My Bellavia

Angel

2010-07-26T04:38:00.001-04:00

the light of hope lives
all around and inside us
i believe in this

whether a close friend
or a child's healing laughter
their comfort is that

look in the mirror
the reflection in a pool
it's more than yourself

strength is angelic
the vision of belief lives
is an angel there?

For more lovely poetry visit One Single Impression.

Gold

2010-02-18T19:59:00.002-05:00

nectar of mankind
not the simple breath for life
keeps fortune away

One Single Impression
PHOTO CREDIT

thirst

2009-09-12T18:07:00.001-04:00

there's no moon, no stars
clouds invade such sultry nights
prayer is a light

crickets sing softly
metronomes of time are heard
street lights glow in heat

parched lives stare upward
flickered dreams do fade
somewhere it's raining

One Single Impression

Thinking

2009-07-10T20:09:00.011-04:00

wonder has it all
blues and hues hide in shadows
reach inside the light

inside thought, lives all
ponder the ultimate gift
one mind is enough

answers await sight
difference divides the lost
don't ever give up

Dropped

2009-05-23T20:55:00.009-04:00

translucent thread
carries them down to the ground
maple trees dying

nasty green worm poop
sounds like rain falling at night
bizarre sound, but true

seven years now plus
how long can the trees hold out
laced eaten leaves hang

to sail down in Fall
amongst the brightest of all
those which they once were

Thanks to gautami tripathy of Rooted for this week’s OSI prompt of “Dropped”.

Tolerance

2009-05-17T03:35:00.000-04:00

wow, topic supreme!
how much is too much to bear?
parents do survive

the answer lies deep
you have the strength, as do i
look deep past your pain

triumph will abound
reason and accept their choice
children do come home

and i await time
because i so believe in
the wonder of them

Thanks to Kilauea Poetry for this week’s OSI prompt of “Tolerance”.

What’s it like?

2009-05-10T07:11:00.001-04:00

This week's contribution is dedicated to my Aunt Barbara. Her love and memory adorn my tree each Christmas. Two simple ornaments from Sears collection of Ornaments Of The World, which she gave to me as a teenager, are treasured and hung with her love and spirit. If she had only known how they sustain her memory and mine.

for me only love

and ability to see

a moment lives on

a gift i cherish

one that evades the stricken

memory is mine

i only hope now

it's the gift that keeps giving

i try to give back

yesterday's moments

should be there for everyone

sweet gems of our lives

Thanks to After the Pole for suggesting “What’s It Like?” as this week’s OSI prompt.

Tactile

2009-05-02T18:12:00.009-04:00

morning light finds me
daybreak touches my being
a moment humbled

one that touches all
an ability to feel
each generation

reach out and grasp hold
sense all who surround your life
sometimes we forget

the morning after
is but another chance now
waiting for reprieve

This week’s OSI prompt of “Tactile” was suggested by A Slow Read

One Word

2009-04-18T17:46:00.003-04:00

optimism lives

for those who embrace their life

look forward and see

yesterday is done

history will taunt the soul

be prepared for it

listen to day break

it is all that is new now

my father told me

that moment defined

gave all there could be for me

and i believe it

and you will feel it

as it grasps hold of your heart

never let it go

i promise you will

never regret the one chance

so many have overlooked

This week’s OSI prompt of “One Word” was suggested by Wayfaring Wanderer.

Living Water

2009-04-10T19:47:00.007-04:00

within each and all

reaches out to us daily

who will take a drink?

one child with a goal?

the seemingly young lost soul?

parents, lost in grief?

time measures our tides

revealing answers for each

the fountain of life,

is but sipping up

sustaining what matters most

dive in, capture it

This week’s OSI prompt of “Live Water” was suggested by Sue Greer-Pitt of Sunflower Roots.

This photo depicts the Crown Center Square Fountain located in Kansas, MO.

PHOTO CREDIT

Farewells

2009-03-14T21:29:00.006-04:00

almost one year now
still can't believe he's not here
my brother died young

our last encounter
he hugged me and laughed his laugh
the same ole Johnny

i remember most
his childhood days and his smile
his grandson has them

that final release
ultimately will take hold
the lord giveth strength

Fork In The Road

2009-03-08T21:00:00.004-04:00

many throughout life
at one time or another
find themselves standing alone

do we choose our paths?
are we born with direction?
is that lost along the way?

which is the right road?
why does the left road beckon?
take the scenic route

you may be surprised
sure it's a chance you'll take
decisiveness will lead you

This week's OSI prompt of Fork in the Road was suggested by Geraldine of My Poetic Path.

PHOTO CREDIT

Circles

2009-02-28T20:07:00.009-05:00

calendar year ends
weeks encompass many friends
words do speak vibrant

lending that something
i hold dearly within me
to another's eyes

reciprocation
holds a full circle of life
creation is that

Thanks OSI, for a wonderful year!

Up And Running

2009-02-27T15:08:00.001-05:00

Hello Barb and Al! We are up and running. Cannot thank you enough! SD3

Christmas is for kids. And Tiaras.

2009-02-03T14:32:00.001-05:00

Slowly

2009-02-01T20:53:00.009-05:00

sweet seconds are measured

with acceptance throughout time

how fast the world spins

birth belongs to all

life encompasses each soul

from first breath to last

shall we breathe slowly

that a moment shan't escape?

where's the fun in that?

PHOTO CREDIT: Klaus of Virtua-Gallery. The original photo is here. Stop by to see some of the most incredible wildlife photography!

If only I had time

2009-01-25T10:29:00.004-05:00

Time

he has that and more
though no concept of his own
living life sweetly

yesterday not different
today so special
tomorrows are all the same

his outlook lives bright
regrets not questioned
no chance for what if

no haunting pressures
smiles and appreciation
are all that matter

his what ifs are mine
along with all of my own
acceptance is peace with love

Fading Memories

2009-01-19T04:39:00.003-05:00

gifts of a lifetime
unwrapped over and over
take me backs comfort my soul

the worn pages read
over and over again
softly i turn the pages

and when we are gone
where do the memories go then?
i'm taking mine with me

Summertime

2009-01-10T20:38:00.007-05:00

one sunny day in my heart

that day at the park

just watching her play

dressed up all in yellow

braided bows crowned her smile

running to and fro

among unknown peers

i let go for moment

and then a few more

and relished her fun

in the bright summer sunshine

so hard to let go

though after awhile

she stopped short and stumbled down

looking up for me

and i scooped her up

and she held me tight that day

the first of many

And for my Sister Dears,

a day on the lake

who-ever shall dock the boat?

splish splash what a laugh!

Skin

2009-01-02T20:18:00.011-05:00

decades are layers
laugh lines comfort betrayal
constant love remains

vows live vigilant
never a once leaving me
my dream is alive

constant will a love
soften caloused yellow years
triumph bestills tears

forgiveness is love
in a warmth of hope and trust
value versus fear

Photo Credit

A Winter's Day

2008-12-20T22:21:00.006-05:00

long lines at the mall
faces all mirror my own
ya gotta love it

until it's time to
find the car and head for home
it's snow where in sight

frustration sets in
time for brainstorm sanity
push the panic button, duh!

technology rocks!
it seems senior moments are
closer than my car

Distractions

2008-12-13T17:17:00.004-05:00

wants and needs of others

my mind escapes me

driven to distraction

Paper Soup

2008-11-25T21:10:00.004-05:00

Chef Thomas was at it again! This evening, after a very stressful day, my son Tommy offered to make me dinner. Who would think he of all my children would notice I needed some help. His best quality, is that above all, he is genuine.

He kept offering, over and over, to make dinner for me. I told him, "that's OK Tommy, Mommy is very busy, we are having macaroni and cheese in a little while". About an hour later, while I was taking a bathroom break, I heard the cabinet doors in the kitchen opening. When I came back out into the kitchen, he was standing in front of the stove with my biggest soup spoon. A top my stove, was my lobster pan, about one quarter full with water and about twenty shredded strips of paper.

I honestly have to admit, my first reaction was, what if I was a minute or two later, and he had turned on the stove? I quickly removed the pan and told him "thank you but you can only cook with Mom".

He went to bed exhausted about an hour later. When I kissed him goodnight, he smiled and
said as he does every night, "what's for tomorrow Mom? I said, "Manville School and home to Mom". He said, "and ya, the next day is Thanksgiving and you and me are gonna cook the turkey, right"? I said "yes we are, but no paper soup OK"? He simply said, "Mom, I'm sorry".

He has been sleeping for about two hours. Me, I'm wondering how wonderful his smile would have been, had I even taken a sip before pouring it in the sink. And after the day I've had, it's funny, the only thing that matters to me tonight, is that moment i missed.

Paper Soup

One child
unconditional love
two quarts water
twenty strips of paper

All the Thanksgiving I need.

Childhood Memories, OSI "The Riches Of Childhood"

2008-11-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

what worth has a moment?
a child surely knows
he stores it safely
to someday bestow

upon his own children
or to his old self
realizing finally
the meaning of wealth

when golden and wrinkled
this fortune he holds
of yesteryear's memories
more precious than gold

are unraveled riches
secured in time
these days in the life
of a small ones rhyme

to create the laugh lines
on his old face
each time his past
meets his favorite embrace

Courage

2008-11-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

Defeated child
small and meek
may the rivered tears
that cross your cheeks,

Bring comfort
to your broken parts,
that these sweet words
shall reach your heart.

For purest lambs
and lullabyes,
can soften sobbing,
dampened cries.

And shield away
such fret and fear,
enclosed inside,
betrayal's tears.

loves light

2008-11-11T20:01:00.006-05:00

what surely is his future

evades him now
i've turned on the light

Photo Credit

Paradox

2008-11-09T19:35:00.002-05:00

if i say i lie
can you trust what i'm saying
or is it the truth

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too.

