~and now it's spring

Cool mornings, and a freshness fills my lungs...
with the urgent need of spring.

A pale light casting across the garden...
I wait for warmth, the sun will bring.

The morning doves gather for their calling...
and cooing, for the urgent need of spring.

A path of dampness invites a journey...
with bare feet, the grass begins to cling.

Sheltered in this early morning beauty...
a grateful voice within me, begins to sing...

~and now it's spring...

Our Lotus Life

Our life is like the lotus flower,
Waiting for the birthing hour
We float in water, in joyous mirth,
To share our beauty in the earth

While in the womb, we often sing,
Then popping out with leaves of green
Such tender buds point to the sky
To drink in light as we float by

We're given years to equal petals.
Our hearts grow up among the nettles.
But we survive to seize the day,
Allowing love its joyous way

Our years pass by and as we fade,
The lotus once so gently made,
Is traveling through the thick of night,
Arriving in a different light

A different light of golden measure
Our faded petals are now a treasure
We stand in awe of light we see
And dwell with love’s eternity

sung to the tune of "Oklahoma!"

OHHHHH~the daffodils are growing up around my ears,
and they smell so sweet, it's a springtime treat
and I hope they never disappear.

OHHHH~the daffodils are swaying gently in the breeze,
and I'm loving this, most alluring bliss,
but I feel as if I have to sneeze!

Thanks, that's it.(sniff, sniff).

there's always a camera... smile

From what I can tell of history we're not learning to negotiate. Or maybe the heads of states decide how many airplanes to give up, to keep it going. We've shared a bunch of planes, weapons and things, so both sides of a battle can fight.

Over here, we're being told that the biggest concern is internet addiction to games and connections? Really, that's it?

What if heads of state had to play games to determine the outcome of negotiations? Ha ha, sorry, you're right; they already do that. Of course none of them are addicted to internet so it's okay.

Well whether or not you're dying in a war zone or playing 'Blitz' on "Facebook", please remember... there's always a camera... smile.

:(

Sunday funny

Comic Source:
http://xkcd.com/

storms and inspirations

There was a time when I hated storms. The morning walk from car to workplace, in heels, made no sense at all. Couldn't we simply cancel work or have a personal taxi pick us up? My poor water-dirt spattered legs. Rubber booties weren't available unless you were nine years old. Cutting out the toe area of the boot would have 'defeated' the purpose. No, not for the purpose of staying dry, but to make that long, stupid walk to work! Alas I was much too young to feel inspired; too old to appreciate a 'class A' mud puddle. But then I became disabled and could no longer work. You don't know how many times I watched the morning lineup of cars heading to work in the rain... and wished I could join them. I'd take that walk, smiling, thankful, for the joy of working.

Fast forward to today, some eleven years later. Life is so different because I've grown in understanding of God, self, others... and storms. There are things I call 'my work' that give me peace and happiness. I'm inspired by those who face this dilemma and find their treasure. Without their inspiration I might have kept watching storms in vain. (I used to hear a song in the back of my mind: “Rainy days and Mondays, always get me down.”)

Recently my home state experienced a horrible storm. I listened to 30mph winds race around and over my house. Thunder rumbled, and it was hard to tell that from the limbs falling onto the roof. My first reaction was to grab the safety candles in case the power went out. This went on for hours and I hoped, hoped for others. I thought about those people without homes and their long walk to find shelter. How would they stand up against the wind? I felt inspired to hold positive thoughts... although I wavered a bit in the beginning. Ironically I was reading, “Never Ever Give Up!,” when the storm arrived. In my own fear I found strength for other people. No... I think God took my fear and made it a positive. I cannot explain this conclusion; most might say it's a matter of personal choice. I believe that “God within me” gives the ability to make that choice. (No... there's a scripture that comes to mind: “I can do all things, through Christ, which strengthens me.”) So when, out of fear, I asked for the safety of others, I received strength to hold them in positive thoughts. This doesn't mean no lives will be lost, no houses damaged, or no limbs piled high in the yard. This is what I see that helps me. Just a thought, but how often are we inspired by the storm in someone else life? Answers are not required, but welcomed, here.

