents aren't all masculine and I have found some favorites as I have ordered and tried different soaps. 

When I was feeling especially rich, I decided to order their subscription which saved me a little money.  I started with a six-soap subscription every three months but now I am only getting three at a time because I had a huge stock.  

Current Stock

Packaging

Currently using: Headless Rinse. 
A Halloween special edition
that smells like pumpkin spice.

My next order comes in July and will include: Summer Citrus, Grapefruit, and Bay Rum.

Bay Rum is a delicious blend of cinnamon and rum, and I love it because I feel like I am on an exotic island while showering.  The other two arriving in July, were summer-inspired and I haven't tried them, so I am excited to give them a try.  Dr. Squatch soaps come in four different grit levels: zero, light, medium, and heavy.  I don't really enjoy heavy exfoliation so I stick to "briccs" that have zero or light grit level.  On occasion, I will choose a medium grit because I am curious about a new scent. 

I also have been using their deodorants and just bought Bay Rum.  I love that they don't have aluminum and also are all-natural.  And get this, they make you smell good all day!

If you need new soap, you should give Dr. Squatch a try.  You can buy individual soaps and deodorants at Walmart.  You also can find Dr. Squatch on Amazon.

THIS JUST IN: While researching and cruising around drsquatch.com, I found that they DO have a women's line.  It is separate from Dr. Squatch and is called Jukebox.  You can visit both brands and see what might make your bathing and hygiene experience more exciting:

Dr. Squatch

Jukebox

Father's Day

 "The perfect, divine expression of fatherhood is our Heavenly Father. His character and attributes include abundant goodness and perfect love. His work and glory are the development, happiness, and eternal life of His children.⁶ Fathers in this fallen world can claim nothing comparable to the Majesty on High, but at their best, they are striving to emulate Him, and they indeed labor in His work. They are honored with a remarkable and sobering trust."

                                -Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Just a little Father's day quote for Father's Day.  I dropped the ball and didn't call my Dad today...but I did buy Reuben an Air Fryer.  Both Reuben and I talked today in church.  Here is a bonus quote from my own talk:

'I waited a long time to find Reuben. I was 34 when we met. There were lots of frogs before his prince-like winning ways came along. I was impressed by how he always opened the door for me and treated me respectfully. At 34, dating is serious business. I knew I wanted children, and i tried to find a husband who also wanted children. A man who liked kids and was good with them was a must. I needed a teammate and I got more than I ever pined for with Reuben. I saw how he was with his nieces and nephews and that impressed me.

When I was complaining about not finding good men to date and how I  wanted to become a mother desperately and how  felt that I was running out of time, my mother suggested that there are other ways to have babies besides getting married.  Now, I know that seems a bit extreme but you also don’t know my mom, and she was full of good advice even if sometimes it was a little extreme.  I explained to her that I didn’t plan on raising children by myself.  I knew that parenting was a tough gig and that my future children deserved to have a good father in the home.'

I am so glad I found Reuben 12 years ago. We have build a great life together and I couldn't have found a better dad for my kids!

Kickball Dad

 Sports Spotlight: Kickball Dad

The Kickball Dad is Kevin Cronin from New Jersey, a viral sensation filmed by his daughter, Alyssa.  Most of the clips are things Kevin says while just living life.  I follow him on Instagram and love it when there is new content.  He is a sports lover and is skilled in kickball(of course), hockey, tennis, basketball, and most recently pickleball.  

Alyssa was playing on a coed kickball team when their pitcher was injured.  She invited her dad to play and when she filmed him before the game, The Kickball Dad was born and the rest is history.  Watch the video below to learn more about The Kickball Dad, and feel free to follow him on Instagram: @kickballdad.  You can also follow Alyssa: @alyssacronin13.  They also have lots of videos on YouTube! (I will post a few of my favorites below too!)

Caution: the one below does have a little swearing in it.