A NEW ROAD

Life is filled with so many choices…

A New Year approaches…
A New Start is available to me…
What --- Oh What Shall I Choose?....

After a time of solitude this morning, I was thinking about the road (s) that I’ve traveled in this life….about the twists and turns….wondering why I made certain choices which caused me to detour a few times throughout my youth. Some choices were good…some, not so good.

There were times as a young, single person searching for my place in life that I found myself in the presence of a type of “fast lane”, or maybe more appropriately called, "social ladder" ??? 

Even so, as temptations arose, I am glad to say that for the most part I chose to stay true to the values I was raised with...(like "pride comes from doing what is right"; and "pretty is as pretty does"; and as my grandma would say: "show me your friends and I'll show you what you are"). As a result, I wasn't the most “popular” girl and usually not one of the “in-crowd”. Did that bother me? Maybe on occasion. Maybe I would have liked to have been included a bit more…

 But when you come right down to it, there is a difference between

“standing out” and “fitting in”.

  

While on my self appointed path, I kept feeling a tug at my heart. Not knowing exactly what it was, I continued my journey, seeking the reason for this tug. Nothing satisfied. The detours just steered me further away from God but that familiar tug would return from time to time. I felt as though the choices I was making were not leading me to where my heart desired.  The gentle "tug" still present, I felt as though someone was telling me:

“God loves you even when you don’t know how to love. He gives you the best gifts even when you can’t give. He loved you before he made the world….why would he stop now? He won’t! But, it’s your choice. He waits there on the road to life…waiting to shower you with love and affection. No captive ever feels loved…they feel possessed….owned. So He waits….however eagerly…for you to choose Him.”

So...I chose... to call out to God...and ...

He came.

He didn’t join me there on the detour, but He took my hand and led me to the road my feet were created to walk on…the road which gives true life; life eternal; life abundant; grace; freedom; salvation; promise! I began to discover the real joy of the journey of life!

The entire time, He was waiting in the wings! I think a part of me knew it all along…but I thought I had a better plan.  I didn't...

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

'Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."   

(Jeremiah 29:11-13)

His patience is amazing…As is His grace!  How grateful I am!

Standing in the Wings

I woke up this morning to a feeling deep inside…
A voice within me said there is nowhere else to hide,
Offering me comfort if I’m ready to accept,
Asking me to let go of the sorrows that I’ve kept.

I can’t believe how years flew by before I noticed you…
Your arms stretched out to catch me when I fall,
And though the times I’ve managed to spend with you were few,
You stood by with patience to answer when I call.

Why would you want my burdens?
Why would you want my fears?
Why would you want to bear my pain?
Why would you want my tears?

You want to lift me from my desperation,
Despite the fact I’ve made no room for you…
You want to give my path illumination,
And show me what is good and pure and true.

My life was filled with things of little value.
Yet I clung to them as if they all were gold,
I turned my ears away from truth and wisdom,
And forgot about the good things I was told.

I wandered off without a purpose or direction,
And wasted years on chasing empty dreams,
I made no time for true reflection,
Just spinned my wheels devising sordid schemes,
And years flew by before I ever noticed,
You were standing right beside me in the wings.

I can’t believe how years flew by before I noticed you…
Your arms stretched out to catch me when I fall,
And though the times I managed to spend with you were few,
You stood by with patience to answer when I call.

I’m so grateful for your patience ~ you never left at all!

(written by Lorraine Brown ~ Copyright 2006)


 

When you are touched by Love of this magnitude…when you have felt it…when you understand it…when it penetrates your heart, 

You want to give it.
You want to be the good that runs through His veins…
You want good to live throughout your life and never cease.

(written by Lorraine Brown)

Christmases Past and Time Traveled

This Christmas, we traveled a little….over the hills and 

through the woods to family’s house we went 

 to see loving faces we adore. 

Despite the snow, we made it to our destination on time…and even early. Since we were running ahead of schedule (about a half hour), we decided to take a quick drive past my childhood home. This was a step of courage for me, as I have not been anywhere near this cherished home since my mom and dad sold it and moved into a retirement community almost 17 years ago. They both passed away a few years later.

