It's great over callouses and rough or coarse skin
The smoothness thereafter; on your face a big grin
Thank you very much; thank you very much; that's
the
nicest thing that anyone's ever said to me. If
you're
so inclined, it may escape my mind, to know I've
gotten
one year older than I'd care to be. And if it
means
that milestone is not quite sixty; perhaps I'll
think of
it as fifty. So, thank you very much; thank you
very
much and Happy Birthday to me LOL
Reflections
Pink and white; a dream's delight; arranged to please myself
Each doll that's here, is oh, so dear, there's one on every shelf
My father's passing, seems ever-lasting, in my words, heart, mind and soul
I thought of him, always the fine gentleman, in a suit that may now look old
It comforts me to see him pictured here, in New York during the second world war
His words were kind, in each photograph I find; reminisce and remember much more
Friends
Life's quests determine who we are
Reaching the brass ring creates within us, our star
No limits can impede nor cancel any goal
These qualities stand out like treasures to behold
Jars of homemade marmalade; soothing scents with cloves and lime
Making one's own fragrances or pouring them in wine
Brings out a verse; the one heard first; recited as a child
It need not rhyme nor be in time; just done with a certain smile
Beyond the daily chores and busy work that is at hand
Are the friends we had long ago; together may we stand
Tears of Grief
Norma laments the loss of her father
Not long ago she was also quite bothered
The bond with her mom and in all that they shared
Came to a halt, which didn't seem fair
A great loss of both parents who knew her so well
Leaves unanswered questions in a now empty shell
God's plan goes beyond death to search out the right blend
To allow one to grieve and confide in a friend
El Orgullo del Limosnero
Ni por comer una mosca; pidrá limosna
Tirado en la calle; como los borrachos del valle
Batido en el lodo; sin cualquier otro modo
Se encuentra en un lío; con un frasco vasío
Antes lleno de vino; nada rico ni algo fino
De repente se le pone ha arder el diente
Aquí sin derechos; por sus propios hechos
Quién tendrá la paciencia para aguantarse la ocurriencia
Y ponerse a pensar como lo podrían ayudar
La Fé
Desde Machu Pichú hasta las orillas del mar
Lo que se mira ni por cierto así imaginar
Saboreando los alfajores del manjar-blanco es vivir
Quedarse sin los queridos padres eso es sufrir
Al fondo de la taza, se leen las hojas del té
Almanecerse sin las dudas y averiguar lo que se vé
Tanto la batalla por las costumbres de cada quien
Sólo no se puede ni a un rey le saldría bien
Estos son los días más dolorosos por la mente
Poniéndose de rodillas a Dios no al serpiente
Ni por poco se estudia lo que sirva nuestra fé
Sacrificar lo que se puede y de eso guardaré
Harold, don't smoke at the table!
Don't throw ashes on the floor
Take off those skates, Norman!
Well, those eggs won't be any good if you pour any more salt on them!
"Pop, does that mean we're going to California?"
"Harold, you're not getting any silly ideas are you?" Like your invention for the Celluloid Collar?
"Pop, does that mean we're going to California?"
Norman, are you finished? Yes you are. now, go outside.
"See, when pop said no; he shook his head yes! Hah, you missed me!"
"Harold, don't lay a hand on that boy!!!"
"Well, he's not going to tell me I don't love him!!!"
"Oh, Harold, are you listening to anything I'm saying?"
"Did you see that; he snitched a piece of bacon"
"Nevermind about that"
Christmas
One's senses may elicit a cold chill as blankets of frigid snow
disappear into the shadowy stillness of the mountain sides.
During the day, these mammoth monoliths display stark
white jagged peaks looming up towards the heavens. As
daylight dims into the evening, a soft blue hue is shone
upon them, which transcends an inner peace. The stars
exhibit a spectacular brilliance against the night sky. Icicles
that hang proudly on shrubs and pines glisten and reflect
nature's lights, and as winter enters with all its subtleties,
moods embrace the grandieur of this picturesque scene
Many years ago in a shelter of a distant land, a baby was born.
The bitter coldness filled the night air. Visible vapor appeared as
billowy smoke streaming out through the atmosphere with every
breath. The baby's mother conceived this child through absolute
faith; inspired by the wisdom of her trust in God. Animals surrounding
the shelter comforted the mother and infant by shielding out some of
the cold. Three wise men travelled far to welcome this new life and
were led there by one star in particular amid the thousands that night.
