After Christmas Blues

On January 6, 2019January 6, 2019 By Piano girlLeave a comment

Took down the tree today
Feeling a little sad
No more green or lights
House looks rather drab

Ornaments and nativity sets
Each piece carefully put away
So many sweet memories
Saved for another day

Perhaps I'll buy some flowers
To bring back some of the cheer
Which was put away in the boxes
With Christmas...until next year

I was listening to some James Taylor today and the following phrase from Before This World/Jolly Spring Time struck a chord. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/before-this-world-jolly-springtime/980668059?i=980668068

Yes the winter was bitter and long
So the spring'll be sweet
Come along with a rhythm and a song
Watch creation repeat

I know winter is just beginning but the hope of spring is ever present. Trees will once again bud and flowers will once again bloom. We must look for it in the moments of sunshine and patches of blue. Or in store-bought flowers placed in a favorite vase.

Lessons From the Birds

On December 30, 2018 By Piano girlLeave a comment

“I know every bird in the mountains…” Psalm 50:11

On a recent road trip, I noticed a bird hanging in mid-air. Located just above the trees, its wings fluctuated rapidly up and down, side to side. This feathered friend appeared to be in an unstable situation, possibly caught in a wind current.

As I watched the bird, assuming it was struggling to find balance, I thought of a tightrope walker. I could just imagine an invisible string pulled tight underneath, its tiny claws grasping to hold on, fighting for control.

How often might I be described in this manner? “Have you noticed Kelley lately? There’s so much happening, she appears to be holding on for dear life. She seems a little scattered and frantic. I hope she’s ok.” Probably more times than I’d care to admit. 😉

Our drive continued, the bird no longer in view, yet I thought of it once again. Was it possible the bird wasn’t struggling after all? Perhaps it was simply resting in the current for a moment, allowing the wind to move its wings as it wished. This thought provided a different perspective. One which brought thoughts of security and rest.

Maybe there’s a simple lesson to be learned from these contrasting views. What if I apply both perspectives to my own life? When the strong winds come, and they will come, I will have two choices.

One-I can fight against them, grasping for control, trying to find balance on my own tightrope.
Two-I can relinquish control, allowing the winds to move me where they may, trusting that God will be there with me when I land.

Viewing my own life in this manner might also influence the way I see others. Perhaps making me less likely to analyze and more likely to offer help.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:26-27

I wish I’d been able to watch that bird awhile longer. What happened next? How long did it remain in that current? Did it eventually soar off to new heights? I guess I’ll never know.

Blanket of Snow

On November 13, 2018 By Piano girlLeave a comment

What is it about snow? There’s a crisp excitement in the air. Kids are laughing and smiling. This beautiful white precipitation is a rare occurrence in Oklahoma. And when we do have snow, it’s usually at odd times. One particular year it snowed on both Halloween and Spring Break!

Today was one of those days. November 12-Fall hasn’t even officially arrived yet. A little early for snow, but I’ll take it! I smiled the entire drive to work this morning. Those beautiful white, magical flakes floating in the air, blanketing the ground. My spirits were lifted, and there was a pep in my step that’s been missing lately. I found myself stopping to look outside at every opportunity, snapping pictures.

I wonder why snow has this effect? Maybe it’s a reminder of clean slates, fresh starts, second chances…forgiveness. Things we all need at different times in our lives. Experiences which blanket us with peace and contentment. Experiences which give us hope for each new day.

And just like that, the snow is gone. Will that pep in my step disappear with the melting snow? Possibly. Or perhaps I will allow the memories from today to stay with me, reminding me that tomorrow is a new day. A day full of possibilities with chances to start over or try again. An opportunity for forgiveness where needed.

The stresses of this life can be unexpected and overwhelming. I don’t know about you, but I find myself needing that blanket of calm more and more often. If we stop and watch the snowfall, no matter how brief, just maybe we will find that peace we so desperately seek. Remembering the impact created by that beautiful blanket of snow.

Rescuing Turtles

On October 28, 2018 By Piano girlLeave a comment

Today I saw a sweet lady rescuing a misguided turtle on the side of the road. This poor turtle was at the corner of an extremely busy intersection, preparing to hop the curb and take his chances. We all know the likely outcome. Thankfully someone kind spotted him and decided to offer some guidance. Smiling while talking to him, she carefully picked him up and helped him head in a much safer direction.

I’ve always found turtles interesting. Carrying their house around with them at first glance seems proficient. No matter where they travel or what danger lurks, they have instant protection. Just ducking their head, feet and tail inside that hard shell provide safety. Considering the slow speed at which they move, it seems this feature would be a plus.

But what about the weight? Maybe it’s the weight of that shell that causes the slow tempo. They certainly seem to carry around a heavier load compared to other creatures their size. Please note, I’m not speaking scientifically. I have not actually researched the structure of turtles, simply making observations based on watching them.

This may seem an odd comparison but witnessing this woman’s act of kindness towards the turtle caused me to transfer the scene to people. We all come in contact with people who, for various reasons, are moving slowly through life. Maybe they’re temporarily carrying extra weight because of job stresses, life circumstances, varying differences. They may appear self-sufficient like they have it all together, but the reality under that shell is quite the opposite.

No matter the reason, that extra weight has the power to affect decision making. I have personally experienced that feeling of being at a busy intersection, trying to choose the right path, in desperate need of assistance. Others passing by so quickly it’s difficult to get their attention. Wondering if anyone will take the time to stop and say hello. And once they do stop, hoping they are willing to offer some help.

