Simply Sunday

Photo by Paul Porter Red-winged Blackbird

In Plain Sight

Perched atop golden,
fluffy cattails, confidently
exclaiming, Here I am!
Crimson red wings,
glowing in contrast to
his black-as-night body.

There is no mistaking him,
and I think he knows it.

His ability to remain
perfectly balanced on
such a fragile stage.
His “I did it my way”
anthem soaring across
the field, remarkable!

I’m not sure whether
to bow, smile, or perhaps
simply call Bravo! Encore!

Hold My Hand

Days when the sun and clouds
clasp hands in such a way
It is nearly impossible to
distinguish billows from blues

Sunlight, bright and warm,
shines on, around, and
through layers of clouds,
stirring imagination-

Today was such a day

After grabbing my attention,
and coaxing a smile, my
thoughts shifted to the
reason for their beauty

The simple sharing of space-
Each taking their turn to
enlighten, offer shade,
or shine a spotlight

Days when we clasp hands
In such a way, it is nearly
Impossible to distinguish
Your heart from mine

Graceful Drifting

Driving away, I saw you
in my rearview mirror.
I wanted to keep looking,
to appreciate and study.
But that was not possible.

Watching the road and all.

So, I smiled, taking note
of your blue feathers
and gentle waves.
Your perfect placement
in the afternoon sky.
I would do my best
to remember, making sure
my eyes remained on the road.

Until I changed direction
and your position shifted.
Gracefully, you drifted,
from behind me,
to be beside me, and finally
directly in front of me.
I followed you all
The Way Home- Grateful

Simply Sunday

Photo by Paul Porter

Iris and Bee

Rolling flutters
of soft purples and
sweet floral aromas
call tiny tarsus
in for a landing—
Fortitude in frailty
for both Iris and Bee.

Wings excitedly buzz.
Precious nectar and
baskets of pollen are
carefully collected—
Valuable resources for
sharing and sustaining
a beautiful partnership.

Security in the hope
of their survival
across the flourishing
of each new rolling
purple flutter and
tiny buzzing bee.

Hurry! Go Outside!

Like magic, pops of color
appear in the trees.
A seemingly sudden
transformation.

Leaves, once dark green,
now shiny apple red,
sunshine yellow,
and burnt orange.

Evergreens stand resilient,
in perfect contrast with
Aspens, Oaks, and Maples.
Appearing unchanged, but
transformed nonetheless.

The evolution seems
sudden, but it is not.
An invisible process
requiring sunshine, rain,
cool breezes, and patience.

One whose resulting beauty
will disappear as quickly
as it arrived. Or at least,
that is how it will seem.

Simply Sunday

The sun’s warmth on my face
Fall’s breeze across my back
before circling my arms

A brief pause on its journey
to nearby trees, where leaves wait,
ready and willing participants
in a breezy afternoon lullaby

A beautiful first day of a new month-
Welcome, November

I sat outside yesterday for some much needed Vitamin D and a little inspiration. 🧡

Dispersed

A battle between
light and dark
waged across the
morning sky.

Clouds shifted in
the swirling wind,
tilting the earth,
causing me to wobble.

I felt confused.

For a moment, darkness
appeared victorious,
blocking the light,
lessening its powerful pull.

But light remained,
rays now dispersed.
An influence
so far-reaching, the
horizon glowed a
reassuring golden hue.

Just then, I remembered
yesterday’s rainbow, and
how the sky glowed
following its fading.

Simply Sunday

Morning Observation

You walked the perimeter
in slow, cautious steps-
Overhanging branches
providing protection, along
with the morning mist-
I felt fortunate to see you,
to once again witness
your grace and beauty –
I wonder if your babies
are sleeping nearby, or
If you are on a survey mission,
assessing whether or not
It is safe for them
to hop, jump, and play
in the damp green grass-
Safety is always a
concern, I suppose-
Even when children are
grown, it isn’t easy
not to continue feeling
the need to keep walking
along the perimeter

Proof of Living

My hands are beginning
to remind me of Mom’s-
Her hands remind me
of Grandma’s

Skin grows thinner
Simple bruises turn
unreasonably large and
take longer to heal

But wear and tear is
proof of living life
to its fullest, right?

And our hands serve as
an extension of our hearts

When my fists unclench
Anger is easily released
When my hand lingers,
gently holding yours,
hurts quickly disappear

An excess of love
and kindness
graciously offered
as precious proof

A beautiful paradox-
Strength in weakness

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. 😘