Ours was a modest, yet beautiful home. My father, who was a man of many talents, took impeccable care of it and his love for his family shined through the work of his hands. His loving care of our home gave us a sense of security and peace. My mom’s exquisite taste made it a place of beauty and comfort.

History was made on that land. It had originally belonged to my grandma and grandpa. My grandfather actually built this home as well as the house next door where my aunt and uncle lived. Eventually, this home became ours after my grandma died.

When my parents were aging, they decided it was time to let go and move on…a difficult decision, but necessary. I’ve often wished that one of us could have lived there and kept it in the family. After they left, I didn’t have the courage to go back there. I just couldn’t face the tears I knew it would inevitably bring. Tears not just for a house that was no longer ours, but tears for the end of an era.

As we approached our street, I was bracing myself for disappointment because I’d been told in a letter from our long time neighbor, Mrs. M that the house had not been cared for properly by the new owner. Mrs. M said that if my parents were still alive to see it, she was sure it would break their hearts. I was preparing my heart for a pounding.

The neighborhood does look a little different, yet remnants of familiarity are still there. We drove slowly past the house, turned around at the corner and drove back by.  Mrs. M was right.  It looked somewhat neglected. I felt a sudden jab in my stomach.  My eyes glazed over with tears - I kept blinking them back, trying not to cry.

As I stared at the house, trying to return its facade to the one in my mind, I began to recall the many Christmases we enjoyed in that home…the laughter that filled the air; the food we prepared; the cookies mom and I made together in that kitchen; the meals enjoyed in that dining room; the Christmas lights dad placed on the lines of the roof and on the lantern post along the front walk. I thought of the summers we swam in the pool and the wonderful vegetables picked fresh daily from my dad’s garden. I lingered on the memory of picking cherries from the tree outside the back door back when grandma lived there and the scones she would prepare with supper when we would visit her every Sunday afternoon. I realized that my favorite dog is still buried in that back yard, and then….I cried. I couldn’t stop tears from streaming down my cheeks as I reflected on the beautiful life we had there. Tears over sweet memories and tears over loss. Nevertheless, tears of gratitude that my life in that place was extremely blessed…blessed beyond measure!

As we rolled slowly past the house one last time, I saw a little white haired lady walking very slowly from Mrs. M’s mailbox and back toward her house. This little white haired lady “was” Mrs. M.  The same Mrs. M who I remembered to once have a shiny head of black hair. We pulled into her driveway and I called to her. As she turned to see that it was us, her face, that same sweet face I remembered, lit up with the most comforting smile. I jumped out to embrace her in a holiday hug and we spent a few minutes quickly catching up before we had to hug one last time. As we drove off, I watched her waive goodbye and in her sweet voice say “I love you”…”I love you too Mrs. M!” I called back. And oh, how I miss you! Oh, how I miss that house…the people…my life there…my family….An ERA!

As we continued forward, I realized that there was a special blessing in this visit to my childhood home. Seeing Mrs. M!
It was as if God placed her there in that driveway at that exact moment for a purpose. Seeing her made the visit more pleasurable; less painful for me…a reminder that my life there is not entirely gone. Seeing her familiar face and hearing her “I love you” gave me a sense of comfort. A precious Christmas gift!

We turned the corner to continue our journey to my brother’s house. As usual, we would be reminiscing this evening and enjoying the familiar cookies and traditions we’ve kept throughout the years while making our own new memories…memories which will be added to those already stored within our hearts. I anticipated their smiles and hugs, with tears of gratitude now dabbed dry and replaced with a smile as I thanked God for “the house that built me”.

May we cherish the moments we have with those we love and love them like there is no tomorrow!

Christmas Eve, 2006 would be the last time we would see mom this side of heaven.

As you might imagine, having to say goodbye to your mother on Christmas Eve, is a painful experience, to say the least.  Christmases will forever be bittersweet. 

