• From Gramma's Kitchen Table

    May 20

    Today’s quote from Gramma’s Kitchen Table really needs no expository from me. It is, however, a thought worth considering on a daily basis. As we begin a new day, let’s not get distracted by what is not, but instead strive to appreciate what is. “One of the most tragic things I know is that all of us tend to put off living. We dream of some magical garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”  E.P. Bortin *I have yet to discover who E.P. Bortin is/was. A quick Google search did not reveal anything to me. If anyone knows where to find…

  • From Gramma's Kitchen Table

    From Gramma’s Kitchen Table, May 15

    Here’s today’s table quote: “Duty makes us do things well, but–love makes us do them beautifully.” Phillips Brooks I guess what this makes me think of is paying “lip service” rather than really giving of yourself. I mean, sure, I could go across the street and help my neighbor clean up his yard because he’s old and can’t do it well, and I’ll have to watch the jungle envelop his house if something isn’t done soon–yeah, I’ll go do that, and do it well because of how it affects me and the rest of the neighborhood. Or, I can go across the street and help my neighbor clean up his…

  • From Gramma's Kitchen Table

    From Gramma’s Kitchen Table….

    Hello all you out there in cyberworld! Hope you’ve had a fantastic week. Mine’s been a little “eh” due to illness, but things are looking up. All those boxes I told you I’ve been going through have revealed yet another treasure–a yellowing, brittling (is that a word?) rolodex of quotes and scriptures, one for everyday of the year. I remember well, seeing this reside in the center of my gramma’s table. Each morning she would turn over the page to the next quote. She was always sure we were there to read it with her–when we were in town, that is. She lived several states away and visits were far…

  • Imaginary Friends

    Mara…

    Here’s a Flash Fiction piece from a photo prompt that I wrote back in October. It has yet to be polished, but I hope you enjoy it! Mara threw her arms back, loving the brush of spray as she flew across the falls on her silver-tipped indigo wyvern.  How she loved it up here!  So peaceful.  The thundering cascade drowned out the turmoil of below, leaving her to enjoy, for a moment, the warm healing of the sun. A sharp whistle intruded upon Mara’s solitude.  She heaved a sigh.  “That’s our cue, Nila.  Time to go home.”  She took the tether in hand and turned the beast toward the tree…

  • Poetry and Other Thoughts

    Jenna

    In honor of a little girl I barely knew, but who touched so many lives in such a short time. Talk about a legacy….   Jenna A single fluffy dandelion sways in the fragrant spring breeze, basking in the warmth of the golden meadow sun, bringing joy to all who happened upon it, in such sweet tranquility. No one could imagine what storm lay on the horizon— the thunderous current, the black swirling masses obliterating the morning sky, wrenching the dandelion from its place. The aftermath leaves tears instead of laughter. As the clouds ride away the sun reappears looking mournfully down upon the devastation that had been a meadow.…

  • Poetry and Other Thoughts

    So many notebooks…

    Well, my original thought was to post something from one of my many notebooks here tonight, however, I’m finding that locating something publishable “real quick” is proving to be a challenge. Therefore, you get modern-day me who is quite sleepy and about to fall into bed. There are a few things running around in my brain which I will let out on the blog pages in the near future, but to get you started thinking, here are some things to ponder: 1) What is it that perpetuates racial tension when everybody I talk to (of all shades) is ready to be done with it all? I watched with interest, and…

  • Poetry and Other Thoughts

    To Leave a Legacy…

    Wow, what a day it’s been! Over the last couple days, we’ve been digging through and rearranging boxes and stuff in our bulging garage. We’ve also gotten rid of a bunch, and we’re not done yet–not by a long shot. Some of the items came with the house when we bought it as an estate about a year and a half ago. We have found several treasures amongst the “trash”, however, making the digging seem like a treasure hunt. Some of our own boxes have been packed so long, we’re opening them to find cool items we’ve forgotten we had. Two days ago, my son and a couple of his…

  • Poetry and Other Thoughts

    A Tender Moment

      Several months ago, I had the honor of witnessing the baptisms of a father and his terminal 25 year old son. It was a beautiful moment–full of joy, yet tinged with sorrow. These men were, and still are, strangers to me, however their encounter with God has left an indelible mark on my own soul. A Tender Moment A tender moment Wrapped in tears and grace, Not one but two lost souls Surrender to your love. My heart wells with joy Yet is tinged with sorrow, Aching with the weariness, Elated for the rescue. As they fall into your Open arms catch them. Hold them close. Cradle them under…

  • Poetry and Other Thoughts

    Hello World

    My First Steps are likely to be quite wobbly as I learn to navigate, not only WordPress, but the path of a writer. For much of my life I’ve been drawn to the world of creativity, particularly to word pictures, but have done little to pursue it. This blog is my first step on what I hope will be a great adventure. I invite you to join me on this journey. I will share my discoveries with you along the way, and ask you, in return, to share yours. I only ask that you keep it real, but encouraging. I look forward to our time together.