Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. ~Author unknown
You’ve been here for two years now,
My mischievous little pup.
And surely in all those weeks and months,
You’ve had opportunity to grow up.
What did mama tell you
About stealing papers you can reach,
And promptly tearing them to tiny bits
While waiting for her to screech?
When Memory rings her bell, let all the thoughts run in. ~Emily Dickinson, American poet
Spring semester for symphonic band has started, and we’re practicing for two concerts, one in March and the other in April.
To say this is a busy time would be an understatement.
Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to. ~Author unknown, 1960s
Three bales of straw later (and fingers crossed this works!):
Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences… ~Norman Cousins, American journalist, author, and professor
I Monkey here.
You’re never going to believe what Mama’s been up to now.
When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills. ~Chinese proverb
Perhaps change is the only constant in our world, but at the risk of appearing old, I’ve got to admit: I really miss retail shopping, particularly department stores.
Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is. ~German proverb
I Monkey here.
I ask you, Have you ever seen anything more terrifying than this:
Of the living gymnosperms the conifers — pine, cedar, spruce, fir and redwood trees — are the most successful biologically. The needle-like leaves of these evergreens are well adapted to withstand hot summers, cold winters and the mechanical abrasion of storms. ~Claude Alvin Villee, Jr., American biologist and long-time teacher, Harvard University
Why
I felt
Compelled to
Check up on my
Tiny Tree after
A bitter snowstorm is
A myst’ry, but I did and
Voila! As you can plainly see,
He (or she) is growing and thriving
And celebrating its second birthday!
Tiny Tree is an Eastern Juniper.
Also known as red cedar, this tree
Measures forty-eight inches tall!
Who’d have given it a chance
To survive in such a
Harsh environment?
Somewhere below
Ground lies its
Bright red
Scarf!
Note: This poetry form is a Double Etheree.
All say, “How hard it is that we have to die” — a strange complaint to come from the mouths of people who have had to live. ~Mark Twain, American writer
The smell assaults you as you walk in the door:
A blend of disinfectant, urine, and more.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
Balding men with once-gray hair
Slump untended in their wheelchair.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
Wearing expressions of sadness and gloom
As if they’re gazing into the mouth of a tomb.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
Women on walkers in faded clothes;
Thick droopy stockings covering their toes.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
Vacant eyes stare straight into space;
Few signs remain of their former grace.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
Aging is part of life on this earth.
Shouldn’t we do more to preserve someone’s worth
Than tuck them away, out of sight, out of mind?
To me that’s awful and far from kind.
Letting them vegetate until at last they die.
Waiting for time and life to slip by.
Adult diapers and shapeless sweats,
Hearing aids, oxygen, and thin blankets.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
Calling for help and no one shows up.
Staff overworked; hard to catch up.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
Hoping for a visit from friends or their kids,
A basket of goodies the doctor forbids.
Step into the world of an old folks’ home.
People live longer these days, I know,
But longer isn’t better, some cases show.
Alone and lonely is no way to live,
Not when all people have something to give.
There’s no easy answer, everyone agrees,
But can’t we at least try to solve it? Please?
This Christmas may you have…
“Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.” ~ Irish Christmas Blessing
Merry Christmas to all our friends! Monkey and I will be taking a few days off to celebrate with loved ones. We’ll be back soon!
Sometimes you can head off a decision you’ll regret by looking into your heart and finding regret already there. ~Robert Brault, American author
Gee, can’t a dog get any sleep around here without somebody sticking a camera in his face??
After spending two full years sitting on the fence over whether to keep Monkey or return him to his breeder, I’ve finally made a decision.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 