The storm passed over and I 'returned' to my work. Chapter one of “Never Ever Give Up,” seems to be moving right along. Thank you :)

Fashion for the rainy season

I hope you won't allow the gray skies and rain to always ruin your day. Once in a while it's okay to feel blah and duck into a corner of your couch. Keeping in mind that ducks love water; so probably adore rain. Just pretend your a duck.

For those souls who have no choice but to brave the outdoors... I offer you 'fashion for the rainy season'. Just the thing to uplift your mood and others around you. Think of the intriguing remarks from co-workers:

Tom: Hi Sara... love your heeled boots!
Sara: Thanks Tom... I borrowed them from my husband.
Tom: Ewww.

Okay, if you feel inclined to add something, then leave it in the little box. It's rainy out and I'm bored.

Pain in Japan: Shedding

(Japanese tulip tree near my home ~ dc)

Pain in Japan

"RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan (Reuters) – In a devastated landscape of splintered homes, rotting bodies and twisted cars, an elderly man walks with stooped shoulders searching for any object that can bring back memories of his daughter.
"Her home used to be there but that is gone," the man who asked to be called by his family name Kikuchi said, pointing at a spot in the town of Rikuzentakata, leveled by the tsunami of nearly two weeks ago.
"My daughter is missing. She is gone. I was up in the hills above town and couldn't get to her in time," Kikuchi said in a steady voice.
"I am looking for something that can remind me of her. There must be something here," Kikuchi said and then resumed wandering through the mud-strewn debris in the town of broken buildings erased by a giant wall of water."

[This story touched me and I felt compelled to write a poem with a different ending. The father will find a tree he gave her years ago. Fictional, yes, however it seems likely to happen... somwehere. What terrible pain and a long time of shedding tears.]

Shedding

A tulip tree is shedding flowers ~
like shedding tears.
'Cause nature came in awesome power ~
igniting fears.

A tulip tree yielding to the wind ~
without any pain.
A father's heartache will never mend ~
his search in vain.

A tulip tree is firmly grounded ~
with roots that ache.
Her home is gone from being pounded ~
from wave and quake.

A tulip tree is what he bought her ~
a simple pleasure.
The only thing left of his daughter ~
his greatest treasure.

The tulip tree was moved to his yard ~
shedding flowers ~
like shedding tears.
He continues smiling but it's hard ~
lonely hours ~
memories dear.

Almost

INSTALLING SPRING...
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Another chance to rise

“When the odds are stacked against us, we often rise to the occasion and surprise people... including ourselves!” ~B.J. Gallagher

In the last few months challenges have appeared for me to solve. Often times I cannot do it alone. I turn to friends to hear about their experiences. I've also found solace in reading blogs. It is a real treasure to have sources of experience and love so close by. Isolation has never been the answer for me.

Lately I'm studying formal portrait painting. I've done portraits but relied on a self taught process. Having listened to the best, and observed their talent, I shall attempt to give it another go.

My Dad's estate is taking some time to be resolved. You might recall, he passed last October. But more than the issue of the estate is the issue of feelings I do not have. Unfortunately we had a turbulent relationship; never did resolve our differences. As a result I am resolving them as best I can. Oddly I find I don't care what happens to any property. I'm not a coveting sort of person. It's surprising to me that I must have let go a while back. I thought I might feel guilty for not missing him, as much as I miss my Mom, but that hasn't happened.

My husband is still unemployed. Since April of 2010 we've taken life one day at a time. On the upside he's become quite the chef! After seventeen years of him tolerating my cooking, he finally agrees that I'm best at cleaning up after meals ~ hahahaha! Oh, I had trouble relinquishing control of 'my' kitchen, but not for long. When he returns to work I'm going to miss the 'happy meals'. I'm so addicted to his fresh vegetable blends.

My spine is not attached at the hip bones, or lower lumbar region. A fall many years ago broke my back and the result means my spine can move out of place. For three months I've been in therapy, hopefully to reverse the issue of late; my lumbar area has moved 5 millimeters forward.; another 5mm and I'll be paralyzed. Not to complain but I'm trying to surprise myself. As each issue presents itself I look to rise and claim success.

