Devoted Mom!

"Mommie"-Moniker Intrigue

(a loving limerick deserved-tribute)

 

I encountered a cute "Fox" on a sporting excursion

Allowed her intriguing-unique etymology "Purr"sian

Tender caress of soft sound on the ears---Cyra Irene

An extra-ordinary loving mother-exemplar, I've seen

Among ladies she's a devoted-perfection sweet version

 

You go! Girl! You Rock!  Mon Amie!

 

 



The "Good" life

Ridgetop Misty-morn

 

     Dawn had not yet touched the eastern horizon threatening day’s bright assault upon the darkness of receding nighttime soon to be pushed away. Scott stretched long arms extending his lanky frame the length of the lumpy-mattresses bed frame; his fingertips touched the rough planks of the outside wall, the texture painting a picture of the grain of the huge oak logs which had been hand-hewn by his grandfather when first he had built the cabin. Sturdy! Both the men who had come before Scott and the abode which had sheltered four succeeding generations, now; older sister, Abagail, had married and she and husband, Jake Tolliver, had taken over what had previously been Scott’s and kid brother Henry’s room. Scott didn’t mind; he loved baby nephew, Daniel; Abigail was sweet and kind, unselfish; Scott and Jake had become good friends.

     Quiet as a mouse in the food pantry in a purposed effort not to disturb sleeping kid brother, Billy, the teen boy dressed quickly, grabbed his trusty squirrel gun and shinnied down the wooden loft ladder. Baking biscuits aroma assaulted his nose as he descended to the kitchen below. There, in her faded blue dress adorned with her perpetually-in-place white apron, stood Ma at the wood-fired cook stove; the heat comforted a body fresh from restful sleep on a chill mountain morning but the warmth of the stove did not embrace the lad nearly so much as the precious sight of his dear mother; she seemed to always be the first one up.

     Morning pleasantries were exchanged with a loving embrace and a soft peck on her wrinkled cheek; Ma’s smile seemed as perpetual as morning sunshine filled with fragrant roses.

     Scott patiently waited as the biscuits browned under Ma’s watchful eye; within ten minutes, she served up two golden brown delights, each weighing about a quarter pound. These, she slathered with churned butter topping each with a generous dollop of homemade wild strawberry preserves canned in June from her patch in the vegetable garden. Fresh milk washed it down.

     “You be careful, now, Scottie,” Ma cautioned as the boy exited the cabin.

     “Yes! Ma’am.” He promised, holding the screen door so it wouldn’t slam.

     Scottie trekked up the hill as a new sun struggled to top the rise; perfect timing, again. As the glow brightened, a morning wind came up dropping the cool temperature by a good ten degrees as was the way with sunrise each day; during deer season, he shivered at the chill greeting.

     A full ten minutes passed as the sun climbed above the horizon; immediately, the wind calmed. Off to his right at about twenty yards a limb of a dogwood shook as a red fox squirrel began its ascent to the canopy and a tasty nut breakfast on a giant, old hickory tree. It paid no mind to its raucous cousins, the pair of rambunctious grey squirrels clambering in the branches of a red bud tree, frolicking like they had not a single care in the world. Wily Foxy ignored them.

     Scottie slowly made his way to within shooting distance of the hickory lunch room, carefully watching every step so as not to betray his stealthy approach. Within range, the boy paused.

     A rustle slightly downhill from his position caught his attention. Slowly, his eyes focused on tiny white spots as a summer-fawn suddenly appeared; as he observed, the camouflaged doe, only five feet from her ward, came into view. Watching the pair, Scottie forgot ole Foxy.

     Twenty minutes later, the pair disappeared over the ridge.

     By noon, Scottie came home with a bounty of two red fox squirrels and an absolutely poet tale of the doe and wily fawn which had made this hunt ever memorable.

Life is: Good!

 

Peace! Within

A Satiated Spirit

 

Perhaps thou finds Peace! in Praise!

Or search forgiveness in His Honor!

Even seek Redemption through His Glory!

 

Salvation! Awaits simply practiced---Within...Love!

 

Amen!



Triangles of Life

Life’s Obligatory Trinity

 

Funny how life condenses down, extraneous evaporates in mist

Fear not and follow Him, pleasure becomes preordained gist

Like:

Faith! Family! Freedom! Find, seek, pursue, display

Practice individual-independence! Truth dare to say

Then:

Live! Love! Laugh! Freely and Unashamed the secret be

Treasure find within thyself reveals the simple golden key

To:

Honest! Humble! Humor! Tease always at thyself. Quick!

Taste sunshine sweetness rays of honey-sugar, savor lick

With:

Praise! Honor! Glory! Offer prayer in every single mundane act

I: Should? Would? Could? Begin now! Lament no more regret-fact

In:

Father! Son! And, Holy Ghost! Trinity to easy pure-sacred boast

Allow I live receive entry invite to join celestial heavenly Host

For:

Naked! Meek! Alone! Stand I before His fateful Judgment Hand

In righteous light under halo bright white angel wings wide fanned

A Trilogy:

Nowhere from whence came I to join diverse communion company

Now here today my effort best celebrate sacred obsequious epiphany

Nowhere unknown future certainty redeem obfuscated perspicacity

Amen!

Sunday Celebration!

Remember to keep holy the Sabbath!

Amen!

In the Morning Mist

Rain-kissed Delight

 

     At that straight-up hour which perfectly divides the clock, six a.m., subdued early morning-light awakened me from resting sleep stirring curiosity about the new day. Sitting on the edge of the bed I peered out the eastern window-light to view an overcast greeting from friend Mother Nature on a grand Saturday offering. Emerald waves of manicured lawn emoted satisfaction with this world; in the night just receded a gentle rain had soft-kissed the earth; I had not even awakened to the beat. The clouds remained, promising additional natural watering for my beautiful life's garden. Off to prepare a light breakfast, then to Kirkwood's Lutheran Church on Elm Street with my best girl for their annual herb-show where lovely Lady Candice Leah will choose some plants; whatever they be, such will compliment her fragrant herb garden fitting-in perfectly.

 

And, I shall spectate---and...Enjoy!

God bless! Amen!



Decisions!

Forgiveness-found!

(a country Salvation! song)

 

I sat quiet alone in a noisy crowded bar-room

Nursing three-fingers ’o dark-amber liquid Jack

Drowning my sorrow of self-afflicted doom

Broken-hearted ’cause mama won’t take me back

Hot Holly sauntered close with tempting ruby lips

My resistance faltered weak as she touched my hand

Invited transgress with those lovely swaying hips

I wiped an errant tear at the glow of my wedding band

None of this any fault of my wife---an Innocent dove

Forgave my transgressions again with sweet kisses

Through it all she never once betrayed her tender-love

Begged another faux promise, remained my Misses

The setting sun beamed through a dirty window

Cold rain had passed now sunshine won the day

I picked up the glass to let the demon-Jack flow

Resolving a final act to end my painful play

Took a purposed-detour on my way to the river bridge

No longer in control of my destiny now so miserable

One more look at our once-happy house up on the ridge

Read the sign in the window---I’m a sorry-despicable

“Daddy come back! We love you and need you here”

My eyes filled with tears; I lost my will to roam

“Forgive me! I forgive you! I love you, my dear!”

In big black letters it said: Please come back home!

Into the driveway I pulled as I sacred-swore

I nearly lost it, all I had, almost threw it away

The kids and lovely wife met me at the door

Thank You! Lord! For opening blind eyes this day

I nearly lost it, all I had, almost threw it away

Thank You! Lord! For opening blind eyes this day

Thank You! Lord! For opening blind eyes this day

 

 

Practice...

...Love!

Why?---Thy!

Indeed!

 

     Why? Always the most difficult to discern. The who, what, when, where and how? Easy.

     We seek in an effort to understand; at least that is the stated purpose. That man is simply curious by nature and has an innate need to know demands that our curiosity be satiated. Thus---knowledge!

     But, to the: Why? The answer is found in our morning prayer offering: Thy will be done...

     And, so, there it is. Simple! Like everything in life, once we Humble our convoluted importance.

Amen!

Where?---Always!

Where find ? “Love”?

Within! Me thinks. Simply, just: Within!

     Conclusions have never been absent within a curious purview of life and its events; I have an opinion on---Everything! The fact that none want to hear such vacant diatribe seems irrelevant.

     But, finally, one fine day, paying attention to words, it hit me: Thy will be done…

     Once that fine subtlety pierced a thick skull to find purchase in a miniscule brain: Voila!

     Yes! Virginia! That word really is: Thy! Even though we constantly hear and practice: My!

     The complexity of life-lived is the simplicity of life-experienced appreciating constants. Like: Eternity! My favorite example of which, and, such examination reveals the meaning of my previous statement, is contemplation of Benoit Mandelbrot’s theory of “fractal geometry”. Worth the effort of researching, it comes down to simple imagination of a picture of a star drawn five- pointed on paper without lifting the pen; this results in a star-figure with a pentagon center. Then, draw a star within that center, then another within it and so on and so on. Eventually, the center is so small that the assignment cannot be accomplished---without…expanding the center. This expansion is an understanding of “infinity” which is God’s eternity! Amen? Amen!

     And, so, to Love! Such is real. Such exists. Love is practiced. Given. Bestowed. Received. Accepted. I love people who do not return that honor; some don’t even know, some don’t care. It is irrelevant to me; I’m Santa Claus! I love to give; whether you accept it, or not---It’s okay!

     “What other people think of me is none of my business!” (James Cavezil-actor)

     Love is a precious pleasure-treasure! The more you give, the more you have! Amen!

     “Charity” begins at home! “Love”, synonymous with “Charity”, begins: Within!

     Faith! Hope! Charity! And, the greatest of these is: Love!

God bless! Share the Love! And, do it---Now!

Cadfael (a BBC dvd presentation)

Shrewsbury Abbey

(Circa 1140 a.d.)

Dawn clarions medieval citizens’ reveille chill morning mist

Monks-humble assemble chant Matins praise of God consist

Bread crust stale washed water-tepid sip then begins his day

Cadfael off to gather herbs for research reward as honest pay

Workroom study interrupted by fair maiden in obvious distress

Seeks sanctuary from King Stephen for unfounded charge transgress

Cadfael home to rest after evening vespers surprises guest in love embrace

Adonis-handsome charming knight kiss softly maiden strong arms encase

“Pardon! Brother!” Begged surrogate noble bowing humble contrition

Explains shared love requires courageous prince’s immediate intervention

Mother Superior to visit Shrewsbury on the ’morrow mid-afternoon

“Until then, Brother! Thy leave!” He bowed; reluctant left too soon

Warm sun shaft bather laboratory-workshop celestial comfort golden

Plump nun arrived, stole Cadfael’s breath-heart recall sweet times olden

“Mary Catherine!” Escaped usual ascetic clergy’s utter astonishment

Lyric-laugh of Vestal sister rekindled ember love-flame embellishment

Two hours-time refreshed forty years lapse absent long-lost love

“Thee left for war, I bore thy son, claimed by me mother now above”

They had melted him, molten cast him, forged hero-courage exemplar-shown

Two errant tears, one happy, sad, on her rosy cheeks; he simply had not known

“Lucky be we!” Sister Mary Catherine mirthless smiled unconvinced

“Are we? Or be it they? With love?” Father Cadfael pragmatic sensed

Fair maiden in a coach; knight firm hand to Brother-friend Cadfael

Strangled words refuse truth to tell son-adored upon own sword fell

Hero retreat over horizon into golden sunset on ’morrow west

In sweetness love, “Good” prevails! Best of any ever best!”

 

Amen!

 

 

 

 

Sunday clelbration!

Seraphim & Cherubim

 

A day in heaven? Blessed bliss!

But---Sunday? The angels kiss!

Imagine all followers pray in unison

Praise Father, Spirit, holy sacred Son

How honored then, the holy Deity

Lifts man’s spirit, too, with piety

Angel-servants sing in heaven’s glory

“Humble thyself” Sanctify your story

Dare cast thy shadow upon any church door

Of equal praise: Simply kneel on the floor

No need display faux finery, no show ’n tell

Confess transgress! On Jesus’ name do dwell

Rest! Worthy servant on earned Sabbath-day

Each instant of life offer simple Honor---Pray!

Amen!

Morning Offering: a humble prayer!

Author’s Note

(taken from Station Master book)

 

Pray humble I for:

Courage to change any evil injustices I discern;

Tolerance to accept the things I cannot improve;

Wisdom to understand the difference between them;

Stamina! To plant yet another ten-thousand-plus trees;

Faith! To see me through the trials and challenges;

Inspiration! To claim Redemption and Salvation;

Hope! To comprehend the myriad possibilities;

Comfort! And, Generosity! For all in need;

Peace! For all who dare believe in Love!

Strength! To challenge any demon evil;

Infinite Love! To change our world!

Amen!

 

     A Miracle: That one such as I might be so blessed with life in a pleasant garden filled with fragrant flowers, towering trees, emerald green manicured lawn traces, a vegetable site for Mother’s pure bounty nourishment, a space filled with shrubs and plants, gentle rains, warming- comfort sunshine, dappled shade to be enjoyed in a gentle whisper-wind of soothing coolness, surrounded by Family and Friends who accept my love and offer their own toward me in return; Freedom through Liberty to partake as I dare see the value defined, designed, refined to sacred virtue, And, good sense to be ever-Thankful for such time and space amid the nature of this era. Would, that such a sin-stained soul might appreciate a lively spirit endeavoring challenge soar in approaching the line to be nearly worthy or humbly deserving of such celestial blessings!

     For all these gifts I am profoundly thankful-proud as iniquitous I enjoy such treasure finds.

     I am: Happy! Satisfied! Satiated! In life. In Love! My spirit soars beyond the cerulean abyss.

     “Think outside the box” psychologically misdirects both purpose and intent with a faux conclusion of obfuscated “nobility” based on a false “Freedom”-perspective, namely, “live creative, without imaginative limitations” which is necessarily vacant at inception proved by the flawed premise that such a “containment”, the “box”, exists in reality. It does not. The simple secret? There ain’t no box! Only self-defeating, self-imposed parameters which limit fantasy easily capable of being realized---with proper effort. Dare challenge the seeming impossible!

     Perhaps the very obvious “Secret” is akin to the boundless universe: There simply is no beginning and no end, just boundless “Love” to give away the more we desire to bestow it.

     Pray I: That such is the sincere reality of Life! Of Love! Of Laughter!

     And, for those who choose to live in Light, the prize is already well in hand. Enjoy!

God bless you! Always and forever!

The Author

Saints & Angels! Oh! Yeah!

Quality!

 

Ah! The saints among us! Angels, too!

     Tests of tragic consequence descend upon human-kind, faithful, skeptic, atheist alike; no one gets a “hall pass”; amazing how some search out “trouble”. No need: It’ll find you.

     The value of the “taste” taught, as they tend to say: Is in the pudding! (A mixed metaphor?)

     How? One handles adversity, regardless of intensity of quality or quantity, determines outcome which is the resultant virtue assessed to golden character achieved from such evil intent.

     And, the affliction need not be directed at self, though it certainly can be purposeful in attack, any evil-intent upon any fellow man can elicit the proper How? Of defeating the proposition. To wit: a pernicious demon malignancy attack upon another witnessed by a Christian “saintly” type.

     When our family was recently devastated with news of a horrible medical diagnosis, many prayed, all voiced proper “concern”, some worried, a few feared, tears were shed; one victim suffered directly, many felt his pain; all of that “Good”, expected, expressed, observed. “Saintly” people! Yes! Of a “higher” level of “Spiritual development”, the afflicted patient was reported to have retained his “smile” through it all. Good show! You Rock! Doug! God bless!

     “Saints” among us! “Angels”, too! Indeed! Amen!

     But, one other took that extra-special step volunteering his own physical aid to the sufferer.

     Without a single instant of hesitation, selfless-Love said, “I’ll be the donor!” Amen! Saint!

     Heroes need no acclimation; nobody ever knew the name of The Lone Ranger.

     Still: Thank you! Sir Adam! Bravo! I noticed. Only that I might be so brave a Christian-“saint” as thee if called upon one day! Humbly, I pray! For my journey on a trace of “Spiritual development” only to commence.

     My spirit-friend, Michael, approaches the third anniversary of his untimely death June 26. Somewhere in our seventeen year spiritual-relationship I quipped a “knowing” which has come to positively-haunt my spirit-psyche in undefiled understanding. If ever I have uttered a single word of intelligent content, that disclosure, enlightened through Holy Spirit Grace, be it.

     “The difference in people is their level of spiritual development!” Wow! There it is! All of it!

     And, my friend, there you have it---Indeed! And, blessed I? Surrounded by these sacred gifts:

     The very saints among us! Angels, too!

Saints---Deep Faith!/ Angels---Perfect Love!

Some display both with Grace from above

All we have to offer is Good toward each other

The very best gift bestowed is Love to one another

Amen!

Just a "Figure of Speech"

A Figure-of-speech

(Simile, metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, etc…)

 

Clear expression of meaning is partly achieved through utilization of word context as well as by content. Every Good lawyer, and citizen, knows that one never asks a question unless the interrogator already knows the true answer. The same relevancy exists in conversation, written or oral. Just as with fine dining, the experience is as much defined by presentation as by reality. In each endeavor, the secret key ingredient is: Love! Skeptical? Just try baking a cake or preparing a meal or spinning a tale absent “Love” as the motive and see how it doesn’t turn out.

To spice-up mundane words and their usage, try employing “figure-of-speech” to dialog.

Simile is to make a comparison between things for the purpose of clarification of an abstract thought conveyed or to erase obfuscation of some meaning; this function is usually hinted by the usage of the word like or as. For example: Mary is cute as a button. Or, That ball was hit like a bullet. Sports writers and broadcasters often employ this technique. The illusion is not that Mary’s looks are a button or that the ball is a bullet, only that the result is similar. Such usage also paints a mental picture for the recipient of the description to observe a “view” of meaning.

Metaphor practices a comparison which states emphatically that something actually is something else. It rained cats and dogs is an example of metaphor. Of course, it did not actually rain real cats and dogs---uh…er, unless, perhaps, you just happened to step in a poodle! Sorry! That’s another metaphor incorporating mis-direction. Maybe, now, you think you need boots?

Alliteration employs extraneous entertaining enumerated examples excitedly executed economically effortlessly efficient. To wit: a litany of words beginning with the same consonant or similarly-sounding non-vowel. “I’d rather have a free bottle in front of me than a free frontal lobotomy” incorporates a very viable volatile variation on the linguistic literary language limited liabilities. What? In the world did he just say?

Hyperbole is an obvious overstatement (a metaphor) like an exaggeration of facts (simile). “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times” is an example. “I could lick my weight in wildcats!” is another; one simply cannot lick one’s own weight. Yuck!

Paraprosdokian is comedic in usage; an unexpected conclusion follows logical premises. “Going to church doesn’t make one a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes one a car.” Or, “If you break your leg, don’t come running to me!” How about, “I used to be indecisive; now, I’m not so sure.” My personal favorite: When I was sick, a lot of people prayed, but I lived anyway. (That one makes some people pretty nervous!) One more: A “liberal” is just a conservative who hasn’t been mugged---yet! Finally: Try this, Oh! Humble citizen: Behind every successful man is his woman; behind every failed man is---usually…another woman.

Amen! To that!

Life is NOT a destination; it is NOT dress-rehearsal! Life is for Living! To be enjoyed; to give Love and to accept love. Spice-up your life and your language---It’s fun! Enjoy the adventure!

Faith! Family! Freedom! Might just be all there really---Is!

In one eternal instant the only mercy-blessing will be…His

Amen!

 

Happy Birthday! Uncle Dennis!

Happy Birthday! Uncle Dennis!

(a birthday loving-limerick)

An erudite-sophisticate!

I once knew an erudite-gent from old Cleveland-town

Employing quick-wit, easily elicits a smile from any frown

Practicing pointed humor he wins over hearts-liberal and minds

Patient, he loves all (especially any “Big” blonde that he finds)

While some point with pity and laugh, he views clearly each clown

Bon chance! Mon Amie!

Faith! Family! Freedom!

Amen!

Happy Birthday! Young-man!

(April 15, 2015)

We wish you many, many more! Amen!

Love, Candy & Carl

Hit a Home Run!

Home-Run!

Yea! The home team fan-crowd cheers the favored winners as the final out is made.

“Fan”, an interesting word, a proud meaning, a respectable accolade? Right? Right!

The term comes from “fanatic” meaning an intense uncritical devotional-obsession.

Sports teams, generally “professional” in scope, though any competitive endeavor might claim “fans” rooting for victory for the favored home-team contender; it’s a “Good” thing. Participants and spectators alike experience elation in siding with a “winner”; a worthy pursuit.

I confess that I am a committed “fan” of : Life! Getting “fanatical” about a dawn, sunrise, high noon sun, afternoon thunderstorm, lightning-wonder, evening respite, purple dusk, mid-night dark, an alabaster pale full moon orb, puffy white clouds, birds singing, ducks and geese on the wing, horses grazing on a meadow-green, a shaky-legged foal struggling to stand for the very first time, lambs, baby chicks, bar-b-q’s, picnics, fun, birthday parties, holidays, babies, children, adults, friends, excitement, boat rides, bike rides, hiking, skiing, playing non-sense, fast convertibles, music beyond the max, the majestic Rockies, placid Atlantic, awesome Pacific, crystal mountain streams, my Oregon coast, deer, elk; even---more…perpetually. Just---Love!

And---Everything! Especially…Love! “Unconditional” Love! The only real kind of love.

Experience Life! And Love! Right---Now! How long do you have? No one knows.

Life? Live it! Love? Indulge it! Don’t chance waiting. Right now is---All… any of us have.

Become a “fan”! Live/Love “fanatical”! Hit lots of home runs. Enjoy! The adventure!

God bless you! Faith! Family! Freedom!

Amen!

Wonder? Wander!

I wonder? I wander!

That awesome wonder of nature pulls at me heart

Peak-summits, ocean-waves tempt a wander-start

Can no roots tether a wild spirit free?

Freedom-quality born of sweet-liberty

To survive a century unlived belies “Life!”-meaning

Rather, challenge emotional-daring without screening

And, why? What license to live like a curious child

Perhaps, ’cause it’s there! Reason enough to be wild

Don’t miss a single instant of defiled raw-emotion

Life-gifted? Return it with an “Honored”-devotion

And: What’s right? Or: Who’s wrong? Man’s oft lament-song

Gold measured? Accolades? Chose non-conform to belong!

When judgment for me comes one day way too soon

Trangress-confess: Chased rainbow-colored lake loon

’Tis true! I never amounted to anybody’s “much”!

Lived wild-fancy- free! Tasted life and Love-such

No complaints! No regrets! To which I admit

“Life is a stage!” My small part in some skit

Accuse “I never grew up!” Paid attention, I see

“Thank you!” For letting me be me! Mon Amie!

By fiat non-binding, I wish you sacred the same

“Fear!” Might just be thy evil worry-wraith to tame

Take up the challenge-gauntlet, lie-forces threw it down

Enjoy a great journey; risk looking like a demented clown

Do choose to Live or claim a fate worse than death-borrowed

Perhaps I’ll pay a price? But, not with a final breath-sorrowed!

Amen! I dare thee! Amen! Again

 

 

 

The "Light" comes on!

Smile!

Daughter Rachel dragged (uh---er…I mean to say…Politely cajoled) me to attend a “sheep”-show at the fairgrounds, yesterday. What a glorious day it turned out to be in great company with her and “Nanny”, a gorgeous early spring day and a pavilion overfilled with “Good” people busy peddling their wares: clothing, arts and crafts. Unique products---offered by…“Quality” people!

I talked to a number of the merchants, along with several patrons, handing out my own “business” cards, hawking my writing efforts and offering my blog to a novice clientele; none had ever heard of me prior to my forced intrusion into their, otherwise, enjoyable space.

One charming lady listened intently to my pitch, politely accepted my card and led me to a shelf filled with her products. She reached a hand to an ornamental fluffy-white little sheep and held it about two feet from my curious stare as I stood smiling, not sure what to say.

“What does this do for you?” She inquired, eyes twinkling, looking like a cat about to pounce.

Before I could fashion any sensible reply, she filled in the uneasy blank pause.

“It put a smile on your face!” She stated, triumphantly, with a victorious smile of her own.

Then, like a bolt, that proverbial “light” went on as I admitted, knowingly, “Yes! It did.”

To that admission I quickly added, “That’s what I try to do with my books and blog posts.”

I sincerely thanked her, adding, “God bless you!” as I took leave of her company and booth.

I purposely try to learn something each day; yesterday, a nice lady taught humble “understanding”.

Amen!