The celebration of Jesus' birth should bring everyone closer to their
faith and strengthen relationships with family and friends alike
Oceans
Waters splash on rocky shelves
Sprays of mist cover sand and shells
Out to sea where darkness dwells
Are surface waves and tumultuous swells
Schools of fishes swim within deep wells
Where creatures of all kinds prevail
Halloween
Hideous hauntings bring out mischief in masks
Everyone's welcome; no room to relax
Vampires searching those carrying sacks
The moon draws together, werewolves in packs
Ghosts and hob-goblins scarrying up tricks
Witches in black flying high on broomsticks
Pumpkins with grins that would ruin a pie
Unpredictable winds carrying leaves swiftly by
Howling disturbance stirs one up in between
Is it safe to come out and enjoy Halloween
Forest Fires
Firey fermentations flared fleetingly
Fomenting firemen's fury
Frazzled fighters fought favourably
Flogging foolisb felon's flurry
Formidable feisty friends fled fairly fast
Facing freedom far from fears
Forty feeble few fasted from freakish food-fest
Far from Farnun's festive fair
Flammable fervent flares ferret fertile forests
Fueling fiery flagrant flickers freakishly fierce
Fused filament fragments failed forecasts
Filling featured files for future Federal freeze
Halloween
Hideous hauntings bring out mischief in masks
Everyone's welcome; no room to relax
Vampires searching those carrying sacks
The moon draws together, werewolves in packs
Ghosts and hob-goblins scarrying up tricks
Witches in black flying high on broomsticks
Pumpkins with grins that would ruin a pie
Unpredictable winds carrying leaves swiftly by
Howling disturbance stirs one up in between
Is it safe to come out and enjoy Halloween
Trick-r-Treat
Cobwebs and spiders and a house filled with screams
Hands dipped in bowls of eyeballs and spleens
Touch, tastes and sounds without warning this night
Shocking revelations are clear for one's sight
Witches on broomsticks and streets lined with kids
Dunking for apples from caldrens with lids
Costumes done up to rattle one's dreams
Faces of clowns smeared on with white cream
Hollowed-out pumpkins carved for big scares
Lighting dark walkways, porches and stairs
Scarecrows and goblins carrying sacks filled with eats
Knocking on doors; calling out, trick'r'treat
Happy Christmas
Trimmings and tinsel; a tree to adorn
Far away in a manger, a Baby was born
Gifts to exchange with family and friends
Maintaining traditions; forever the trend
Tamales, turkey or ham for this feast
Celebrations to last and alas; never cease
Bells ringing songs sung along with such cheer
Good tidings to all for this coming year!
Classic Ocular Migrane
A prism of color caught in one's sight
Begins in the left eye, then shifts to the right
Distorting images that once seemed so clear
An aura of lights that will not disappear
They can last a half hour; but usually much less
The headache that follows invokes much distress
Accomplishing errands for family and friends
Once deemed important; yet no one comprehends
Abstract thoughts that create such a stir
Is far from all logic; just vignettes in a blur
Relaxing one's mind is the key to this stress
Losing oneself in abandon; a most welcomed guest
Flowers in Spring
Picturesque snapshots of flowers in spring
Bouquet in cellophane tied with a string
Foliage dispersed amid the colours we see
Glimpses captured in frames with photography
Streamers of rays breaking through a cloudy sky
Smiling upon us, God's great hands open wide
Los Recuerdos de Familia
Cruzando el mar por una lancha de vapor
La familia Prietto salió de su tierra sin cualquier rencor
Los mayores de los hijos, Manuel y Guillermo
De ida y de vuelta, de su patria, sin creerlo
Eran los primeros para conocer otra vida
Durante una época que ya se nos olvida
Se mantuvieron muchos años bajo ese techo
En la calle Stocker, estudiando y dándose por el pecho
La religión siempre dominaba las acciones y respuestas
Inculcados por los padres, así se les demuestra
Los descendientes de aquella familia siguen el camino
Acordándose del pasado de recuerdos tan divinos
La Fama de Tush
Dándole con gracia, los hermanos a bailar
Entre ellos, la Tush, que siempre lograba gozar
Su hermano, César, a quien le consiguió
Darse por los pasos, enfrente de . . .Guillermó
Aprendía el ritmo que según la música daba
No todos la seguían, pero la risa sí se les contagiaba
Salían cada noche y los fines de semana
Conociendo cada orquestra y también ganaban lana
Se logró bailar en una película sin cualquier lío
Con el famoso, Fred Astaire en, "Flying Down to Río"
De Raíces
Montados por caballo de Lima al Callao
Donde los raíces Prietto había comenzao
Eran nueve hijos; además mamá y papá
En un ambiente fresco por las lomas y el mar
Sabores del ceviche y los alfajores manjar-blanco
Esquisitas, las comidas; para hacerlas, . . .un trabajo
Las costumbres de cultura y canciones del amor
Bailadas en jarana con una caja de tambor
Roots
Mounted on horseback from Lima to Callao
Was, in fact the region where the Prietto name began
A family of nine children along with mom and dad
Amid hills and ocean; fresh winds were to be had
Tastes of ceviche and alfajores manjar blanco
Meals so exquisite, yet preparation; such a bother
The essence of this culture and songs of love
Were danced at parties; informal as they come
Los Prietto
Geneología de Prietto; los descendientes lograr
Desde los lagos y ríos hasta las orillas del mar
Principios de reyes del Inca peruano
Nobleza graciosa e ideología al grano
Los que consiguieron el oro; según los esfuerzos
Conocieron a los demás repartiendo refrescos
Una familia llena de profesionales
Médicos, dentistas y una bailarina muy sociable
Periodistas, abogados, escritores y artistas
Dominados por la madre; la misma, Josefita
The Prietto's
Descendents of the Prietto clan are endeavouring to seek
Spanning lakes and rivers and ocean beds quite deep
Origins actually started from an Incan Peruvian Empire
Of nobility, grace and ideologies that often, . . .inspired
Aspiring to gain great wealth through struggles with a purpose
Allowed the rest, to serve the best; abundantly a surplus
Professionals within the family, fulfilled the mother's goal
Doctors, dentists, . . . and a dancer to behold
Journalists, lawyers, writers and artists too
Dominated by Josephine, a mother who could rule
Los Recuerdos de Familia
Cruzando el mar por una lancha de vapor
La familia Prietto salió de su tierra sin cualquier rencor
Los mayores de los hijos, Manuel y Guillermo
De ida y de vuelta, de su patria, sin creerlo
Eran los primeros para conocer otra vida
Durante una época que ya se nos olvida
Se mantuvieron muchos años bajo ese techo
En la calle Stocker, estudiando y dándose por el pecho
La religión siempre dominaba las acciones y respuestas
Inculcados por los padres, así se les demuestra
Los descendientes de aquella familia siguen el camino
Acordándose del pasado de recuerdos tan divinos
Family Reflections
Voyage by steamship across the ocean wide
The Prietto's left their homeland and took it all in stride
The two older boys, Bill Senior and Manny
Had already made a roundtrip ahead of their family
They were the first to embark on a new endeavour
During an era that ocurred so long ago, very few of us remember
Living in the same abode for many years thereafter
On Stocker Street, not always a treat, but the sons studied with laughter
Religion strong; from dusk til dawn; overwhelmed this house so humble
Imbued by their parents' love and struggle, there never was a rumble
Descendents of this family continue with the same
In remembering their parents' plight and carrying on the name
Freemasons' lodge in Wanganui
Piper's bagpipes needed tuning
Wretching odor of maneuer?
Hagus smells just like the sewer
Uttered chants from the imperial highness
When we leave, he'll never find us
In a Scottish accent, we listened to learn
Selected poems from Robert Burns
DECORATIONS OF YORE
A lop-sided tree lacking symmetry and care
Enhances this room just below the stairs
Decorations with ribbons; eight clothespins of wood
A reindeer-driven sleigh high above the neighborhood
Santa dons his favourite red and white felt suit
Carrying a bag filled with sweets, toys, songs, games and loot
Children everywhere welcome the splendour of this theme
Remembering the Child born this day and fulfilling all their dreams
Má's Old Recipes
Streaming tears as I smell hot decorative pies
Puddings in windows; which one shall I buy?
Merriment with laughter and joys from a book
My mother's old recipes read out loud as he cooked
She sat in her chair reciting each line
As pá prepared every portion; thinking all would be fine
Triumphant rejoicing when the baking was done
We enjoyed every piece and left, . . .none.
why is christmas so sad
at times i ask myself
i see things all around me that cry from a shelf
atmospheres, feelings, all abound in blue
my mothers sweet face
not lined, brown eyes that blink at me
a smile so true
my dad on his chair reading bout his beloved ludwig
the smell of tamales, the stuffing, the ham
should she make salad, or bread and some yams?
WHY IS CHRISTMAS SO SAD?
