Hearts All Buttoned Up

Hearts and love. 

Who can live without these? One is necessary to keep our bodies alive and the other is our life's purpose. 

Wanting to pay homage to these attributes, especially with Valentine's day as a prompt, I had my craft class create projects just in time to celebrate the holiday and the sentiment.

I set out 8"x10" picture frames, various colored buttons, paper doilies, and strings of beads. My students chose colored paper to use as the background for their artwork which we inserted under the glass and closed the back of the frame in place. 

The students then got busy choosing the ornaments that they wanted to use. Using glue guns, they adhered the beads and buttons to the glass top. It was so fun to see the concentration and creative passion that these ladies used to make their works of art! Here are their results:

Nicole and Sophia show the love!

Nicole and Sophia's framed hearts

Rosa, Cindy, and Sarah with their "heartwork"

Detailed work of Cindy and Sarah's projects

I'm so proud of these ladies' projects! There's nothing like good friends gathering over a table covered with pretty baubles, their heads full of ideas, ending with a stronger bond and wonderful artwork.

To make my project, here's what I did:

I cut red cardstock paper to fit inside the frame using the glass as a template in order to cut the correct size. 

I dabbed a dot of gluestick on to a paper heart doily and placed it onto the center of the cardstock to use as a guide when I began laying down my button pattern. I closed the paper inside the frame and started picking out white and ivory colored buttons to use on my project. 

I cut off the shanks from the buttons that didn't have a flat back. After my glue gun was heated I got busy laying down the buttons on the glass top over the paper doily. It was like a puzzle trying to fill in the shape using the various sized buttons! Once the first layer was in place, I glued a second layer of buttons over the first in order to hide open spaces and to add more texture. 

After finishing the button heart creation, I decided that the project needed a little more pizazz. I removed the red cardstock from the inside of the frame, took the paper doily off of the cardstock and used a ruler and white ink pen to write rows of the word "love" down the entire page. I placed the cardstock back inside the frame and admired my finished handiwork. So cute!

Head on over to a dollar store or look through your stash of on-hand frames, gather your box of various buttons and beads, and see where love takes you!

In Honor Of My Husband

Our house is so quiet now that you're gone.
I walk silently through the hallways
Expecting to see you but knowing that I won't.
I talk to you but I can't hear your voice.

I miss you.
Your beautiful face, the one I fell in love with so many years ago,
Your touch, the one that excited and warmed me.
We loved each other so deeply,
I don't doubt that you can hear me even now. 
I see you in my mind,
I feel the whisper of your touch.

I wanted just a few more minutes with you before you left.
I wanted to tell you that I loved you just one more time.
Even though we knew that final day was near,
It came as a shock when at last you let go.
I will remember that day always.
You were having trouble speaking
And I was tearfully attending you,
But you looked me in the eye, smiled, and gently stroked my arm.
I can't remember if I told you that I loved you that day, but you knew.

Steve, you are gone from this world,
But you live forever in my heart.
Wait for me.
One day we will be together again eternally.

__________________________________________

Steve Lawson - 1/28/46 to 08/14/16

Feeling Lucky?

The Mirriam-Webster dictionary defines luck as "the things that happen to a person because of chance - the accidental way things happen without being planned."

Is luck truly a matter of happenstance, something that is uncontrollable, simple fate? I think not. I believe that luck, whether considered good or bad, is an opportunity given to us to improve or build upon in our lives. Here are a few other "lucky quotes": 

“I am not lucky, but I am favoured because luck runs out; but God's favour will abide with me forever.”  ― Gugu Mona

“I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it”― Thomas Jefferson

"Luck is not chance, it's toil; fortune's expensive smile is earned." — Emily Dickinson

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”— Dalai Lama XIV

“Luck affects everything; let your hook always be cast; in the stream where you least expect it, there will be a fish." – Ovid

Here is my thought on luck:

Lucky

What is luck?

Is it by chance

or a predestined gift?

Is it something you win

or a chance gone wild?

Why do we covet lucky numbers,

Lucky stars, rabbits feet, and the like?

What if you are unlucky?

Does it stay with you all of your life?

Or is it temporary, just for the moment?

Can you change your luck

From a negative to a positive?

Is it a mindset,

One that can be willed to good favor?

I believe that to say "I am lucky"

Is like saying "I am blessed".

Luck is not what happens to you

But how you happen to it.

Prepare yourself and look for luck. When "unlucky" things happen, learn from them and turn them in to opportunities. The gateway is open - may you have a lucky life!

Pillow Talk

Pillows. We pile them on our beds each morning so this nest will look pretty all day only to have to throw them off each night in order that we may rest. They hold up our heads, get plumped on a couch, can serve as a weapon during a fight, and are a kitty's friend when it's time for a nap. Filled with downy soft feathers or firm dense foam, pillows are one of the seemingly necessities of life. Perfect for punching, scrunching, drooling and dreaming on, what would we do without them!

Pillow Talk

A little place to rest your head,

A pretty thing to dress your bed,

To wrap your arms around with a hug,

Imagining that lover, as cute as a bug.

Now I lay me down to sleep

With hopes of sweet dreams intent to keep.

Cushy, mushy, soft and downy,

Making my hair kind of clowny.

Pillows for a car trip,

Mash it against the window so your head doesn't slip.

Weapons for a pillow fight,

Feathers flying, what a sight.

Dogs and cats curl up on one of their own,

Dreaming of cat nip or a big juicy bone.

What would a sleep be without this head rest?

Certainly not the same little nest.

A Recipe For Joy

People who know me understand that cooking is not my favorite activity. I find it messy, tedious, and hard work. It's not that I'm a poor chef, my results are usually creative and edible. No one complains (outloud) and no one goes starving. Preparing meals is just not my calling. My favorite thing to make is reservations. 

I wrote the following based on inspiration from Mary Oliver's poem, "Don't Hesitate"


A Recipe For Joy

Ingredients

• Equal parts laughter and silliness
• 1 heaping heart of love
• Pinch of sarcasm
• A grain of salt
• 2 handfuls of compassion

Blend thoroughly until waves of smiles appear.
Pour into a well seasoned soul.
Bake for a lifetime.

Serves one and all.

The Blazing Soul

A desire to do more or be more in life can be analogous to a fire. It is a powerful, driving force. Although fire can be destructive, it also clears a path for new growth. Is it safe to give in to this passion, the excitement of the glowing possibilities? I will fan the flames of my heart, eager to see what it ignites.

The Blazing Soul

There's a fire blazing in my soul.
A hungry, burning sensation,
Crackling, flaming.
Not an ember but a roaring full force fire.

What is this?
Should I snuff it out or
Pour more fuel to feed it?

Should it be controlled?
Let its power grow large?

A fire has its majesty.
It can be cleansing and terrifying all at once.

Beautiful, hot, raw energy.

Yes, let my soul burn,
Forging new paths,
Preparing unexpected pleasures.

Coffee, Tea, and Me

Coffee and tea are simple pleasures. Savored slowly or gulped down to charge up for the day, dark roasted or English breakfast, served hot or cold, a cup of this can amp us up or soothe our minds for a while. Here's my take on this treat:

Coffee, Tea, and Me

Coffee shared with a friend,
Both are warming to the core.

Hair-sticking-straight-up strong
Or a rich and creamy delight,
We add a pinch of sugar
To sweeten the pot.

We nibble crunchy croissants
Freshly baked and sinful,
Our heads nearly touching
As we share our gossip and news.

Giggling and grasping each others hands,
We pour another cup of vaporous brew.

Whether in gladness or sadness,
Silly or triumphant,
Or just letting off some steam,
I can always count on pleasures
From my coffee, tea, and you, 
           My friend.

