February 19, 2007

Counting One's Interests

"One should never count the years--one should count one's interests. I have kept young
trying never to lose my childhood sense of wonderment. I am glad I still have a vivid curiosity
about the world I live in."

Helen Keller, 1880-1968
Blind and Deaf American Writer and Scholar

The writer of that beautiful philosophy
expressed my sentiments so eloquently-
But I humbly acknowledge my advantage-
I can hear! And I can see!

But did she hear more clearly than I?
And did she see through the Master's eye?
Oh, how blessed to have the Master's touch-
to live to serve- to give so much.

May I never take for granted
the blessings of each day-
A kind word, a noble deed,
encouragement along the way.

February 13, 2007

LISTENING

People need people to validate their dreams-
No one is independent,
We all need someone, it seems.

A speaker needs a listener
to the language of his heart.
We all need recognition-
true listening is an art.

Do you truly sense the hunger
when a person speaks to you?
Or do you struggle with impatience
to express your point of view?

We may not all be Hemingways,
or famous for our prose,
But I sense a warm comraderie
in this group that grows...and grows.

February 9, 2007

When Does One Grow Old?

I woke up in the morning,
mind refreshed and full of hope.
There is so much I want to do-
all within my scope.

My mind is willing, my mind alert-
I'll spring right out of bed.
My mind is saying, "Go girl!"
but my back says, "Whoa", instead.

Ego! Yes, ego is the culprit
in this aging game we play.
I don't mind saying , "I'm 78,"
But, getting old???"No way!"

February 5, 2007

Photo Album Introduction

Throughout these pages you will see
the changes that took place in me-
From birth (when people stared in awe,
and wondered what it was they saw???)
To the present day, when those who thought---
"The stork that brought me ought to be shot",
Are now convinced.....he SHOULD be!!!

February 3, 2007

Somewhere

Somewhere there is a place for me
A place I have a need to be.
A new plateau, a goal to meet-
Purpose, direction, without defeat.

Oh, God, give me strength to greet each day
With a cheerful countenance,don't let me sway.

Please let me focus on the issues of life
That bring joy to others-
to relieve their strife.

To have victory over the enemy called Fear-
the energy and stamina to persevere.

The Trade-Off

Pigeons are not on my list of favorite creatures-
They destroy my peace of mind.
The feeder in my yard was dwarfed
by pigeons of every kind.

They came each day and flapped their wings
as they fought for a position.
The feedeer was too small, you see,
which affected their disposition.

My patio used to be a place
of quietness and contentment
Until the pigeons came in droves
and filled me with resentment.

"Lord", I cried, "I need your help.
I cannot stand their spats."
The Lord obliged, to my chagrin
and sent, instead, eight cats.

No squirrels, no birds, they fled in fear-
The cats, you see, do domineer.
Now you find no pigeons on Chipola.
God sent them all to Lake Eola!