A Realization

Tonight I find myself homesick. But it's not a location I long for, not even so much as a person. But a feeling, a security. The warmth and love which radiates from friends and family. The clever smile from a sister, a knowing hug from a neighbor. No words need be spoken, they know. They know my heart, almost as well as He knows my heart.

As I sit here, He reminds me, I have that warmth and security. And even though I'm missing my friends and family, I can simply close my eyes and in my heart I can feel the hug, the warmth.

A Safe Place To Rest

Sitting quietly
Two hearts beating

Beauty resting,
Warm and tired

Strength and gentleness
embodied in Daddy

Peace, stillness

Is it possible to love him anymore?

I do.

Holding his babe while she sleeps
There is calm, quiet

He is her protector
Her guardian

She is his love
His sweetness

They are my joy

***

Our Baby Bear was running a fever this evening and didn't nap well. He held her so I could finish dinner and that seemed perfect for her. Once dinner was in the oven I didn't dare disturb such a peaceful sight. Thank you Hyacynth for inspiring me to share this moment.

A Tiresome Type of Day

I want to write. I want to share. I want to blog.

I want tell you about something fun or profound or interesting that happened to me today. But alas, I sit here, munching on my Yoplait Light and gluten-free cookie thinking back on my day. Looking for something profound, fun or even interesting to share and finding nothing note worthy. Which I'm OK with.

You see, I spent much of the morning and early afternoon tired and the rest of the day unmotivated. I got the kitchen clean just in time to unpack the last kitchen/dining room box and mess it up again. We've moved into a smaller kitchen so I find myself offloading all non-essential cookware; Christmas dishes, I'm sorry but I really can live without you. I no longer feel obligated to keep the coffee cups, I've never used, simply because they accompanied my dishes.

What I find truly entertaining about my kitchen right now is that half of it is spotless and tidy. Everything on this side of the kitchen is put away, organized, a staunch difference to it's neighboring counter. The bar stands between the kitchen and the dining room and currently is home to my "I have no idea what to do with you" pile. The dining room table is littered with Tupperware and large crystal platters waiting for a home; dinner was yet again eaten on TV trays (the little ones sure don't mind this).

I didn't load my dishwasher tonight, a routine I quite enjoy, instead deciding to wait until morning. Yet when I walked past my mess I was somewhat delighted because I knew, I had no more boxes to unpack in this room!

And Mom, if you're reading this, I love the gluten-free cookies!

Life Among Boxes

We are moving pros, at least I thought we were.

This is our 5th house move together and we have a great system that works wonders, when it's implemented properly. We have great teamwork, tag teaming each room and knocking out boxes like it's nobody's business.

But not this time. Not this move.

We have not used teamwork.

We divided and were conquered.

So now I sit, almost a week into living among boxes, wondering how to make a house out of this mess! Tomorrow I will resume being a stay at home mom with my Love at work, attempt to entertain the girls who are becoming increasing tired of being cooped up, unpack, and make this house a home.

This move has truly taught me what not to do! Which, I know, is just as valuable.

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Eleven (Hush)

The crying
The tears
The sleepless nights

Is this the way it's supposed to be

My head is ringing
She wont stop crying

What am I doing wrong

Holding her
Caressing her head

Shhhh
Shhhh

Back and forth we rock, standing
I don't dare sit

Shhhh
Shhhh

How long can I do this
How long can she cry

Shhhh
Shhhh

Gently stroking her cheeks
Tracing her features

Shhhh
Shhhh

Rocking, rocking still
Staring at her sad eyes

Shhhh
Shhhh

Have I done something wrong
Is there more I can do

Shhhh
Shhhh

I'm so tired
She closes her eyes

Shhhh
Shhhh

She sleeps
Finally

Shhhh
Shhhh

She's so beautiful
She's mine!


****

Today's word prompt was "Hush." I had no idea simply reading it would conjure such a powerful memory. A memory filled with so many tears, so much doubt, but then peace, and love. It became a moment where I truly realized God had given me such a precious gift. I knew there would be more tears to come in our life together but He gave me peace, he gave me her!

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Nine (Melancholy "Drizzle")

Sadness steeps
Forlorn weeps
Where is my love

Lost in the greys
Deepening haze
Where is my love

Wretched water
Staining face
Oh my love

Solitary wrong
Subservient song
Gone is my love

Deserted once more
Neglected chore
Gone is my love

Dejected alone
Tomorrow unknown
Goodbye my love

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Eight (Ornament)

What is beauty?
The braiding of hair
Wearing gold jewelry
Fine clothing

Beauty is vain

Imperishable beauty
Is a gentle and quiet spirit

Dressed with strength
Dignity
Respectful and pure
Honoring her husband
Her children call her blessed

A woman who LOVES the Lord
Praise

(1Pet 3:3-4, Prov 31)

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Seven (Fly)

Arms out
Eyes closed

She leans forward
Falls out the window

Wind rushes past her
Pulling back her hair

She opens her eyes
Ground fast approaching

She extends her arms out from her side
Lifts her head

She soars
Over the ocean of wheat

Her toes lick the surface
Cutting a wake behind her

A bridge stands disconnected
A perfect perch

She stands
Watching the gold dance in the wind

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Six (Fluid)

Today we've been challenged to use a different medium for our artistic outlet. I feel that I have been challenging myself, normally write in more of an essay format but since starting Creativity Boot Camp I've been attempting to write more poetry. But for today, I shall step out of my comfort zone, yet again, and take a stab at fiction.

