Simply Sunday

Giving

Little hands carry
the decorative box
that once held carefully
wrapped treasures

Now, only tissue paper,
red and green,
remains inside

Little hands carry the pretty
box, freely offering to
each in their turn

“Here, I got this present for you.”

The same box,
once holding, now held-
The priceless treasure of
learning to give

Effortless

Gigi, look at the sky!
I always seem to be
looking at the sky.
Had my granddaughter noticed?
Either way, the reminder
brought a fresh curiosity.
What did her eyes see when
looking at the sky?
I knew she noticed airplanes.
I’d watched her eyes
respond to hearing one
even before it flew into view.
Then watched as she
waved, asking it to come back.
Listening, looking, responding-
Is it that effortless? I think so.
Gig, look at the sky!
A flood of wisdom in
the simplest reminder
from the tiniest voice.

Interesting Companions

We walk down the sidewalk.
Our shadows lead the way.
This time, we walk with our shoes on.
Not my preference,
But the cement is hot
from the midday sun.
It would surely burn
your little feet.
Strange, how your shadow
makes you look older-
Mine only makes me look taller.
Interesting companions, our shadows.
They seem to listen as you chatter.
Your sweet voice echoes against
the neighbor’s fence.
Do you see your shadow? I ask.
But you keep walking
and chattering and laughing.
Oh, to be innocent again,
paying no attention to those shadows.
Your only concern?
Walking, chattering, and laughing
in the bright summer sun.

Simply Sunday

We’ve spent the last several days caring for our two-year-old granddaughter. I was reminded of the times our parents did the same for us, and they were taking care of three! 

The following describes most evenings as it got close to bedtime. 

Wallow: to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner. Would you please use it in a sentence? The tired toddler wallowed back and forth, all over the couch, between her Gigi and Papa. 

Seriously though, she is funny, imaginative, sassy, and sweet. And we are grateful. Oh, and tired. We are a little tired. 😉🩷

Simply Sunday

When you are two
The whole world
Is yours-
And you know it!
You hear your name
Over and over
Understanding
It belongs to you-
Once you can say it
The word my
Quickly follows-
My Mama
My Dada
My toy
My everything!
Sass and confidence
In such small packages-
As it should be
When you are two

Remembering how fast time passes…learning to celebrate the small moments.

Simply Sunday



If only I could remember
What it was like
Being two-
Then perhaps I would know
What you’re thinking
When you look at me
With those curious blue eyes-
Oh, sometimes it’s obvious-
Sit here, Gigi!
Come on, Gigi!
No, Gigi!

It’s those other times
In your own little world
Playing, pretending
Quietly talking-
I wish I knew-
I’m sure the day will come
When you tell me exactly
What you’re thinking-
And I will listen because
I still have a lot to learn



Simply Sunday

I find myself more
And more often
Marvelling at the tiny things-
A singular whispy cloud
The feet of a bird
The way the wind echoes
While making its way
Through the row of pines
Across the street-
Even now, the gentle tap
Of raindrops on the roof-
Sometimes I feel silly
Talking about such things
Especially during times of heartache and confusion-
But I cannot ignore them-
I think maybe it’s these tiny things
That are holding me up
Pulling me through
Reminding me to see the hope
In my granddaughter’s eyes

Happy Easter! ✝️🕊️💜

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬ ‭

Simply Sunday

Tea parties and bears
Building blocks and bubbles
Favorite shows
Favorite snacks
Silly Songs
Belly laughs
Rocking chairs and
Rhyming books
One more drink
One more snack
Soft blankets
Sweet lullabies
Sleepy eyes
Dreamy naps

Simply Sunday on a Monday

Seven to one
A perfect ratio
For an early morning
Trip to the zoo
Seven adults
And one little girl
Each one ready to explore
Her Aunt and Uncles
Mom and Dad
Gigi and Papa, too
I can’t think
Of a more perfect way
To spend the day, can you?

My heart is full after a weekend with all the kids and grandbaby. Lots of laughter and playing and eating. And our first trip to the zoo with Miss Emi. Now it’s time for a nap! 😉❤️

Fifteen Minutes or a Lifetime

Ideas and actions
Some good
Some not so good
Often designed
To bring fame
Even if only
Fifteen minutes worth
Fifteen minutes
Or a lifetime
Eventually, the attention
Rings hollow-
I used to think
I’d like to be a rockstar
Wearing rockstar clothes
Playing piano on stage
But now, I’m grateful
That I get to be
A friend
An encourager
Someone who cries
During sad movies
And laughs at
Her husband’s jokes-
Someone who plays piano
Singing a simple song
Smiling as her granddaughter
Stands nearby swaying
Back and forth to the music…