The Christmas Tree

As you prepare for Christmas with shopping and baking and cleaning I'd like to remind you of Romans 13: 8. I like this verse. It says a lot in few words. "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."

Keep that in mind as Christmas is near. So what if Aunt Jo or Uncle Bob says a comment that doesn't agree with you. Will it really matter if Grandma Jones gives a nice gift to another family member and not to you. Smile if cousin Jim brags about how many presents he gave or received. Remember, you are a child of a Heavenly King if you celebrate His birth. And Jesus didn't have a great start or an easy time here on earth either. He understands like no one else can.

In a corner of the room

a lowly pine tree stands.

Like a tiny piece of forest

with uplifting hands.

As children gather round

they place on branches green

ornaments and sparkling lights.

The best you've ever seen.

Once squirrels and busy chipmunks

and birds with folded wing

had graced your fragrant branches

and listened to you sing.

Once snow and rain and dust

had glistened on each limb.

Now you stand beside a window

dressed as for a king.

Oh little tree don't be sad

and take no time to sigh.

You're chosen to remind each one

of a king that came from high.

Oh little tree let's celebrate

the birthday of a king.

Hold your branches high; be proud

while children dance and sing.

What is Christmas

Recently, my husband and I spent a week's vacation in Cuba celebrating our 25th anniversary. I found Cubans friendly and eager to please. They lead simple lives and are paid by the government for their work. If they want to make extra money there are rules they need to follow. Still, visitors can easily be taken advantage of. While going through customs the ticket agent offered us roomier seats on the plane for 30 peco's (almost 34.00). He must have seen from my passport that I didn't travel much. What he didn't know was that God had already planned where I was going to be seated. We refused his offer and he lost some easy money. (I'm sure we would have gotten the same seats if we accepted his offer). I on the other hand met and talked with people that God wanted me to meet. It was wonderful. A word of encouragement, don't let your fears ruin God's plan for you.

Christmas is music
And carol singing,
And chimes of the bells
ringing, ringing.

Christmas is bright lights
On evergreen trees,
And candles in windows
That say, “Come in please”.

Christmas is welcome
A wreath on the door.
And hearts over flowing
With love for the poor.

Christmas is laughter
That starts in your toes.
And bubbles till it reaches
The tip of your nose.

Christmas is fragrance
The spruce and the pine
And fruitcake and puddings
That, taste so divine.

Christmas is giving
Gifts made by hand
And all given with love
Whether small or grand.

Sleep

Today was a great day. I read my new book "The Angel's Message" to a group of children at the local library.What an honor that was. It was a great experience and the staff was wonderful, too. I feel very blessed. After supper I wrote this little poem. If you wonder why I chose to write about sleep I'll have to be honest and say I'm not sure why. It could be because I didn't sleep well night last night. Too excited about today. Anyways, here's a parting thought to think about. Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord gives life, security, and protection from harm.

When I can’t sleep and it’s time for bed
I wait for stories to enter my head.
Stories that take me far and away,
To unusual lands to play all day.
And there I will dream with the wind in my hair.
And I’ll float on clouds without worry or care.
And if monsters try to steal a glad song,
I'll tell them a secret and they’ll soon run along.
And if a storm cloud enters my dream,
I’ll smile and offer a dish of ice cream.
And if I’m challenged to climb a high wall,
I’ll find a ladder that’s ten feet tall.
Then I'll open my eyes and give thanks for the day
And wish all a good blessing in the merriest way.

If we never had a Christmas

It's beginning to feel like Christmas and I'm beginning to feel excited. I've heard some Christians say that we don't need to celebrate Christ's birth because Jesus never told his followers to remember his birth, only his death. Well, I disagree. Christmas reminds us of the simplicity of God. He wanted Jesus to have a beginning on earth. Just like us. We all have to start life as a baby, defenseless and dependant on our parents. It's heartwarming to know that God came down from heaven's glory to share with us in the human experience. He wanted to feel what we feel, to feel hungry, sad, tired, and even lonely sometimes. Why? Because He loves us. What an amazing God.

If we never celebrated Christmas
What would earth be like today?
And if God’s Son had not been born,
Wouldn't heaven seem far away.
And what would people celebrate
If there was no Christmas story.
How could our hearts rejoice and sing
About the wonder of God’s glory.
Though some will try to banish Christ
From Christmas celebrations
The Holy Child’s simple birth
Defies all explanations.
Who can understand this mystery
And God's Christmas gift of love
It’s the answer to a better world
And unites us with the Lord above.