*****

She stood tall, back straight, head and chest up. She was resplendent with a regal air. Thoughtfully, she lifted her arms, closed her eyes and melted with the music. She began to sway side to side, she turned, the music lifting her leg as it bent behind her. She came out of her turn low, back leg extended, gliding back. Gracefully she skipped across the floor, the music quickening her pace. She leapt, like a butterfly on the wind, delicately she landed, bringing her arms in and spinning again. She spun herself across the floor completely lost in the music, time stood still. Life was perfect, in this moment, she was perfect!
A noise startled her and brought her back to reality. Had he been watching all this time? Her face reddened.
Thank you, he said.
She bowed her head and he turned and left.

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Five (Grow)

Leaping and dancing and splashing about
Joyous squeals of delight filling the air

The pool fills with cold water
No suit required for fun
Just as God made her

Not a care in the world
Enjoying the warmth of the summer
More water please

Purple lips wont stop her
Wrinkled fingers delight
Naked and happy

A fear of the water long since forgotten
Enchantment prevails

*****

While today was about growth, my inspiration came in a unique form. I watched my daughter while standing next to my father and to my delight he was watching me. The time goes by too fast, you blink and your babies are walking, talking or playing naked in a kiddie pool.

No Blogging!

My attempts to write/blog in the evening are proving to be futile. It seems everyone needs Mom at this time. The desire for the day to end brings out stress in even the happiest of spirits.
Except for B, telling her she has six minutes till bedtime is like daring to get in as much play time as possible. She runs room to room acting out one last epic adventure, saving a princess, beating the witches!

Tomorrow I will try for the morning and pray for a better day than today.

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Four (Heavy Metal)

Our Random Word Prompt for today really threw me for a loop. I spent all day mulling this over in my mind. What type of inspiration could I get from "Heavy Metal"? What did it mean to me? What images did it evoke? I was stumped! I kept coming back to music, the Christian rock my husband listens to, how he and I are alike and different, the separate yet similar journeys we've been on. Then I realized, I kept coming back to my husband.

*****

He brought us together

From miles apart

Two souls long searching

Attached at the heart

He gave us each other

To have and to hold

For better or worse

From now till we're old

I have no idea

The plans He has for me

As long as we're together

My joy you'll always be

Hercules

In this world of preoccupation and hectic schedules, where multi-tasking has become an art form and people no longer take pause to smell the proverbial flowers there stands one who is attempting change. We call him Hercules!

The day I first spotted Hercules, I sat, amazed, watching people stop their busy lives, pausing the chaos because he was in the way. They could have gone around or worse yet, hit him but they didn't. For just that moment the world didn't revolve around them. Some looked puzzled, others amused but they looked. They all took that moment to witness the absurdity of a wild turkey calmly crossing the road in the suburban jungle.

Why did the chicken cross the road? We may never know, but if you get the chance, ask the turkey.

Hercules, as he's been fondly named by my clan resides on the corner of Green Bay and Rockland in Lake Bluff, IL. He can often be spotted hanging out on the corner, sometimes in the road, occasionally assisting a pedestrian. Sometimes he works from behind the scenes but, as you can see here, rain or shine, he's attempting to change the world one motorist at a time.

(Photo by Robin Snyder)

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Three (Multi-layered)

Daughter
Sister
Wife
Mother
Friend
Child of God

Precious
Confidant
Companion
Protector
Supporter
Beloved

She has many titles
Goes by many names
He may have made him first
But He loves her just the same

*****

I must admit when I first read today's random word prompt the first thing that came to my head was Shrek telling Donkey that Ogres are like onions!

Creativity Boot Camp: Day Two (Picnic)

Life is not a picnic, but it should be.

A yellow and pink pastel blanket is laid out in the living room floor
Tupperware lids serve as plates
Magnetic letters from the refrigerator make up the meal
Two purple tea cups sit in the center next to a plastic pink tea pot
A 10 month old little girl sits chewing on plastic spoon slightly unaware

"Me and Sister are having a picnic"

And she gently pours her sister a cup of tea.

Creativity Boot Camp: Day One (Ivory)

One of my goals with Creativity Book Camp is to actually make the time, everyday, to write. As I search for my inspiration I don't know if it will come as poetry or rambling essays. But I will share with you, I will write, I will make the time!


Beautiful pages
Crisp and neat
Words of love from the One who made me
Elegant words of Truth
Wisdom and Knowledge
Beauty abound

Empty House

Our house is empty.
The walls are bare, the house is vacant.
It seems smaller.

Its not just empty, its void.
Void of color, happiness, joy.
Its a shell of a house, no longer a home.

The walls are white,
The carpet beige.
Sad.
The memories have faded.

Our house is empty.