~

My mother was a woman who was full of life...fun, smart, witty, talented, kind, generous, with a heart filled with love and tenderness.  Life was good because of her...life was so good! 


During the last four years of her life, she resided in a nursing home. She was experiencing complications due to strokes and was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia which is a form of dementia due to the strokes she suffered. Ultimately this disease of the brain robs one of their ability to function in every way.


As time passes, the pain of losing her lessens slightly, but I will never stop missing her... I long to see her smile...to have a conversation....to sit and hold her hand...to hear her voice again.  My mom's voice was beautiful...she had a smooth, articulate speaking voice and she sang beautifully as well.  In the last couple of years, she no longer could speak...but she could still sing...although without words.  She had received a nickname of the little birdie from a few of the nurses, because Annie's (mom's) voice resonated through the hallways!


When I would arrive for a visit, my mom would light up with an enormous smile and clap her hands and wiggle her toes with excitement!  It was a  merciful gift from God that she still recognized me and was so happy to see me each time I arrived!


We had a long, slow, good-bye. Since I understood the end was inevitable I see that as another form of mercy.  If I had lost her suddenly, as close as we were, I know it would have been even more difficult to say goodbye.  In all of God's wisdom, He prepared her path and prepared our hearts. 


I still remember her last breath...it was the softest, most gentle, peaceful  puff of air as mom ascended from her body into heaven.  I pictured the angels waiting for her with fanfare to celebrate her homecoming, and we all agreed that this evening....Christ's birthday...was the perfect time for mom to go home.  She loved the Lord...and a party...so what better way for her to enter the gates of heaven than on Christ's birthday!  We knew she was finally whole again and celebrating in the presence of God. 


After my brother, sister-in law and I said our final goodbyes...I stayed behind to spend one last minute with her.  I hugged her still warm body, and I languished in the moment as it penetrated my entire being and made a lasting imprint on my heart. I breathed in that sweet, familiar scent of mom's skin and vowed to never forget it.  Oddly enough, to this day, when I think of that moment, I instantly recall her sweet scent as it is etched permanently in my mind and soul. 


So...yes...Christmas is bittersweet.  Bitter to say goodbye to the person who brought me into the world...and then to watch her leave it.  But sweet to know that this is not the end...Annie's (mom's) life did not end on Christmas Eve...it entered into the master's plan of eternity with Him! 


As I celebrate with family, and we enjoy the same cookies mom made year after year, and celebrate the same traditions we have held throughout our lifetime, we also have a deeper connection as we glance across the table, with an unspoken remembrance of that moment four years ago when we kissed her goodbye. 


I feel almost privileged (if the right choice of words) that we experienced the very reason for Christ's birth, death, and resurrection in the most profound way that Christmas Eve...because to see our loved one enter eternity right before our eyes on this day was a powerful reminder of what it is all about!


With the joy of salvation and the promise of life eternal through Jesus Christ, we will see each other again...laugh together...sing together...dance together...live, yes live together...On Glory's Side!

This is the song I chose to play at my mom's memorial service -- a sweet reminder:

And a few days later, I was inspired to write the following poem:

On Glory's side:


No tears appear on glory's side,
Nothing to fear, no reason to hide,
For glory is a safe and wondrous home,


All cares are vanished like a vapor,
And fears are swept off by the wind,
All questions now are being answered,
No more doubts and no more sin.


How beautiful is this sweet sweet glory,
How bright and full of life,
Love surrounds us pure and holy,
No more pain and no more strife.


Oh glory, how I ached for  you,
Before I really understood,
That glory is a wondrous home,
Of peace and brotherhood.


And so dear friends there is a plan,
Don't fear what lies on glory's side,
But grab hold of glory's hand,
And in God's care and love abide.


For tears are gone and joy remains,
On the side of glory,
The celebration can't be explained,
Or written in a story.


It's only when you've crossed the line,
Into glory's care,
That you'll finally understand,
How perfect it is there.


So grab hold of glory's hand,
And in God's care and love abide,
And trust the master's perfect plan
To find your home on glory's side.

(written by Lorraine Brown,  copyright 2006)

The Message of the Lost Keys

Recently, I've been noticing frequent themes in some of my day to day occurrences.  For example, seeing a sunset which resembled a flag in the sky on Veteran's Day!  Some may call it co-incidence...but I don't believe in co-incidence.  It seems the more alive I am...the more awake, observant, aware of my surroundings, the more I seem to notice moments which are weaved together with significant messages.  For example...my most recent theme was the message of the lost keys!  

It was a foggy afternoon; nearing the dinner hour. Despite my hunger pangs, I felt the need to make just one more stop and scope out the big sale at a small department store in town. After scouring the store, hoping to find a frugalista kind of deal to no avail, I then spotted two hat trees and tried on every hat until the perfect little cap appeared. Alas, I would not leave this super sale empty handed!

While at the checkout, it dawned on me that my entire set of keys was no longer with me! With panic in my voice, I exclaimed to the clerk that I’d lost my keys. She very calmly advised me to re-trace my steps and I’d be sure to find them. Thankful that the store wasn’t very large, I did just that…but no keys! I looked beneath and in between the clothing racks, checked the shoe displays, the sunglass towers, on top of and underneath every display and still could not find my keys.

I began thinking about what I could do if they did not appear, like call my neighbor to pick me up; then it dawned on me…not only were my car keys on that ring, but my house keys also! When I mentioned this to the clerk, she said “Oh, no, you can’t even go home!” “Right” I said. “I can’t go home!”  Without my keys, I was stuck there with nowhere to go! All sense of calm was now gone along with my keys and I was becoming more frantic by the minute.

I enlisted the help of other concerned shoppers; the clerk was scouring every inch of the store with her focus on the floor as I shook the hat tree hoping I had left them under one of the hats I’d tried on.

Trying to regain my composure, I asked for God's help..."God, please calm me...God, please help me find my keys!"

Suddenly, I recalled that I had looked at a large bowl on display. I walked back to the bowl, and there on the glass shelf, next to it was my entire set of keys! “Yes! Thank you Lord”! I exclaimed, drawing the attention of a few inquisitive patrons!  The shopper and clerk raced over to see where I found them and together, we walked to the front of the store. With a deep sigh, I profoundly thanked them for their help and said "I really need to go home...and I'm so happy I can now!"

In a silent moment between me and God, I thanked Him for His presence and asked forgiveness for my panic. I admit I was slightly amused and very delighted that the moment I said "help me God", the keys appeared.   :)

~Co-incidence? If you believe in coincidence…I don’t.~

The very next day, I was reading in a beautiful little book, “His Princess, Love letters from your King", given to me by a precious friend.  Here is what the message for that day said: 

“My Princess, Freedom is a Choice”

“I long to give you the keys to be free from the
 things that bind you and see you break through to a blessed life in Me.

But your freedom is a choice…your choice.

You can be totally free in Me or try to set yourself free. I promise, my princess, I am the only one who can give you the life giving keys you need and want. The keys are hidden in My word, empowered by your prayer, and completed by the work of my Holy Spirit living in you. Choose the way, my love…choose life.

Love,

Your King and your freedom”

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”  John 8:36

~ ~

~ Co-incidence? If you believe in co-incidence! I don’t! ~

~ ~

How grateful I am that I found my keys…

Because without the keys we cannot go home!

HE WON'T EAT MY SOUP!





photo courtesy of The Fresh Market



He...My Husband...will not eat my soup!  Unfortunately, this is true...he won't eat this one!  "Winter Squash Soup with Chipotle Peppers and Cream"! 

I don't know if he has an aversion to squash necessarily, because he will eat my spaghetti squash (as long as I smother it in marinara, or better yet, meat sauce).  He just took one look at this beautiful pot of soup and scrunched up his cute nose, shook his head, and veered in the opposite direction. 

Well, I loved it....and since I had an entire pot to myself, I also figured out another way to use it.  The first night, I had a second helping, but the second night I decided to make a pasta sauce out of the remainder by adding parmesan and a splash of white wine, just a touch more garlic...and voila!  Another winning dinner for me! 