Let Us Pray

It's Remembrance Day. A day to remember the men and women that serve our country and risk their lives by going to war. I wonder what it's like to be faced with that kind of situation. Scary, I imagine. There is much I don't understand about life and war is one of them. What starts war, anyways. Hatred, pride, desire for control and greed. In 1 Peter 3, Peter wrote, "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Do you want God's Blessings? I sure do. Have a blessed day. Lest we Forget!

Let us pray for our country each night and day
That no other wars will pass our way.
Let us pray for a world that longs for peace
And the cry for war will finally cease.
Let us pray that the pain that war bestows
And the grief that a mother’s heart well knows
Will finally come to fitting end
And nations will call each other friend.
Let us pray that our children will never dream of guns
But of home and friendships; not of battles won.
Let us pray and join forces with loved ones who care,
Of the ones who have died for the freedom we share.
Let us pray for hatred to vanish and be replaced with love
And for God's good blessings as he looks from above.

Heaven

Sometimes I like to imagine what heaven might look like. Ever since I can remember I was taught and still believe that heaven is a real place. Of course I want to go there someday. Although I don't know what it will look like, there's no harm in imagining what it might look like. One thing I do know (because the Bible tells us) is that God promises there will be no crying, sickness, unfairness, sadness or bad feelings in heaven. Just perfect joy and peace.

Someday I'll live in a palace
in heaven painted gold.
And I will play with lions
that never will grow old.

In heaven I'll build a barn
to keep animals of course.
Perhaps a friendly kangaroo
and a gentle riding horse.

In heaven I'll grow a garden
where bees can work and hum
and in the fall at harvest time
rejoice in God's kingdom.

In heaven I'll talk to Jesus

and He will be my friend.

And I will feel great happiness

that will never, ever end.

God Cares for the Birds

I've always loved birds. We can learn so much from their careful, yet carefree ways. Here's a poem I have written and rewritten many times. I think it's finally ready to be revealed. If you are a worrier, take note.

I’ve never noticed sparrows
Building barns for food to store.
They never fret or worry much
About the day before.

I’ve never noticed robins
Basking idle in the sun.
They do their work happily
Until the day is done.

I’ve never heard the cardinals
Gripe about their food.
They’re always singing merrily
And never something rude.

I’ve never noticed calling doves
Fuss if they should fall.
Each day they gather with their friends
And cheer each one and all.

My Daughter

The eleventh of September may be a sad day to remember for the world, but it's a happy one for me because that's the day my daughter was born. She's now 18 and I would like to share the poem I wrote for her.

Daughter, there’s something about you
That means so very much.
Could it be your laughter and quiet voice?
Or, the magic in your touch.

How we love our brown-eyed beauty.
You’re an angel in disguise.
You know just how to make us laugh,
With that twinkle in your eyes.

Though you try hard not to be noticed
You rise above the rest.
How we love the freckles on your cheeks.
We think you are the best.

With your knack of creating unique things
We love your sense of style.
And though you’re not the neatest child
Your creations make us smile.

And now we wish for you this day
A happy day to, remember.
A day of peace and happiness
On the eleventh of September.

Beginnings

School started and we are back in routine. Sigh! I can't say I was desperately waiting for this day, but now that's it's here, I'm thankful for it. My youngest started highschool and was a little anxious about his first day. One of his teachers gave her students a welcome treat. She put cookies in a plastic bag with a verse attached to it. "Remember what I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go." Joshua 1:9.

How comforting to know he'll have a teacher that trusts in God. To start this new season, I've put together a prayer poem.

Dear God, I need you more every day,

More than words can really say.

I need your strength for I am weak.

Your strength is what I should seek.

I need your hope when things go wrong.

To fill my soul with a happy song.

I need your love so I can live,

And faith that only you can give.

Happy Birthday Kayla!

What nicer way to make a child smile than to write her a poem. For my neice's 6th birthday I mailed her a home made card. Inside was a poem that I had written. And to make it extra special I added pictures that I had drawn of Kayla to colour. I'm told Kayla laughed about the poem and she coloured the pictures right away. As the giver, I think I got more out of this than anyone.

When Kayla turned one
She sang in the sun.
When Kayla turned two
She played the kazoo.
When Kayla turned three
She swam in the sea.
When Kayla turned four
She danced on the floor.
When Kayla turned five
She learned how to dive.
But now that Kayla’s six
She eats banana splits.

