poetry

Let it Bee

/ Jodi / 32 Comments

let it bee bumble bee watercolor

When you feel that cleaning or laundry or household chores
come before time with family or friends…
Let it bee.

When anxiety or worry steals the joy
of the moment you are in…
Let it bee.

When you think that your parenting
falls short of the “super” mom or dad next door…
Let it bee.

When your dinner is burnt or undercooked or less than gourmet,
but your family is gathered around the table anyway…
Let it bee.

When you look in the mirror and critique what you see,
thinking you are too big or too little or too this or too that,
but you have a loved one that thinks you are the bee’s knees…
Let it bee.

Let it bee, Let it bee, Let it bee, Let it bee…..
Whisper words of wisdom…
Let it be.

Bee Happy!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

PS – The WINNER of the Thanks a Latte Card this week is Paul from My Cluttered Attic! Hubby chose #17, and that’s you buddy! Send me your address to mckinneyjodi@gmail.com, and the card will be on its way.  Enjoy writing a funny note to a friend you’d like to thank while sipping a triple shot latte.

PSSSSSS – I know just who I am going to send this watercolor card to- a brand new bee keeper who I think is the bee’s knees!

You Caught My Eye Most of All

/ Jodi / 21 Comments
rusted railing west village new york city

West Village, New York City

In a quaint little village
on the west side of the city,
this chipped and rusty railing caught my eye.

Away from the shiny steel skyscrapers,
the honking horns and the bustling crowds,
this brownstone’s ornate railing
tells stories of its duties, its purpose, its history.

The bicycles that were chained
after a trip to the market, a visit to a friend, or an afternoon escapade.
The support of the hands of family members and friends that entered and departed.

You supported, you protected, you guided, you anchored.
Your beauty is far beyond aesthetic.
You have stories.
You have secrets… you have joys… you have tears.

Of all the things in this grandest of grand arenas,
You caught my eye most of all.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

The Important Places – A Mother’s Day Message to my Sons

/ Jodi / 24 Comments

home mothers day

Growing up,
when people would ask me:
“What do you want to be
when you grow up?”
I would say,
“a Mom, of course.”

So imagine my joy
when my dream came true,
and I was blessed
with the two of you.

There is no greater joy
I could ever compare
to the love and the happiness
you brought to my life.

Now that you are grown,
your lives are your own.
You have things to do
and places to go.

But please remember,
of all the important places
life will take you,
the road to important places
can also lead you home.

My hubby (Marty) recently shared a beautiful video with me (and our boys) that totally struck a chord with me this weekend with Mother’s Day approaching.  If you have 10 minutes and are ready for a few tears of joy and gratitude and contemplation, watch the video here:   https://vimeo.com/126544483.

It inspired me to share this message of gratitude for the honor and joy I have as the mom of my two amazing sons.

Love you guys,
Mom

Bleeding Heart

/ Jodi / 38 Comments

bleeding heart 2015

My favorite, dear Bleeding Heart,
are you happy or do you mourn?

Your bright color smiles,
but your tears look so forlorn.

You show us the beauty we oft overlook,
and elicit a pause when our own hearts are shook.

(My bleeding heart plant is my favorite of all in my yard.  It has moved with me a couple times as it was a plant given to me by my Grandma.  It is a symbol to me of her very special heart every year when it blooms.  It reminds me of the joy and the sorrow of love.  It demonstrates the intense and powerful artistry of Mother Nature.  I could never create or imagine anything more beautiful.)

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

PS:  I love the intricacy of this flower, and this week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge is Intricate.

Standing out in the Crowd

/ Jodi / 28 Comments

crocus white

I’ve spent too much of my life trying to be like the rest.
Trying to fit in
with the right look, the right clothes,
and the right way to be.

Trying to please the wrong people,
worrying what they would think
if I do my own thing
if I choose to be me.

I now choose each day
to stand tall and stand proud.
Embrace that I am me
And that is okay to be.

Like the crisp, clear white crocus
amidst bright yellows and rich purples.
Reaching and stretching…
and standing out in the crowd.

Mikey and I headed out for a lunchtime walk yesterday when the clouds cleared briefly on a gray, rainy day. I took my camera along intent on capturing a clump of purple crocuses that had caught my eye on a recent drive by a nearby church.  But once I got close, what stood out amongst the rest was this crisp, clean, pearly white one – so unique amongst the others.  And that is what inspired this “poem.” 

Thanks for indulging me.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Is it You?

/ Jodi / 25 Comments

cardinal female

Is it you come to visit my sweet beloved Star?
Does your spirit fleetingly flutter from oh so afar?

Are you happy, and can you tell me if it is really true?
Is eternity the beautiful place they say we go to?

I miss your bright eyes, your warm heart, your infectious laughter.
I dream you’re with Grandpap dancing happily ever after.

Please guide me and show me the best way to be
your legacy, my hero, my matriarch, my cherished destiny.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Cardinals have long been believed to represent a loved one who has passed.  It is said that when you see one, it means your loved one is visiting you, and they usually show up when you most need them or miss them.  I have recently come to appreciate the delicate beauty of the female cardinal with her delicate coloring.  The bright red males get most of the attention, but I’m partial to these beauties.

This short poem is written in honor of my beloved Grandma Stella, my star; and this photo I took Saturday morning from our master bath window of Mrs.Cardinal briefly sitting in the dormant Rose of Sharon bush is being shared as part of the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge:  Ephemeral.

