Wonderland of Illusion

-
“What a strange world we live in ... said Alice to the Queen of Hearts” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
   
The Poets and Storytellers United prompt is to "write about an obscure bit of knowledge that fascinates us". Nothing is more obscure than the nature of our existence and the endless bits of knowledge generated by thinkers and scholars seeking to unravel this greatest of all mysteries. Indeed, there are many rabbit holes to fall into when pondering such questions and I do enjoy, with bewilderment, wonder and sometimes skepticism, exploring the ideas of mind-bending thinkers. I expect one day we'll burst the time/space bubble and uncover more intuitively the cosmic scheme lurking amid our limited human senses. Meanwhile, these senses helping us to cope within the boundaries of our little understood labyrinth, bring us misery but also serenity, especially when gazing at inspiring changing skies.
And should the lamp outside my door be illusion, the "imaginary" snow blankets that fell still feel real and need shovels to clear pathways for those going out into the cold.
Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United and SKYWATCH. 


Postscript Jan. 22nd: I dedicate this post to a much-loved fellow blogger Kay Davies who passed away this weekend. My always curious friend for decades, we entered the blogosphere together. An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel is her excellent site.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

HOLD ONTO THE LIGHT

Comments

  1. TomJanuary 18, 2024 at 10:59 AM

    ...you my friend, are the one with words! Take care and be well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yogi♪♪♪January 18, 2024 at 11:04 AM

    Great post!! I distrust those who say they have the answer to everything and want to put God in a box.
    I am more interested in the questions.

    ReplyDelete
  3. carol l mckennaJanuary 18, 2024 at 11:20 AM

    You write so well and gorgeous photos of winter ~ be warm and cozy ~ hugs,

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Spare Parts and PicsJanuary 18, 2024 at 11:50 AM

    Gorgeous sky in the first photo. Stay safe and warm!

    ReplyDelete
  5. magiceyeJanuary 18, 2024 at 5:25 PM

    Beautiful photos and narration.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JoyfulJanuary 18, 2024 at 5:34 PM

    I love what you did with the photos. They look like paintings. The sky is so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  7. RajaniJanuary 19, 2024 at 2:54 AM

    I like the way you say existential riddles are hidden in shadows and we are skirting reality's hems... wonderful..

    ReplyDelete
  8. eileeninmdJanuary 19, 2024 at 3:02 AM

    You do have a way with words. Love the images!
    Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Rosemary Nissen-WadeJanuary 19, 2024 at 3:25 AM

    Ha, nothing more obscure than knowledge we don't yet have! But perhaps the pondering is half the fun.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JimJanuary 19, 2024 at 4:40 AM

    Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  11. RommyJanuary 19, 2024 at 6:19 AM

    I adore your take on the prompt! And the poem is both delightfully thoughtful and thoughtfully delightful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. colleenJanuary 19, 2024 at 6:24 AM

    It's like an open sesame incantation. I love a good rabbit hole.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JimJanuary 19, 2024 at 7:27 PM

    We rely on our technology to be able to come up with fixes for all the woes. Poor way to go, eggs just in that basket.
    ..

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2024 at 8:54 PM

    I like "senses skew each clue"...

    I'm not anonymous, I'm Priscilla King.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Shiju SugunanJanuary 21, 2024 at 12:35 AM

    The masterful line: "Senses skew each clue that transcends fantasy's realm" sums it all up. Our senses, those trusted tools of navigation, falter in this Wonderland, leaving us adrift in a sea of ambiguity, forever chasing clues that dance beyond the borders of the known.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penelope NotesJanuary 21, 2024 at 9:44 AM

      You put it so beautifully and I think correctly. :)

      Delete
  16. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2024 at 8:41 AM

    Your post reminded me the week I stayed in Oxford and went on the traces of Alic ! I even went into the shop ! Gattina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penelope NotesJanuary 21, 2024 at 9:41 AM

      How amazing that you had an opportunity to visit Oxford and the places that inspired the author and Alice story!

      Delete
  17. Debi SwimJanuary 22, 2024 at 9:30 AM

    Thinking's rabbit trails are wonderful. I can spend whole days happily in them.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hena TayebJanuary 22, 2024 at 11:05 AM

    Another wonderful poem.

    ReplyDelete
  19. purplepeninportland.comJanuary 26, 2024 at 5:48 PM

    I love your take on the prompt, and of course, the stunning photos.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Your thoughts add colour to the content and are always much appreciated. Please note comments that are embedded with activated links might not go through.

Popular posts from this blog

The Couch Art Where Bernie Came To Visit

-
Image
 "On the Web we all become small-town visitors lost in the big city." - Alison Gopnik President Joe Biden's inauguration was bursting with inspirational speeches and events.  Heaven knows many who now breathe a sigh of relief also needed a good laugh.  That's when  Bernie stepped in with his cool attitude and awesome mittens.  I couldn't resist joining so many others who included him in various ways in different spaces. I think he looks super cute and cozy on a sofa designed for the cover art of my Couch & Company  story. Hope you enjoy it and explore more of the artistic side of life at  Paint Party Friday .   Still the kid I used to be Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes. Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report .
Read more

Paper Bag Princess Gowns & Mom's Homemade Dresses

-
Image
Remember the beloved children's tale The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch? She had only a paper bag to wear after a dragon destroyed her castle and belongings. The shallow prince whom she rescued showed his true nature by complaining she didn't look like a princess dressed in that bag. Good riddance to the prince but here are some paper dresses any royal or awesome regular girl would be proud to wear. I came upon these works of art at the Oakridge Mall in Vancouver. Hopefully, they will end up in a local museum or someplace where more people will enjoy them. The lovely regal garments made of paper capture the elements and majesty of the natural world. The Langara College Paper Couture Exhibition by Vancouver design students explains what materials are used to create the clothing: "All of the dresses are made from a variety of recyclable white or brown paper, tissue, tapes, glue, spray paint, adhesives, paper twine, coffee filters, cardboard, string, thum...
Read more

The Door To Forest Magic At Sandy Trail

-
Image
There it was ... a bright dollop of sunshine in a tangle of forest greens, browns and silvery grays. The yellow door snuggled against a tree said Fairy Hall and, in tiny faint lettering beneath, No Trolls . Oh, how I'd love to know what goes on inside Fairy Hall. I wanted to tap on the door but, a giant by comparison, I didn't want to cause a scare. I often take the Sandy Trail with its gravelly path, woodsy stumps, well-trod stairs, rabbits, birds and squirrels. I know every twist and rustling sound. But I hadn't noticed the small door before. This unexpected bit of whimsy magic tucked into the forest floor made me curious about what else was in the mysterious thicket I'd yet to explore. When I continued on my way, the trees leaned in ... as if they had a secret to tell. Later, I found another fairy door (below), welcoming, but only to a select few. See OUR WORLD to explore more sights from around the globe and SIGNS, SIGNS . Still the kid I used to be ...
Read more