I know that face It’s a year older But, still, the face Of a child The smile A bit more Confident You were one of my favorites that year Yes I remember Kind Hard-working Friendly Artistic Your face Why could I not remember your name? Hours later And miles away My mind clears A name appears That’s it! Remembering Makes me smile
Last night was meet the teacher time at school. Former students often return with their younger siblings to say hello. One stopped by my table. I was so glad to see him. We talked about the previous school year. I asked if he was taking an art class. Yes! He smiled.
Tomorrow is the first day of this school year. There will be so many faces, old and new. And though it may take a while to remember their names, connections will begin with their smiles.
Sharing two poems today that I wrote in a recent poetry circle with Ali Grimshaw. If this is something you’ve considered participating in, check out her website. I continue to be amazed at the process and thankful for the connections. ❤️ https://flashlightbatteries.blog/
Hold the Door!
The same door Same hallway Same faces, mostly Day in, day out Oh, it’s a fine door Bright hallway Smiling faces, mostly What would happen if I changed my entrance? No, not a different door Just held this door For someone else Walked that hallway With intention Bravely met all Those faces Not just with a smile But with me Whatever me happens To show up that day- Honest, unafraid My heart open Ready to receive Ready to be received
Circles of Change
Thought I was walking Down a new path Confident change Was preparing To peak out from Around the corner At any minute Any corner… Any day now… But it remained Hidden-not ready To show its face Maybe I had been Walking around In a circle Seems I am back Where I started Or perhaps That magnetic Starting line Loosened its grip Just a bit Before gently Pulling me back Tugging at my heart Allowing time to grasp A new perspective- After all, life’s Biggest changes Are often felt, not seen
Yesterday marked four years since my first Piano Girl blog post! I continue to be thankful for this WordPress family. I look forward to reading your words and continuing to find new connections.
A lot has happened in four years. Not the least of all, living through a pandemic. Times of sickness, death, isolation, masks, and vaccinations. Challenging does not begin to describe.
And yet, good things pushed their way through the muck. Extended time with family. New friends connecting across the miles thru zoom. Resilience tested and proven within so many. I even had my first book published!
No, those things do not erase current events distress from the wars in our world and gun violence in my country. They do, however, encourage me to cherish the connections I have, old and new. They remind me of the importance of loving, even when we disagree. They give me hope.
Here’s to year five! Prayers for peace. Actions with intention. Words to encourage. Stop by and say hello!
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8
My email inbox is quick to get overloaded. Because I tend to ignore it. Until the thousands of unread messages are overwhelming.
My daughter gets after me about this habit quite often. But she is also quick to help. And I must admit, it is a relief to see that empty inbox.
Today, its state is somewhere in between control and chaos. Cluttered, but not enough where I might miss an important message.
…like the one that arrived this morning with a swoosh.
I have met so many amazing people through the writing circle process. One of those sweet friends recently asked if I’d like to be on her mailing list. She sends a weekly letter out to a few friends.
Due to the often out-of-control state of my inbox, I almost declined. So thankful that I did not.
Her words are always timely, and today was no exception. Acknowledging the worries of this world while also brightly shining her light. Honest and challenging. Reading her words, I often find myself saying, Me,too! That fact alone places her emails at the top of my must-read column.
So, if you are feeling heavy today, you are not alone. And just as I received encouragement, long distance-may I offer some to you?
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
Thinking I need to re-read.❤️
“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” -Fred Rogers
A jeans and t-shirt girl That is what I call myself Oh, I enjoy getting dressed up For the occasional night out But if you ask my preference The answer never changes- A comfy pair of jeans And a favorite t-shirt Now, those jeans can’t be comfy Without a little wear Walking down a rugged path Resting on a large rock or two Carrying smooth pebbles in my pocket- They find their purpose that way Not just a protective covering No, much more A reminder of where I’ve been- Legs crossed sitting by the fire Those jeans feel like an old friend- And the t-shirt? Well… if it’s my James Taylor t-shirt There is no contest-
Today was a virtual/distance learning day for students in our district. Yes, we know in-person learning is best. But when so many teachers, staff, and regular subs are out sick, it makes in-person learning pretty much impossible.