A Star was Born

/ Jodi / 39 Comments
Stella Star

30 years ago – Grandma (Stella Star) 72 – Jodi 22

A Star was born
on a warm summer’s eve
destiny’s daughter
Stella Louise.

A Star was born
in a coal mining town
a new life, a new country
her parents danced round.

A Star was born
It was 1913
Her parents worked hard
but life was still lean.

A Star was born
when Stella turned nine
with three little brothers
and Dad in the mine.

A Star was born
when her mom passed away
and Dad shared the news
she must now the role play.

A Star was born
to cook and clean and no longer play
for Dad had work and brothers school
Stella took over the chores each day.

A Star was born
that raised brothers so dear
they all grew in love
and days turned to years.

A Star was born
that married my Pap
She laughed and sang and chattered
while I sat on his lap.

A Star was born
that taught me about life
the meaning of love
what’s wrong and what’s right.

A Star was born
that died too soon
but is always with me
like a warm cocoon.

A Star was born
as my memories reveal
the best, greatest gifts of love
for me she made real.

A Star was born
on that warm summer’s eve
My Grandma, my hero
Her memory my reprieve.

Grandma & Grandpap, Johnny & Jodi - 1968

Grandma & Grandpap, Johnny & Jodi – 1968

This poem is dedicated to my Grandma, my hero – Stella Star, and done in response to the WordPress DailyPost Writing 201 Poetry Challenge:

Prompt:  Hero(ine)
Form:  Ballad
Device:  Anaphora/Epistrophe

Grandma died 20 years ago at the age of 82.  I was 32.  I still miss her every day, but I try to live each day carrying out her legacy and making her proud of the person she helped mold me into.  She will always be my guiding star.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Eye of the Tiger

/ Jodi / 27 Comments
Tiger Naples Zoo

Tiger – Naples Zoo, Florida

 You incline your head ever so slightly

yet oh so

regally, with courageous and powerful eyes

speaking of

strength,

all the while submitting to

the solitude.

Writing 201 Poetry Challenge – Prompt:  Animal, Poetic Device:  Enjambment

Cinnamon Popcorn & How I Flunked out of Poetry School

/ Jodi / 5 Comments

cinnamon popcorn

 

So just yesterday I announced how I was taking on a two-week poetry challenge for the WordPress Daily Post…  Right?

Today’s assignment was the topic of Trust using an Acrostic Poem and using Internal Rhyme…….. YIKES!

It is 10 pm.

I’ve worked all day, spent the evening at a fun card class with Colleen (and Katie :)).

I’m sipping a G&T, and… WTH!

Too much to deal with…  too many rules…

I like poetry and all, but….

Can I just share a recipe instead?  🙂

How about some yummy and SUPER easy Cinnamon Popcorn?!

At first try, I was so-so on this, but after my G&T (and skipping dinner), I think I might have to throw the rest of this stuff away before I eat it all!!

Some of you may recall my super-addictive, super-delicious, super-amazing Homemade Caramel Corn.  It is so crazy delish – seriously!  A MUST Make recipe.  DO NOT HESITATE!

Well – when I saw recipes circulating for cinnamon popcorn, like Rachael Ray’s, I envisioned a kicked up version using Hulless Butter Popcorn.

I happened to have a bag of  Cinnamon Red Hot Imperials on hand.  Isn’t this an item in everyone’s pantry?!?!  🙂

cinnamon popcorn red hots

I also happened to have a bag of Snyder’s of Berlin Hulless Butter Popcorn.

cinnamon popcorn 1

So I adapted and created this Kicked-Up Version of Cinnamon Popcorn that I think you will like.

Give it a go…. or NOT if you are on a DIET! 🙂

cinnamon popcorn 2

This is how simple this stuff is:

Jodi’s Kicked Up Cinnamon Popcorn

1 bag (approximately 8 cups) Snyder’s Hulless Butter Popcorn (or you can pop 8 cups of popcorn)
1 cup Cinnamon Red Hot Imperials (or any other type of cinnamon candy)
1/2 cup water

 

Spread popcorn out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Melt cinnamon candy and water in a saucepan until completely melted.
Pour cinnamon candy over popcorn.
Bake in 250 degree F oven for approximately 20 minutes.
Let cool completely.

DEVOUR! 🙂

 

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

 

Laugh, Smile, Giggle, Snort

/ Jodi / 9 Comments
giraffe naples zoo

Giraffe – Naples Zoo – Feb 2015

Laugh, smile, giggle, snort

This journey called life is much too short

To frown or grumble or sigh

Oh my

Let joy be your purpose, your passion, your port

 

In an effort to expand and evolve in my writing, I am participating in The WordPress Daily Post Writing 201 Two-Week Poetry Challenge.  Poetry is definitely a challenge for me.   Today’s assignment consists of three parts: 

  1. The word prompt is Journey:  Write a poem about anything that word evokes for you.
  2. The form is Limerick:  The traditional rhyming scheme of a limerick is a a b b a — the first two lines rhyme, then the next two, and the final verse rhymes with the first couplet.
  3. The device is Alliteration:  Using the same consonant multiple times in close proximity.

To me, the greatest journey of all is life and letting joy be our purpose and passion is the ultimate goal.  This is what inspired my limerick for today’s challenge.

Wishing you laughs and smiles and giggles and snorts!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi