Every day, I drive past a field A house and barn on one side Two horses roaming Rolling hills behind tree lines It seems so simple The roots of joy flowing from this place On certain days Days when the resident family of deer is grazing Often in the early morning, I spot them Spread-out, enjoying a quiet breakfast Often in the afternoon, I spot them Playing on the hills behind the trees I always want to stop and snap a picture But there’s never time or space for that- Other cars and such- I feel sad on the days when I can’t spot My little family of deer
Holding your little hand As we walk From outside Thru the doors Down the hall To your classroom Today Unlike yesterday I gained Your trust And trust Is always Worth carrying
Seeing your sweet smile As you exit Your car Walking towards me On the sidewalk Stopping for a hug And a quick I’ll see you tomorrow Today, I felt Your joy And joy Is always Worth carrying
Seeing tears Fill your eyes As we talk In the hallway At the end of A difficult day So many questions So hard on yourself Today, I offered Encouragement And encouragement Is always Worth carrying
As this day ends I wonder What will be Worth carrying Tomorrow?
Once again, I had the privilege of joining a poetry circle facilitated by Ali Grimshaw https://flashlightbatteries.blog/. It was the perfect end to a long day of teaching. To write, not worrying about what shows up on the page. To listen intently to others and be heard with the same intention. Time to be still and reflect. Not to mention, getting to know people from all over the world. What a joy! ❤️
My heart used to Think letting go Was harder than Holding on- Moments I wished Could last forever- Nothing lasts forever No matter how Tightly gripped- Experience taught me Tighter the grip Greater the chances Of shattering The treasured into A million tiny pieces- I am learning to hold Precious moments with A more gentle touch Like cuddling A newborn baby Or caressing Weathered hands- Where joy slowly fills The heart to overflowing Seeping out of every pore Spilling onto anyone Who comes near A limitless circle Of holding close Then letting go- Hmmm…maybe… Sharing is forever
It feels like I’ve been Holding my breath For days and days Waiting for results Over which I had Absolutely no control- Control-I’m beginning To think that word Should be erased- Is there any such thing anyway? In an attempt, my brain Played out both scenarios- Good news and Bad news-trying to Foresee my reactions Would I be brave? Would I cry? Would I crumble Into a million tiny Pieces on the floor? Today was the day The news was good No sign of cancer! My response? A deep breath Followed by tears- Tears of relief and joy- I can breathe again
Today, I am thankful for positive results. But I am also mindful of the many whose news was not positive. Many have fought the battle against cancer-friends and family. It seems to strike with little rhyme or reason. And whether their physical battle was won or lost, their bravery is lasting. I cannot celebrate today without also remembering…💗
I have not spent enough time at my piano in recent weeks. So this week, I decided to remedy that. With it being Christmas time, what to play was an easy choice.
As I played through several old Christmas hymns, the word balance kept coming to mind. No matter the context, there are always notes, voices, instruments, rhythms that need to be heard above the rest. And quite often, that spotlight is shared, giving others a chance to be heard.
Even though one voice might not be the momentary focus, it remains essential to the music. Where would that melody be without harmony? Or that jazz riff without the brushes of the drum floating behind it?
When I sat down to play this morning, I began by playing the hymns as written. Though tempting, I did not add any embellishments. My goal was to play so that the melody rang out clearly, while the harmony provided support.
After reading the music as written, I went back and added new rhythms, patterns, harmonies while keeping the melody clear. Both versions required the same thing-balance.
I have said this before, but the only time my brain is calm is while I am playing the piano. Somehow, it provides an inner balance. There is that word again. Outside voices are quieted. Worries of the day temporarily disappear.
Music reminds me that I do not need to raise my voice above the crowds. Although I may have something important to say, unless it is balanced with love for those in hearing range, I should probably remain part of the harmony.
Harmony-that is my prayer for this Christmas. For there to be less shouting and more listening. That we may experience joy amid our sadness. And hope that outweighs our fears. Merry Christmas!
Please enjoy a few Christmas carols! ❤ Kelley Morris, piano
What Child is This?I Heard the Bells on Christmas DatCome Thou Long Expected JesusHark the Herald Angels Sing
Some days an attempt to write falls flat and the words just won’t come. Today started that way. Frustrated, I decided to play the piano instead.
Sitting down at the piano, I hoped a favorite hymn would put me in the right frame of mind to write. But my playing also fell flat. There were too many mistakes. The melody sounded choppy. Not very musical.
