Nature

Stopped me in my Tracks

/ Jodi / 38 Comments

Things that have stopped me in my tracks…
lately.

This breathtaking scene along the road as I traveled home from a friend’s on a cold, rainy, otherwise-dreary day.

Watching and listening with deep admiration to Hubby deliver a heartfelt eulogy to his beloved aunt.

The unexpected, far-beyond-her-years empathetic eyes and hugs and words of a special 11-year old girl paying her respects at a funeral visitation.

The sweetest, kindest, most undeserved compliment made by my younger daughter-in-law over dinner.

The smell of my baby granddaughter’s head after annointment with the oil of chrism at her baptism.

The startling reality of what a powerful, important influence I have as a grandma to a precious two-year old.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Golden Beauty

/ Jodi / 42 Comments

Our Neighbor’s Yard – Mars, PA – November 4, 2018

Golden Beauty.

Most all the trees are bare with
their leaves now carpeting the ground.

Except this golden beauty
who decides each Autumn to make a statement.

It’s a standout amidst the others
in their stripped bare dormant state.

It’s like the late bloomer
who was awkward as a child

But is now the greatest beauty
as its come into its own.

It’s like the last crop
of buttery golden sweet corn

that bursts with the most intense flavor
as if it knows it will be the taste that lingers until the next season comes.

It’s like the brightest sunshine
lighting up the Autumn day

that knows the days are growing shorter,
so it must glow brilliantly while it can.

It’s like the golden rings
worn by the elderly couple

that represent the long-lasting commitment
through richer and poorer, sickness and health, good times and bad.

Thank you golden beauty
for reminding me once more

that hanging on or being last
is sometimes worth the wait.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

The Light of Dawn

/ Jodi / 29 Comments

Daybreak – Mars, PA – October, 2018

The Light of Dawn.

They say it is always darkest
just before dawn.

It gives me hope.
It fuels my dreams.

I will not let the darkness
limit my heart and mind

from seeking and seeing
the light of dawn

and the promise of hope
that comes just before dawn.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

The privilege of a lifetime…

/ Jodi / 66 Comments

“The privilege of a lifetime…
is being who you are.”

– Joseph Campbell

Be YOU!
Even when things
don’t seem clear
and you struggle
to see through the fog…
remember what a privilege
it is
to Be YOU!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Things are a bit “foggy” in my part of the world today…  Yesterday, October 27, 2018,  a mass shooting occurred in a community very near me in Pittsburgh, PA.  The gunman reportedly spewed anti-Semitic threats online shortly before opening fire inside a synagoge during a Sabbath day service killing 11 innocent Jewish people.  Apparently they were killed just because they were being who they were.  This horrifyingly wicked individual felt he could deny these fellow human beings the privilege to be who they were.  I already had this post scheduled ahead to post for today, and I was suprised to realize how relevant and timely it became to talk about what a true privilege it really is to be who we are.  A privilege ALL people deserve.

 

Change

/ Jodi / 45 Comments

October Autumn Leaves, Wexford, PA

Change.

When the fear of change
challenges your thoughts
and stifles your actions,

look to the leaves of Autumn.
Marvel in their bold beauty,
and allow them to ignite your bravery.

Dare to embrace something new.
Confront your experience differently.
Welcome the transformation.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Is there Room under your “Shroom?”

/ Jodi / 42 Comments

Is there Room under your “Shroom?”

Is there a tiny space
for me to find rest?

A small space of shelter,
for respite and relief

from the scorching heat
of intense fiery words,

from the gusty winds
of critical opinions.

Is there  a soft, comfortable place
where we can meet at peace?

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

What’s Stopping You?

/ Jodi / 43 Comments

What’s Stopping You?

The best built,
longest lasting,
chained and locked gate

can’t block
the sun
from shining brightly through.

What’s
stopping
you?

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Tangled

/ Jodi / 40 Comments

Morning Glory and Thistle – Mars, PA – September, 2018

Tangled.

So often
our lives
get tangled.

Tangled up
in the
thistly thorns

That prick
and poke
and jab.

That sting
and hurt
and try to defeat.

But doesn’t
the morning glory’s bloom
outshine the thistle?

You
can
too!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Glow

/ Jodi / 39 Comments

September Sunset, Butler, PA

When the clouds of life
try to block the
badass dazzling
bright light
of your beautiful soul,

Bust on through
and sparkle
and shine
and glow
wherever you can.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

A New Day

/ Jodi / 45 Comments

A New Day.

Here it comes…
a new day.

Look around,
Listen to what it has to say,
Taste its flavors,
Touch its textures,
Breathe in its fragrance.

Experience all it has to offer,
and give it your best.

Don’t miss it…
It is one we’ve never seen before.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi