My Sunday Afternoon

People don’t read the paper on Sunday anymore, do they? We I guess if it’s online. Today I’m taking it easy. After church, and lunch with the family, I’m spending some time reading.

Currently I’m reading Jan Karon’s book, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good. I’ve had this book on my shelf for years and even started it once, but it’s been like rediscovering buried treasure! I think I’ve now read the whole Mitford series. I can’t wait to see what else I have on my shelf!

I’m also writing today. When I go back and read what I wrote months ago, I can’t believe how many changes are needed!

Tonight there’ll be some buttered popcorn, and a movie with my sweetheart. I’ve found the best movies are usually watched at home.

Before then, it’s always good to have a nap! Isn’t that what Sundays are made for?

I don’t have Facebook or Twitter so thanks for listening to me ramble.

So how are you spending your day?

     

Writing and Image © Copyright 2019, ancient skies

The Survivors – Part II

“You mean you built this place by yourself?” he asked, then realized it was a stupid question. Brie looked at him with steel in her narrowed eyes. But then the baby (a girl) at her breast adjusted herself and Brie softened immediately.

He was always amazed at how children changed women, adding a softness deep within. And the beauty of their bonding……well it was beyond words. He was convinced, it went beyond the deep exhaustion, and squarely into the realm of the supernatural.

Still covered in sweat, her blond hair somewhat matted, Brie cleared her throat and began, “Well I learned lodge building from the Mandan, I grew up in a town within their territory.” “Normally they don’t share the skills and ceremonies with outsiders….but they knew me, and then the wars started and the diseases..…..”

It had only been a couple of hours after the birth, but Brie needed to sleep. She handed the baby to him, which was surprising because she still had the large hunting knife next to her. She trusted him enough though, to hold the little one.

“What shall we name you little one?” he asked the baby not expecting a response. Brie had insisted he name the child, because he had removed the cord from around the child’s neck during childbirth. “You saved her life…..so you name her….”

He thought of Cheyanne but that name seemed too common among the survivors. “How about “Lakota”? It seemed to fit somehow. Brie stirred when she heard the name. With one eye open she said, “Lakota is the perfect name…..our…… Lakota…..” “Ours??” he asked out loud.

Narrator: And so begins the story, of how the Northern Peoples began again. A new hope was born. It was all part of the healing of the Earth, and her people.

     

Writing and Image © Copyright 2019, ancient skies

The Survivors

For some reason he could not open his eyes. It was the tug on his chest that woke him though. Someone or something was pulling on his left bicep.

“Hold still!” A woman’s voice pushed him back down again when he tried to sit up. He forced one eye open, but his head hurt so badly he passed out again. She must have pulled him away from the wolves, and she was stitching him up.

When he did awake he was inside the earth……wait no……he was in an earthen lodge. The wind outside told him they were in the middle of a tenacious storm. She offered him a bowl of something warm. All she said was, “Drink.” He did, and it was smooth warmth going down. He tasted honey among other things.

She looked at him with a knife in her hands. “I know you’re immune from the last disease unleashed, otherwise you wouldn’t be here….my name is Brie, and I think we should help each other…..but if you ever hurt me……you will be a dead man.” She meant it and he knew it. He tried to say he would never do such a thing…….

He noticed a youngster, maybe 3 years old playing behind her. She said, “His name is Jared, named after his father – long since passed away…..” So that was it, she was alone in the wilderness. And she was pregnant again. He did ask, and she was due in a couple of days. He shook his head that he understood.

“The drink will help you sleep……I’ll need your help in a few days, delivering.” He fell into a deep sleep……thinking that she was attractive, but he was worried about the knife……. at least he did know how a child is born……

from the Apocalyptic Journal

  

Writing and Image © Copyright 2019, ancient skies

The Apocalyptic Journal

 

I’ve started writing a new series of very short stories, and poetry with an apocalyptic or post – apocalyptic setting. The Last Fish was one of these. I have written in this vein before and really enjoy it.

In these poems – stories you will always see something positive in spite of the end of all things taking place, or having taken place. And you will see some influences from historical Native American – First Nations stories.

Let me know what you think. They will not always be centered on beauty and nature which are ideas I’m known for I guess. They are absolutely an experiment though. They are not always related, but some I think would make a fine novel!

Thanks for reading, and let me know!

     

Writing and Image © Copyright 2019, ancient skies

My Goals for 2018

My most important goal for this coming year in the blogosphere, is to continue being a good blogging friend. I will only leave encouraging, kind comments. I have received many of these types of comments myself, and doing so for others simply makes good sense.

I will write of hope and healing, in the framework of nature, spirituality, and faith. A sense of peace is where I seek to dwell.

There is so much negativity in our world, I want my blog to be a javelin, thrown into the heart of darkness.

I will write of love. We all love love, don’t we? But I will not write work that is too risqué! I seek to honor God and my beautiful wife. Entangled arms and kisses on her neck, are about as far as my writing will take me.

And yes I do write a lot, simply from a love of writing. But I strive to make my posts of a high quality (to the best of my ability).

I will always place my faith, family, and even work above my blog.

Thank you for being here!!! Are you ready for 2018?

Let’s rock!

     

 Writing and Image © Copyright 2018, ancient skies

My Photographs

Now you might wonder why do I use his own photos? Well, that’s easy, there are two reasons really. One, is that it’s much easier and faster!

I remember starting out blogging, and searching for hours for just the right picture, to go with a piece of fiction, or a poem. And I realized I could write a lot more, and have a lot more time for everything, if I used what I already had. I can also find my own photos easily.

And to be honest I’ve always loved photography. I have thousands of photos from different devices, though I’m not a professional. So, part of my walking hobby is to go into nature and photograph what I find.

I have also found that I can start with a photograph, and write a poem around it! So cool!

So, it works well for me. It is rare that I use a photo outside of my own library, but it simply means I couldn’t find a match for the poem.

And yes, it is true my photographs are copyrighted, so please don’t use them without my permission.

I wish you peace.

 Writing and All Images © Copyright 2017, ancient skies

A Personal Invitation

If you like this blog, and would like to see more of my work, in a faith based environment, this is your personal invitation to my other blogsite, Walking Through Psalms.

There you will find more of who I am, with Scripture quotes, commentary, and usually a prayer at the end. Sometimes I place a poem there, with a focus on faith in God.

I want to make it clear that all are welcome to both of my sites. I try to encourage all people, not only one particular faith. I spend a lot of time in the Old Testament, including the Psalms, which are so loved by many.

So please feel free to stop by. Tell them Nico sent you. You can find it here: www.walkingthroughpsalms.wordpress.com

I wish you peace.

    

Writing and Image © Copyright 2017, ancient skies

Mountain Walking

As you know I love the mountains, even though I’m not able to spend as much time there as I would like. And I love writing about them, and walking around observing nature. Walking is one of my hobbies too. So I’ve decided that for the next few days, I will post poems about walking in nature, and especially in the mountains.

I believe that nature can bring great healing to us, in both body and spirit.

I often think and pray while I walk, and I’ll share some of that as well.

Welcome, to my Mountain Walking series.

I wish you peace.

   

Writing and Image © Copyright 2017, ancient skies

A Mothers Day Blessing

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

May all mothers be blessed today.

May God continue to bless your relationships with your children, and give you the strength to teach the good, and right things. May you always be blessings to each other.

And for all the millions of women, unable to have children and yet pray that they can someday, may you receive comfort in knowing that you are loved, and not forgotten.

And finally to all women fighting cancer or some other horrible illness, may you have the courage to remain positive. You are loved. We do hope and pray for healing.

May we always honor mothers, today and every day.

Amen.

     

Prayer and Image © Copyright 2017, ancient skies

What I Love About Spring

Warm days, cool nights

sleeping with the window open

just a little

listening to the birds sing,

as the sun rises

and the forest

calls me, invites me

to explore.

    

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2017, ancient skies