“looks can be deceiving”
I walked through the park
with my big sweet pup
midday, as we often do
the sky is quite lovely
a gorgeous shade o’blue
the clouds are puffy white
and daydream-like
from the window
things look balmy
but that March wind
blows in great big gusts
hits you hard
and knocks you back
it’s still Lion Time in Illinois
even today
on the first day of Spring
brrrrrr
I’m downright cold
still feelin’ chilled
even back inside
within the warmth
and comfort
of home

March 20, 2013

dog walk thoughts

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

Did ya see the moon?
The moon was gorgeous, as I walked Blue in the six o’clock hour this morning.
It was big, nearly full and shiny bright.
The sky has been so cloudy here, I missed seeing the moon completely full.
I bet it was on Friday night though, when I was out of sorts and growly. *sigh*
Blue and I had a brrrr morning moonlight stroll. The cold temps didn’t stop me from smiling. I love having that big circle moon to light our way as we walk our familiar route, ‘round the block, through the park, and on toward home.
According to my Weather Channel phone app, the mercury read 15-degrees fahrenheit, and with the wind felt more like five. Good thing I bundled up, grabbed my dog, and moonlit strolled BEFORE I knew the exact temperature…had ya asked me, I just would have said, “It was cold”…and then chatter boxed about the beauty of the moon.

December 30, 2012

lost and found

I found my smile tonight
quite by accident
I hadn’t realized
it was missing
until my lips quirked
in a familiar arc
at the halfway mark
walkin’ Blue
somewhere in the park
spilling over with children
and grown up conversation
with a cone headed dog
at the end of a royal blue tether
I found myself grinnin’
and my steps felt a little lighter
oh, how we needed that evening walk
with fragrance from fading lilacs
scenting the gentle breeze
purposeful motion
a return to routine
up and at ‘em
it’s no wonder then
that I found my smile tonight
on the inside too