Category: Caregiving

Fragrance of Leaves

September 4, 2022September 5, 2022 ·

fragrance of leaves
in the gardens
what good friends
we became
as we grew older

“fragrance of leaves” is from my post for November 12, 2010.

And also published in a print book, print journal, and online.

They Gave Us Life: Celebrating Mothers, Fathers & Others in Haiku. Edited by Robert Epstein. Middle Island Press, 2017.

Time Of Singing – Volume 46, Fall 2019
Lora Homan Zill, Editor

Tanka by Ellen Grace Olinger
Charlotte Digregorio’s Writer’s Blog
August 8, 2020

So including today, the publication dates for this poem so far are from 2010 – 2022.

Thank you

Two Years – Large Print Poems

August 9, 2022 ·

We began Large Print Poems on August 7, 2020. Hope the posts are useful.

I reprint new and old poems there. For readers who follow both sites, I often vary the presentation – perhaps a different picture with a poem.

Bloganuary prompt for January 27, 2022

January 27, 2022 · 4 Comments ·

Where do you go when you need solitude?

My first thought when I read this prompt was my small study on the second floor. The window over my desk looks at the yard and garage. Trees, sky, seasons. Many poems through the years. I also enjoy early mornings, a chair by a window in the sunroom, and then work by the kitchen window.

Prayer and poetry. Art in different forms.

And solitude in my heart – perhaps a verse memorized. To keep solitude with me, to create some reserves. I have experienced the benefit of this in care settings, as both caregiver and patient. Some reserves of rest and strength in my heart. Simple daily life.

Be still, and know that I am God . . .

From Psalm 46: 10

Rose, Carnation & Lilies Drawing from Reusable Art

some goals revised

January 5, 2022 · 6 Comments ·

some goals revised
for good reasons
and then in time
new work grows
a Mystery

Holidays Through The Years

November 24, 2021 · 6 Comments ·

Thanksgiving

Every year is different and cherished in its own way.

Every day is a day to give thanks.

November 24, 2011

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving,
and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Psalm 26: 7 (KJV)

November 22, 2018

There were years of driving from one home to another, or to a restaurant in another city, to honor older family members who are no longer with us.

I also remember holidays with my mother and home health care, and later a nursing home. These memories bless me still. And the beautiful drives North again, with holiday lights in small towns. City streets and country roads. Home by Lake Michigan in Oostburg, Wisconsin.

The traditions were important. Good to grow new traditions as well, and adapt to change. Health first. Every year is different, it seems.

I look forward to Thanksgiving, and then to Advent in a quiet way. Creative at home.

Thank you and take good care.

November 24, 2020

And this year by God’s grace – with blogs, we create a journal.

SEASON Acrostic Poem

November 18, 2021 ·

S ilence
E nlivens
A nd
S olitude
O pens
N ew thoughts

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose
under the heaven . . .

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 (KJV)

SEASON is one of the poems from Quiet Christmas Poetry, which is both a site and a large print chapbook. Please see the post there, Quiet Christmas Poetry: 2020 Update, if you would like more information.

REST acrostic poem

November 13, 2021 ·

R estore
E ncourage
S ing
T rust God

REST

Matthew 11: 28 (KJV): “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I am reprinting the acrostic poem and Bible verse from March 21, 2010. Grateful and interesting to see older posts that are still viewed. The 2010 post includes a lily photo by Karl. I rediscovered acrostic poems with blogs.