Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 184

Swells – #DailyHaikuChallenge

[image error]

.

Swells of verdant Growth

Glorious Undulations

Guiding us towards Home

 

.

To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

.

Day 254 / 365

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the original photographer.  Thank You

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: Beautiful Photographs, BnV, BooknVolume, Change, Growth, Harmony, Inspiration, Nature, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Seasons of Life, spirituality, ~Morgan~

Faith v. Flesh

Paul’s letter to the Romans takes place near the end of his ministry.  It includes his mature reflections on the Christian life.  In the seventh chapter he writes, “For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh.  I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.  For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”

In spite of our best efforts we still lose our temper, say things we shouldn’t have and may not accomplish everything we want in this life.  Lust, greed, envy and pride are all day every day temptations.

It is only when we understand that this flesh is rebellious, wants everything in it’s path and can only be tamed with faith, that life changes.  Faith and the belief in God is the only context in which our being makes sense.  We are given life freely by our Creator.  We can choose to follow him or reject him, we can pick earth or eternity and convenience or Christ.  We choose to tame the flesh by faith or feed its every desire and ultimately choose death.

Pastor Shawn, Seymour UMC

Author of Incomplete

incompletedevotional..com

Filed under: Guest Bloggers on BnV, Poetry Tagged: christianity, Humanity, Inspiration, life, Reflections, relationships, Religion, Truth, Writing

Beneath – #DailyHaikuChallenge

[image error]

.

Beneath the turmoil

Amid the unrest of Change

Beauty turns the tide

.

To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

.

Day 253 / 365

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the original photographer.  Thank You

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Harmony, Hope, Inspiration, Nature, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, spirituality, ~Morgan~

Golden Days – #DailyHaikuChallenge

[image error]

.

Golden hazy days

Expectation shimmering

In the ruddy Glow

.

To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

.

Day 252 / 365

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the original photographer.  Thank You

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Expectation, Inspiration, life, Light, Nature, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Summer, ~Morgan~

#FridayFantasy #CharacterSpotlight – The Forceful Healer

[image error]

.

A Fellow author recently interviewed Me about one of my lesser known characters from Dark Fey, so I chose to share the Character spotlight in its entirety today. I hope you will enjoy learning about The Healer, who becomes one of the main characters throughout the pages of book two, Standing In Shadows.

Tell me a bit about your character. Who are they, how old are they? What do they look like? His name is Evondair and he comes into the story in Dark Fey: Standing In Shadows.  He is a youthful Healer just beginning his dedicated years of practice round about the age of 25, though I never do specify.  He is an average height for a malefey, standing 5’10”, and has a trim, powerful physique.  The golden-blond waves of his shoulder length hair accentuate the deep viridian of his eyes and his expansive white wings.  He is beautifully handsome, but far from arrogant about it.

[image error]

Do they have any strange or unique physical traits? Most Fey are either telepathic, empathic or have a gift of discernment and Evondair’s gift of discernment is exceptional. He is able to understand another as completely as they know themselves and can usually tell truth from lies with relative ease. Although he has no gift of magic, as some Fey do, he is also a skilled Healer of innate ability.

Does the character have any quirks? In spite of his harmonious nature, he has an impishly mischievous side, as well as an unpredictably short temper, particularly for a Healer.

Where do they live? What’s it like there? Evondair resides within the Temple Complex of Hwyndarin in simple quarters, but the Temple is the center of all learning and contemplation for the village, filled with lush gardens, tranquil devotionaries, vast libraries, and the Healing Wards where he studied and practices. Peopled by artisans, scholars, Celebrants, and the Triune Elders, it is by far the most luxurious and beneficial place to live on the entire continent.

What is their role in the story? Are they the protagonist/antagonist, a supporting character? Evondair stepped into the story of Standing In Shadows quietly, as his nature would dictate, but he has become a central, supporting character with a clear purpose. His harmonious inclination leads him to make a choice that will ultimately guide many others; changing the entire relationship between the Fey of the Light and the Dark Fey forever.  (no spoilers here!

#FridayFeyDay – Vladokhyssum – A Game Played on the Wing

 

[image error]

.

The malefey glared at each other for an intense moment and Ayla could not keep from backing away fearfully, but a crooked grin then turned the corner of Bryth’s mouth and his manner relaxed.

“If you want something to do tonight, join me.”  Perplexed, Gairynzvl did not answer.

“Several Guards who are off duty, as well as a few Healers who are no longer needed this eventide, will be playing Vladokhyssum.”  Again, Gairynzvl did not respond, though his expression wavered from aggression to uncertain curiosity.

“Ever play?”  Bryth inquired ingenuously, but when Gairynzvl immediately glared at him with resentment he stepped back, raising his hands in a gesture of self accusation

“Forgive me.  Now who is the fool?”  Revealing in this innocuous manner that he comprehended Gairynzvl’s gift of telepathy; he shook his head at his blunder and tried again.

“One of my teammates was injured when last we played and cannot compete tonight.  You would make a formidable replacement and I suspect you would enjoy the game.  Immensely.”  He chose his words with cunning and was not disappointed with the reaction they produced.

“Vladokhyssum?”  Bryth nodded at his repetition, but it was Ayla who answered.

“It is also known as CruciaFynnowyn.”  Gairynzvl turned to look down at her with disbelief.

“Kill the Fey?”  The incredulity of his tone made the tall Guard laugh devilishly.

“No one has ever actually been killed. That would make continued play problematic.  It would be a bit difficult finding replacements.”  His mirth was infectious.  Relaxing his guarded stance at last, Gairynzvl laughed as well, the charming sound causing Ayla to gaze up at him with open affection.

“The rules are simple; competition is challenging, escaping unscathed is difficult, but it beats doing nothing.”  Again, his description was artfully delivered and he could plainly see Gairynzvl’s interest was piqued.