Thank you for reading what appears to be a self-absorbed blog post. Then again, as I said, isolation has never been the answer for me. And maybe, just maybe, as 'they' say... I'll feel more resolved by letting some of the craziness out in the light.

Shared

A small world ~ this drop of water upon a flower.

I marvel at the color and the balance ~ the joy of the petal.

A fleeting embrace ~ a capture of nature's beauty.

Life touching life ~ a moment is shared.



Image credit: T.J. Marlin (Thank you, T.)

Borrowed humor

http://xkcd.com/

Fringe

I watch a television show called, "Fringe"; basically it's about a parallel reality. Indeed, over there I might be a real writer!! I might paint the best acrylic canvasses in the world. I might tell funny jokes and short stories that rival Robin Williams. Or I might actually be sane!

A friend sent me this photo and I have no details to share about it. To me that's sad because I'd love to see this metallic art piece. I would find it unique to be standing beside it in the city, while seeing the same city in it.

Well, I like it and had to share it. Whether or not you watch the show, it's an amazing piece of work in the photo. It makes me feel as if I'm standing on the 'fringe' of something bigger than myself.

whether or not to be vain ~ a question

Are we vain when we brag about good weather? Whether vain or not, we need to be grateful when the weather is nice.


"Just let your smile be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day?" Might as well as these umbrellas aren't performing.



Good weather is a gift. Enjoy it because you never know when it will be gone with the wind.



Image credit:
Graphics Fairy
My pictures 2005
Movie still, 'Gone with the wind'

a child's world

A new generation of nieces and nephews have invaded my world. They descend upon my heart like gentle doves, soft and cooing. They conquer my mind with their laughter and smiling faces. And now I prepare to enter a child's world and produce another 'masterpiece' that teaches family names and positions.

My last book was about a rocking horse for my niece, Kaitlyn. Each family member did some task to help build the horse. By the time the book was finished, Kaitlyn knew the names and positions, (aunts, uncles, cousins), of her family unit. I understand that Kaitlyn keeps her book in a special box so no one can touch it without her permission. That's quite the compliment to me. I'm so glad she likes it.

Okay, now to write something cute and meaningful for her younger brother, Adam. He's the little fella pictured in my previous blog. His Mom says he's into wheels and the color green. Here's the challenge then: finding something that the family can build for him. The object must have enough parts for everyone to have a task. If you think of an object, feel free to let me know.



Above Image: 'The Graphics Fairy' - see my reading list

Pinch me?

There are those who say they will pinch me if I don't wear green clothes on March 17th. Yep, they call the day, St. Patrick's Day. I don't know about your saints but I hope my saints don't go around pinching people. But just in case I had my Mom buy a bunch of little green shirts.

Now if only the wind would stop blowing so my hair will lie down. It looks like a lion's mane. Oh, maybe that's okay, doesn't March come in like a lion and go out like a lamb?! And if so does it mean I need a white shirt for the lamb look? Pink is out as I'd rather be pinched than wear pink.

I'm hungry, so I'll write more later :))

The Reflection

In the coolness of a morning
My sweet cubs come to drink
And ~
They see themselves as I was
Recognizing the reflection

I am rare and some would seek me
For trophy’s gain and outer beauty ~

In jungle brush and flowered tree
They make-believe it is my duty ~

To stand and roar but never flee
For the shot that rings incessantly ~

And takes me down
Where my cubs mourn
Until ~
In the coolness of a morning
My sweet cubs come to drink
And ~
They see themselves as I was
Recognizing the reflection

Morning Forest (reposted)

On mountain morn I watched the light
The sun arose with awesome flight
Across the snow, rays fell in lines
Creating trees that looked divine.

The sky was red, then turned to pinks
The fog did flirt with several winks
A line of green did peek and leave
A sight so rare, I now believe.

The bitter cold against my face
I longed return to warmer place
I sketched the sky and then the sun
Included trees and I was done.

Arriving home I warmed my hands
To paint the scene of lovely land
When I was done the painting showed
An early sun with beauty glowed.



(Painting and poem by dcrelief.)

Pictures for children

Here are some pictures your children can color.

au naturalle

This year I refuse to stand in a store line to buy a card or anything else for Valentine's Day. Sure, I love my little Koko Koala, but she wants me to come up with something "green," rather than spending green. So between my refusal and her request, this Valentine's will be the best.

I glued red berries to a piece of bark and carved "I love you". Now I'm off to collect some really lovely eucalyptus leaves; won't she be pleased?!

Then on the happy day I'll pick insects and dirt from her fur. Then she'll slap me upside the head and bite my arm. We'll finally snuggle in the tropical rain. This is going to be a great Valentine's.

anti valentine

Anti valentine

This is a brief message to readers from “Alistair Cookie.” He is one tiny journalistic bundle who adores the work of Alistair Cooke. Mr. Cooke, a noted British/American journalist impressed the little one on the quality of life. Now the small protégé will speak his mind on ‘anti valentine’.

“Hello! It’s been a long time since I’ve written. I forgot how to turn the computer on, hahaha. Not to worry as I have found the little red button on the power strip (electrical carousel); shhh, mums the word.

I am inundated with correspondence regarding the obnoxious commercialism of all holidays. This has led to a tired exclamation that ‘every day is a holiday.’ Call me small but I don’t think that’s a solution. I don’t want to be mailing out cards for every day of the week! Besides licking the stamps makes my tummy hurt; eyuck!

In conclusion if you’re anti valentine, it’s no problem for me. As long as anti valentine doesn’t mean you’re anti love… then all is well.

Take care, and keep that correspondence coming. You might include some choco-chip cookies for faster reply, hahahaa!”

~Al

a piece of nature

Down the road are the remnants of a tree. There’s a carving of a heart in the bark. It’s been around a long time and only the wind knows who made it. When I first saw it I stopped dead in my tracks. Amazing! Too bad I didn’t bring the background into focus. Then again it has provided me with this post, so the shot was not in vain.

How I miss this area. We had a huge forest where trees could slowly die with dignity. No chainsaws were ever heard in there. Wild flowers on vines meandered along the limbs. I once sat on a fallen tree surrounded by hundreds of blue morning glories. It was so beautiful, I cried.

I hope you have a piece of nature, close by, to love.

Mostly ~

Gary writes klahanie"> a great emotive blog. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, and sometimes, I want to slap this guy! (I’m just joking, Gary.) Gary and his side-kick Penny, (the Jack Russell dog), are quite famous over the internet. They also write!

It is with humble and partially insane, egotistical delusion, that I accept the “Life is Good Award” from Gary. It gets better because I get to pass it on to other bloggers!! Thank you very much, Gary.

There are certain requirements in accepting this award:

1. Thank and put a link back to the person who kindly gave this award.
2. Share a few things about yourself.
3. Pass the award on to other bloggers. (No limit given.)
4. Inform the bloggers that they have received the award.


Ironically, when I feel that life is good, I also get a vision of a piano falling on my head. Not a literal piano but a crashing-sort of burden would seem to appear. I fear looking at the horizon; hey, is that a tornado headed this way?? Time to strap down the piano!

Life as I feared had greater things in store for me. I learned that I could play that piano, releasing emotions that were harmful and yet good for me to resolve. Long wondrous melodies were circling in my head; I felt reborn as I shared them with the walls. The harmonious blend of sound took and shook my walls, and I felt free. I wasn’t going to tote that piano anywhere anymore, because the keys to “Life is good” left their composition in my soul. (I’ll move on from the dramatics, as I wanted to be an actor at one time.)

The only life I know (or remember?) is this one. I feel blessed by a Creator I cherish, knowing that more will be revealed for my life. I used to see physical limitations as a curse. Today I realize that if I were totally healthy, I wouldn’t make time to do the things I do. Just like some friends and family, I’d live life in the fast lane. In my mind it’s akin to running away from my self. Lying all ego aside I claim that life is good… mostly. I hope yours is mostly good too.

I pass the “Life is Good Award” to the following bloggers/writers. If you’d rather not participate, that’s fine. No questions asked. Just know that I greatly enjoy your web site, and the “good life” I read about when I’m visiting.

David @ A Day in the Life">

Julie @ A Jewel Shining Through">

Heather@ Soundoff">">

Maria@ Calm Energy">

Mattie@ A Moment with Mattie">

Roger @ The Buddhist Conservative">

"Support can be beautiful"*

It’s the day of the great “Super Bowl” and I wanted to show my support. Yes sir, if I had to go another week I’d scream. Yes ma’am, and when the last second ticks away I hope I’m having a nice catnap. I’ll have to keep the snoring in check. After all I’m married to man who eats this stuff up.

Speaking of eating; there’s a huge bag of chicken wings to be smothered and covered in sauce, and then baked. There’s more and he’s busy prepping as I type. He even vacuumed the living room; he really wants to watch the big TV. I hide around the corner and laugh, but silently.

Speaking of hiding; there’s no way to miss finding your way to the restroom. This bowl sends out prism-like signals. You’d have to be blind to miss it. It kind of reminds me of the football network’s attitude: No one should ever miss a “Super Bowl.”

Green Bay Packers are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. If I can survive whoever murders the National Anthem I’ll stay for the kick-off. If not, my next stop is waking up in time to see the teams walk off the field.


“Support can be beautiful”*
* A trademark logo for ‘Playtex’ for women.
Image: Alibaba

Passing on the Jolly Good Tag

David a fellow writer & blogger sent me this survey. Why? Because it says to 'pass it on' when you're done. Thank you, David, for the tag. It was fun and interesting. I always enjoy his posts, and hope you will too.

A Day in the Life:Dave's Progress">

You can read my own answers here. A Jolly Good Tag">">
It's my turn to spread the fun and joy to four bloggers. Please do not feel any pressure or obligation to do this. It's entirely up to you.


The Buddhist Conservative

A Moment with Mattie

A Jewel Shining Through

Calm Energy


1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?

3. What is the one thing most hated by you?

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?

7. What is your bedtime routine?

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?

9. If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?

10. What kinds of books do you read?

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?

12. What’s your fear?

13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space?

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?

15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be?


17. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?

19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?

Love your pet

Click on picture to enlarge.
Poem written by dcrelief.
Image: Charles Schultz

The little love

Oh creature of delight, may I speak to you
Of the little love I feel?
I am small but my heart is growing larger
And before your love, I kneel

Chorus:
(“What? You’re kidding me?”)

Your little love’s been rubbing fur with Henry
So your love was never mine?
You say the cage hole isn’t large enough
Until you birth eight or nine?

Chorus:
(“Good on you, Henry.”)

Oh creature of delight, I’ll find another,
Who will be my tiny bride?
And cherish passion and devotion
For little love that still abides

Chorus:
(“Ciao baby!”)


Featuring:
‘Hammy Gerbilicious’
The Gerbil Shakespeare Chorus

February is love month

I take the time to sit and watch the gooey chocolate candy commercials. So many varieties are covered and smothered in a rich bath of yum. I can choose peanuts, cream-filled, fruit filled, caramel, and lots more; there’s no end in sight.

Lots of making and baking cookies; the kitchen is a dangerous place for me to be. I linger with the smell of oatmeal, peanut butter, and coconut cookies in the air. Lining metal tins with parchment paper, I realize the weight loss goal for February will be moved to March!

Fudge should be savored and not swallowed whole. Place tiny morsels in a clean salt shaker, to sprinkle on ice cream another time. Walnuts are very nice in dark fudge but I prefer pecans in the milk chocolate varieties. Peanut butter fudge is probably my favorite.

What’s your favorite candy?

Russian winter

It looks so lovely ~ this beautiful Russian winter. I am ‘captured’ at first glance by the blues’ hues. Feeling all cozy I downloaded the rest of my aunt’s photos. Suddenly my own winter feels more tolerable. Oh yes, I do love snow, but this is way too much for me.