Bread Baking

It's very hot today. Summer has finally arrived. The heat reminded me of stories my grandmother told me when I was a child. I loved hearing how different her life was to mine. Her home had no electricity, so bedtime was when the sun went down. In winter that meant long sleeps. I wonder if people had sleeping problems then like they do today. With the work harder, I imagine that their sleep was sweeter.

Grandmother likes to tell me about a time
She helped her mother bake bread.
Outside in ovens made of brick and stone
Its aroma filled the air, she said.

Grandmother smiles remembering the bread,
Brown bread she helped bake.
Pounding balls of dough on large stone slabs
Until her arms began to ache.

I like to think how she must have looked
Collecting wood to build the fire.
Until it reached the right color and temperature,
Her face red with perspire.

Grandmother couldn't wait for the bread to cool.
And tells me how good it tasted.
And though it lasted for just a few days
Not a piece of it was wasted.

I asked Grandmother, “Do you miss that bread?
And how it tasted so fresh and good.”
She nods and says she misses the taste of the bread,
But not cutting all that fire wood.

Apple Picking

I took a lovely walk this morning. The orchards and vineyards were pretty as a postcard. While I walked I mulled over an embarrassing incident that happened on the weekend, and felt so fortunate. (Would you believe I called the police to report my son missing when I didn't find him in bed and there was no car in the driveway. He went out for breakfast for 6 hours with work friends. Next time he does that he better call.) Why did I feel fortunate? Because, I knew that God wants what's best for me. Here's one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible.

"This is what God requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

I wandered through the orchard way
In the morning part of day.
And there beside the deep ravine
Apples grew on branches green.

I pondered of what there was to come
In autumn, with apples high as a drum.
And thought who'd miss one apple sweet.
So on went marching my two feet.

To pluck one fruit would be a crime.
No matter if the fruit looked fine.
Still, the fruit so green and small
Seemed to beckon to me and call.

I soon gave in and reached up high,
And plucked an apple from the sky.
And as the sap dripped down my chin
My face did slowly lose its grin.

Here's the tale my face expressed,
It was a taste I've come to detest.
Sour and tart, I remember it still.
To steal fruit again, I never will.

STAR GAZING

One thing I try to keep in mind when a storm comes along and my ship rocks too much for my comfort is that the storm will pass and the sun will shine again. It was lovely to spend time with our eldest daughter home for a visit. She played the piano and sang songs for us. The piano was glad too, I suspect. What more could I ask for.

The night is fine and dry.
The stars blink greetings bright.
And the universe spreads
A sweetness through the night.
Those ancient stars that shine
The beast and riding horse
Cannot be erased by human hand
And continue on their course.
Through every age and creed
The lights of charcoal sky
Give hope to human hearts
Offering answers to our why.

The Lion Cub

I got a haircut yesterday. It's funny, but I often go to a different hairdresser and never stick with anyone in particular. I know that's risky. I never tell them I was a hairdresser 15 years ago, because I don't want them to feel nervous. I just like to sit, relax and remember what it was like. Here's a poem I wrote with lots of action.

He stalks, then pounces
On a beetle small.
He waits, then prances
Like a bouncing ball.
He tucks, then lunges
If brother moves away.
He swats and wrestles
In grassy plains all day.
He sleeps, then wakens
When mother brings a treat.
He waits, then watches
While father eats the meat.

God’s Promises Are True

Have you ever promised to do something and then forgot all about it? Don't be too hard on yourself. We all forget to keep our promises sometimes. If you have forgotten to carry through on a special promise you can always apologize. Humble people are very appealing. After all, none of us are perfect. Except God of course.

Whenever a friend is feeling sad, I say
That I will pray for them that day.
Though I meant it for sure when it was said
Sometimes I forget to pray, instead.

Whenever my Grandma is feeling frail
I promise my mom I'd send her mail.
I meant to send her a card as I should
But found that my book was much too good.

Whenever God makes a promise, it’s true.
Whatever he says in his Word, he’ll do.
He'll never say, “Oops, I must have forgot!”
Or he changed his mind and would rather not.

Early Morning Drive

I drove my son to his work this morning. His calf muscles were still sore from the muscle spasm he received upon waking. Here are some of my thoughts on the drive home.