Photo Credit WillThink4Wine

Disguise

2008-11-01T20:50:00.018-04:00

worst scenario of all
a guardian falls
his mask haunts me still

who so ever knew
ever spoke a word
he counted on it

yet, this hallows night,
of Yodas' plight and magicians smile,
hope and happiness survives

Gift

2008-10-26T00:00:00.004-04:00

My Father's Words

inside my card
"always strive to do the right thing"
- my father's words

constant through the years
his words
have guided me

more precious are
his words
given without cost

and every time i use them
i dance with him
knowing he was right

- - - - - - - - - -

Sometimes, the smallest thing is the greatest gift of all. Today I remembered for the first time a day visiting my great grandfather when I was three or four years old.

unexpected memory
at the golden age of fifty
great grandfather's face

Never Ending

2008-10-18T19:45:00.022-04:00

My father is and always has been my hero. He always had a way of teaching a life lesson in a small way. One in particular a left huge impact on my life.

When I was ten years old, he taped a picture of a starving child in Africa he had cut out of the newspaper to the refrigerator door. That image and the eyes of the boy and his swollen belly have never left me.

muffled cries in life wait
stifled by the distance
bellies swell in the hungry

simplistic injustice lives
in a man made world
some just block it out

will the gavel fall?
what sentence could
repair such non-compliance?

'never ending' is harsh truth
in a blinded world
seeking self preservation

to hunger for life
or to hunger to live
the difference between us

One Single Impression "Gold"

2008-10-11T20:10:00.008-04:00

one ounce per soul
compounded daily
contentment secured for life
- - - - -

the highlights in her hair
lighted flecks of her eyes
game, set, match, promise
- - - - -

the faithful band worn true
twenty one plus years
has never left my finger
- - - - -

their promise
before my birth
all the love in the universe, always
- - - - -

silence is not golden
laughter is
come back to me my child

She Came First

2008-10-10T21:24:00.016-04:00

Today is special. My sister Barbara celebrates her birthday. I, celebrate the fortune of being her little sister. That in itself brings so many life days back for me. I was so the tattletale when we were younger. I think, I haven't changed. Some times, you just have to let it all out.

Happy birthday Sister Dear, I love you.

She Came First

His plan was laid out,
she came first.

The path was cleared before us,
one by one we followed.

Fate has a hand in love,
and every memory is a moment stored.

No verse shall compare,
such depths of a lifetime

This given gift is sacred,
and treasured

An unbreakable bond,
shared as it was offered

Sister to sister,
born under the same heart

Yesterday,
today and forever.

One Single Impression "Serendipity"

2008-10-04T20:10:00.008-04:00

pregnant at forty one

a lifelong dream

two more heartbeats under mine

One Single Impressing "Fleeting"

2008-09-27T20:24:00.009-04:00

seek your opportune tide
freeze frame its moment
seconds pass quickly

grasp hold of each thought
absorb each word
opportunity rolls backward

a moments value
shall haunt disregard
in a world of what ifs

Photo Credit

Autumn

2008-09-20T20:45:00.009-04:00

inevitable change approaches
green soulfully surrenders
not without last words

last hurrahs invade us
colors dance to fall winds
weaving colored carpets

this continuance of life
merely a season in grief
upholds it's own rebirth

how is it our own kind
labours over change
is nature not enough?

Photo Credit: Michael S. Yamashita, National Geographic Society

One Single Impression "Seed"

2008-09-13T20:29:00.005-04:00

fill my garden
i shall grow with your heart
planted truths reward abundant

harvest my bounty
and nourish your soul,
for i shall keep you content

you who gave me life
i give it back
such is the splendor of living

One Single Impression "Defenses Down"

2008-09-07T00:00:00.003-04:00

seemingly innocent thoughts
invade my mind daily
reality grounds me

once upon a time
the happy ending got lost
travesty's hand won

it will never happen again
i am always on guard
vigilant me

only in the safest place
a dream doth pain erase
i still run with laughter

Photo Credit

Hi Ho, Hi Ho!

2008-09-01T18:28:00.004-04:00

It's been twenty one years. I still remember driving home that last day I worked. (for a pay check that is!). I remember crying while driving home alone in my car wanting to be with my new baby. Time is a very involved thing. Somewhere through the years I seemed to have lost myself. I became a different person. I didn't belong to myself anymore, but to others.

Surely, I should have kept my foot in the working door somehow. I did not.

Recently, I found the courage to put myself first, if only in the moment, and secured a job as a paraprofessional for a twelve year old boy in the public school system. Tomorrow is my first day. So, hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go!

One Single Impression "Spectacle"

2008-08-31T22:11:00.004-04:00

dance of the fireflies
on Septembers eve
summers closing performance

One Single Impression "Resolve"

2008-08-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

prioritize switch
set in motion
wherever should i start?

overwhelming selections
simply wait untouched
how did it all pile up?

my grandfather once said
pay yourself first and foremost
i didn't listen

it only makes sense
a fool and his fortune
are soon parted

his advise is my resolve
sound and sure
i'm going to the bank

One Single Impression "Homecoming"

2008-08-16T20:55:00.006-04:00

crowned queen summer of eight

come back to me my daughter
- interwined heart beats

One Single Impression "Stairway"

