I’ve already declared my sister magic. Turns out my father is too. Perhaps that shamrock plant I bought, really did bring me some Irish luck, or perhaps it was just Papa, who promised five bucks, but look at this magnificent sight – not photoshopped and no dirty dishes/pots/pans stacked on the stove – two empty sinks and it was my oldest son who did them!!!! Best St. Patrick’s Day EVER!!!! That is all.
March 17, 2013
I’m wearin’ green today, includin’ a tiny shamrock pin that cost just 99-cents (many years ago). My St. Patrick’s Day ensemble includes a pair o’hand knit socks in kelly green (hidin’ inside my cowgirl boots), a top o’teal (a shade o’green), and a pair o’natural emerald earrings. Culver’s did the cookin’. I had a reuben for lunch.
March 17, 2013
Some mornings don’t go as planned.
^ That’s the understatement of the year, as every parent knows.
Things ran clockwork fine here, but my close, dear friend, well, that’s another story…
A private one mostly but had to do with car, truck, jeep trouble. Damn. All just while trying to get her children to school. Which she did (mostly) on time, because she’s not a quitter. Ever.
She texted her troubles. Summarized. She knows where a caring heart resides. Ended with, “Calgon…vodka…take me away!” Oh, how I heard her!
So, I saucily replied:
Oh, Vodka.
That blue bottle that I crave.
Not yet for me…
But I can mix and serve!
😉
We take turns making the other smile. ‘Cause that’s friendship at it’s finest. Love, prayer, propping up with hugs, kindness and laughter complete the lasting bond. Best of all, each of these, can be sent via text.
March 14, 2013
my heart longs to make art
it’s the soul balm
I am needing
layered alongside that though
is family business paperwork
waiting for me To Do
trying to balance my time
weighing heart cry vs. duty
I called the 1-800 number
the one atop this bill
seemed wise to double check
‘cause I thought I’d maybe paid it
handwritten check register read:
#9988 2/27/13 $389.90
the total due matched right up
answered the automated questions
by typing on the phone
was given a second number
for “facilities business office”
a person answered right away
gave ‘em the account number
they replied with a human voice:
“Zero Balance”
“Paid In Full”
what beautiful words those are
just like Jesus on the cross
who forgives us
over and over
BIG TIME
sinners saved by grace
a gift freely given
all we are To Do is ask
“Amazing Grace”
was played across radio waves
this very morning too
I sang along and cried
I almost always do
March 13, 2013
I’m finally mailing our Illinois state taxes.
Snail mail is necessary, to send extra paperwork required.
Doggone Tax Time.
Stapling W-2 then mailing.
Just a week or so after finishing…
There is a grape jelly smudge on them.
Oh well.
A l’il sign of Food, Family and Life.
That about sums it up.
For these are the things that go “in between” the famous Ben Franklin quote, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
So we learn to savor each day and happy moment we are given, even as we dutifully see to the need to fulfill all legal requirements.
March 13, 2013
I walked Blue through the park this morning early, our favorite route, while a cold rain fell. As my peacock adorned rain boots hit the wet sidewalk, after we made it through and were headed on toward home, these words rang in my head in a steady rhythm:
“Grit, Steel, Grace and Love
that’s what Janean Baird is made of.”
Of course it should read, “Janean Marie Thompson Baird” but that’s too long and ruins the word flow.
I’m going to wake up the boys next and plan on unplugging as best I can to make art today, for that is the soothing balm my aching and weary soul needs most.
March 11, 2013
nighttime rain
stops
morning light
dawns
snow melts
bird song
floats along
trilling:
odes of love
warning:
dog coming
birds a plenty
perched
in tree tops
on wires narrow
flying o’er head
in v-formation
honking
the birds are back
the earth is soft
and muddy
puddles form
in the grass
on sidewalks
as snow piles
disappear
and daytime rain
begins to fall
oh, spring
you are coming
we can feel you
in the warmer air
we hear you
approaching
in the lilting
beauty
that is
bird song
March 10, 2013
These two canoodling canines sure would make some pretty puppies. Alas, twill never be, ‘cause my boy, Blue, was already “fixed” before Miss Luna moved in to the house on the corner with the fenced yard. He’s a l’il bit older, no comment on wiser, and even without a litter o’pups shared between them, these two purebred dogs are all kinds o’crazy in love with each other. Oh, how they make me smile and laugh with all their carrying on!
March 9, 2013
LUNA
Blue just KNOWS
when it’s time to head outdoors and see his best girl
oh how she dances and prances at seeing him
he tries to go into Stealth Mode
as if he is invisible and she can’t hear his tags jingle or my booted feet hitting concrete
he hunkers down and crosses the street
trying for slow motion
but he’s tugging, “Hurry up!”
as he beelines toward her fence with complete canine devotion
as soon as we hit her sidewalk she woofs and he drags me on ahead
I hustle as I hold his leash, and can’t help but laugh aloud
the musical sound rings out, in the quiet of the neighborhood at high noon
these two purebred pups
oh my, but they do make me smile
bigger than puppy love
so I call it Dog Romance
not to say I don’t call ‘em Romeo and Juliet sometimes too
or drag Blue away, saying, “Come on, Casanova, it’s time to get on home.”
*sigh*
Love
long nose, pointy eared, tail wagging kind
March 3, 2013
written standing on the sidewalk at 12:04pm on Sunday afternoon, while Blue and Luna canoodle, the neighborhood Love Pups
I’ve been a bit o’a chatterbox today.
Me?!
Well, yes…
My friends and family keep callin’, to check in and see how I am.
It’s still a loaded question, as tears are as likely to be the answer as a bit o’sass, but the easiest answer is, “I’m still alive and kickin’.”
So watch out world!
Fair warnin’.
February 28, 2013
Turquoise Tangles 