Christmas pools thoughts of nostalgia
Sweet sadness tnat confines a mood
Decorations; the smell or a scent
And laughter that's understood
A taste of a familiar cuisine
Love exchanged by a gift to a friend
And those who remember it, do
Respond and rejoice to extreme
Plight of the Bumblebee
Busily buzzing over bushes, flowers and limbs of trees
Beacon to its prey who tremble and attempt to flee
Blasts of droning sounds alert others in its wake
Bringing bursts of joy as it passes, by mistake
Beneath the sun's rays shone upon its fragile hair
Beating wings flash forcefully; catching currents in the air
Brusque, bold body seen against the morning light
Black bumblebee; a shiny silhouette in flight
Guilt
Diluted dreams, in coloured schemes, matching a mood within
Guilt through choice, nobody's voice, may direct one to that end
Having to wait, for church and state, to make it all worthwhile
Is tantamount, indeed, no doubt, like a clown who never smiles
Enriched Life
Embrace life in all its subtleties; without causing guilt or pain
Enjoy the palette of colourful scenery; with it, each day sustained
Eschew the few who dwell on doubt exhibiting bitterness or ire
Endeavour to reap the blessings from those instead who are inspired
Evidence the elegance of your existence through patience and composure
Earnest deeds, through profound needs, succeed with much exposure
"Quirky quips quilled quickly,
query questionable quibbled quests quoted."
Quote by L. Valencia 2004
"Invoking itinerate idioms into ideas,
intentionally ignite idle interests."
Quote by L. Valencia 2004'
Guillermo) "No, no, que la Tush y César lo bailen, . . yo ando con la panza llena del ceviche que nos hizo César."
(César) "¡Ahora, sí; quiero que todos escuchen la música y que bailen en esta jarana; a todo dar!!!!
(Carlos) "Con pañuelo, Cesar; con pañuelo, sácatelo del bolsillo y baila con la Tush"
(César) "Acérquense para tomar una foto buena; no quieren?"
(Ema) "Les hice gelatina con crema!!!" ¡¡¡Vengan!!!
(Pepita) "¿dónde anda mi juan?"
(Juan-Johnny) "Yo aquí andando y tropezándome sobre los pies de Pepita. Pues la pobre solo llega a mi cintura. jajajaja"
y si se pone a cocinar, épale, hermanos, se le quema todo porque sus ojitos solo miran las yemitas de la
lumbre. jajajajaja No te creas, mi amor jajajajaja
(Ricardo) "Aquí sin dolores, mijita, tu mamá y yo bailamos todas las canciones! ¡ándale, vieja, aver si ahora podrás aprovechar un bailesito con César, el fotógrafo!"
(Manny) "Nos está ganando nuestro cuñado, Ricardo. El y la Tush bailan mejor que nadie con toda la gracia de un par de cisnes!!!!"
(Pablo) "Mi reloj todavía está funcionando con aunque lo tenga guardado en un vaso de vino jajajajaja"
(Manny) "y a todas las señoras, les tengo frasquisitos de perfumes franceses de lo más finos.
Unos pensamientos y aconsejos acerca de tu nueva vida:
For Pete's sakes, mijita; contrólate y vea todo por
un perspectivo objetivo con la lógica que te hemos
inculcado toda tu vida tu mamá y yo.
Nos sorprendió y nos cayó casi incomprensible que
te hubieras mudado a Nueva Zelandia. A un país
tan lejos de los rumbos de los ángeles, cuyo los
que te habías acostumbrado a vivir y conocido toda
tu vida. Pero, bien, de un jalón te saliste de tu
tierra, los estados unidos, para fundar tu nueva
vida. Fíjate, mijita, todo lo que has podido hacer,
sin nuestra ayuda o apoyo, y sigues formando tus
triunfos y opiniones; solita y con toda la razón
para tí y lo que te haga lo más provecho.
Te felicitamos, mija. No dejes que nadie te haga
sentir menos por tus opiniones o decisiones acerca
de tu vida, ni de la vida que quieres formar con tu
novio, Tayler. Esos sueños y metas son tuyas y
aunque no todos tengan los mismos deseos o sueños;
no quita lo que te haga más provecho para tí, tu
salud y tu vida, en general.
Lo que sí te hace falta es la paciencia para conducir
la relación con Tayler paraque los dos se desarrollen;
sin rencores, angustias y malestares. Cada hombre
tiene algo parecido por la base del "ego" que les rodea
en sí mismo. Esta condición nunca cambiará. Hay que
acomodar las ideas y reemplacer un enfoco que sea lo
mejor para tí; acordándote siempre, que ese detallito
no cambiará nunca en él.