 

…..

“There are four teams, each consisting of four players and one replacement.  Play begins on the ground, but once the ball is in motion, no part of your body is allowed to touch the ground.  The object is to score goals by getting the ball through the central goal ring by any means possible.”

“Any means?”  Gairynzvl clarified and Bryth nodded.

“You can throw it, kick it, drop it, pass it to a closer teammate, and if you can manage it, you can fly through the ring carrying it, though I would not advise that particular maneuver until you have had a great deal of practice.”  Looking up at the goal ring, he illustrated how dangerous this might be by taking to wing in order to show him just how small the ring was in comparison to the breadth and scope of the playing field.  Alighting once again, he then continued.

“Play continues unbroken until either someone scores or the ball hits the ground.  Each player of one team must score once in order to gain victory, which sounds simple enough until you understand that while you are carrying the ball, twelve other players will be doing everything in their power to keep you from scoring and the only defense you have is your three teammates.”  With this explanation the true challenge of the game became clearer, as did the game’s less than official name; yet, regardless of the hazards involved, Gairynzvl could not hold back a brazen smile.  Bryth nodded at his obvious appreciation of the games inherent peril and continued.

“There are, of course, a few simple rules designed for protection.  You cannot intentionally knock your opponent over the head; you cannot kick him, bite him, or tear his feathers out.”  He paused, nodding while waiting for Gairynzvl’s reaction to these straightforward rules, but his reaction was to wait as well, clearly supposing there were additional rules yet to come, yet when Bryth did not continue, he could not contain a skeptical chuckle.

“Is that all?  Those are the rules?”  Bryth nodded with a smile of wry delight.

“If you intentionally break one of these rules, or if you touch the ground during play, you are sent into exile.”  He turned with this pronouncement and pointed at a small, bare patch of ground at the far side of the arena.

“Your penalty is to sit out two plays, which can sometimes mean two points, and that will make enemies of your teammates faster than scoring will make rivals of your opponents.”  The ferocity of the game was becoming very clear; still, the appeal of the contest was irresistible….

.

A Description of the sporting event I created to give the Fey of the Light something to do.  Learn more about Dark Fey The Reviled at its dedicated website

All Things Dark Fey

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Amazing Artwork by:  mahdesigns at deviantart.com

Filed under: Dark Fey, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, creative writing, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Fantasy Books, Fantasy Games, Fantasy landscapes, YA Fantasy, ~Morgan~

Vigilante – #FridayFantasy #DailyHaikuChallenge

[image error]

.

Bright Vigilante

Fearlessly Penetrating

Scattering the gloom

.

To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

.

Day 251 / 365

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the original photographer.  Thank You

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Darkness, Fantasy, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, spirituality, ~Morgan~

The Seasons of Life – #Inspirational #Musings

[image error]

As the seasons of Life shift and blur, our Journey ever changes; yet the path remains the same and Leads us ever in the right Direction, should we Choose to Follow.

Over the past year, Life has led me in more than a few new and, often, frightening directions. The Path has often seemed obscured, littered with debris that grasps and reaches to ensnare me or cause me to stumble. There have been more than a few moments when I stopped and gazed round in confusion, uncertain of the way in which I should go and fearful of what lies ahead; and once or twice I doubled back, attempting to find the trail once again. Yet, in spite of the twists and turns; regardless of the brambles and scrubby undergrowth crowding the track, and notwithstanding the shadows of doubt that clouded the way like thick, enshrouding fog, my feet continued forward.

Walking through the woodlands of life is ever challenging; yet is often equally rewarding. The views and vistas are picturesque and charming; the breeze is sweet, fresh and clean and the lighting is sublime. Avenues meander through coppices streaming with ribbons of sunlight; streams burble and play over sleek, moss-covered stones; and life teems all about you. You may not always be certain of the direction in which you should travel, but the way is intriguing and beautiful, in spite of it all.

The paved way that leads straight through the center of town may, indeed, be easier to traverse. It may be direct; it may be well lighted; it may seem a “no-brainer”, but without obstacles, trials and challenges, there is very little opportunity to test our strength or increase our endurance. The leaf-litter upon the rocky path may seem a dangerous pitfall, but if we walk along a perfectly manicured lawn, how will we ever learn to keep our feet under us? Life is, after all, about the journey, not the destination; it’s about becoming stronger and more confident through the tests we encounter along the way; it’s about discovering our way and ourselves along that way.

So, as the Seasons of Life shift and blur, and my Journey ever changes; the path remains the same and Leads me ever in the right Direction, should I Choose to Follow.

Thank You, my Friends, for walking along this path with me; for Sharing the Journey and waiting on me when I fall behind. You are, indeed, a Treasure; You are the unexpected Briar Rose Blossoming Sweetly among the scraggly undergrowth and YOU are the reason I linger, Smiling, as verses and lyrics Spring Anew.

~Blessings ~

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Original Photography found at: daveallenphotography.com

Filed under: Just Me Musing Tagged: Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Friends, Inspiration, life, Life's Journey, Nature, photography, Purpose, Seasons, spirituality, The Path of Life, ~Morgan~

Complications – #DailyHaikuChallenge

[image error]

.

Most Complications

Unravel into Beauty

When we Allow them

.

To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

.

Day 250 / 365

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the original photographer.  Thank You

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Faith, life, Nature, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, spirituality, Trust

#WordlessWednesday – Sapphire Dreams

[image error]

[image error]

[image error]

[image error]

[image error]

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Photographs found on Pinterest. Credit Acknowledged to the Original Photographers. Thank You!

Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Amazing Photography, Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, Blue in Nature, Blue Ocean, BnV, BooknVolume, Earth Pics, Nature, photography, ~Morgan~