Thank you Auntie Nett; no more complaints from me :)

In Time

Where the rocks meet the shore, there I wait
And search the horizon for the ship that comes for me

Oh blessed ship, do not delay until the dark
Lest my countenance fades at the roar of the sea


Only in my mind does the roar cause fear
Friends who said goodbye gave me hope and cheer
With promises of love they will meet me here
On a morning of new birth, in joy I reappear


Where the rocks meet the shore, I’ll return
The sun’s light greets the path of my new time

Oh blessed path what will you weave for me to learn
Within this life that gives me everything divine

In time~

Jolly good tag!

All the way from England my friend has tagged me to answer 19 questions. You can read his own tagged experience on his blog, “A Day in the Life; Dave’s Progress: chapter 104.” Participation is not required as it’s all in good humour/humor. I rise to the challenge, clean my keyboard, and thank Dave, for this jolly good tag!

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family? Any pet would automatically be a family member. I don’t have one right now.

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be? I’d love to see all the ancient architecture of the Middle Eastern nations.

3. What is the one thing most hated by you? The abuse of children seems rampant in this country. Some reach their teen years and commit suicide. Others like me grow up and find life a small struggle at times.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars? I’d make a plan to help children, elderly, homeless, hungry, and medically-deprived people.

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood? Some sort of action, like singing, helps. A simple distraction until I subconsciously solve it.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone? Both of these are a blessing. Giving love is the most important thing we do. Receiving what you have given is a treasure. Either way, keep your acceptance level high, and your expectation level low.

7. What is your bedtime routine? Hahahahahahaha!

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner? I met my husband at a group setting for drug addicts 20 years ago!

9. If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be? I would like to have been with God as He created the earth. Then again, maybe I was, and that’s the secret of life.

10. What kinds of books do you read? Writings on ancient civilizations intrigue me. Books on creativity and ‘fix it yourself’ projects are great. Anything Stephen King, Ayn Rand or Fyodor Solzhenitsyn; yes in that order.

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time? I suppose I’d use a mirror. (Haha) Tag me then! Seriously I’m more comfortable staying in the moment.

12. What’s your fear? “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fear turns to love and I experience peace within.

13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space? No. I'd have to wear a space suit so I can’t touch it, feel it, or breathe it in; might as well wait until I die when I can meld with it. Anyway… give up junk food? Are you crazy?

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor? About the time I say I’d rather be married but poor, my husband might die and I’d be single and rich from life insurance.

15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? I say “good morning,” to the Lord.

16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be? I’d get rid of the migraine headaches he gets.

17. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be? Jorja Malloy… no particular reason; I just like the sound of it.

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done? I’d certainly try to work through the situation with the end goal of forgive and forget.

19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be? Chicken!

Well, my tag adventure is over. Thank you, David, for this jolly good tag. Don’t believe a word! (LOL) Now I have to pass this on. Who will I tag? Will they participate? (LOL)

tiny birds

You bring me joy
As you sit upon the limb
Such tiny birds
Appeal to every whim

You huddle close
A fluttering of the eyes
Just then a peep
As the sun begins to rise

Your sleep is done
Time to take a morning flight
My feeder waits
Where I watch with great delight

Sweet voices ring
Songs and sounds that lift my heart
When you must leave
Say goodnight before you part



Image title: 'birds on branch 006a'
From: “The Graphics Fairy”
(See my blog reading list.)

A talking gazebo

December 26th we had a wonderful snow day.
My parents’ home is a magical place to see.
Their gazebo is placed in the perfect spot to see sunrise and sunset.
It speaks to me and its memories are sweet.

Small brown birds visit daily. Bright red cardinals perch on the rail.
Blue hydrangeas bend under the weight of the snow; their time passed.
The evergreens in the background add color to the scene.
It speaks to me and the memories are sweet.

Loving parents did the best they could with their talents.
I am a product of both, and everything, since childhood.
The gazebo gave us hours to speak and be understood.
It speaks to me and the memories are sweet.

Each season has its beauty and darkness.
Accept both and wear contentment as an answer.
The gazebo gave me hours to listen and understand.
And now~ it speaks to me and the memories are complete.

squatter's rights

Snow play

Once again we have received a beautiful snow. Falling all night and now all day, I can’t wait to see the animals play. I did the best I could do to capture their fun and frolic. So without further adieu: “Smile for the birdie.”




