poetry

The Simple Scent

/ Jodi / 29 Comments

The Simple Scent.

You stop me
in my tracks,

and I realize the sight of you
is only a small part of your beauty.

I close my eyes,
and I inhale slowly…  deeply.

I let your scent
completely fill me.

It is full of hope
and new beginnings.

It is fresh
and brimming with life.

Happy memories
fill my soul.

Appreciation of the present
warms my heart.

All from the simple scent…
the sweet sniff
of the Lilac.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

#mbpreset

Far Away and At Home in Ireland

/ Jodi / 43 Comments
Slai Head Drive, Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

Slai Head Drive, Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

Far Away and At Home in Ireland.

I went on a trip
farther than I’ve ever gone before.

I went across the ocean
and to another continent.

It was a different country than where I’m from,
and it’s name is Ireland.

Though it was far away
and across the ocean…

Though it was a different continent
and a different country,

I felt just as at home there
as I feel at home.

I felt loved by the people
and one with the land.

It helped me see a bigger world,
but also made the world feel smaller.

I tried my best to breathe it in
and hold it in my heart and soul.

I’m carrying it with me
wherever I go.

I’m embracing it
as part of who I now am…

As part of who it made me…

on my trip far away
and at home in Ireland.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

Life Lessons from the Old Porch Swing

/ Jodi / 54 Comments

Front Porch Swing – January, 2019

Life Lessons from the Old Porch Swing.

It’s not about what you look like on the outside…
even if you are rusty, weathered, and worn.

It is about what you are made of…
and what you do with it.

It is about how you connect.
It is about the purpose you serve.

It is about the joy you create.
It is the comfort you provide.

It is about the support you give.
It is the sacred secrets you protect.

It is about feeling the breeze.
It is embracing the squeaks.

It is about the experiences you create.
It is in the memories you cherish.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Liz the Lizard

/ Jodi / 49 Comments

Liz the Lizard Watercolor – 11×14

Liz the Lizard.

Have you heard of the lizard whose name is Liz.
Classiest lizard in the desert she is.

With pearls and diamonds and sparkly pink nails
She daydreams often of being in show biz.

She practices rhymes and humorous lines
as if she was preparing for an audition or pop quiz.

Nailing them every time – she surely is a wiz.
She’s a modern-day lizard, so be sure to call her Ms.

Yes indeed, Ms. Liz
that is.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

PS  Liz the Lizard was made especially for a friend’s grandaughter, who loves Klaus the Mouse – my very first published illustrated children’s book.  Granpap asked if I could make an Alex the Alligator and a Liz the Lizard for his two special little grandies.  I hope they all enjoy these two characters as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Alex the Alligator

/ Jodi / 55 Comments

Alex the Alligator Watercolor – 11×14

Alex the Alligator.

In a swamp near the equator,
lived Alex the alligator.

Alex liked to jump and kick.
Doing fancy tricks
was part of his famous schtick.

Alex was often the very first pick
because he was so doggone slick
in the eyes and hearts of the alligator chicks.

For not many gators could be so quick
doing fancy acrobatics
and even arithmetic!

So if you ever find yourself near the equator
and see a slick jumping and kicking gator,
Say Hi to Alex…

Alex the Alligator.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

PS  Alex the Alligator was made especially for a friend’s grandson, who loves Klaus the Mouse – my very first published illustrated children’s book.  Granpap asked if I could make an Alex the Alligator and a Liz the Lizard for his two special little grandies.  This is going to be a surprise for him.  I can’t wait to create Liz next.