You might ask....what did your poor husband eat?  Well, let's just say the deli turkey and the extra sourdough bread I bought came in handy for a couple of days! 

Actually...here's the disclaimer!  I'm very fortunate to have a husband that will eat "practically" everything I put before him.  He usually praises my cooking.  I used to think he only complimented it to trick me into thinking I was a good cook; therefore wanting to spend even more time in the kitchen.  Since it's just the two of us, and most cooks are their own worst critics, I guess the verdict is still out on that one!  :) 

I found this beautiful soup recipe in "The Fresh Market Grocery" magazine. They often have unique recipes and the photo grabbed me!  I changed it up just a bit and made it my own.  Here is their original recipe and I will highlight the little changes I made: 

But first...some of you know me well enough by now...  :-)

He won’t eat my soup!

Husband hates squash

Won’t eat my soup,

Says it looks like slimy goop -

His tastes are unrefined...

Diet pop and chips for him,

I like cheese and wine!

I want to try to teach him

Everything I know...
Chance of this is really slim,
I learned long ago -

Old dog won’t learn new tricks,
Still hanging onto youth,
Teen-age snacks are his kicks,
He will not eat my soup!

Like a gas tank running on empty,
He’s running on fumes…
His habits are too hard to break…
All the junk he consumes!

He’ll break open the tums before he hits the sheets,
tossing and turning...esophagus burning...
From his tasty evening treats!

I guess I'll pick my battles,
This seems to be a loss,
I'll bite my lip when he eats that dip,
'Cuz it’s clear I’m not his boss!                                                        

I think that if I show him,
By example he might see
That healthy eats are not so bad,
They seem to work for me!

But even though I try…
I’m still thrown for a loop…
He shakes his head and walks away…
He will not eat my soup!

~ written by Lorraine Brown (copyright 2010) ~

 Winter Squash Soup with Chipotle Peppers and Cream

1 medium butternut squash                                                      

1 medium acorn squash

4 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 carrots, coarsely chopped

2 ribs of celery, coarsely chopped

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

3 garlic cloves, fresh, minced (I'm a garlic-aholic, so I used 4 cloves)

6 cups vegetable Broth (I substituted chicken broth - just my preference)

3/4 tsp. chipotle seasoning or cayenne pepper/ red pepper flakes (I used cayenne because that's what I had)

8 oz. whipping cream (I substituted half n half - just a little lighter)

Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

Small tub of sour cream (I always use fat free sour cream...I can't tell the difference)

3 TBSP. fresh cilantro, chopped

1 small jar/can chipotle peppers in adobo

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400. Cut butternut and acorn squash in half lengthwise.

Use 2 TBSP of olive oil to coat insides of squash.

Lay face down on baking sheet (not you...the squash!)

and bake (the squash) in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes
or until tender.

Use remaining olive oil to saute carrots, celery and onion in a medium sized stock pot until tender. Add garlic, salt and pepper and chipotle seasoning, saute an additional 2-3 minutes.

Remove squash from oven and let cool. ( The squash can be cooked and cooled overnight or well in advance of the soup preparation. )

Scoop meat from squash and add to pot with vegetables.

Add broth, bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. When vegetables are very

tender...

use an

 immersion blender

 or

food processor to puree the soup.

  

Add whipping cream (or half n half) to the pureed soup, stir to blend and return to heat until ready to serve.

Place the toppings in small serving bowls on the table and allow guests to garnish their soup.



these little cabbage bowls were my mom's and I love having them!



****To make the beautiful pumpkin soup bowls as in the fresh market photo...carefully cut off the top, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and strings, and use a paring knife to scoop out the flesh all around. Pan sear the edges for a rustic look. Be sure to reserve the pumpkin meat for a homemade pie! ****

 I served it with fresh, warm sourdough bread (thankfully by husband did leave some bread for me)! I'll definitely make it again....oh, and the pasta sauce I made the next day was also a comforting dish!