That meant I pushed out music lessons/activities for students on an online platform. I receive a notification each time a student submits a response. They always make me smile.
After lunch, I noticed a stack of boxes near my classroom. I quickly discovered they were the new keyboards recently ordered for my piano class! Ten of them, complete with stands, headphones, pedals. I’ve got some work to do tomorrow!
This may not have been an ideal teaching day. But there were bright spots. And here I am, sitting on the floor in front of those beautiful boxes, wearing a favorite pair of jeans and a school t-shirt. It was a good day…
It’s all a matter Of perspective Well-rehearsed Full of love Celebratory Happy Birthday! Performance Complete with Full chorus And orchestra
Impromptu Full of love Rambunctious Happy Birthday! Complete with Kindergarteners School hallway Their stage It’s all a matter Of perspective
Each rendition Delightful In its own right In its own space But those sweet Kindergarteners Singing in The school hallway Provided a harmony Beyond music
My birthday celebration this year was topped off with a special treat. My husband surprised me with tickets to see James Taylor and Jackson Browne in Kansas City, MO last night. Road trip! ❤️
So excited!CopperlineYou Can Closer Your EyesHappy tired
Four hours of life’s soundtrack from these two artists who are still going strong. Both in their seventies, I was amazed at their energy. Inspired by their love for what they do. Sharing the power of connection that lives in their music.
I hope to write more about this event. But right now, I want to bask in the harmony beyond music. It started with those sweet kindergarteners and continued right until the final note of last night’s concert.
So close your eyes You can close your eyes, it’s alright I don’t know no love songs I can’t sing the blues anymore Oh but I can sing this song You can sing this song when I’m gone-James Taylor
I continue to be amazed at the connections near and far created through blogging and am grateful for all who take the time to read and reflect. And I have a favor to ask. If you have not already, would you consider purchasing my first poetry collection, If I Were Made of Glass?
Friends, family, and my WordPress community, I am thankful for you! ❤️
Round and sweet Neatly framed With cropped Gray hair As I passed by The corner Breakfast table Where she sat With her son Or grandson Our eyes met She returned My smile
Frail and quiet Head tufted With remnants Of white hair As I passed by The corner Where he sat In a cardboard box Turned bed Surrounded by Carefully placed Blankets and pillows Our eyes did not meet
The feeling of being Lost-alone-not sure Which way to go Is most unpleasant I remember being Separated from My mom once in The grocery store A few minutes Felt like a Frightening Eternity- Other times I absolutely Was not lost Knew right where I was headed And yet, that same Feeling from The grocery store Seemed to creep in Completely Engulfing me Perhaps it was that Still, small voice saying- It’s ok to change course Go an unfamiliar way Yes, it might be a Little scary at first But possibilities In newness Are endless
This coming June will mark three years since my first blog post. The idea of putting my thoughts out there for anyone to see was a little frightening. I’m glad that fear didn’t stop me.
I continue to be amazed at the connections created with people from all parts of the world. And even though different from close friends and family, they brighten my world just the same.
June also brings the release of my first poetry collection. I am still pinching myself. Thanks to River Dixon of https://thestoriesinbetween.com/ and Potter’s Grove Press, it really is happening! Not available for order yet, but for info about the book, check out the following link.
How many things Have I missed On daily walks Thru the house Across parking lots Up and down School hallways I’m certain there Are others walking The very same paths Sometimes I see them- Really see them Past the superficial How are you? I’m fine But other days The path becomes So familiar I simply stroll Looking down Focused only on The thoughts inside My own head- Oh, to not miss again The things I’ve missed before
Piano Girl 