STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

Special Treat ??“ Carol Roach 

July 11, 2005 

Journey to the Inner Core of My Being

Carol Roach

When I gaze into the mirror I see a round, plain olive-skinned face, small thin lips, big nose, dark brown, slightly graying hair, and small dark brown eyes. The eyes appear to be half shut, only because I am nearsighted and I don??™t see very much ahead of me. The eyes are dark pools of mystery and intrigue; so many secrets buried within. The eyes are sad but they are wise for they have seen into the heart of many. 

Beyond the eyes the journey begins through the occipital lobe to the centre of my core. The journey is slow and it is reflective. First stop is the parade of neurons, sizzling, and firing in rapid succession. This fireworks display is equal to any 4^th of July celebration, if not more spectacular, more grandiose. 

After standing so long in one place and looking at the show, I feel the need for exercise; I must stretch my legs, and give my heart a workout to get the creative juices flowing again. So I frolic on the big trampoline of grey matter called the brain. It is fun to romp, it is fun to be childlike again, it is fun to bounce up and down and throw caution to the wind. I am eternally young, I am carefree, and I am free-spirited. 

Alas the fun must end for now, but not forever. I must rest. I must rejuvenate my soul. It is time once more to sit back and watch, reflect, internalize, and integrate. I take the gondola ride down the river of veins; a red gushing sea of blood, warm, inviting, soothing, penetrating, replenishing, exhilarating and life-sustaining.

The scenic view is spectacular. The lungs loom out at me. They at first appear most menacing, larger than the other landmarks, brownish and grim. Huge mountains, reaching the sky, inhaling the brisk fresh air of insight, enlightenment, and creativity; the smell of these muses are oh so sweet.    

Beyond the mountains, the heart juts forth to claim its rightful place. It is purple red, huge, pulsating, strong, powerful, sensational, a sentinel at the core of my being, guarding my vital organs, preserving the essence of me. The heart protects, it soothes, and it calms and cradles me with love. It nurtures and teaches me to give back that love to the rest of the world. Oh what a wonderful mentor, powerful and strong, loving and kind, the perfect balance created by the divine.

The ribs encase me on my gondola journey. They protect me from the harsh reality of the exterior world. They shelter me from the often suffocating rays of criticism I may receive from the sons of men, but not the sun of the universe. They are the protective trees, sheltering me from the blistering human heat from harsh words and negative attitudes. They provide oxygen to cool my skin, and refresh my writing muse.

I slide down a waterfall of blood to the valley of my stomach. I go to the very core. I am surprised to see that I am not in a basin at all. I am at the top of a mighty volcano, looking in. The lava is red hot, yellow, thick, and frothing over with pregnant thoughts. Within my belly, the fires continuously burn. I watch the bubbles form. I rejoice in the constant movement of the mixture. I am not afraid, I await the wonderful magma of my artist genius as it sometimes oozes, and sometimes gushes forth from my being to the pen and paper that I hold in my hand.

My innards gush forth, my beauty is exposed. I share the very essence of me with the world. My love and my creativity are immortalized in my writing forever.

Carol Roach

winterose@videotron.ca

A Native of Montreal, Quebec, Carol is a graduate of Concordia, and McGill University.  She holds a bachelor in psychology and a masters in counselling psychology.  Carol Roach is a published writer and newsletter editor.  You can purchase her book: Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey at www.publishamerica.com, or www.amazon.com.  You can also go to your local bookstore and order it there as well.  Carol has now finished her second novel and currently looking for a publisher. 

If you are interested in other stories feel free to join her newsletter: Storytime Tapestry at: http://subs.zinester.com/98907 , or email her directly at winterose@videotron.ca and she will be glad to accommodate you.  Carol enjoys email and responds to every inquiry.