For the parmesan butternut pasta sauce:   Simply add a splash of white wine to the soup and simmer over medium heat; add grated parmesan cheese and stir until bubbly and thickened!  Ladle over your favorite pasta, sprinkle with fresh, shaved parmesan and serve!  I love this with campanelle (the cone shape of the pasta traps the sauce and pine nuts inside)!  





Crowning Glory!

Every Princess...Every Prince...Needs a Crown!

Meatballs Mafaldine with Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce



Mafaldine, also known as Reginette,

(Italian for little queens), is a type of ribbon-shaped pasta.

Mafaldine were named in honor of  Princess Mafalda of Savoy (thus the alternative name "little queens").


Just outside Naples and the Amalfi coast, Gragnano is reputed as the birthplace of dried pasta.  This flat and wide pasta noodle is usually about ½ inch in width, with wavy edges on both sides. It is prepared similarly to other ribbon-based pasta such as linguine and fettuccine.


I find that these wonderful ribbons hold up beautifully to a fire roasted tomato sauce and a little bit of heat!

By the request of my dear friend Jaime, I am happy to share my recipe...


Bite into these glorious meat-a-balls, crowned with mafaldine, find the hidden gem tucked beneath the basil leaf, savor the flavors layered within the fire-roasted tomato sauce and enjoy a royal feast!

Meatballs Mafaldine with Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce: 
(or perhaps more accurately titled:  "Little Queens"...or "princess meatballs" :)

Servings: 4

2 pound(s) of Lean ground beef *

1/2 cup(s) of Shredded asiago cheese

1/2 cup(s) of Italian flavored panko bread crumbs

1/2 tsp. of Oregano

6 ounce(s) of Cream cheese

4 Cloves garlic, minced

 2 tbsp. of Olive Oil

1 28 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes

1/2 Pkg. (approx. 1/2 lb.) Mafaldine pasta noodles 

*(if you cannot find mafaldine noodles, you may substitute lasagna noodles sliced in half lengthwise)*

8 Mozzarella balls (cherry size)

Steps:

 Mix ground beef with bread crumbs,2 cloves garlic, ½ tsp oregano, 4 oz. cream cheese and ¼ cup shredded asiago cheese

 Form approx. eight large meatballs.

 In large skillet drizzle one Tbsp olive oil into pan and cook meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and transfer to baking pan and place in 350 degree oven for approx 20-30 minutes until cooked through.

In same large skillet, scrape meat bits from pan and add 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 2 cloves garlic. Sauté over medium heat for one or two minutes until garlic is softened and aromatic.

 Stir in tomatoes and remaining 2 oz. cream cheese and allow to heat through until bubbly.

Remove from heat.

 In large pot, bring water to boil and add noodles until cooked al denté…approx. eight minutes. Drain and add a bit of cool water to pot and leave in cool water until remaining ingredients are ready.

 Return sauce to burner and simmer over low heat.

 Remove meatballs from oven.

 On large platter, drizzle a small amount of sauce and top w/ a few noodles.

 One at a time, insert a toothpick into mozzarella ball and meatball. Wrap noodle around, securing with another toothpick. Place on top of noodles and sauce already on platter. Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle w/ remaining asiago...once in place, remove toothpicks and...

(serve with your favorite salad and bread)

 Gustare il pasto!

~ (enjoy the meal) ~

 *I often make this with lean ground turkey instead of ground beef  (making sure turkey is fully cooked w/no pink)

HE PAINTED US A FLAG!

Beauty catches us by surprise and makes us wish for more!
(the sacred romance) 


  "The heavens declare the glory of God;
The skies proclaim the work of his hands"
(Psalm 19:1)

Veteran’s Day, 2010!  A day I will never forget! I can’t begin to explain the sense of awe I experienced at this sunset! It compelled me to pull off to the side of the road and take as many snaps as I could before it drifted away! Just the fact that I had my camera with me was amazing! The wonderment that filled my mind at that moment; the inexplicable joy that captured my heart and filled me from head to toe with excitement!  It wasn’t until after I snapped the first few that I realized the sky looked like a giant flag! :)  Oh how beautiful, this gift from God!  I felt Him saying “Happy Veteran’s Day America”!  I wanted to yell out, “LOOK everyone…Stop and look at this marvel in the sky! Can you imagine better timing of this incredible sunset?!”  Instead, I stayed quiet, snapping as many photo’s of this moment in time so that I could re-visit it again and again...and share it with you! 