‘Little Cardinal’ has fallen in love at first sight.




‘Snowball’, if we let you out, we might not find you later.




‘Susie’ hopes ‘Snowball’ is outside so she can chase her.




‘Noble’ is a dog for all seasons, and never meets a stranger.



The end~

Dusting

Winter brought a sweet, sweet snow
Dusting every tree and hedgerow
Whitened limbs with twigs and leaves
Envelope those who make-believe

Children warmed by hats and gloves
Are spying on the morning doves
Children’s tracks will disappear
Doves will fly away from here

A snowman built they circle him
And start a house of holly trim
He must be safe before next day
In case the sun comes out to play

Winter brought a sweet, sweet snow
Sleepy children still aglow
While all outside the wind is gusting
A second round of winter’s dusting

Heads or tales

One day I went to the nearby nursery to purchase plants; specifically the Oriental cabbage. Having arrived I traveled row to row inhaling the wonderful scents of winter flowering plants. I was captivated by the Red Bud, mesmerized by the Holly, and the Pine took me back to the past. Somewhere in-between the Paper Whites and the Hibiscus, I spied the cabbage of my choice!

The nursery used little red wagons to help you collect plants for purchasing. You simply load what you want and take it out to your vehicle for unloading. Little red wagons were everywhere! Oh, and I spied an even bigger-sized one; guess that was for transporting trees.

At home I took the Orientals out back and clustered them together. You know what they say: “Two heads are better than one.” Surely seven little heads would look really nice?! But~ I noticed that something was missing; something that had previously added to the picture of delight. What was missing? My head went ‘round and ‘round, thinking, wondering, and then… aha!

Tomorrow I shall be going to the hardware store in hopes of finding a little red wagon.

My head has finished this tale. Bye for now.

Ode to a friend ~ unconditional control

Can’t you see me? Can you see me~ I’m so lonely, so lost?
This better not rhyme because I’ve already paid a high cost
To love, to hate~
To all the things that make me ache

Don’t you have control? You have control~ of my love, my heart.
What was I thinking to give you that from the very start?
To goad me or guide me~
To hesitate dismissing your plea

Please change me, rearrange me, into whatever makes you want to stay.


Won’t you stay? You won’t stay because inside I’ve already told you, ‘no.’
Already, ready for your sigh; your last goodbye~
But please don’t go.

A breath of stars

What is it that I have taken in over the years I’ve lived?
Dreams allowed access to my heart as truth~ so young and not so smart yet.
At my age can I now be considered wise?
No, but I consider myself happy.

Do I release my dreams into the night air, like a breath of stars, into the sky?
It can be a single exhale~ I’ve no need to hold back.
Send them to safety and commit them to occur as they will or will not.
So many dreams prompt me to exhale more than once.

Is it better to give than to receive, believing the gifting is the greater blessing?
It is our dreams that move us~ we join in this universe of breath.
A breath of stars sent from each person to the sky.
To fall upon us later when we are ready and find our happiness from within.

Snow glow 2010

On Christmas evening we left a family gathering heading home. The closer we got home the more flakes fell; slowly getting bigger and bigger; coming down faster and faster. The excitement was electrifying as we pulled onto our street. What some often call, “the Christmas smell” was in the air.

My hometown meteorologist said it was the first Christmas snow, here, in two hundred years. I’m not sure about his stats, but it was the most beautiful I can recall since the 1960’s.

I stood out in the driveway snapping photos, while far off two churches were sounding evening chimes. I found myself praying that we have a small bit of snow to appease the children, and yet, not be burdensome on the homeless. I’ve come to believe that only God knows why things are or come to be as they are.

The next day the wind was blustery; snow swirled from branches overhead to the ground. You’d have thought it was snowing again. We didn’t get that much snow but the sense of quiet and peace it brought was joyfully received. Since then I feel so much more alive!

Wishing each of you a very Happy New Year~

Thank you for reading,

Dixie