Happy Haiga Day!

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

Text:

binge-watching
...the bouquets that go
unpicked

Poetry Friday--It's National Mac and Cheese Day!

Inspired by Tabatha Yeatts' post on donuts two weeks ago, I have decided to celebrate another beloved food--macaroni and cheese. July 14 has been designated as National Mac and Cheese Day and I'm celebrating with a non-caloric mac and cheese poem! I hope other bloggers will be celebrating the day, too.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

Text:

It's All about the Crumbs

Macaroni and cheese is
a diet-busting
cheddary
toothsome
tongue coating
easily going
down the gullet
dinner-time staple.

Go the extra step
and finely crush
a sleeve of crackers
sprinkle them over
the top, dot with
butter and bake
until the crumbs
are golden brown.

What you now have
is a magnific
mac and cheese.
That little crunch
surprises the palate
pleases the plebeian
gratifies the gastronome
exemplifies America.


Who knew I'd be writing a patriotic poem? If I were to go back, I probably would have used a word other than magNIFic. [Imposing in size or splendor : exalted.] It's not common, and people will probably read it as magnificent, or magnifique. Magnifique sort of negates the American emphasis of the poem. What word would you suggest?

My favorite addition to macaroni and cheese is fresh tomatoes. What's yours? Or do you prefer it plain? The good old blue box kind? Cheddar, American? What cheeses go into your mac and cheese? Do you make a cream sauce first? And as for the crumbs, I like the original Ritz crackers, but you may have another preferred crumb. What a versatile dish! I even love it cold.

I feel badly for those with dairy allergies. At least there's now plenty of gluten-free varieties of macaroni for those with gluten or wheat issues.

If you're short on time, you can whip up a single-serving size in a microwaveable coffee mug. I've done it and recommend you give it a try! Here's the simple recipe I've used (your quantities and cooking times may vary):

In a large mug or deep bowl (a Pyrex one-cup measure works well), stir in 1/3 cup uncooked macaroni and 1/2 cup water. Microwave for 3 minutes, stir, then microwave for an additional 2 minutes.

Stir in a scant 1/4 cup milk and approximately 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Cook one minute more.

You can add crumbs at this point and put the mug under the broiler, but that makes for more prep, risks burning the crumbs, and, results in a mug that is too hot to handle. In other words, skip the crumbs.

Word of warning: you may need to soak your mug for a while after eating, although you could probably begin by greasing the mug.

Tabatha Yeatts: The Opposite of Indifference is hosting the Poetry Friday Round-Up, so head over there for more non-caloric poetry treats!

Haiku Sticky #417

For today, a cherita instead of a haiku.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

Text:

political rants

go unanswered
by a cat

one of several
reasons she prefers
to live alone

Happy Haiga Day!

A little something inspired by my friend Pamela Ross. We, along with several others, have been discussing attending the Highlights workshop, "The Craft and Heart of Writing Poetry for Children" in October.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. The photo was taken several years ago at the Andres Institute of Art.

Text:

poised on the threshold
in or out?
the doorknob remains
in your hands

Poetry Friday--Back by Popular Demand

Some of you asked that I continue my Katku series, so, since you asked...here are three more Katku!

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. "The Rider" by Edwin Lord Weeks.

Text:

cat perched...
the swivel desk chair
holds a surprise

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. "Cherry Blossoms" by Lilla Cabot Perry (1911).

Text:

none actually
saw the vase tip over
...mopping up

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. "Morning Light" by William MacGregor Paxton.

Text:

east-facing window
cat hopes to catch the birds
if only by glimpse


Carol at Beyond Literacy Link will be rounding up the poetry links this week!

Next Friday, July 14, is National Macaroni and Cheese Day! Mac and cheese is one of my all-time favorite foods, so, I'm planning on having a mac and cheese poem ready to celebrate. How about you? Will you join the celebration, too? Have a great week!

Haiku Sticky #416

Happy Independence Day. This a a rather melancholy senryu. It's not a good feeling when you're constantly thinking about moving to another country.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

Text:

7/4/17
a renewed wish to be
independent

Happy Haiga Day!

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Dude ranch ad Sunset, 1898. Cowgirl photo courtesy George Eastman Museum.