Punam has challenged dVerse poets to think long and hard about the cities we live in ~ turn those thoughts into poetry!
Winter in Bend ~ For Nineteen Years
After moves that spanned seven states, each with its unique charm and character, I found my forever home in the heart of the Pacific Northwest ~ Bend Oregon. I have experienced diverse landscapes and cultures in Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Maryland, Georgia and Florida; my heart resonates most profoundly with Bend.
What sets Bend apart is not just its breathtaking outdoors, but the sense of community that permeates every corner. Despite being a city, Bend has a small-town charm; people genuinely care about one another. Whether its' our local farmer's market, community events ~ or simply strolling through historic downtown, a strong sense of camaraderie prevails. A spirit of innovation and creativity thrives here ~ I take full advantage of every opportunity that comes my way!
In Bend I've found my anchor. Though lovely memories of other states linger, Bend is where my heart feels truly at home.
here there everywhere
climatic kaleidoscopes
in Bend forever
I love this, Helen. It sounds like a wonderful place to call home. “Climatic kaleidoscopes” is a great description.❤️
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Helen. It must be a beautiful place to live.
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteYou certainly summed it up very nicely!
Hugs,
Mariette
Bend sounds wonderful. Thanks for taking me there, Helen.
ReplyDeletea strong sense of camaraderie prevails
ReplyDeletea spirit of innovation and creativity thrives here…
Great place Helen — Back in the day, Kath and I loved displaying and selling our work at the “Art in the High Desert” juried shows by the Deschutes River… ✌🏼🫶🏼
I remember looking at a real estate catalogue in Portland. I was eight years old and the'rents' idea of entertainment was to have me mark the listings that sounded good to me. I marked a few that sounded like good houses for relatively low prices. Mother said, "Oh dear, not BEND!"
ReplyDeleteLOL. That was in 1974. I believe everyone's meant to be in a place, and blessed are those who find theirs. I'm glad to find someone who loves Bend!
Bad Google! Sit! Stay! I'm not Anonymous, I'm Priscilla King.
ReplyDeleteHelen, your vivid descriptions highlight the city's small-town charm, strong community spirit, and the thriving atmosphere of innovation.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your haiku beautifully sums up the climatic kaleidoscopes of your experiences, emphasizing Bend as your enduring anchor. This is wonderful!
Much love,
David
SkepticsKaddish.com
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful area (much like Upper Michigan) and I understand how it captured your heart. xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove how lovingly you have described your lovely city, Helen! Home is where the heart is. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
ReplyDelete"Search no more" indeed! Your love for Bend comes through every line. Many, many happy years there, Helen, where your "heart has found its home"!
ReplyDeleteDelightful! Your city is so picturesque. There is something about "place" that matters so much to us. I'm glad you found yours!
ReplyDeleteI have been to Bend, only briefly, but I fell in love with it.
ReplyDelete