Early this morning as I drove along
The sun began to rise.
I watched it pass through a misty veil
A most delightful surprise.

Suddenly, a deer ran swiftly across.
It bounded in front of me.
As I continued along the country lane
I thought of this mystery.

How the earth somehow belongs to them
We are but passing through.
The creatures of forest are free to play
While we have jobs to do.

How the things of earth are so beautiful,
And change not, no matter the age.
The sun still rises to mark each day
Without empathy or rage.

Though the ways of life are a mystery
Earth’s gifts are freely given.
They cannot be taken or hidden away.
These gifts are sent from heaven.

The fragrant air and the evergreen pines
Is home to many a creature.
Rabbits and pheasants, frogs and snails
Remains its favorite feature.

And at each turning of the road
What joy it was to find,
Another delight awaiting my eyes.
All gifts I had to leave behind.

Friends are like Flowers

Friends make the world a nicer place. We can all agree with that. Like most people we tend to make friends with people that have similar views on life and that understand our strengths and weaknesses. I certainly need to have friends to accept me as I am. My plan for today is to remember the good friendships from the past and to reconnect. Who knows, I might be in for a lovely surprise.

Like flowers in the garden
Next to the grassy lawn,
Good friends are not forgotten.
Their memory lingers on.

And though they fade for just a time
Should autumn bring the frost,
Flowers tended with loving care
Can never be truly lost.

Time can't change or alter its glow.
Flowers brighten the path we take.
Just knowing a friend walks by your side
Heals many a grief and ache.

Though flowers fade and come to an end,
Are different in size and hue,
How lonely the path of life would be
If no flowers grew for you.

To a Special Mom

My mother recently celebrated her 71st birthday. Like many women back in 1958 she married young and began a family immediately. I'm her first born and I remember life being simple and not filled with many luxuries. I feel very lucky. Thanks Mom for not filling my life with things, but with love and good morals.

Your love is like an island,
Surrounded by the sea.
It’s a place of rest and shelter.
A pleasant place to be.

Your love is like a beacon light,
A house of shining prayer.
And when my ship comes sailing through,
It finds a haven there.

Your love is like a cup of hope.
A quiet, friendly cheer.
With open arms to give a hug,
A love that is so dear.

A Bugs point of view

Looking at life through other peoples eyes can often help us understand them better. If you happen to be born into royalty you would look at life differently than someone born into poverty. Every once in a while it's good to imagine what life is like for someone else. You might be surprised at what you discover. It will help you write a better story, too.

Let’s imagine for a moment
from a bugs point of view,
you were changed into a beetle
instead of being you.

Let's imagine if you could
how strange it might feel
if you lived inside the body
of a small tank of steel.

Let's imagine what you’d eat
in this new circumstance,
how’d you munch on tiny aphids
that ruined garden plants.

Let’s imagine for a moment
that a giant looked at you.
Does it change your perspective,
of a beetles point of view.

Even if...

Have you ever had a perfect day? Often something will happen that makes it less than perfect. But how you react is very important. I've heard it said that life is 90 percent what happens to you and 10 perfect how you react to it. Still, even if things happen that are not pleasant remember there is someone watching who cares and can give you strength in the nick of time.

Suppose the things that I dislike
Occurred this very day.
Like an unexpected assignment at school
When friends asked me to play.

Suppose the juice that I had poured
Got knocked into the sink.
Or the sandwich in my lunch was squashed
What should I think?

Suppose my dog chewed on my shoe
As I headed out the door.
And half way on my walk to school
Rain began to pour.

Well, even if these things come true
I know there will always be
God, and all his angels—
Watching over me.

God Always Sees

My heart is heavy today. My eldest daughter recalled some things I had said that were not nice while she was growing up. I asked for forgiveness. One unkind comment I made was something about her piano playing. I was always after her to practice. Do you sometimes wish you could go back and do it all over again and not make those mistakes. As we said goodbye we gave each other our love. Still, I wish I could erase those memories. Most were said in frustration, but that's no excuss.
Later it dawned on me that just like in writing, every single word counts.

The sky is dim with left over day
And the night is not yet here.
Unchanging in twilight as I go my way
God’s sight is crystal clear.

Psalm 139:12

THE MOTHER PYTHON’S LOVE

Raising children is more about preparing them for send off than anything else. Still, it seems bitter sweet to have to release them after the time and energy is put into every nook and cranny of their lives. But that is the way it has to be. It would be cruel to not equip our children for the real world outside the cosy home we made. Here's a poem I wrote after reading how the python snake copes with letting their offspring go.