A tí y a todas las mujeres les gusta controlar a los
hombres sin pensar en las consecuencias de sus propias
acciones. Los hombres simplemente logran tener un apoyo.
Hay que enfocar en lo positivo e iniciarlo con toda la
confianza para mantener un ecuánime entre esa o cualquier
relación que valga la pena.
Bueno, mijita, hasta que se nos ofrezca otra oportunidad,
acuérdate que te sigamos observando, tu mamá y yo, tus
éxitos de la vida y esperamos que pases todo tu futuro
con las mismas aspiraciones y que tus metas se realicen
con toda la alegría que tú misma, buscas.
Un abrazo fuerte y un beso en la frente, te dan
~~~~Tu pá y má~~~~
Déudas
Después de declarar dominio
Don Diego duró decir
Dedico dos días de déudas
Desde Durango donde dormí
Durante diez días de descanso
Decidió dar disculpas delante de doña Dolóres
Deshaciéndose de documentos del dominio Durán
Dudó declarar domicilio después
dear ma and pa: more than anything i miss you. i know you did the best you could guys, but so many things turned out to be the wrong thing for this little girl. you had me so late in life. look at me now. i thought it was the best thing in the world to meet and love leo so i married him. what i didn't realize was that i didn't get a chance to live my own life or grow up. mommy i wanted to be like you. i thot i was supposed to be like you. i was joined to you first inside you when you had such a terrible time with me, i saw your little scar from having me, so you held onto me so tightly. you didn't want me to break. you were so afraid of maybe having lost me that all your life you held onto me so tightly, i couldn't breathe, and now its hard to breathe sometimes freely. i still feel your love, but i don't want to feel your control over me anymore. pa, you were so strong to me. so fine, and such a gentlemen. i remember asking you question after question as a child, and your answering me in the most scientific and interesting of ways. you were my wonderful sweetheart and hero and i adored you till i saw your beautiful green eyes close. my heart went with you, but i know you are with your "viejita" and that you are well. you're also with your baby dicky, your first little one. it tore me apart to see him go mommy, because i felt your gentle spirit grieve. when i looked into dicky's eyes i saw your eyes. his wonderful deep pools of brown eyes. i am so happy we were able to show each other love before he went. he went so soon. i miss him so. i hear a song or one of your classical pieces poppy and i think of what we had so much in common. his moggie's heart broke and is still broken. i do love her, we've had our differences but i know she loves me and knows my history. altho, i think she doesn't realize the woman i am now. mommy me enamore. remember how i would talk to you on my way to work, and weep as i drove admitting to you that my heart had been taken by "el ingles". oh mommy my heart was so guilty in that i was deceiving and betraying your flaco. how you told me to take care of him and i didn't listen. forgive me ma and pa. i didn't want it to happen but my life was so unhappy. leo is such a good and fine man and i did him wrong. i couldn't live like that anymore mommy. i couldn't dishonour him anymore and go on deceiving tayler that i was free. i had to do right by both of them and keep my integrity and honour myself. i remember the day that i told leo that my heart had been taken and that i was in love with someone else. i wanted to die from it. i thot i would die of shame and guilt in front of leo. he didn't deserve it for one bit. he was also your son, he did it all for both of you because he loved me. it was because he loved me so. i took that love and threw it in his dear face and for this i find it hard to forgive myself. please help me to forgive myself. i know my god has forgiven me, but i have to be happy too mommy. oh poppy, i know you were proud of me, and i know you'd be proud to know that again one of your womenfolk is a pioneer in another country. i think of masarita, and maca travelling with you kids all the way to the states not knowing anyone or the language and i see them so small and alone but with a courage of all the saints that goes with our melendez name. i wear that name with pride. i can't use my leo's name anymore because i am not worthy of it in my eyes. a man's finest gift to a woman he loves is his name. i don't feel i have a right to it anymore. i defend my love and respect for him as a man til the day that i die. i pledge to you ma and pa that i will live my life as well as i can and i will help other people as well as i can, and i will serve and love tayler as best that i can. til i see you in heaven my dearest of hearts, protect and look out for me, tell our lord to always have his hand over me, so that i know he's there even when i feel alone. i am your mijita for all eternity...thank you mommy and poppy for giving me your hearts, your courage, your love and trust, and hope.....tu hija adorada, rosamaria
HOME
