Often described
Using words such as
Fluffy, whispy, thin
Their colors varying
From white to gray or blue
Even pink or red
Depending on the position of the sun-
Constantly shifting
Changing direction and shape
As they gently float past each other
That is until light disappears
Pressing them together
In the darkness
No longer able to hold their fear, anger, confusion
And it pours out in a furious storm-
Unlike us, they have no choice
In the length of their encounters
Or the strength of their stormy release
Like us, they have power
To spark imagination
And provide a moment
Of sweet relief on a
Blazing hot summer day-
They, by offering refreshing shade
Us, by giving a glass of water
And a friendly smile
Measures
Relief, joy, calm
Emotions experienced
In different measure
At the births of
Our three children –
Circumstances varied greatly
Each one a miracle-
Whether feeling
Relief, joy, or calm
Thankfulness covered us
Like a warm blanket –
And each miraculous time
Love was the binding
That wrapped each stitch
The gentle hand
That collected each tear
While changing each diaper
Our children know their stories. They’ve heard them more than once. And they know each other’s stories. If asked, they could choose which emotion most closely matches their birth. They are also the best at describing each other’s personalities.
I’m thankful they call me Mom. ❤️
Simply Sunday
Oh, Bother
It’s not the getting older
That bothers me
Yes, I often wish
My body felt less stiff
My joints were less achy
But it’s not the getting older
That bothers me
Aging is a natural progression–
I’m beginning to understand
What bothers me-
It is the time passed
Compared to the probability
Of the time remaining
Life’s great happiness is to be convinced that we are loved. Les Miserables, Victor Hugo
Handwriting and Technology
My stack of paper journals is growing. I love them. I love writing in them and using certain pens. But there does come a point when I must think about the amount of paper and what to do with all these journals…
An important part of my writing process is the actual handwriting. There is something about the use of cursive lettering and the way it flows. I had not considered a completely technological option…until now.
I wrote the examples below using a digital notebook. The handwriting is mine! And with one click, it was converted to text that I could edit. It is still an experiment, but I’m excited about the possibilities. Has anyone else tried something like this? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
An experiment merging the past with the present while
looking to the future. The foundation is technically the
same. Feelings transferred from thoughts to words.
Visible for reading in the writer’s own script. Yet it is not
written with a pen. And not written on paper. Is it a
mystery? No. It’s an imaginative invention. Kind of
exciting, don’t you think?
On Display
Sun rays pierce
Dark clouds
Shining their light
Through the rain–
That is a typical
Description
Wouldn’t you say?
But how about this?
Sun rays shining
Over the top
Of a fluffy white cloud
Not through the middle
Somehow
Over the face
As if that cloud was
Made of cotton
Or painted
On a canvas
Hanging in a museum
Underneath the light
Of a brilliant lamp
Worth Repeating
Their design was clear
Visual perspective
Undeniable
High to low
Largest to smallest
Right in front of me
Moving in the same direction-
Of course, their presence was
Fleeting, as we were
Traveling at different speeds-
Me, driving down a
Straight-shot highway
Speed controlled by my foot
On the gas pedal
The clouds, stair-stepping
Their way from the heavens
Down toward the Earth
Speed controlled by the wind
Their design was clear
Visual perspective
Undeniable
What is the Point?
I am looking forward to spending this long holiday weekend with Mom. I am certain we will go out for lunch and to Starbucks. Oh, and probably eat ice cream. 😉 Where we go and what we do isn’t the point though. The point is spending time.
Being back where I grew up allows me time for reflecting. And in those reflections, new memories are added. With that in mind, I decided to re-share two poems I wrote several years ago.
Happy Independence Day!
Safety Net
Grandma and Grandpa
Lived next door
Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
Numbering in double digits
Big kids played
With little kids
Running and laughing
Growing stronger
And bigger with
Each passing year
An unspoken truth
That no matter
How far I fell
Someone would catch me-
Like a little child
Bouncing on a knee
Ride a little horsey
Don’t fall down-
A truth that remains
Despite passing time
And increasing distance-
A living safety net
Interwoven from one
Generation to the next
Fourth of July
He worked hard
His entire life
Married young
Raised nine kids
In the country
Strong and stubborn
Loved to laugh
Mellowed over time-
Without a doubt
Dealt with struggles
That I never knew-
I still see him
On the porch
In his overalls
After a long day
Promising to dance
At my wedding
If I will check the mail-
Liked to argue
Loved his family
Was always ready
To welcome them home-
Looking forward to
Family gathering later
That very day-
But in the morning
While everyone slept
After waking early
And making the coffee
He sat down in his
Favorite chair
At the young age of sixty-seven
Grandpa died on the Fourth of July
Simply Sunday
You gave me a wide place for my steps under me,
and my feet did not slip.
—
2 Samuel 27:37
COUNTING STEPS
It begins with
The very first ones
Celebrating
As little legs
Move faster
Go farther
Grow stronger
But do I continue
Counting only for
The sake of numbers
Or contemplate
The imprints
Left behind-
There is a choice
Adjust my steps
Gentle to firm
Hasty to calm
Dependent on
Current conditions
Guided by love
Or tromp thru
Each new season
Unaware of anyone
Or anything but me
Leaving no benefit
For those following
Or walking alongside-
Accepting my steps are numbered
Making sure each one counts
Book Release Day!
Today’s the day!
Quiet Embers: A Poetry of Faith is now available at the following links. There is also a Goodreads link for anyone who reads the collection and would be willing to leave a review.
My goal in writing is always honesty and connection. My hope is for the reader to be encouraged and just maybe to think Me, too! ❤️
Special thanks again to Tara Caribou at Raw Earth Ink.
Simply Sunday
It is sometimes difficult to slow down in our busy world. Phrases like Just Breathe and Smell the Roses are commonly shared. Easy to say. I hesitate to offer similar advice. And certainly don’t suggest missing an event by trying to capture every moment. But when something catches your eye or your heart, it’s okay to stop and take the picture. 📸
Piano Girl 