2008-08-15T12:12:00.000-04:00

so many steps traveled
all over the world
cadence moves on

swift steps of children
or the slow creak of age
traveled sounds of time

life lingers, if you listen
of happiness and pain
sometimes contentment sings

stairways allow us
to retrace steps in our life
step back and ponder

simply lead us up
onward and forward
the future awaits

Folly

2008-08-05T08:55:00.002-04:00

the greatest caper ever
or so i imagined
i'm older now

frivolous and young
i could not see clearly
what i now remember

fifty years in the making
dreaming, loving blindly
what was i thinking?

such enthusiasm
lost so long ago
i need a magic wand

maybe life's a game
simply hide and seek
olly, olly, oxen free

One Single Impression, "Faces", The Bookcase

2008-07-26T15:38:00.006-04:00

aside Irish crystal

affront relic read

ancestral portraits sit

stone pale imaged souls

sealed in glass

bid me to dust them

their history passed on

meticulously tended

now it's my turn

familiar traits stare outward

from the old bookcase

my daughter has their eyes

I'm grapeful whenever I can!

2008-07-21T12:38:00.002-04:00

Thanks Barb!

One Single Impression "Rest"

2008-07-19T21:42:00.006-04:00

now a gal's gotta do
what a gal's gotta do
this week i'm resting

Kudos to "Barb", SD1 for the "spot on" doodle!

One Single Impression "Myth"

2008-07-10T21:27:00.006-04:00

This weeks prompt from OSI is "Myth" suggested by "Work Of The Poet". The first thought I had was from a mythology class I had many years ago. In my early years of high school, I was fascinated with the story of Pandora's Box. Of all the readings, her story has followed me throughout my entire life to this very day.

when all else evades
sealed and constant
hope remains within us all

One Single Impression "Through A Window"

2008-07-05T13:27:00.010-04:00

from the evening street
lights warmly glow
i wonder of their lives

open framed minds
breathe in chances
windows of opportunity

color dances with sunshine
through glass stained treasures
the performance allures

Who was your brother who died mama?

2008-06-29T20:19:00.001-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Today, Kevin, one of my eight year old twins asked me a question out of the blue. He asked, "who was your brother who died Mama? I was driving when he asked this. I turned off the radio and said "his name was Johnny". He asked me if he was in heaven. I answered "yes". He asked, "is he all alone"? I told him, "no, he is with Nana Jo". He asked, "do you think he is happy"? I told him they were probably laughing, the way they used to. He said, "that's good, it's not good to be alone". I left the radio off and waited for the next question. It never came.

It was quiet for about two minutes, and he uttered, "I remember being in heaven". I said, "you do"? He replied, "oh yeah, me and Thomas were playing and God called us and said "It's time to go". I asked him where they had to go, and he replied, "into your belly of course".

Out of the mouths of babes. I can't recall a more moving, innocent moment in my life.

Love And Listen Constant

love and listen constant

truthful is the child

honesty his mission

in words so pure and mild

of thoughts born in heaven

stored sweetly in his soul

brought forth in the moment
his gift so gently whole

he offers up his treasures
to share his only way
his thoughts will melt your being
in what he has to say

so love and listen constant
try not to miss a word
you'll cherish all the moments
you took the time and heard

One Single Impression "Doorway"

2008-06-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

travesty's passage way
weathered and locked
threw away the key

door number two
seemingly welcoming
promises always pending

door number three
should have been first
live and learn

beyond an entrance
exists more than just a game
tomorrow's future

Melody

2008-06-23T09:49:00.007-04:00

life in harmony
song of hearts desire
the music i long for

Permanence

2008-06-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

spewed cruel words
reach shattered hearts
you can't take them back

- - - - - -

wonderful boy
the boy he never was
i didn't lose him

- - - - - -

history lives on
each day a written page
never leaving us

- - - - - -

One Single Impression "Pets" "PENELOPE"

2008-06-05T15:31:00.008-04:00

This weeks prompt is dedicated to Penny, my shiny copper doberman puppy, who touched my heart as my first true friend. She gave more in her short life, than others have in a life time.

penelope

faithful copper greeter
when all else seemed lost
you would shine for me

more human than some
with your presence in life
you spoke with your soul

pure telepathic gazes
your understanding eyes
born of true disposition

ever guarding me
always trusting me
still rewarding me

as i remember you
and the last light in your eyes
all you had left, you gave me

One Single Impression "Freedom"

2008-05-31T14:28:00.020-04:00

birth releases us
how is it mankind gets trapped
in his selfishness

beliefs take hold
capturing cultural souls
with pretentious want

discrimination
seeded through generations
the crime of all time

sparse is the truth
in a needing world
competing with greed

with our first breath
we take in the paths
of those before us

life envelops us
hoping we will remember
needing to be born

ultimate freedom

the white flag of surrender

there are no losers

One Single Impression "Reflection"

2008-05-26T08:25:00.005-04:00

strength bares the sins of others
looking back
i had it all along

would of, could of, if only
can't possibly change time
still, torment comforts

personal reflections
seem selfish today
granite shadows overwhelm me

One Single Impression "Bleeding"