Shivering through the chilly nights
She keeps her young ones warm.
And watches from the brooding nest
To keep them safe from harm.
For days she wraps herself around
Her eggs so they will live.
And shields them with the fiercest love
Only a mother could give.
Then, as the young begin to hatch
The python slinks away.
It’s time to build another nest
Her work is done today.

Sing Praises

I've had a lovely day working in the gardens around my home. The sun was shining with no winds to bother me and the temperature was perfect. My husband and I pulled weeds for several hours and there is still much more to do, but we'll have to leave that for another day. After the sedentary winter I've had, my muscles are feeling a little tired and worn out. Still, the garden looks so much better than it did before. It was well worth it.

Though I cannot sing in tune
and I wander off the key,
it's clear that singing gives me joy
when I sing happily.
Still, it doesn't matter how I sing
God loves to hear my praise.
It's a loving heart that speaks to him.
Not the melody I raise.

God Made Bodies for Work

There are some days that I wish the day could be longer. And there are other days I can hardly wait until it's over. I try to remember that there are no prizes to be won for all my efforts, just a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day. Even better when I give all my concerns to God and do it for his honor the day will turn out great. Here's a thought about work.

God made feet for walking, my father had said.
And eyes to see with, near the top of each head.
He gave each a mouth for talking and drinking
And a brain to help, do all our thinking.

God made our bodies to be used each day
Like muscles and tendons in a splendid way.
Without any effort, our cheeks turn pale
Our strength grows weak and our joy turns stale.

Our rest will be sweeter at the end of the day
When our labor is done in a cheerful way.
And when old age comes to each one at last
None will regret the toils from the past.

A Hawk’s Morning

Sometimes I'm given a chance to see one of natures mysteries unfold in front of my eyes. This morning I was lucky to see one. I live near an escarpment where hawks return every spring. I hope I never take it for granted. There's something very majestic and beautiful about the red tailed hawk.

This morning I passed by a hawk,
He was perched up in a tree.
Ever so regal he ignored me.
It was glorious to see.

I watched his tail unfold like a fan.
And he spread his wings on his back.
And with eyes like pools of black,
No confidence did he lack.

Suddenly, he unleashed his strength.
And he soared into the skies.
And with his built in camera eyes,
He caught a mouse by surprise.

In my Garden

Today is an awesome day. Not only is the weather windy and warm, but I've been asked if I was interested in being the poetry editor of My Light Magazine, an e-line Catholic magazine for kids. To say I'm excited is an understatement. I'm overjoyed. To celebrate, I've written this poem.

It’s a perfect day to visit the garden
The air is fresh and bright.
All the buds are blooming on the trees
It seems almost overnight.

The cold winds of yesterday are gone.
This day holds something new.
And now that summer winds are blowing,
The skies are, oh, so blue.

See how the squirrels scamper and gather
See robins collecting grass.
They seem to know it’s time to get ready
That winter has finally passed.

Let’s pack all the mittens and winter coats
That just gets in our way.
Let’s bring out the hammock and sway in the wind
And not waste a single day!

OUR SON

My oldest son is turning 19 in a few days. While he was growing up, teachers made me feel that he wasn't up to snuff and that his future looked grim. He was even diagnosed with a form of autism. Well, he fooled them. All of a sudden something inside him came together and his marks began to soar.
Never give up on your kids. They can and will surprise you.

We envy all your carefree ways
Your laughter and your smile
You never seem to worry much
And go the extra mile.
And if your mother's worried
You take the time to say
That everything will turn out right
In perhaps another way.
Though you're an ordinary fellow
You never think to quit
You anticipate the future
And all that’s good in it.
We wouldn't change the way you are
You are the finest ever sent.
You make the best of each new day
For this we are content.

After the Rain

Every cloud has a silver lining. And there are rewards gained for hanging in when skies are blue. That's what Easter Monday says to me. I hope you feel the same as I do. While there's life, there's hope.

The sky is crying

Puddles of sun peak through clouds

Diamonds on the grass

The Betrayal

The Easter story is the greatest story ever told. All the events leading up to it, such as the creation, the fall of mankind, and mankinds constant rebellion against God makes the Easter story the climax. This story is about atonement, redemption, and forgiveness. Yet, as Jesus prayed in the garden that night, He who was one with God knew what would take place in the coming hours. And Jesus as man knew how much it would cost. Amazing. Happy Easter.

