I’ve been taught to listen to your voice. Your very presence surrounding. With guidance, truth will set me free. Impossibilities become belief, and fear – a season left behind me.
So shall joy find me in the morning dew, while visions shine across the cerulean sky, there’s no fleeing. Only a welcoming off the wings of dawn and it is precious, search me.
Today, be a guest, nature – object of The Creator – sit closer than ever before, logic can’t touch this, and its within Him we all find rest.
Countryside view, and
I want you with me.
Yet, it isn’t so, but somehow
I found a
crystal blue pond reflection, and
You.
Sunflowers, abound, yet still
You.
Hum of the open road,
You.
Music – believe me, again
You.
Clouds wrote your name in the shape of feathers,
You.
Wind whispered, you’re not welcome,
and I reach for you.
“Grass looks good.”
even when the state of the other side
of the yard is on his mind,
his kindness shines through.
“Maple trees aren’t worth the work.”
and another hundred helicopters
fall down, as the wind shifts,
he ignores that, too.
Focused on the positives, as another day
slowly drifts away,
I listen to the birds calling each other
back to the nest.
“Don’t forget to fill their feeder.”
is whispered, and I smile.
Chair feels comfortable for now,
three sit quietly vacant,
as the neighbors drive by.
Settled, the evening breeze soothes me,
I hear, “Good enough,”
and before I’m ready
dogs bark a good evening to one another.
a subtle goodbye felt within,
auburn hair brushes my cheek,
like vapor, his voice will leave,
as today sets behind the trees.
“We had the strength to raise them, we will have the strength to let them go …”
– The Waltons
A friend sent me that quote a few days ago. Soo, true.
I’m sat here, finally, after a busy day. I just read great news from both kids (6 hours after the fact), if I could pat myself on the back I probably would, but I know single moms rarely accomplish big things without help from many. Life is a crazy ride, and I’m so grateful for it. I’ve settled in to empty nesting finally, yet I wish I was with both of them celebrating their accomplishments.
Anyway, just one more quick story from today. Been a heck of a day. ♡
Love you, Aud.
I helped care for a man today who had recently gone to heaven. It was my privilege to do so, even if some would say it’s just my job.
He was the epitome of a real Nebraskan. A Nebraska Gentleman, he served his country, he raised his family, his wife had been cherished, he cared for his farm and community, all the while serving his church.
He taught grown men how to farm in the 1950s, after Korea, and did very well farming his own land. When many folks were selling in the 1980s, he was just hitting his stride. He had a helluva stride, too. I looked forward to seeing his face on Sunday mornings. He would’ve been just my type. Well dressed, and smelled good too, even at over 90, you could see him driving his vehicle to play cards with the boys, or walking to church on a beautiful Spring morning. He was humble, soft spoken, yet incredibly certain, he paid attention to detail and always asked about my children. The true enjoyment on his face over their accomplishments created the best feeling inside of me. He truly cared. I’ll miss him. His presence brought normalcy to my week. I live with regret. I didn’t tell him how impressed I was by his just being HIM.
It was an honor to serve his family today. 95 years – well done, good and faithful servant.
Be well, friends. ♡
There are mornings, where if I don’t write what’s waiting, it will continue to sway within me.
Pushing, pulling, and looking for a way to make room. There’s attitude, fear, and control, all of which have caused me to stumble in the past.
The stutter I used, and passed down when I was younger was me – unashamed. Confident in my thoughts and convictions.
I believed wholeheartedly in myself, yet appearing to question my authority to those listening around me. Passed over and rendered entertaining. They didn’t know me very well, did they?
Interesting how I finally feel her again. And she’s amazingly bright and able.
Isn’t it funny?
Bravery appears differently on everyone.
They’re drawn to her inner sanctuary
a place not many have seen,
like rivers feed the ocean,
they travel miles, even upstream.
Large numbers greet her encouragingly,
sensing beauty when she sings,
yet, sitting closer teaches
her quiet and hidden screams.
Many refuse to listen,
carrying burdens of their own,
her voice a weighed reminder, many
bereft of home.
Her light – illuminated
she’s beautiful, protective, and serene,
fear not the angel greeting, she
seeks to comfort those in need.
Haibun
The counting was straightforward,
repetitive in its style – for learning.
Outer galaxy creatures taught many about rhythm and dancing- rhythmic movement.
There was a grouchy soul nobody wanted to humor, sadly his was lost on most.
Silliness welcomed within the kitchen, safety and danger overlooked.
Cultures encouraged by a tall yellow fowl, a friend to all.
A pair of besties, a relationship generally overlooked and undervalued.
A monster with a sweet tooth, lack of cleanliness, not one for culinary fortitude.
Someone to teach distance, often running about – investing in measurement.
And a couple striving to get their relationship right – work in progress. One loved too deeply and the other more private.