2008-05-14T07:46:00.001-04:00

yesterdays dreams creep slowly away
leaving room for
new beginnings

One Single Impression "warm"

2008-05-12T08:39:00.015-04:00

lyrical hearts beat constant
the rhythm for peace
beckoning epiphany to all

yellow ribbons
placed on hometown trees
warm waiting hearts

still flags of honour
blanket young soldiers
in solemn warmth

others return ravaged
with concealed torment
to healing families

one single impression

One Single Impression "Desert"

2008-04-28T16:59:00.019-04:00

Desert Resort Pun Listings

wind blown sand waves
free pool mirage
swim suits optional

cactus bar open
sharp entertainment
pliers available

barbecue at noon
sunburns free
bring marinade

water hunts hourly
bring pails, shovels
and humor.

whimsical scorpions
provide stand up comedy
you'll die laughing

star gazing at nine
ice chips in the sky
first come first serve

- - - - -

well there ya go
when all else deserts me
silliness doth prevail!

one single impression

One Single Impression "Flowering"

2008-04-26T09:51:00.011-04:00

clover opens
to an audience of dewdrops
the sun has yet to dry

----------

autumn roses linger
on age warmed vines
vibrant leaves cascade

----------

buttercups runneth
under the chins
of laughing children

----------

One Single Impression, "Color"

2008-04-20T01:01:00.006-04:00

Thomas' Artistic Prism

He shares masterpieces,
rainbows and smiles,
painted with shades of truism.

Love gathered hues
and living color,
there is no space for darkness here.

His happy life goes on,
ever missing shadows
that cloud typical minds.

'Tis him, who shines in awe
through a prism,
coloring my world with his!

/mjg/4/14/08

One Single Impression, "Glory"

2008-04-08T21:50:00.028-04:00

This weeks prompt "Glory", is dedicated to my daughter, Holly.

"A Keepers Glory"

Loud pacing direction,
focus, defense in place,
whistle, corner kick.

Fast movement, jump, hands up
saving exhilaration,
momentous glory!

Penalty kick, one on one,
her mind reading eyes,
decisive anticipation,

Airborne left, precision,
the high long stretch,
and the keeper has her ball.

Ecstatic team mates
obscure her from my sight
I hear them shout "yeah Holly"!

No trophy shines brighter
than her proud face,
in her triumph and glory!

Stranded, One Single Impression

2008-04-06T20:09:00.003-04:00

Stranded together,
terminal travelers, meet strangers
known for years.

ATLITUA

2008-04-03T15:08:00.013-04:00

I wasn't around when it began. The first time I saw it I was probably nine or ten years old. I was reading an anniversary card my father had given my mother. There, written inside, at the end of the verse, over my fathers signature, was, 'atlitua'. I couldn't figure it out. I was intrigued. What did it mean?

I didn't ask. I turned my attention back to the process of growing up, and the mystery lived on.

That was forty years ago. I have since learned what it stands for. It is a pledge of love, made between two young people who found one another in this world and became lifelong lovers and soul mates. When I stop and think about it, I realize how lucky I am to have been a part of it all.

To this day they share this pledge with us all. We were raised on it. We were disciplined by it. And we became who we are because of it.

I wrote my parents a letter of gratitude after my first child was born. I told them how I deeply appreciated my upbringing. I mentioned the many learned gifts of happiness, and empathy. I told them my dues to them would be paid someday, when I received a like letter from my own children.

So there it is, A circle of life. A special universe of two hearts bound. And "atlitua', lives on and on and goes around and around, with all who are blessed to gather in it.

'ATLITUA'

It's teardrops
and snowdrifts,
and toast
without butter,

clean dishes
and roses,
forgiving
each other.

It's music
and laughter,
and children
and time.

and strength
in hardship,
and dinner
for dimes.

It's shorelines
and sea glass.
it's jetties
and shells,

it's heading
for home,
and suppertime
bells.

It's singing
of sun shines,
and feelings
of love,

it's living
the music,
of sweet
white doves.

It's bingo
and nap time,
and pancakes
on Sunday,

and green grass
and gardens,
and privacy
some days.

It's lunch
for a dollar,
and late
stormy nights,

it's watching
at windows,
and back
porch lights.

It's walls
that are mirrored,
reflecting
it's life,

each day
that passes,
as husband
and wife.

It's Santa,
at Christmas,
with floors
you can't see,

wrapped presents
and bicycles,
wonder
and glee.

It's all
of these things,
and so
many more,

treasured
and loved,
behind
solid doors.

It exists
with honor,
this promise
they tend,

all the love
in the universe,
always,
No end.

mjg/bsg 4/4/08

One Single Impression "Laughter"

2008-03-30T09:45:00.005-04:00

"The Exchange"

Endorphins gone wild
release infantile laughter
from the gleeful young!

Elder eyes reciprocate
untamed joy,
over and over again!

Young one stares back
ponders response,
catches breath,
refrains joyfully so!

Old child jublient,
awashed in tears,
cries happily ever after!

Your Kind Words

2008-03-29T19:53:00.003-04:00

I would like to express my gratitude
to all of you who sent kind words
of sympathy last week towards the loss of
my brother John. Please know you
gave me strength. God is
indeed good. Blessings!

