Renewal


A swath of deep, dark
purple appeared, the
top layer of sunrise,
oranges and golds
rising underneath.
The horizon, their
steady starting line.

The nearby Morning Star
inscribed words of comfort
in silver lettering across the layers.

Here I am. You are not alone.

Words I have received,
written down, and shared
on many occasions.
But today, for a moment,
It felt as though I was
receiving them for the first time.

Why these words this morning?
Perhaps to reinforce a truth
experienced in recent days
as a renewed promise.

Even when all is not well,
You will be okay

Enjoying a few days in Chicago. My first visit! Grateful for time away with the guy pictured below. 😘

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. 😉🩷

Marriage

I can’t say there’s
A set recipe
For thirty-two years-
Only that laughter
Eases many tensions
Creating lasting memories-
Patience and understanding
Cover a multitude of
Life’s challenges-
And commitment is
A bond that carries
Far beyond feelings-
All of these ingredients
Leave me with a grateful heart
Looking back and looking ahead

Porch Swing Promises

If you had a porch swing
I might never leave-

Innocent comments carrying
A hint of hope for the future-
Offered with a smile
Received with curiosity
At a time when everything was new
Excitement mixed with hesitation
In the getting-to-know stage
Holding tight
To possibilities
But not too tight-
Until uncertainties vanished
With one thoughtful purchase-
Perfect spot for relaxing, talking, laughing-
And when the time was right
A sweet proposal-
Who knew so much hope and love
Could be held in the sway
Of one perfectly placed porch swing

For Rachel and Austen ❤️

Simply Sunday

Yesterday, we celebrated the marriage of our daughter, Rachel, and her fiance, Austen. Surrounded by family and friends, they promised to love and care for each other, no matter what.

Their smiles spoke as strongly as their words.

It was a beautifully perfect day, covered in clear blue skies, heartfelt vows, and love expressed for the happy couple.

So many emotions were felt and memories made. This mom needs time to reflect. But one thing is for certain, the Father of the Bride and I could not be happier. 

More to come…❤️

Seasoning


A sweet aroma calls
But no one is allowed
In the kitchen
Until it’s time-
Mind focused
Hands steady
Intentionally reaching
For each ingredient
Knowing the use
Of certain seasonings
Expresses feelings
Difficult to put into words-
Dinner’s ready! Come fix your plate!
Tired, satisfied, he sits
Watching, listening
Waiting to see if the flavor
Conveys the richness
Of the love with which
The meal was prepared-
Ah! Sweet silence

Do you have someone in your life who loves to cook? Not just for the sake of cooking, but as a sign of love for those receiving. I’m beginning to understand, as a recipient, the meaning behind the words-Everyone out! 😉❤️

Two Different Things

Facing my fears-
Does that mean the same
As overcoming them?
I don’t think so
It doesn’t feel that way
In the moment
Perhaps they’re two
Different things-
Understanding fear’s roots
Proves helpful
And yet, the feelings
Do not simply vanish
Anxious, irrational fears
Of once again being
Out of control
Suddenly flood
Every part of my body-
Time to stop
Take a breath
Sit down
Look directly ahead
Or, if necessary
Close my eyes
Allow tears to fall
And that is ok-
It is helpful to have
Someone next to me
Someone I trust
Who will say
You are safe
It’s ok to close your eyes
You can open your eyes now

And when I step out
Of my comfort zone
Even just a little says
I’m so proud of you!

Yellow Ribbon

Perfectly content
Exploring the peaceful valley
From my seat on the rock
I glanced up, noticing
Bright yellow ribbons
Winding their way
Through the mountains
As if a painter had chosen
Just the right brush
And gently dabbed
Contrasting colors
Behind the evergreens
Creating a trail that
Graciously called out –
Don’t stay in the valley
Come to the mountaintop
Follow the yellow ribbon
Until the trees disappear
Then look back
To see how far you’ve traveled

Yesterday, Gart and I traveled the beautiful roads of Rocky Mountain National Park to the Alpine Visitor Center, elevation 11,796 feet. The views were stunning. And seeing the valley we had explored the day before from above was humbling.

Traveling on high, curvy mountain roads is a challenge for me. Just the thought of it puts a knot in my stomach. In recent years, I’ve come to understand the roots of this anxiety. And I’m grateful to have someone beside me who understands, challenges, and encourages me. Oh, and also takes some amazing photos! ❤️

Photo credit Gart Morris 3 & 4

Days

My best ones
Are with you
Those from
Before you
Are blurry
Well, at least
The bad ones
Oh, we’ve had
Our challenges
But we faced
Each one
Together-
Here’s to another
Eleven thousand
Three hundred
And fifteen-
Happy 31st Anniversary! ❤️

Captured

Words are playing
Hide-and-go-seek
With my thoughts
These days-
Right as I'm about
To capture one
It disappears
Behind an image
Or a memory
Before bringing
Another word
To the forefront
But only for a second
Continuing this game
Of trying to remember
All the things I hope
To never forget-
My brain says
There are too many
But my heart
Has trouble accepting-
Perhaps today
Is for finding
Only a few
As I sit quietly
Next to you