To Notice the Last Glow of Light.
To feel the softness,
and experience the gentle breeze,
to notice the last glow of light shining through…
Even amidst the things that choked you,
the experiences that broke you,
the storms that turned your world upside down…
These are the blessings of life,
that give us the strength,
and give us grace…
To be courageous,
and brave,
to persevere and to grow….
Into the confident beauty
we were meant to be
and share with the world.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Flames of crimson, pomegranate, and persimmon,
ambered gold, chartreuse, and mossy greens
struggle to compete with the saturated sapphire sky
marbled with softly suspended cottony clouds.
The intensity of the beauty surrounding me
almost overwhelms my senses.
My eyes and my mind try to absorb it all
as if snapping photos in a continuous burst mode
trying to find a special place to store them
to remember on a dark, dreary day
when my heart can’t remember the bright warmth
or the splendorous display of Autumn’s kaleidoscope of color.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Autumn Leaf on the Lawn – October, 2017 – Mars, PA
Things to leave…
Your mark on the world.
Your worries behind.
The door open.
Well enough alone.
Hurtful, unhealthy relationships.
Your sparkle on the world!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Lion, Pittsburgh Zoo, October 2017
To Roar or Not to Roar.
Even if you have
the ability to ROAR,
It is important
to discern
when it is best
to remain silent.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
All in One Day.
All in one day
from sunrise to sunset.
Invigoration on a cool, brisk early morning walk
chatting with a friend and accompanied by a faithful, furry companion.
Fulfillment baking a batch of pumpkin spice and chocolate chip cookies
to stash away and pull out to share with guests or to surprise a weary delivery person.
Accomplishment in completing important, but mundane household chores
like sweeping and washing and drying and folding.
Replenishment of soul and spirit by taking a short break to
relax in the unexpected warmth of the Autumn sunshine.
Memories brought back of people and circumstances from long ago
while traveling on roads that always take me back to that place and time.
Celebration of hard work and commitment at an appreciation event
for co-workers and friends and their families at the local zoo.
Giddiness choosing gifts that will teach and will comfort
and will bring joy to a cherished grandchild.
Comfort and love sharing it all with the one who knows me best
and still loves me anyway.
Reflection and a glass of wine to consider
the goodness and the blessings…. all in one day.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
A Yellow Canary Named Terry.
Today’s post is a collaboration with my friend, Gary, from Spearfruit, in honor of our beloved Terry.
Gary wrote this lovely little poem late one night and shared it with me, so I knew I had to create a Terry canary as beautiful as I could, so we could share this little story and our love for a great man named Terry.
———
There once was a yellow canary named Terry
who had a good friend named Gary.
Terry lived in a birdhouse high in a tree in the city of Tampa
close to his good friend’s camper.
Terry was so full of life with vigor and glee
as he continued to blog in his house in the tree.
Then early one day, Terry became very sick
and from that point forward his health went down quick.
No matter the pain, no matter the grief
Terry always felt better and a little relief
when he blogged to his friends who provided him love
no matter his struggles or thoughts from above.
Then one day when Terry was perched in his tree,
he got a sweet gift from his good friend Jodi.
The gift was a yellow flower that was painted with love
to remind Terry that things are much better above.
From that point forward Terry raised his head high
and did his very best to hold back his cry.
Terry knew it would soon be time to let out his last chirp
so he got himself ready to depart this dear earth.
Although Terry is no longer here perched in his tree
his friends all know that his spirit is with me
always…
Love his best friend, Gary.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
—–
If you would like a 5×7 or 8×10 print of this painting or a box of greeting cards, you can order at McKinneyX2Designs on ETSY by clicking here or by stopping by Berry Vine Gifts in BradfordWoods, PA.
Autumn’s Grand Decree.
The old dogwood tree
whose blossoms caused glee
when bursting open in Spring
cannot compare
to the colorful majesty
of Autumn’s grand decree.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Flamingo Pond at the National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA
Advice from a Flamingo.
Wade into life.
Stand tall.
Stand out in a crowd.
Hang out with your flock.
Find the right balance.
Keep your beak clean.
Show off your true colors.
Even the pinkest of flamingos starts out gray.
Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet.
Always be yourself!
Unless you can be a flamingo….
then be a flamingo!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
*Inspired by YourTrueNature
The Softness of Early Morning – Mars, PA August, 2017
Be Soft.
Don’t let the havoc
make you hard.
Don’t let the hurt
make you hate.
Don’t let the struggles
steal your joy.
Don’t let the bitterness
steal your sweetness.
Be kind.
Give love freely.
Be soft.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Backyard Path – Mars, PA August 2017
The Right Path.
If it was done with kindness,
It it was filled with love,
If it took humility and courage,
If it made you laugh,
If it made you jump out of bed in the morning,
If it brought tears of joy to your eyes,
If it caused a lump in your throat,
If it made you sweat,
If it required sacrifice…
You are likely on the right path.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 