Author: Dawn Renee Miller

Lifelong writer of boring things like specs and reqs ready to spread her wings with some creativity.
writing

Cardinal

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Thud! A sickening sound echoed from the front of the house. The dining room window gave a shudder. A small body fell to the floor. My heart lurched in my chest and my mind sighed, Not another one.

Slowly I peeked out my head and there she lay – a small young cardinal. Her plumage still pale from her youth, although being female, she’d never see the bright red feathers. Her one wing stuck out and she stayed still, almost frozen.

Having learned from once before, I retrieved a small box and lifted her up then placed the box into the planter. She chirped a little and would be safer here than on the ground.

I kept an eye out as the afternoon moved forward. She quickly recovered. I spied a brightly colored friend darting in and out of the plumeria. I told myself he was checking on his friend.

Eventually, she fluttered her wings and floated out of the box. However, her wings still were weak from the bounce. She hopped around the planter and her friend came back to hang out with her.

He soared up to the oak and back a few times, encouraging her to join him. Finally, I spied him touch his beak to hers. Then the two took to flight.

I like to believe they are one of our nesting pairs we see around our home to this day. Their songs fill the air and make me smile.

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writing

Waterside Camp

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

The old chevy rolled into the KOA. Four post-college-aged kids bumbled out of the car. The two guys, buddies since second year, took the lead as the men and checked them in. They came back with the key to the cabin and a map of the campgrounds. The cabin was on the other side of the campgrounds, just a few yards from the waters edge. They found their spot, and parked.

Turned out the cabin didn’t really have a view of the open water. Large shrubbery lined the waters edge. One girl pouted a moment, the other laughed. That’s what happens when the guys are in charge. Well, at least these two.

They walked in to the cabin to check out their accommodations. Two small double beds with about 3 feet in between and a small table furnished the wood cabin. This became home for the next two nights. The girls pulled down the mattresses leaning against the walls and made the beds while the guys found an excuse to go outside.

The girls, former roommates and best friends for years looked around then looked at each other. They both laughed aloud. They thought the guys had rented the cabin with a bathroom, kitchenette and living room, not one of these sites. But, they were ready to camp and enjoy the weekend.

“So, this is my first time camping,” admitted Mikaela. “So what should we do?”

Linda found her way to the edge of the bed and heaved out a sigh. “So, you know all those times my family went to the Disney Wilderness?”

Mikaela smiled at her. She knew what was to come next.

“Well, we typically camped in an RV. I’ve tent camped once.” She looked down at her toes, but Mikaela already knew about that trip. “Roughing it really isn’t my thing.”

Mikaela’s mouth dropped, but she quickly closed it. “I thought this was your idea?”

Linda blushed, “It was. I wanted to give it another try, but I thought we weren’t roughing it really.”

Mikaela looked around and smiled. This didn’t seem like roughing it to her. A solid roof, two beds, the roughest part was having to walk to the bathrooms a few buildings away. Although it was her first time camping, she’d see how the weekend would unfold.

They set their bags up on the beds. Linda decided to sweep out the cabin from the dirt and sand they had tracked in. Mikaela walked outside to get out of the way and see what the boys were up to.

The guys were sitting on the stoop, each with a can in hand, laughing. They had set up a hammock between the porch and a nearby tree. Mikaela made her way over to it and stretched out. She breathed out a sigh of relief to have a moment to unwind after the drive and setting up what she could.

“Comfy?” Sam walked over and swung the hammock.

Mikaela looked up and grinned, “Yeah. Wanna join me?” she winked at him and tried her best to make a sexy pose in the hammock. That’s pretty hard to do.

Sam just chuckled and climbed in smothering her in an embrace. “You know, it’s supposed to get cool tonight.”

She slyly looked up at his dark brown eyes and smiled, “Good. More reason to cuddle.”

A groan came out from behind them. Larry bellowed, “Get a room you two.”

The three of them busted out in laughter. Linda walked out as they calmed down. “What’s up?”

Larry looked up at her and stood up. “We’re just kidding around. Want to take a walk and give these two some private time?”

Linda rolled her eyes, but broke into a smile. They headed out to the water’s edge in the distance as Mikaela and Sam cuddled in closer as the breeze picked up.

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writing

Morning Fog

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

A ghostly white fog covers the lake. The far shore sits, I know, but it is unseen. A muggy wind blows; the day is confused. Will it be warm or cold, sunny or gray?

I slide the window shade up for a better view; then slide the window pane up for my friend who is pawing at my feet. He jumps up on his stand, then settles in.

A motion in the grass just outside catches his attention. His body stills and a quiet meh comes from his mouth. A small finch captures his attention as it seeks out grubs for breakfast.

His head arches upward as the bird takes flight. He settles back down and stretches out, resting his sweet little face on his paws. His face is still kittenish even at his senior age of eight.

His litter mate comes up behind us both and taps my foot with her paw. A demanding mew echoes causing brother to jump a bit. I look down at my other ball of fur.

She taps then mews again, then beckons me to follow her to the wellspring for a sip of glorious nectar. For us humans, this is known as the bathtub and water, respectively. I give into her request as she has trained me, then pet her head.

I return to the bedroom after a moment and spy the fog lifting. No matter what the weather brings, I know. It’s going to be a wonderful Saturday.

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writing

Give Me Your Blood

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

The vampires prepare their instruments of torture. Shiny needles and plastic tubes, elastic bands and alcohol swabs.

Their victims willingly line up, one by one, waiting their turn. The large leather seats await for their next victim.

I slide into the seat, and they lower the gate, sealing me in. I extend my arm, my right arm, which confuses the vampire for but a moment.

They swab my arm. I swear I see their eye teeth pop out for a split second. The teeth snap back as they smile at me.

The swab is cool against my skin. They flick the inside of my elbow. The blood pumps harder as the vein rises to the surface. It’s a healthy one. The vampire drools.

I look away as they pierce my skin and begin to suck out the red swirling juice. I hear them breathe heavily, almost panting, longing for just a drop.

They take more and more blood. I feel drained. Finally they stop and withdraw their torture device from my arm. They wrap my elbow lovingly, thanking me for feeding their desires.

Finally they release the gate which had entrapped me. However, they deliver one final blow. They hand me the dreaded cup. I whimper; it is the only thing worse than donating to the vampires.

Aren’t labs so much fun? Thank a phlebotomist today!

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writing

Morning Chill

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Coldness seeped over her toes and soles as she stepped onto the paver lined drive. A crisp wind tousled her hair. The chirps of birds echoed from the large oak before her. They darted in and out between the branches, dancing in the first light of the day.

A calmness came over her as her bare feet guided her across the drive. From behind and overhead, she heard the flaps of oversized feathered wings. She turned, the sun now at her back, and lifted her chin to the heavens.

Gracefully, the large grey birds swooped down, landing in the grass just across the drive. She stood frozen as to not frighten them.

Their squawks reverberated between the houses as they courted each other with a show of feathers. Their red faces bobbed and long beaks chattered like two teenagers on their first date.

Eventually they calmed and started looking for their breakfast. Slowly they wandered off in search of greener grasses or maybe grubbier ones instead.

She smiled to herself. The cranes had her attention such that she hadn’t felt the cold settle in. Now that they were gone, her attention returned. She rubbed her arms for a little warmth and made her way back inside. What a beautiful way to start the day!

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poetry, writing

Falling

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

Falling, falling, falling down,

but the bottom never finds her.

Her fear eventually turns to delight,

for she realizes she has found flight.

She sees the clouds and the sky,

but her descent does not cease,

she hits the water and continues to drift,

not needing to breathe, she sees,

turquoise waters surround her,

fish and aquatic life abound,

the sea turns into a deep sapphire blue.

Finally, the deep greens surround her.

Surely she’ll soon stop, but no,

she doesn’t as the sandy floor swallows her whole,

a portal opens and she continues the fall.

Purples and blues and flashes of lights,

the worlds around her begin to spin,

planets and moons and stars amaze her eyes,

endlessly she explores, unable to stop,

never finding the universe’s center or edge,

realizing how small we are,

how small we really all are.

Overwhelmed by insignificance,

overwhelmed by the grandeur,

part from sadness, part from joy,

slowly the tears well up in her eyes.