I have also experienced the opposite. Slowing down long enough to realize a friend needs help. Noticing they seem sad, not acting in their usual manner. Sometimes a rescue is simple-listening over coffee, sending a sweet note. Other times it may be more complicated, requiring time, energy, and possibly sacrifice.

Both experiences are an inevitable part of life. So next time you find yourself at one of life’s busy crossroads, slow down and look around. Maybe there is a weighted down, misguided turtle who needs your assistance. Stop and listen. You might just end up being their hero! And remember, the time may also come when you are the turtle in need of rescue. If so, don’t be discouraged. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and don’t give up. Your hero could be waiting at the next intersection.

Sunsets~Reflections~Perspectives

On October 21, 2018 By Piano girlLeave a comment

So much is happening during a sunset. Colors mixing, clouds moving, the earth spinning. We see the amazing results, but not each individual change as it happens. Red and yellow turning to orange-Blue and red turning to pinkish purple-all while signaling the end of another day.

Each day the sunset is different. So many variables-types of clouds, wind direction, viewing location, etc. The two things that never change-it is beautiful, and it is fleeting. I always wish it would last longer, change more slowly. Instead it reminds me of how fast time is passing.

Recently watching a sunset from the nineteenth floor of a high rise, I could almost feel time moving forward. Those last few moments, right before the sun fades beneath the horizon, there was a split-second sense of how fast this Earth is spinning. And though the sky still glowed an orange hue, the sunset was over.

From this same location, I noticed the sunset’s reflection in an office building across the way. That brought a new perspective. As pretty as the reflection was, it couldn’t compare to the actual sunset. All of the intricate colors were not visible, nor did the reflection show all the changes that were happening. The picture it provided, though pretty, was not complete.

How does this compare to my own reflection? My only guide for checking my appearnce, yet I am so much more than that sometimes blurry image. And many things have the power to affect the way I view that person in the mirror. Lack of sleep, difficult day, feeling low-all impact how I see myself on any given day.

The next time I feel unsure when looking in the mirror, thinking the image is in some way lacking, I plan to remember that sunset. I must acknowledge that who I am is complicated, full of thoughts and ideas, changing all the time. And just like the sunset, I am so much more than my reflection.

Sunshine

On October 15, 2018 By Piano girlLeave a comment

poem

Popsicle Sticks & Clouds

On October 10, 2018October 27, 2018 By Piano girlLeave a comment

Time for confession-I am struggling this week. Low days, fighting back tears, just the general blahs. It will pass, I’m sure. When this happens, thankfully I’ve learned to recognize it and say it out loud. If it lasts longer than a week, there’s a need to talk with a trusted friend or family member.

All that to say-I found myself searching for the positive on my drive home from school today. The sun was shining, the sky a beautiful blue with perfect, fluffy, floating clouds. Besides blue being my favorite color, I’ve always been fascinated with the sky and its inhabitants. Seeing one like this today most definitely helped my mood.

clouds2

Once my attitude began to change, I remembered kindergarten class from earlier today. We’ve been learning about rhythmic patterns while going on our adventures with Freddie the Frog. Today was review time and students were creating patterns on the Smart Board. Their ability to not only create a pattern but also read it out loud was a pleasant surprise.

Each of them was eager to give it a try-all twenty of them-at the same time. Suddenly I remembered the popsicle stick basket. First and second graders had used them the day before to create patterns on the carpet. I hadn’t planned on using them with kindergarten just yet.

Change of plans! I asked the kiddos to move to our circle and gave each a hand full of popsicle sticks-rhythmic patterns began to appear everywhere! Once we cleaned up, I asked students to brainstorm ways they could do this activity at home if they didn’t have popsicle sticks. Crayons! Pencils! Markers! Legos! And on and on and on…one mentioned writing down their patterns. Impressive!

Encouraged by the success of my kindergartners, I decided to attempt the activity I had asked them to try at home. Here are my results.

Goal for tomorrow-begin my day looking for the positive. Will I be successful? I don’t know. But hopefully I will remember that the simplest things can change my day for the better-even popsicle sticks and clouds.

Layers

On September 22, 2018September 23, 2018 By Piano girlLeave a comment

Clouds are fascinating. Since I was a little girl, they always captured my attention. Maybe it’s the sky in general. After all, blue is my favorite color, especially when in contrast with white, fluffy clouds. When I was younger, a variety of images would easily appear in the clouds. Now finding the pictures is more of a challenge to my imagination. Oh, I still look, but there is a certain amount of effort required.

These days I tend to notice the many different types and combinations of clouds. I love how they paint the sky in layers, with contrasting colors and motion, sometimes allowing small patches of blue to appear in the background. These paintings don’t last long, morphing with the blowing wind. Photos rarely capture their true beauty. Paintings may come close, but part of the beauty is in the movement, the gradual changes.

In many ways, life can be like those layers of clouds. Sometimes it’s the grey, swirly ones that get our attention. How will we face the coming storm? Those sheets of rain off in the distance? Then we see the still, almost motionless layers underneath providing calm. The storm is not erased, but the ability to get through becomes visible. If we continue watching, witnessing the continuous changes, that patch of blue or ray of sunlight will soon appear.

Hopefully we also experience those fluffy cloud days, light and ordinary. Nothing unexpected, time to rest in moments of shade. Or the wispy, almost laughing clouds, reminding us of a funny story or memory. That kind of memory that makes us smile. Those are the days that revive us, giving strength for when the storm clouds reappear. We know they will return, that is life.

Although I may never be able to capture the beauty of those clouds blanketing the sky, I will keep looking. Watching for those moments of light and color to break through. Reminded that life continues, moving with the swirls, through the storms, to the calm.

Layers upon layers upon layers…

clouds