On Friday at the post office, I thought of my Grandma Thompson as I selected several sheets of “pretty stamps.” I chose Rosa Parks. Along the side reads in great big block letters, “COURAGE.” Quiet, strong, steady, resilient, tough, unwavering, standing tall, because she knew she was right, woman kind o’courage. Best of all, other than that initial confrontation, she didn’t stand alone.
~ Janean

written Saturday, March 16, 2013
posted Monday, March 18, 2013

spring o’hope

damp sidewalk
from nighttime rain
brisk chill in the air
gray sky remains
no color
and yet
the birds are singing
trilling from the trees
beautiful
joyful
hopeful
birdsong fills me up
I smile broadly
and I mean it
from deep inside
my gut
I am a hopeful woman
for there is beauty
all around
hope springs eternal
like the songs
of those springtime birds

March 18, 2013

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

via text

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