Category: Poetry

Day 1230: A Photo A Day

4/24/2018

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Hobbs overseeing the spring-ery in our yard!

(A room with a kitty!)

The crocuses were an especially happy sight after our long winter

We have daffodils from bulbs transplanted from my father's garden in Annapolis, MD
by way of my former home in DE. They're a friendly reminder of my Dad each year!

Hyacinths just make me smile

“The earth laughs in flowers.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Day 1221: A Photo A Day

4/3/2018

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Beautiful memories of a sweet day visiting our family in Connecticut!

Thoughtful Easter blooms from Jennifer and Susan...

Thanks, gals!

"The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
a cloud come over the sunlit arch,
And wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March."
- Robert Frost

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"The Gift Wrap & The Jewel" by Wanda B. Goines

11/16/2017

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A friend recently asked me if I'd read Ann Voskamp's book "1000 Gifts". She said it wad a great blessing to her during a difficult time in her life. I went to Ann's website and came across this page with the video below.
B E A U T I F U L ...

This is Wanda B. Goines. At the time this video was filmed she was 92 years old.
She calls this poem “The Gift Wrap & The Jewel“. The words are printed below.

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?
But a little old lady peering back at me.
With bags and sags and wrinkles and wispy white hair
And I asked my reflection, "How did you get there?

You once were straight and vigorous
And now you’re stooped and weak.
When I tried so hard to keep you from becoming an antique!"
My reflection’s eyes twinkled and she solemnly replied,

"You’re looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside,
A living gem and precious of unimagined worth,
Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth.
The years that spoil your gift wrap with other things more cruel
Should purify and strengthen and polish up that jewel.

So focus your attention on the inside, not the out,
On being kinder, wiser, more content and more devout.
Then when your gift wrap’s stripped away
Your jewel will be set free, to radiate God’s glory throughout eternity."

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Day 1130: A Photo A Day

6/13/2017

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Garden rose

(an excerpt from)
A Little Budding Rose
by Emily Bronte
It was a little budding rose,
Round like a fairy globe,
And shyly did its leaves unclose
Hid in their mossy robe,
But sweet was the slight and spicy smell
It breathed from its heart invisible.

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Day 1108: A Photo A Day • Mac Monday (and a poem)!

5/1/2017

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My friend Susan Miller wrote this precious poem about Mac. We LOVE it! To see more of Susan's writing, visit her blog at Sue's Nook
She participated in National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo) during the month of April! Way to go, Susan!!!

Mac's Entreaty
by Susan Witmer Miller

Guilty you say? You think 'twas me?
I'm as innocent as can be--
Waiting patiently here for you
To play like you usually do.

Chewed the couch? You think I'd do that?
I suggest that you ask the cat.
He's been acting guilty today.
Look for him in his hide-a-way.

No, this isn't my guilty look.
I'm just posing for your next book.
Get out your pencils and you pen.
Write a scene and then draw me in.

Thanks again, Susan!

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Day 1061: A Photo A Day

12/2/2016

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"Now Autumn's fire burns slowly along the woods
and day by day the dead leaves fall and melt..."
William Allingham, Irish poet
This leaf looks like it could tell some stories... :-)

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Day 1026: A Photo A Day

8/30/2016

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My friend Susan Miller of Sue's Nook fame created this beautiful herbal fairy rock garden and wrote this delightful poem to go along with it! Check out Sue's other thoughts, poems, stories and more... here!

Dancing with Fairies
by Susan Witmer Miller

Are you feeling sad
And a little blue?
Come along with me --
there's a place for you.

Follow the rainbow,
Tiptoe past the moon,
And glide over stars --
You'll arrive there soon.

When you reach that land --
Worries disappear
Sadness turns to joy
No more hurts or fear.

Snuggle with a rabbit
Play tag with a deer
Dance with a humming bird
Stay a day or a year.

In the land of fairies
Your youth will return.
As your cares melt away,
You'll dance among the ferns.

Stroll among the herbs --
Daydream by the pond --
With this peaceful place --
You'll form a lasting bond.

When your visit ends
You'll feel refreshed and free
And grateful for your journey
To the land of Fantasy!

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Rose (2003-2016)

4/23/2016

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“Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes...”
Billy Joel

After courageously battling cancer, our dear kitty Rose joined Tyler in heaven yesterday.
Though we're heartbroken, we imagine that she and Tyler are finally the best friends we always hoped they would be!

Book cover artwork for story I wrote based on Tyler and Rose (2010)

Rose was a real cuddle-bug!

We love you and miss you, sweet Rose.

For those who have lost a beloved pet, check out this encouraging video on "Animals in Heaven" (below).

Rose was 'crying' (meowing) a lot the week before she passed. The vet assured us that she was not 'in pain' but likely uncomfortable. I felt the Lord gave me this little song to sing to her. It comforted me as well. I sang it over and over to her as I held her in my arms, and still sing it to myself.

No more 'crying', no more tears
No more sighing, no more fears.
In the Name of Jesus,
All things are become new.

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Day 951: A Photo A Day • Merry Christmas!

12/23/2015

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One of the beautiful Christmas cards we received this year

A Christmas Poem

Like a child I come to the manger
On Christmas Day –
Expecting,
Hoping,
Believing

Precious Babe,
Take me by the hand
A child shall lead them
And guide me to my promised land

Your love cresting and dividing the waters,
As you nestle in the hay
Calming my seas with your voice,
Forging a path through my darkness

The Father told of your coming to those who would see,
Those who would hear,
Those who would listen,
The Wise Men knew

He promised You – O Perfect One
I see,
I hear,
I taste your goodness –
Better than a thousand Christmas cookies

You are the rest I’ve longed for
The love of my heart,
You who made your home in my heart-manger
That was shaped for You

And now I, the mangiest of all
Am a resting place for your love,
Made forever new,
Forever secure,
Forever one with You

Like a child I come to the manger
On Christmas Day
My heart beating
For one more glimpse of You,
A peek at who
I Am.

by Kathleen Rupff
2013

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Day 950: A Photo A Day

12/22/2015

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What's on your cookie tray this year?

I follow some awesome food blogs and get recipes delivered to my 'in-box' each day! It was fun to try 3 new cookie recipes this year, and I highly recommend ALL of them! Click on link under photo for recipe.