In the Garden of Gethsemane
It was dark and still.
There, Jesus prayed in agony
To do his fathers will.

Not far away the disciples lay
Fast asleep on the grass.
Now knowing the cup of suffering
Jesus would soon pass.

Suddenly, torches burning bright
Burst through the olive trees.
Guards with clubs and men with swords
Swept through the garden with ease.

Then Judas the traitor came towards Jesus
And kissed Him on the cheek
Yet, when the soldiers took Jesus away
Not a word would he speak.

As the leaders churned among themselves
To conspire and to lie,
With wringing hands they looked for a way
To condemn Jesus to die.

Throughout the jeering He said not a word.
Like a sheep He was brought away.
And He summoned no angels to help Him.
It was the plotters day.

More Ski Memories

It's snowing here in Southern Ontario. A bit of a surprise. I was told by my safety conscience bus driver friends it would arrive, but I hardly believed it until I saw it. Anyways, it gave me a chance to post another ski poem. There's something cozy about a ski lodge and it gives warm memories. But, remember to wear a helmet. Safety first.

Snowflakes falling to the ground
Chairs are climbing heaven bound
Boots a dangling everywhere
Smiling faces soar through air
Muffled voices zip downhill
Some whiz fast and others still
Bursts of colors pass with ease
Through the crowds of bare limb trees
Smiling faces, cheeks aglow
Next to the dazzling, frosty snow
Ski boots stomping in the chalet
Carrying cheese and plates of pate
Crock pots, coolers everywhere
Hungry skiers glad to share.

Make This Day Count

Here's a a few lines of wisdom of the far East. These lines are taken from Sanskrit that I came across. Oh, and the picture is me when I was two. Notice the watch on my arm. If only time could stand still when you want it to.

Look to this day,
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a a vision.
But today well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
So look well to this day.

March Winds

Today, I sit nervously at home wondering how my son did on his job interviews. He left this morning with a new short hair cut, new leather shoes, a new blue shirt and pants. I prayed for him as he sat in the car and then I waved him off. It's scary to see your kids grow up. And yet, so gratifying. A new season has begun.

When March arrives
She turns the sheets
And scrubs and polishes
To make things neat.
Then sweeping her house
With a giant broom
She washes the gray
For buds to bloom.
How nice of March
To come and clean
Her lovely house
Back into green.

LENDING A HAND

I felt inspired to write a poem last night after I read a story of a woman lending a hand to two small girls. There's something so rewarding about helping someone else. It must be the smiles that you get in return. Enjoy!

In the middle of a rush of a busy afternoon,
Two tiny girls walked hand in hand singing a tune.
With smiles on each face and wearing pretty dresses
Their dark, brown eyes shone beneath curly tresses.
Suddenly, a shoelace of one girl became undone,
To cause tears of alarm that it would end their fun.
For shoelace tying is tricky for tiny girls of five.
And it seemed that no help for them would arrive.
A woman in a business suit rushed over to lend a hand
And kneeling on pavement she tied the shoelace strand.
As she whispered words of cheer on bended knee,
The lace was tied in a bow as neat as could be.
Smiling, the stranger watched the girls skip down the road
So glad that she had stooped to lighten up their load.

Your Smile

Valentine is over, but don't you agree that a smile goes a long way. Here's something I wrote for my husband over a year ago. It's still relevant today.

If I were paid a penny
each time you gave a smile,
I'd be the richest woman
amasing quite a pile.
I'm thankful that I married
a man in my father's mold.
Hardworking, honest, caring
It's love that's purest gold.

Spring Decorating

Have you started spring cleaning yet? Out with dirt and in with clean. Notice how mildew settles in around the window. Yuck. It's time to use vinegar. While you're at it, think about yucky things in your life that is preventing you from feeling clean inside. Like unforgiveness, anger or jealousy. Then get rid of that too. You won't regret it.

Winter leaves its frosty feet
At the doorway with a sigh.
While tree branches sweep the cobwebs
From the silver sky.
In steps gentle lamb with fleeces
Silky, soft and mellow.
And decorates the house with a splash
Of pink and yellow.

Keep the Boy Inside of You

My dad turned 76 years young this past month. He's in Florida right now enjoying the sunshine with my mom. They meet up with other retired folks every winter and from what I hear have a lot of fun. I wrote my dad a poem for his birthday. It's the least I could do for a dad who never complains about anything, is content with life and has given me so much.