Sunsets ~ Glorious Sunsets! 
I’ll never tire of God’s masterpieces on the canvas of His sky…
He paints us a new one every evening!

I could not let this day go by without pausing to reflect on the sacrifice that our men and women in uniform have made and are making on our behalf.  Freedom is not free...it is paid for by the sacrificial acts of so many willing servants who love their country!  May God bless each and every one of our troops and their families. Thank you to those who have served in every generation and who are serving now! God Bless America!

Stars shine and stripes remind

The stars shine bright...

In the darkness of a foxhole,

Or in the glow of celebratory light…

By the fireworks we ignite.

Some forget just what happened in the dead of night,

As the stripes remind us of their wounds,

And blood shed for freedom’s sake,

Today, as well as yesterday…

Make no mistake

Of the sacrifice they make,

While children play,

And music serenades,

As the marching band

Leads our parade...

Let us not forget,  

 nor hesitate to give thanks

And to celebrate...

The freedoms won by our strong and brave

Of every race and every age...

May we never forget the sacrifice they made.

We salute them now...as we bow

Our heads for grace,

And we take our place...

At the bountiful table

Preserved for us by a remembered face...

Some with us now,

And some we will wait to embrace!

(written by Lorraine Brown/copyright 2010)

I was excited to submit this photo to the Learning Never Stops
photo challenge today!

This week:  A photo that captures a moment your heart would like to remember, a photo that captures the ordinary of your ordinary,
or anything that says to you...
"this moment"!

LOOKS LIKE AUTUMN, SOUNDS LIKE SPRING

Five p.m.

Friday afternoon...October nearing it’s end...I sit gazing out my window at Technicolor tree-tops in the autumn sky! This year, autumn in the Midwest has been warmer than usual. Gifted with summer-like temps combined with the beauty of the fall landscape, I suddenly love this season!

Often, people say how much they love autumn because of the beauty it brings. Of course, I don’t disagree, but I usually feel sad when summer draws to a close and fall enters in with its shorter days and nippy nights. It’s such a short lived season and I know what is coming next! I’m not a fan of cold weather and empty branches, and when the crisp colorful treetops become bare, I feel like climbing up a giant ladder and pasting the leaves back on! But this year I feel more joyful...can it be that I'm seeing things with a better attitude these days? Or is it just the weather?! :)

As I marvel at the beauty of the surrounding landscape, I ask myself..."why am I sitting here pining for Indian Summer to linger, while neighbors jog by and children play in shirtsleeves!"  
I feel the need to get up and get out there and enjoy every moment… join the others who bask in warm sunshine and robin’s song under autumn skies! but first...

Sounds like spring

                                                                                           

It looks like Autumn, sounds like spring,

Love to hear the robins sing,                                                            

Outside my window leaves are fallin’          

All day long the red breast callin’!

Clear October skies,

Ruby treetops way up high,

Squirrels hiding acorns, storing food

And summer breezes kiss our skin like June …

Beneath the harvest moon!

Cornstalks, pumpkins, bales of hay,

Dressed up scarecrows on display,

This autumn day...

Sunshine sparkles on bronze trees,

Neighbors visit in shirt sleeves,

Children tumble in piles of leaves!

Looks like autumn, Feels like summer….

This year’s fall…a different drummer!

Leaves in gutters not a problem…

No rain yet - a warm, dry autumn!

Laughter echoes through our town,

Accompanied by a springtime sound…

Love to hear the robins sing…

All day long,

As if it’s spring!

(written by Lorraine Brown, copyright 2010)