Though tempted to give up, I played the hymn one more time. When I began to play the second time, the words were suddenly present (in my head) along with the melody.
What a difference! Musically imperfect, but a clear message. And this time, playing brought a true sense of joy.
Hmmm…maybe when words won’t come, I need to hear words that are not my own.
So, today I say, “Happy Easter” with the help of English poet and clergyman, John Newton. My prayer is that Newton’s words and a familiar melody will bring you joy and hope on this Easter Sunday.
🎶Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found Was blind but now I see
Through many dangers, toils, and snares We have already come Was grace that brought us safe thus far And grace will lead us home🎶
I am excited to have a guest writer on my blog today, my mom. ❤
When I was a little girl, my mom loved to write poetry. Sometimes for special occasions, usually written for or about an individual. She would share them with family and friends. Her words are displayed in frames in many of her siblings’ homes. But more importantly, her words have been stored in hearts.
She has not actively written in many years, but she has consistently encouraged my writing. Our current world circumstances influenced her to write again. She was a little nervous about sharing, so now I get to encourage her. 🙂
I hope her thoughts bring you peace.🌺
Break of Day
Birds singing Break of day Tune’s different In harmony This day
Flower Blankets Covering ground Soft colors Fragile-Beautiful This day
Gentle breeze Dancing leaves New life memories New beginnings This day
Joyful reminders Hope and love Steadfastness Break of day This day
Great Shepherd’s hand Gently leads On mountains Through valleys This day
Stand still Know peace Given by God Break of day This day
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Today is Christmas Eve, 2019. That does not sound possible. As a child growing up in the 1970s, the year 2020 was hard to fathom. And yet, here we are.
This time of the year causes me to reflect. I remember Christmas Eve parties at my Grandma and Grandpa Mahar’s house. Surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sharing our favorite snacks and sweet treats. Drinking lime sherbet and ginger ale punch. Those were beautifully simple times.
Added to those memories are the ones of my own children growing up. Christmas programs, music, opening presents, traveling to visit grandparents. Now they are grown. I wonder what parts they will remember in twenty years.
This year, we are hosting Gart’s side of the family on Christmas Day. They will gather in our home tomorrow. We have some new faces in our family. More people to love, to help heal the holes left by those we miss.
Although my Christmas reflections are predominantly happy, I recognize that is not the case for everyone. Many have faced unspeakable tragedies. Ones that do not simply vanish with time.
I want those friends to know it is ok to be sad, even amid celebrations. I should not expect them to just put on a happy face. And I hope they are not afraid to share their grief.
A friend recently shared the following verse with me.
“You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not recorded in Your book?” Psalm 56:8
The image of God collecting my tears in a bottle was powerful and comforting. On this Christmas Eve, I pray that thought brings you comfort and joy.
I also want to share some of my favorite carols. These are my own simple arrangements. Hope you enjoy! Merry Christmas! 🙂
Growing up, I always looked forward to Christmas Eve. My Grandma and Grandpa Mahar lived next door, and we always had a party at their house that evening. Memories from those gatherings remain lasting.
Grandma’s house in more recent years.
The most important of those memories revolve around family. My grandparents’ small house would be filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kids were running around playing, laughter filling every corner. Barely a place to sit down, and we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Grandma’s dining room table would be covered with all the goodies everyone brought to share. Homemade frosted sugar cookies, divinity, and fudge to name a few. Candy canes and fruit also added color to the table. We would snack until our tummies couldn’t take any more.
With all those treats, we’d need something to drink. Punch! Every year it was lime sherbet and ginger ale-so tasty and festive. I love the taste of that punch to this day. And of course, there was always coffee. 😉
Presents were sometimes part of this celebration, but oddly enough that isn’t what I most remember. There were so many of us, twenty-six grandchildren to be exact, I can’t even imagine preparing those gifts. But somehow, they did.
I’ve experienced this Christmas Eve party over the span of many years as a child, teen, and finally adult. My perspective may have changed, but the purpose did not change. It was a time of great joy which I always looked forward to, and a time I now greatly miss…
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. It will be a quiet day in comparison with the aforementioned parties. There will be cookies to bake and decorate, time with my family, and a Christmas Eve service with a message of hope and beautiful carols.
Our home this year.
Our house will not be full like my Grandma’s once was, but our hearts can be full none the less if we choose. They can be full because of the reason we celebrate.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Piano Girl 