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About Me

Focus on the Joy

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

The holidays are fast approaching and before we know it, another year will arrive. It is easy to get caught up in the flurry and the insanity of the season. Shopping, decorating, planning our feasts…the lists go on. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement.

It is this time of year I try to slow myself down. I can easily get overwhelmed in the chaos between work and the holiday season. I try to seek out those small moments which bring a smile to faces, my own and others. Sometimes it can be as small as holding a door for someone when their hands are full or dropping a couple dollars in the collection bin outside the store or just looking at my holiday decorations.

This year, I’m lucky enough to be able to step away from work for the Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks. It’s a first in many years where I will be taking such a break. I’m looking forward to picking up some of my favorite past times during this time of rest – decking the halls, binge watching holiday movies, and baking mostly.

If you follow my site, first of all, THANK YOU! I started this site December 22nd last year and am always amazed when someone takes a moment to like some of my creative works or follows my site. My followers surpassed 100 users this year which just leaves me in awe.

I’ll be continuing to post through the holiday season, but I hope you’ll all understand if I’m not here every day…but I’ll try.

As we embark on the coming weeks, may you find ways to focus on the joy of the holidays and find happiness this season!

Dawn Renee

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writing

Little Blue Vest

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

She walked into the music room, new to the elementary school. It was her third school in a year, and each change closed her off a little more.

The teacher waved her in. “Come, take a seat.”

She looked around the room. Other kids her age sat on the floor cross-legged. She felt awkward, joining class halfway through the school year and not knowing a single person again.

The teacher handed her a brown plastic recorder. “Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up.” She smiled at her new pupil.

The girl settled in quietly and looked around the room. Blue and yellow vests lined the wall on little hooks. The room was filled with some sparse decorations showing musical notes. The carpet was itchy on her chubby legs.

She wasn’t a remarkable person and no one would ever remember her. Each music day she’d sit, learn how to hold the little plastic music instrument and eventually even read some simple music.

The class would occasionally go on trips to play for audiences. Their uniform for performances included wearing those blue and yellow vests. But, she didn’t have one…the parents made them, or bought them, at the start of the school year.

“Don’t worry. We have a couple spares, you can wear one. Wade switched schools, you can use his.”

It felt like a hand me down. She was glad that one was available, but she felt like everyone was watching her every move as she slipped it on. She hoped it didn’t look too small with her little round belly protruding out.

The seniors at the retirement home always sweetly clapped at the end of their shows. She wondered if it was because they did a good job or because they were reminded of their own grandkids.

One rainy night the next school year, her class had another performance for the holidays. It was a hard night…people were running late and nothing flowed. When she arrived with her parents, the teacher discovered the vest loaned to her wasn’t there. Nothing was going right, and this little girl already had developed a need for perfection when it came to meeting expectations. Tears welled up in her eyes.

The teacher found another vest for her and calmed her down. A classmate she didn’t know had to miss the performance that night, so she was able to use his. She calmed down and dried the tears dotting her little cheeks. This was the first time he would save her from herself…and he didn’t even know.

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poetry, writing

Somehow

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

I am here, still, for a few more years.

The times will be filled with smiles and tears.

Family and friends will come and go.

My true love stays in my heart though.

The seasons will pass, and we both age;

Our stories will write, we turn another page.

Although we can’t walk side by side now

I hope one day we find a way somehow.

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writing

They DO Exist!

Posted on by Dawn Renee Miller

I saw a gentleman today…

I didn’t know they still existed!

Men can be kind and good

without being a gentleman.

But today, I saw a gentleman.

He drove a sporty little car,

With a funny license plate frame.

I saw him park. He backed into the spot.

He and his companion got out and left.

I didn’t pay much mind at the time.

Other things like, waiting on a tow,

Occupied my thoughts instead.

A little while later, they returned.

That’s when I noticed,

he walked around the car.

He looked over his companion’s shoulder,

Then it happened. He opened the door for her.

It’s a small gesture, I know,

one I haven’t seen in a very long time.

It made me smile though,

Bringing back thoughts of Dad,

How he’d get the door for Mom

Without fail. I thought it was out of vogue.

I was wrong, pleasantly wrong.

I saw a gentleman today.

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