Oh Little Log Cabin on the edge of the woods, what is your story?
What tales would you tell if you could
of life now and life then?
Are we doing it right?
You stand so solid and sturdy and beautiful.
You remind me to slow down, breathe deeply, gaze intently.
You do speak…
to my soul.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
A dear friend shared this amazing piece with me yesterday, and I had to share it. It was in response to yesterday’s post, Untold Story.
And this photo I took on a brief walk yesterday afternoon seemed to perfectly align with the message in the poem.
On Joy and Sorrow
Kahlil Gibran
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits, alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
I swear this cardinal is blowing a raspberry at us saying “Na Na Na Na Poo Poo – It’s Monday Again!”
Oh Monday…
You are a beginning,
and you are an end.
Like a glass that is half empty to one,
and half full to another.
You are just another day,
but oft with dreaded suspension.
Let us hang on to the hope,
that comes with your inception.
– – – – – – – – – – –
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Sometimes we blossom and bloom and exude radiant brilliance.
Other times our thistles and thorns protect us and guard us and hide us.
Reach, stretch, discover, grow.
Bloom where you are planted.
Evolve with your seasons.
Never be afraid to express yourself.
This week’s Weekly Photo Challenge asked us to post a photo to “Express Yourself.”
As I contemplated the subject, this photo I took a few months ago on a walk spoke to me. It inspired me to express myself – as this thistle – in all of its ages and stages does.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
In the winter months of life,
there comes a balance between hanging on and letting go.
Should we stay or should we go?
Do we get to choose?
What do we have to lose?
My Marty’s 92-year old Aunt lost the second love of her life this week. Her near 93-year old fiance.
Rest in Peace dear Tilford. Thanks for loving Aunt Francie. Thanks for bringing her such joy in the winter years of her life. You will be missed. You were a good man.
Christmas 2007
Hugs,
Jodi
Day dreamin’
While the rain is freezin’
With a look in his eyes
That longs for blue skies.
Mikey McKinney – 7 years old
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Oh the stories this old porch swing could tell…
Of afternoon story time with mama and sons,
and little boy shenanigans, plots, and plans.
Afternoon breaks for dad and mom,
important decisions discussed and planned.
Moonlight kisses,
and engagement photos.
Tears shed while swinging,
both happy and sad.
Deep conversations,
and happy reunions.
You have carried us through,
and will continue to do.
Snow birds stay
and weather the storms,
frolicking and fluttering about.
I will nourish your soft and feathery frames,
while you nurture my heart and soul.
the creative life in between 