This morning as Blue and I walked through the park I savored the scent of the lilacs. Their fragrance reminded me of a long ago art fair conversation, with a painting woman who has the same first name as mine. She told me she was named for the song, “Jeannine, I Dream of Lilac Time.” I found it years ago to listen to, but had forgotten. Rediscovered it today on YouTube, and listened again with a smile this morn. Ah yes. It’s lilac time.
Today
This afternoon I’ll be speaking to three 4th grade classes about careers in art. I’ve had a few: gallery watcher, gallery crew/gallery watcher, graphic artist and art director. Currently I’m a fine artist and volunteer art teacher. I’m also to work in references to reading and math. I’m going to thrill the teachers when I say, “Artists need to know how to add and divide fractions.” ‘Tis true! I’m sending each child home with a copy of my poem, “sing your song”, as well as a brochure of summer classes offered at the McLean County Arts Center and business cards for Main Gallery 404. I added an extra copy to each stack so the teacher can have one too. Next week my Art Club will receive the same packet. Oh, how I love sharing the fun of creating art with others. Especially children. *happy sigh*
May 10, 2013
There is a storm brewing.
Hopefully not a funnel cloud kind.
Have I mentioned today’s massive high speed winds?!
19mph at the 8:30am soccer game.
Up to 33mph in time for the U10 boys to play at 1:00pm.
Somehow the wind felt even faster than that!
April 6, 2013
up and at ‘em
feet on the floor
children still sleepin’
dog and I
out the door
it’s half past six
there is a cold snap
in the air
we walk upon
the sidewalk
snow packed
here and there
we turn a corner
toward the park
the dog and I
on our favorite walk
there is pink mist
thick on the horizon
in front of us
on either side
me without my camera
then I look behind us
the dog wonders,
“Why did she stop?”
the sun was rising
fiery red shown
from behind the clouds
blending to pink
golden too somehow
spectacular
amazin’
so movin’
I said aloud,
“Thank you, God
Today is Yours.”
He is the Creator
The Greatest Artist
His palette holds
every color
His canvas is the sky
He created everything
even that dog
and me
March 27, 2013
a l’il bird song
The birds still serenaded the dog and I, even in the snow covered, early morn. I wish I spoke a l’il bird. I can only imagine the lyrics to their song. If I were a bird I’d croon…
What happened to yesterday?
Where did my blue skies go?
Spring was nearly springing
The earth was thawing
I woke up early to get my worm
Today the sky is cloudy
Things are murky overhead
This snow is unexpected
What the hell is coming next?
Here I perch upon the branches
Of the dormant, naked trees
Looking down toward the ground
What’s with this dumb ol’ white stuff?
It’s officially Spring
The robins are back in town!
It’s hard to not look back
I want to cry aloud
What happened to yesterday?
Where did my blue skies go?
Yet I know better than to ask
What the hell is coming next?
‘Cause it might be worse
Than just a l’il snow
There are much worse things
In Mother Nature’s bag o’tricks
People can wreak havoc too
Man made destruction
Is often the very worst
Yet even then
Nature can heal
Today I sit up in the treetops
Gray sky above
Snow covered ground below
I choose to lift my voice up
Toward Heaven
And ask not
What happened to yesterday?
Where did my blue skies go?
Instead I sing out clearly
Today is a new day
Celebrate
Rejoice
Savor the Gift O’Life
Hooray
I am still alive
Best of all
I’m not singing alone
Us birds
We flock together
In good times and bad
We share our bounty
We share our warmth
We share our l’il bird song
With you
May you enjoy today
savor life in this moment
Whatever it may bring
Tomorrow isn’t here yet
Blue skies will return
So will the sun
Though it may not bring warmth
There is still that gusting wind
The seasons are a changin’
Saying aloud
Time marches on
March 24, 2013
snow boots…again
I awoke and looked out the window. That is something I usually do. Today I needed to verify that I’d be back in my snow boots to walk Blue. Sure enough. We got enough snow overnight to nearly cover the grass. That big ol’ dog and I set out on our usual path, sorta mosey-walkin’-strollin’-tuggin’ as we circle ‘round the block and through the park. Blue had fun snow walkin’, with his nose poked through the white stuff, to sniff all o’er the ground. I’m not sure if there is more snow on the way… I’ll just watch out the window to get my answer. Just wanted to let you know the latest in Bloomington, Illinois Weather…’cause if it’s not one thing, it’s another. Hope you have a great Sunday, Palm Sunday at that!
March 24, 2013
springtime sunrise
mornin’ arrived today
right on time
no more sleep for me
uncrated that dog
you know
that big sweet pup
the one I love,
my Blue
clipped on his leash
in a vivid hue
of the color
he is named for
we step outdoors
he sort of catapults
(well, dog-a-pults)
from the front door
chilly March temps
continue to linger
and yet,
the magical beauty
of birdsong
robins are hoppin’
along the thawin’ ground
atop the grass
that may be greener
or else I’m imaginin’
just tryin’
to will Spring along
steadily the sun rises
from behind a bank
of glowin’ clouds
mornin’ arrived today
right on time
I was outdoors
feet on the ground
ready to greet
this new day
me and my dog,
Blue
March 23, 2013
someday
we say
“maybe someday”
when we share
our heart’s desires
someday feels
possible
attainable
reachable
we can see it
patiently waiting
in the future
far ahead
we plan for someday
dreaming
saving
and yet…
there are no guarantees
we wait for someday
but we only have
the fleeting moments
of today
March 5, 2013
chit chat
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
a quiet smile
on awakening
bloomed into
a full blown grin
as I stepped outside
on the sidewalk
time to walk the dog
the sunshine was brighter
the blue sky exquisite
birdsong filled the air
no wind was gusting
stillness all around
quiet morning walk time
and then…
a sparkle of glitter underfoot
as sunlight hit the snow
oh, how lovely
fairy tale divine
I didn’t feel the cold
thankful for my winter coat
barefoot in my snow boots
so what if it was 15
feels like 8
I truly didn’t notice
some days hold a l’il magic
this feels like one o’them
I’m smiling quietly
in anticipation
February 24, 2013
Written while sitting in my favorite love seat spot, with my legs curled to the side, wrapped in my super soft, pale blue robe, a few shades lighter than the sky. My sweet dog, Blue, fell back asleep too, he’s curled in a ball like a Fennec Fox (we saw them at the zoo, long, long ago).
Turquoise Tangles 