I Can See You Clearly

At some point, most people will need glasses to see better. Maybe just for reading, maybe for nighttime driving, or perhaps to see the world in crisp focus at all times. How wonderful to have this simple tool to bring clarity to our lives!

My creative writing class used a table of eyeglasses as its prompt. This is what I "saw"...

I CAN SEE YOU CLEARLY

Whether nearsighted

Or farsighted,

I can see you clearly.

Tortoise shell

or wire framed,

Your face is always just right.

Dark tint, no tint,

Bifocal or monocle,

You are always in focus.

I may misplace my glasses,

I might sit on and break them,

But you are never forgotten,

Seemingly indestructible.

Right in front of my face,

Always on my mind,

Like my favorite eyeglasses,

I can see you clearly.

The Master Plan

The Master Plan

Time is marked by moments of happiness.
I say "moments" as life is not a continuum of joy and peace.

Thankfully not.

For, if our time here were only gentle and awesome,
We would never want to leave
For the Kingdom above.

Why should we if we have heaven on earth?
That is not the Master plan.

We are to know sorrow at times,
To suffer down deep,
In order that we may trust in relief,
Be consoled by faith,
Give thanks at all times.

Without sadness we cannot have gladness.
Thankfully so!

Treasures Of The Heart

Hearts are the life force of all beings. It ensures that the body gets what it needs to survive. It can fail at times, both physically and spiritually. We should do what we can to feed it in order that we may be healthy and strong.

This poem was inspired by a grouping of lacquered boxes.

Treasures Of The Heart

Like a small box,
My heart holds secrets and shame,
Pride and purpose,
Light and love.

As with a key
I keep some of what is stored inside locked away.
It's just between God and me.

There are drawers that slide open with ease
Ready to release the laughter and joy,
The sorrow and sympathy, 
The anger and confusion.

With felt-lined pockets
I lay my soul within.
It is safe here.
I have room enough for you.

Life - What A Party!

It can be difficult to feel hopeful when there is a great loss. Sorrow and pain are natural in life. We are not alone. After a time, we must stand again and let go of the grief because there is so much more to cherish and celebrate before and ahead. As Dolly Parton said, "If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain".

My poem was inspired by Joan Fleming's poem "The Party", included in Ann Hisle's book, "My House Burned Down and Now I Can See the Stars". Her book is about life's losses and finding hope and inspiration. 


Life.
What a party!

It's an event we often forget to celebrate.

Instead of shuffling our feet,
Keeping our heads down low
And shoulders bent over with pain,
We should be dancing in the streets
With our faces pointed towards the sky.

Let's give thanks!
Live without regrets,
Forget our failures,
Let go the woes,
Release the tension,
Unbind what ties.
It's only in our heads.

Strut your stuff,
Wear your finest,
Laugh whenever you can.

Act a fool
And ignore the naysayers -
They're not having fun.

It's your LIFE!
How will you spend it?
What time will you have?

I say - party on!

I Always Have

My husband has had various kinds of cancers for many years. He is incredibly resilient and masterful in this battle. I admire him and adore him. Even still, cancer sucks. Together we are soldiering through this period in our lives, leaning on hope and each other.

This poem is inspired by Naomi Shihab Nye's poem, "Kindness".

Look no further,

Look no longer,

     I am with you---

     I always have.

Let me lift you,

Let me kiss you,

     I do love you---

     I always have.  

Little time,

Little pleasures,

     I so thank you---

     I always have.

Life's Badges

Old age is for the lucky who make it there. Our outer appearance changes, we may forget where we put our keys, or mismatch our clothes. But the inner soul remains youthful and eager to proceed in life. 

My poem was inspired by Asian wooden figurines, one being an old man stooped over but looking to be walking on a path.


Life's Badges

My spine is curved forward
And I walk with a cane.

My beard is white
And my head bears no hair.

My teeth are false
And my eyes are a blur.