The Garden Of Friendship

2008-03-28T08:22:00.009-04:00

She has lived behind us for over twenty years. I often see her gardening out in her yard. I can count the times we exchanged conversation on one hand. All I really knew about her was that her name was Betty, her husband died when he was forty-eight, her children were grown and out on their own, and she always had a garden.

Early last summer, my eight year old twins were playing out in the yard, and a young boy their age, called to them from the property line. He was visiting his grandmother. While listening to the boys exchange conversation, I realized my boys learned more about Betty in ten minutes than I had in twenty years.

I often wonder had we not been home that day, maybe off doing errands or something, would we all have missed knowing each other? Somehow, I think things would just have gone on as they were.

Kids are marvelous that way. They are genuine just being kids. It was so easy for them to exchange names and proceed as if they have known each other for ever. How is it that when we reach adulthood, we sometimes loose this really wonderful ability to so easily make a friend. These little boys reminded me of this and are responsible for opening up a new and enriching friendship.

From that time on, the boys played together every weekend, and became fast friends. During the week, my boys would visit Betty everyday after school. I would go over to sit with Betty and worry that my boys were making a mess in her house. Betty would say, "oh, they're fine, they make the house looked lived in".

Here we are, only a year later, and I realize, what would I have done had Betty and her grandchildren not come into our lives. Betty and I have had countless cups of tea together. We have exchanged endless stories from our pasts. We have shared pictures, recipies, heartaches and happiness.

Betty is a godsend. I really do not know what I would have done had she not come into my life when she did. I am blessed to have lived so near to her all these years. It's a little sad when I think of all the time lost.

I've had many friends over the years. Somehow I realize, Betty's friendship is a very special one. Because just like her garden, it's always growing.

And she, tends it faithfully.

THE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP

The garden of friendship
does grow all the while,
when tended with love,
pure heart and a smile.

Fed constant with kindness,
tilled warmly by heart,
and offered by chance,
in whole and not part.

Its' blossoms extend out
with truth and with care,
to fill up a lonliness
once that was there.

It eases your burdens
and lightens your strife,
and hands you a stronger
outlook on life.

So visit the garden.
sample its view.
And savor the friend,
who grows there for you.

One Single Impression "Spring"

2008-03-23T09:11:00.003-04:00

Sleep old man winter.
Spring dawns her rested eyes,
blinking, waking, rebirth!

I Will Remember You In Childhood

2008-03-20T11:17:00.005-04:00

It's really hard to find the words to help my heart today. We lost you last night. You were only forty-eight years old.

We have been estranged for years. Our lives took separate path's. Our values were just so different. We raised our children worlds apart. We seemed to live worlds apart.

I ache for Ma and Dad today. No parent should out-live their child. The sad story here is, we lost you years ago.

I have only the childhood memories we had together. These are here for me. I will always find you there.

I Will Remember You In Childhood

I will remember you teasing me.
I will remember how funny you were.
I will remember you on Christmas morning.
I will remember you dancing for the camera.
I will remember you playing cowboy and indian with me.
I will remember running away with you.
I will remember playing kick the can and baseball with you.
I will remember skating in the yard with you.
I will remember shoveling snow and how you always said "I did more than you did".
I will remember you putting a frog in my friends lunch at the school bus stop one morning.
I will remember you and our snow hill, our snow forts, and riding our bikes.
I will remember all of these, with all the other childhood things we shared.
I will remember, the goodness of our childhood together.

I've missed you for a long time little brother.

Rest peacefully.

I love you.

One Single Impression "Circle"

2008-03-18T08:56:00.002-04:00

The circle of friendship
envelops many souls,
moving life forward.

Spirited Winds

2008-03-10T09:04:00.005-04:00

High above a rocky crest,
spirited winds awake from rest.

Rushing swiftly on command,
to journey through an ageless land.

Past alpine armies, guarding shores,
with rivered clouds that rush and roar.

Between the greentops fast and swift,
through age made valleys hence they drift.

And settle in through shrilling trees,
where blowing gusts slown down and breeze.

And melt away to a mere hush,
inside the thickened forest brush.

Calmly hovering earthened ground,
Hiding there without a sound.

With fury lost and one last sigh,
spirited winds lay down and die.

One Single Impression Kindness

2008-03-09T19:23:00.007-04:00

The exchange of conversation
kindling spirit
Between young and old

One Single Impression

The Willow

2008-03-09T15:08:00.003-04:00

The willow brushes Winter by,
to bid the Spring on home.
She guards the Summer sadly,
while her weeping branches moan.

With sorrow in the winds of Fall,
she'll drop her leaves below her.
To warm the earth with golden tears,
and usher back the winter.

She stands magnificant all the while,
to mind each season breathing,
And does so with her graceful girth,
alone and never leaving.

Courage

2008-03-06T10:43:00.003-05:00

Courage. We all have it, don't we? I have been searching for mine for years. I recently realized that perhaps it's been with me all the while. I think maybe it has been walking beside me along with someone else very special. Maybe, just maybe, with His strength and love I will discover my own and confront my abuser.

That's a huge statement coming from me. I have harboured these feelings for many years and without realizing it, spewed the after-effects of the pain I suffered, on those I hold close to my heart.

I don't think I can reach my goal of confrontation immediately, but have decided to take the step process.

A special Dear to me suggested by sharing my thoughts and poems with others, I would be taking the first step. Eventually I would like to reach that top stair, and knock on his door.

"The Lighthearted Child"

I knew a child
A wonderous child,
bright eyes of green
she twinkled wild.

hearted beauty
shown off her face,
the shining treasure
of simple grace.

Then he she trusted
called her name,
and took her hand
her sole to maim.

And greyed the sparkle
evermore,
of the precious child
I did adore .

"These Sweet Words"

Defeated child
small and meek,
may the rivered tears
that cross your cheek's,

Bring comfort
to your broken parts,
that these sweet words
shall reach your heart.

For purest lambs
and lullabyes,
can soften sobbing,
dampened cries.

And shield away
such fret and fear,
enclosed inside,
betrayal's tears.

Illustrator Needed For "Nana and Her Fifteen Grandchildren"

2008-03-05T10:53:00.001-05:00

Is Anybody Out There?

2008-03-05T10:52:00.001-05:00

Nana And Her Fifteen Grandchildren

2008-03-05T09:28:00.003-05:00

Once there was a Nana who had fifteen grandchildren.
The love they shared was special.

Somedays the grandchildren would come sit around her and
she would tell them stories.
And they would always listen.

Nana had a wonderful sense of humor.
She once tied a giant bow on top of her head and said,
"Merry Christmas"!

Sometimes she would tell them jokes,
and the grandchildren would laugh and laugh and laugh!

And that, would warm Nana's heart.

If ever anyone were naughty,
Nana would only praise the good in them.
If she couldn't say anything nice,
Nana didn't say anything at all.

Mostly, Nana found something good in everyone.

Nana always knew who needed to be held.
And somehow, everyone got a turn.

Sometimes, Nana took trips.
The grandchildren would miss her.
Nana would tell them,. . .
"You will be with me in my heart".

When Nana came home,
she always had fifteen prizes.
And the grandchildren were always thankful.

And that, would warm Nana's heart.

Nana grew old as the grandchildren grew up.
One day, Nana got sick, and the grandchildren were sad.
But, Nana needed them, and they were there for her.

They came and sat with her. They read her stories and told her jokes.
When she needed to be held, they would hold her.
The grandchildren knew Nana would leave them soon.
They knew Nana was sad. They knew Nana was afraid.
They told her it was okay to go.
They said, "we will carry you in our hearts".

And that, made Nana happy.
And that, made Nana smile.
And then Nana died, and she was gone.

Or was she?

Nana left them all a wonderful gift.
Nana had left them the part of a person that lives forever.
In that special place within each of them,
they hold her goodness, her humor, her love, her caring and her smile.

So, Nana still lives inside each of them.

And that, warms their hearts.

This was my first attempt at writing a childrens book. My Nana's name was "Jo". Her name means "sweatheart". She meant the world to me. She still does.

Unconditional Trust

2008-03-04T07:35:00.003-05:00

Unconditional trust,
simple heard in phrase.
Offer up will children,
seeking, wanting praise.

Sacred are the hearts of angels,
strong they do not weep.
Spirits burst of swollen pain,
where evil darest creep.

In all their years,
while earthly bound,
Condemned with worry,
deaf with sound.

Calling out,
within their souls
gone unheard,
in echo's holes.

Limbo like,
amid their lives,
Nursing wounds,
left not of knives.

Here dwells fear,
as trust once sate.
This ever existing,
delivered fate.

Unconditional trust,
one simple deserving phrase.
Oh, suffer does the child,
the predacious preys.

Thought For The Day

2008-03-02T13:16:00.002-05:00

An Emerson quote:

"The years teach much that the days never know"

I love insight! Especially when it delivers with impact such as this!

Favorite Childhood Memory Number One

2008-03-01T10:49:00.003-05:00

I had to think hard on this one. There are so many to choose from. I have over the years realized that each and every-one is a gift. So, without further adeau, the winner is "Cowboy Hill".

Cowboy Hill. What a great name huh? It speaks of childhood. I remember the first time I was there. It was winter and the hill was covered in snow. I remember standing at the bottom, holding onto my Flexible Flyer and looking up. I can still smell the snow. I can still hear shreaks of laughter, and the sound of flying saucers skimming the snow.

I was wearing a red woolen hand-me-down jacket, grey leggins, red boots and brown mittens. My eyes were barely visible under my hat so it was hard to see as I started to climb. My hand held tightly to the rope pulling my sled.

I was breathing hard when I reached the top. I remember droping the rope and attempting to sit on the sled. Here I learned one very important thing. "Don't let go of the rope".

Without hesitation I quickly ran after the sled. I caught up with it half way down.

Standing there holding the rope again, I looked up the hill and then looked down the hill. I must have decided that the glass was halfway full, because I quickly jumped belly first on the sled and flew to the bottom.

This experience for me was pure simple joy. Free, but for the cost of time.

A Time Gone By

2008-02-27T21:41:00.003-05:00

."Backward turn backward oh time in your flight, bring back this little child, just for tonight"

I do not know the author of this beautiful line. I only remember the first time I came across it.
It was written on the back of a picture. The image on the front was that of my youngest brother Billy. He was around two years old and smiling gleefully. His eyes sparkled, his dark curly hair softly framed his angelic face.

The picture was placed prominently on my grandfathers dresser. I picked it up and studied it for awhile. I then asked my grandfather what it meant.

He asked me where the little boy was. I answered, "he is downstairs". He looked then from the picture to me and said "No, this little boy isn't here anymore, he has grown into a young boy, he will never be this little boy again." He then carefully returned the photo to his dresser and I read a quiet sadness on his face.

I thought the whole experience slightly strange. I guess he really missed that little boy.

Fast forward thirty-five years. That little boy, that young boy, became a young man. He still has the dark curly hair, but his eyes no longer sparkle. They reflect only hardship of a life interupted.

I think now I have a real understanding of why my grandfather wrote the phrase on the picture. I too, long for that little boy. I too, have written the same phrase on my daughter's picture. I keep it on my kitchen counter, I stare at it and wish her back to.

I think though I would rather stir up a happy memory and savor it in my heart than to look with sadness at a time gone by.

Love Enough For Two

2008-02-26T07:51:00.002-05:00

My daughter having filled my life with happy spirit,
lay in dreaming slumber.
And I, watching over her and full with child,
did wonder.
How would I ever be able to love another child as I do her,
without loving her less.

And now, having gone back to kiss her goodbye for the third time,
I could not hold back my weep.
I stood over her, and cherished her
and felt my heart aleap.

I quietly promised to love her still.
Never less, I will, and left her least I wake her minded sleep.

And while she slumbered deep in lull,
my pain and labor grew soft and dull.
My dearest love beside me near,
at rest from caring worried wear.

And through the night and past the morn
I labored till our son was born.

Triumphant wails announce his quest,
and I am tired, and I am blessed.

And as I hold him, I do know,
that all the while my heart did grow.

I simply have as mothers do,
maternal love, enough for two.

This I wrote seventeen years ago when I first attempted to write. I decided to use this as a first post as the song Bellavia was playing the first time I held my son. The song has deep meaning for me.

It is so true how a certain song can take you directly back to that one moment in time. It's one of those "freebies" we are all given, like the air we breath, and the ability to love.

My Bellavia, "my road", is indeed a good road, that I am blessed to travel still.

Through the years, there have been many curves and turning points. Rarely have I traveled alone. There have been small hills to climb, there have been mountains to climb. Every so often there is a small path or two that I venture down, that somehow eventually lead me back. Let's face it, we all hit pot-holes every now and then. For the most part, when it matters most of all, the pavement is smooth and clear.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "keep your eye on the prize"? I am more of a "keep your eye on the road" kind of person.

Traveling companions always welcome.

Enjoy!

175 Words Challenge: The Labor of Love

2008-02-26T06:52:00.008-05:00

175 Words Challenge

There were four pine trees that rose above rest at the edge of the parking lot. I watched the tips blow back and forth in unison in the moonlight. The wind was silent from my bed. It was a comforting rhythm. I could not sleep. I lay there quietly watching and counting. How odd at this life-changing event for me that I would be so caught up with the beauty of such simpleness. Time slowly escaped and the moon retired. The trees were darker now, only visible by a distant parking lot light. I watched them still.

My focus was soon on the daybreak filtering through the trees. It was a new day. It was the day my first child would be born. She like the daylight eventually was. She like the moonlight, the trees, the wind and the daylight came into my life on a wonderful day in December. She changed my life forever, she will always hold a special place and rhythm in my heart. She was born at eight forty-six on the second happiest day in my life. My child, my daughter, Holly.

185 Words

987 Characters

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? YOU CAN DO IT!
DIRECTIONS FOR THE CHALLENGE:

Firstly, click on the link provided below. While there at the site, type your life's event in the box provided. Total your words. Your entry MUST meet the challenge of 175 words!! NO LESS!!!! Must be 175 words at least!! If it's not, it doesn't qualify. Then, copy and paste your life's event to your blog and place your total of words - the exact count into your blog entry also. That's it!

If you want to try the challenge go to Hootin Anni's HERE.

I'd like to know you've done the meme challenge for fun. If you do, please come back and tell me in the comments section!! I'll come by for a visit.

Welcome to My Bellavia!

2008-02-26T00:25:00.005-05:00

Bellavia Name Meaning and History:

Italian (Sicily): probably from French bellevue ‘good view’ or bellevie ‘good life’ rather than Italian bella via ‘good road’.

This is My Bellavia!

written and performed by Chuck Mangione

"recording of Chuck Mangione performing Bellavia at Jazz'SAlive 2007 in San Antonio, Texas. video quality isn't the best, and view is pretty bad, but audio is decent. mainly Gerry Niewood on alto flute and soprano sax, with Chuck Mangione on electric piano."