Simply Sunday

Returning Customers

Her quiet way and
seasoned mannerisms
eased my impatience

I watched as she wrote
each order in shorthand
on paper tickets
Waited as she entered prices
one key at a time on an
old-fashioned cash register

She was part of a well-oiled
machine concerned with
service and product, not speed

Have you been here before?
Yes, this is my second visit
We love returning customers

Right, Alex? Glancing behind me
Looking back at me, she smiled
You have a beautiful smile

An unexpected compliment
while ordering lunch
I smiled back, Thank you

Spacious

Sometimes my brain
feels overcrowded.
Like, there’s not enough space
for all my thoughts to process.
Then one word emerges
from the muck.
Spaciousness.
My busy thoughts pause-
It does exist.
Spaciousness.
Between the time you were born
and the person you’ve become.
Between the first dark cloud
of a storm and the last drop of rain.
Between each breath I take,
as I slow down to watch
clouds gracefully float past.

Moment of Hope

For more than a week
The words felt stuck-
Like tears caught
In the back of my throat
Unable to complete their journey
From the heart to the eyes-
Perhaps there were too many of them
Perhaps they needed to learn
To share space
To slow down-
Taking extra care to flow freely
Only once able to provide
A moment of hope
In a world heavy with fear
Only once able to speak the words
I see you
I love you

This morning, I participated in a writing circle facilitated by Ali Grimshaw. https://flashlightbatteries.blog/ It was just what my heart needed. 🩷

Simply Sunday

Kind words
I didn’t know
I needed to hear
You look so pretty
So grounded

From someone
Who has not seen me
In almost a year-
Heartfelt words
Offering
Reassurance
That time
Paired with
Effort and grace
Carries restoration

Twice this week, I ran into friends who are former colleagues. Smiles, hugs, and kind words filled the space we occupied. The visits were brief but left me feeling encouraged.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

It’s Okay

I’m okay
Pretty
Convincing
As long as
I’m the one
Asking the question
Moving along
Thru each day
And then
Another
Heart
Inquires
Are you doing okay?
I have asked
It of others
Sincerely
Seeking
The truth
So, even if
The response
Brings tears
As it currently
Does with me
Keep asking
Because it’s okay
To not be okay
And some days
The tears just
Need to fall

My mom and I were recently talking about the sadness and missing my dad. But also that we still have hope for tomorrow. She wisely said tears need to come out. ❤

Question of the Day

Where do I start?
Is start the right word?
Perhaps, a better choice
Would be continuing
The next step
The next word
May come
A bit easier
Not that easier
Is the goal
No, my goal
Should be
Living, loving
Remembering
All of which
Miraculously
Occur in one
Solitary second
A single step
Where the body
Carries the soul
As the heart
Continues to drum

Word List

I started the day with a two-minute word list writing exercise. Set the timer, start writing, and see where it goes. My list, not surprisingly, began with sadness and tears. But it ended with hope and future.

I haven’t used this exercise in a while. I’m glad I chose it today. Grateful for where it led.

My dad was proud of his grandkids and loved them very much. You can see it in the pictures. And they know it in their hearts.

He was so excited about becoming a great-grandpa. Even though he had not met this sweet new baby, he already loved her.

I know her mom and dad will tell her stories about all her great-grandparents someday. All the while, writing new stories to be shared in the future.

I can’t wait to meet our granddaughter…💗

Simply Sunday

I picture my mom
Gently folding the edge
Of an embroidered
Cloth napkin
A needle piercing
In even spaces
Crafting tiny holes
For a thread to weave
Over and under
Giving the fabric
A new strength
A renewed purpose

Hem me in
Fold in my
Rough edges
Sewing
A seam
Of hope
The stitches
May hurt
But they will heal
Giving my heart
A new strength
A renewed purpose

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

Simply Sunday

Old Word Hope

I did not choose a word for the year. One chose me.

I had never heard of this word until yesterday. Not a surprise since it was last used in the 16th century. As I read its definition, it seemed like the perfect choice.

Before I share my word, you need to know its antonym.

Despair-the complete loss or absence of hope.

Though I have felt sadness and grief, I can’t say I have experienced despair. I have witnessed hopelessness. It is not difficult to find. So many challenges over the past couple of years. Such is this life we live.

No more suspense. My word for the year is…

Respair-fresh hope, or recovery from despair.

I am glad it found me! Now to try using it in a sentence. 😉

Here’s to respair in 2022! 🕊

Being Alive

Finding our way
Thru the maze 
Of today
Responsibilities
Routines
Each of us 
Carrying our own
Deep down insides-
What to reveal?
What to keep hidden?
Crossing the
Finish line
Feels like a win
Even if crawling-
Kind words 
Meet me on 
The other side
I’m so happy for you!
You are so…
Sounds fade as
Meaning reaches
Way-down deep
Drawing out
A bucket 
Full of tears
Unknowingly
Hidden in the well-
My heart sloshes
With the joy 
Of being alive


Once again, I am reminded of the importance of encouraging words.  I have been on the receiving end many times in recent days, and for that, I am thankful. 

One thought, in particular, stood out this week-celebrate yourself!  It made me think about how great it is to be alive.  And the importance of not taking our time for granted. ❤