There's still a boy inside of you
Enjoying life through and through.
He's a lad full of wonders
About things hid from view.

What to others seem dull and old
You find treasure to behold.
And from your lad you quickly learn
All that's good and true.

He gives your eyes power to see
How life is meant to be
Your days are more glorious cause' you kept
That boy inside of you.

The More You Find

I've been too busy to write a poem this week so I'm lending you one from Helen Steiner Rice. Her poems speak to the heart. And since this is heart month I think it's appropiate.

The more you give, the more you get—
the more you laugh, the less you fret.
The more you do unselfishly,
the more you live abundantly—
The more of everything you share,
the more you’ll always have to spare.
The more you love, the more you’ll find
that life is good and friends are kind.

Helen Steiner Rice

LOVE PREVAILS

Hope you had a wonderful valentines day. Did you give and receive love? Here are some of my thoughts on love. As I wrote this poem I used I Corinthians 13 as a reference. After all, who but God knows what love really is. He is love and designed it.

When the moon has lost its glow
love passes by;
not to be caught, but released
like a butterfly.

Though some build tall fortresses,
are boastful and proud,
Love shines like the morning sun
and is never loud.

Love tosses aside the list of wrongs
that others have done,
And never lies to its prey as a cat
when the chase has begun.

Love longs to build bridges
when all else will fail.
It never dissapoints or leaves us.
Love will prevail.

SNOW SHOVELING

Are you enjoying the winter? I suppose if you like skiing, tobogganing or building snowmen then you're enjoying it very much. If you find snow shoveling the only sport you seem to do, well I want to remind you that spring is just around the corner. So, hang in there. There's still more dreaming to do until spring.

I begin to shovel the driveway,
Snow is falling like confetti
Only I’m not celebrating,
And there’s no reason to smile.

As mounds of snow grow into hills
My mind drifts upwards like a cloud.
For a moment the world's at war
And I have to dig my way out.

The snow that I toss, mocks me.
I can hear it in the silence.
But I won’t let it defeat me,
Cause I won’t be the one melting.

WHITE POWDER

I have a confession to make. My husband is passionate about skiing and I'm not. I'm the creative type and love projects. I give my family a good laugh when I exit a chair lift. Instead of jumping off, I drop like a sack of potatoes. My dearest beloved, graceful on skis seems to float down mountains without effort. I fight it all the way and can hardly wait to rest by the fireplace with a hot chocolate. I wrote this for him.

Sparkling white powder
On high mountain top
Is falling down gently
Like sweet ginger pop.

Dangling boots soaring
Preparing to jump
From chairs in the sky
And land with a thump.

A flash of deep colors
Dashing through trails
Brush against branches
Wearing white veils.

Zinging and zooming
Soaring down hill
Frosty cheeks glowing
Oh what a thrill.

A Wedding Wish

I attended a wedding shower the other night. The bride-to-be is so sweet that I had to write her a little poem. Here it is. I also want to add that I've had a poem published in January's issue of Stories for Children, an e-line magazine. My poem is called The Penguin. Please check it out. I love the illustration they put with it.

May your hopes and dreams
be wrapped in sky,
Complete with ribbons
to help you fly.
May the dreams you dream
brim full of love
So your hearts will soar
through clouds above.
May the hopes you long for
be weaved with gold
And ripple with blessings
to prize and hold.

PLANS

No one likes it when plans have shifted. After coming home from a mini-vacation at Lake Placid, we found our fence and the pool deck ripped out by strong winds. The deck lay folded inside the pool. Thankfully, a friend came by with a tractor and pulled it out. What would we do without dear friends. I wrote two poems this morning and hope they inspire you. Now that 2009 is upon us, let's look forward to fresh new ideas to inspire our writing.

Sometimes things don’t go as planned
And life goes a different way.
For just as a tree, strong winds strike
And cause our plans to sway.
Sometimes we can swing along
And find a new direction.
Other times we've gained great insight,
And time for deep reflection.

On the last day of December, a huge flock of robins sat in a tree next to my house with two feet of snow all around. What were they thinking!

The Robins Song-

I heard the robins sing,
On the last day of December.
It was the strangest thing
That I can remember.
I wondered what to do.
Had they changed their diet-
Was their map askew-
Still, I thought them brave to try it.