"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 19, 2007
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.
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!"
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!!!
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.
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!
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!