A society, in order to expand, must accept change, as creating works this way. No two people were born alike, all with different visions, fingerprints, and no two goals the same. Accepting and tolerating are worlds apart, yet both require grace. Both deserving civil conversation and an ability to live, yet neither earn an absolute. Judgement comes but by the same boat each time, and no one is safe, He decides. Love is required, love will always win, love is instant and sometimes earned – but remember it was freely given.
Anthropology
Disfunction senerios
Puppets to Muppets
– Learning –
a collection of photos and poems.
The day had finally arrived it was Mom’s pick.
The dreaded Bible Museum, “… this is my no discussion item.”
“You understand it costs $30, right?”
“Yep, I do, and I’ll gladly buy the tickets. It’s my turn today.”
“Mom, there are so many places to visit and they cost you nothing. I know why you want to go, but this is an expensive trip as is…”
“I can’t come all this way and not go, plus I’ve already lost the cathedral visit because of their schedule.”
“You lead the way.”
“I need to manage my time right so I don’t miss the next showing of A Walk Through Creation. The lady said start on the third floor.”
A few moments later.
“Mom, come look. Mom, do you see this? Mom, this is soo old. Mom, I could stay just in this room for an hour. Mom, I need a picture of that. Mom, these artifacts are priceless.”
“Now you understand why I cried when I saw the Gutenberg Bible yesterday, sweet child of mine.”
” If you’re up to waiting I think we should do the Walk Through the Old Testament, they line up over there.”
“I’d really love to, yes.”
“Wow, this is bright.”
“Yes, son, and then there was light.”
“Their depiction of the rainbow is beautiful…”
“God’s promise.”
Many, many, many moments later.
“Mom, I’m didn’t expect to learn so much. You do realize where all that came from? I’d do this again, for sure. This is a top D.C. spot for me.”
“Its kinda like I knew all along. You are my son…”
– Learning –
a collection of photos and poems.
***As I begin sharing the last few poems of the D.C. collection, I’d like to say thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.
-Aud
grounded faithfully
focused beyond symbolism
What? Who? Over where?
***
– Learning –
a collection of photos and poems.
Early morning viewing, only the good die young, or so Billy says.
Caught once again between regret and dread.
I thought of you this morning, driving into OZ,
“Turn around, Aud.”
I didn’t, nearly cost me my life, and here I am
pleading with the essence of what’s left of you.
Lead me, hollar louder,
my constant plea is evident, ignored.
I sensed your protection, view from afar, then kids told me, but – yet
you are who you are.
focused amongst darkness,
blind to a last chance and determined to count regrets.
cherish, even the ending, with the promise to never forget,
light sparks as it is extinguished
and her heart flutters, yes.
drove this afternoon,
so I wouldn’t have to listen to my thoughts
the music helped, but I keep thinking on how everything has changed.
no, not just foliage within the trees or in the depths of the ditches, but in all cases.
there’s an old homestead I wanted to take pictures of, my destination was set for the day. Go back and visit what makes sense, Aud.
as I stopped to turn in, a wedding was just letting out,
I smiled at their choice of location. Country, prairie and simple seems easy.
how fun to imagine his stare and all the dresses, the devotion and all the extras.
the children are safe after a weekend with their father, pleasantries were extended,
college life in full swing and real life looks good on them even from afar, babies no longer, maybe now momma
should breathe.
as night settles in – outside – I gave thanks for the light of the moon, peeking through the leaves still green,
as bright as a headlamp, it would seem, and brought with it an element of peace.
my prayers for you the same today as yesterday, and I’ll visit them again with each tomorrow.
yes, so much is changing and maybe it’s time,
yet I’m fully aware, even with faith in our Lord, I am frightened and full of sorrow.
summertime is what I see
old barn needs some red,
some foolish Gen Z said
my response, “wanna bet!”
leave her alone she’s good as she sits,
what a glorious storytime tone this shade of red is.
afternoon surprise
babe’s breath chosen wildly
delightful workday
crucial some would say
the space between then and now
fluctuates between right
and wrong, expected
obviously.
looking back – foolish,
forward eventually becomes – available.
we possess forward.
when shared,
is it ever really your own?
reckless eyes fixate
messy shallows glistening
don’t sip water
a wooden hand cross holds
my hand back; touched
a child’s toy soldier to remind
me daily of him; once protected
a rock from the mountains; pure
joy exists.
Compartmentalized needs.
who we are is decided
yet ever flowing, correct?
be the breeze; gentle and free
be steadfast in image, thought
and deeds,
I see you, Mr. Redbird, I see you
watching me among the debris.
Your tweet insists following
or even a reminder you’re near,
but most of all its a sign
I do know love, and hello new year.
Fight
for where
the breath
you take
comes
with ease
Oldest Daughter & Red Headed Sister 