At times my hands tremble,
My mind draws a blank.

I don't sleep through the night,
But nap in the day.

I can remember being a child
As if it were yesterday,
But today I have trouble recalling your name.

These are the badges
I've earned with my age.

I'm old but not broken,
A little tattered and worn.

My time in this body
May be drawing to end,
But I cherish where it has taken me.

This is a gift.
What a wonderful life!

Stuck On You

Life hurts sometimes. It may be a physical, emotional, or spiritual "boo-boo" but these can be healed and made new again. We are fantastic beings!

My poem was inspired by a box of band-aids.

Stuck On You

Like a band-aid,
I'm stuck on you.

I will do my best to protect you from further harm,
Keep you safe, keep you warm.

I will guard over you,
Stand by you,
And never let you fall.

With so many things that can get under your skin,
So many things that can go wrong,
I will stick with you, my love.
Nothing dare pull us apart.

Count on me, 
Trust in me,
I've got you covered.
________________________________________

Everyday, it seems like there's something to report, 
a new sympton, ache or problem. So many troubles visited on a single soul. I am deeply troubled and sorrowful for you. I wish that our lives were different today, that there were more of the yesterdays, that a simple band-aid would patch the pain. I hate to see you suffer. 

Come what may, together we can.

Signs Of Summer Ahead

Oh, the pleasures of summer! I love the warm weather, long days of sunshine, more time to play outside.

My poem was inspired by sports memorabilia on a table.


Take me out to the ballgame!
Peanuts, popcorn, crackerjacks, and beer.
Signs of summer ahead.

Shorts, skorts, t-shirts, and flip flops,
Children playing hide-and-go-seek in the yard.

Watermelons, pink and juicy,
Oranges with a zest,
Peaches, fuzzy and sweet.

Corn on the cob,
Fresh apple pie,
Barbecued burgers on the grill.

Friends gather at the end of the day
Enjoying the last sunshine
With a dance at the park.

School's out,
Vacation's on,
Everyone can hardly wait
For those lazy days of summer.

These are signs of summer ahead,
My favorite time of year.

Sarah - 2006

I Know Her

Oftentimes we forget to check-in with that one person that has been with us the longest, ourselves. We may ignore that small, gentle voice who reminds us to get enough sleep, eat regularly, be nice at all times. That screaming inner speaker that warns us against dangerous situations or decisions. Listen up! You are your own best friend, through thick and thin. Be there for you...and be nice.

Inspired by Derek Walcott's poem - "Love After Love"

Who will be my cheerleader,

My constant companion,

The one who knows me best?

Who can tear me down,

Criticize, belittle, and berate me in an instant,

And is first to console, cajole, and care in the next?

Who thinks I am the wittiest, the most fabulous,

The fairest, the most correct,

The really kindest?

Who knows when I'm lying through my teeth

But understands the need to hide the truth at times?

I pause to look in a mirror.

I know her.

It is me.

For My Daughter

My daughter, Sarah, is now a manager working for our local In-N-Out restaurant. She was chosen to spend 6 weeks helping to train employees and open a new restaurant near Monterey, California. This is the first time she has been away from home.  She is beautiful inside and out and will undoubtedly go far in her career whether it be ruling over burger staff or running a corporation. 

It is hard when a "bird leaves the nest", even if temporarily, but this is a great opportunity and I am so proud of her! 

My daughter. My darling.

As you leave today

For adventures beyond,

I find myself weeping 

With tears of two sorts.

One is for joy

As I realize you are all grown up

And the world is yours to explore.

The second are tears of sorrow

because you are all grown up

and no longer mine.

I open my arms to let you go free

But hold you close in my heart

And there you shall stay.

Go on, introduce yourself to the world,

Sail the seas, 

Ride the winds,

Climb every mountain,

Sing in foreign notes.

You will amaze all you meet

And spread joy when you leave.

Just know you are forever in my thoughts

And my heart is your home.