I am thinking more about our early years here, and the kindness of the people who welcomed us. After being in the hospital and surgery at the end of 1993/early 1994, I remember gradually walking again, and a neighbor called after me, “Ellen, where have you been?” I think I then wrote him and his wife a note – I am better with writing for some conversations. At a local restaurant, that no longer exists, a group of retired men met for coffee. My father would have been one of those guys! The name of the restaurant was The Knotty Pine. Although closed, we remember. And we enjoy many wonderful restaurants in the area. I like the places where I am comfortable, and simple good food. Good service. And we see many of the same people.
Some though have passed away, and when I read their impressive obituaries, I am moved by how modest they were, how humble and caring. Service and kindness.
Sometimes kindness too is giving others their new space and time. I can no longer do the physical work of caregiving. Though I support emotionally. And I pray. This is respected, and I am so grateful. No small thing to write a note and pray. I can remember one or two sentences, a card, and how much that meant. Sometimes there is so much initial support – perhaps after a loved one dies – and then someone sends a note six months later. And life changes, and some friendships have changed. Some renew. Can always say a prayer for them. Keep a wise and kind heart. Good manners.
I cooked eggs this morning and remembered a poem from October 2012:
falling leaves and silent sunrise
how easy today to let go of old dreams
cook some eggs wash the dishes write this poem
And then I rediscovered this poem:
how quickly another generation grows seems I only looked away for a moment
how good their work how beautiful their art
Grateful for all ages – every day new, and full of memories and hope for the future,
Today we have rain. The sky and Lake Michigan are the same grey color. Yesterday, we walked around a few stores, as we had different errands. At The Home Depot in Kohler, the display of plants is beautiful. They have some outside, though not overnight. We enjoy how the Spring plants in stores add their beauty and fragrance in general. Sometimes we see someone we know. This is my idea of a social life. I enjoy solitude for my art, and then being a part of community in a low-key way. Not parties, or being over-tired the next day, or after a visit. A new way for health, and going well. Being sure to walk is a part of this, and Karl keeps an eye on the weather. I am grateful for friends and art with our blogs. So much in common, with friends everywhere.
Sometimes things take time, one small step, one post, at a time. New ways of being and living, to support health and work, can be learned – and then a natural part of life. I am grateful for all who help me be well, and I follow the instructions from my Care Team.
Some poems and photos from our archives:
warmer weather on the way God’s gift of nature getting ready to color the gardens
Daffodils – photo by Karl, May 2011
Red tulip and daylily leaves – May 2015
thunderstorm and then quiet . . . raindrops on branches with tiny leaves bird songs begin
Primroses – Photo by Karl, May 2010
in the backyard birds back and singing never too old to find this new
I looked out the window at the blue sky and then around my little study room, with the blue file cabinets and chair. And I thought of my poems with blue themes. Here are three poems.
bluebirds truly so blue trustworthy friends
more colors of blue in Lake Michigan today than I can name the wonder of always learning dreaming new dreams
hard years show I let them show growing anew
We enjoy our blue vase, which goes well with many colors.
With the ash tree gone, the view has changed. I watch a different sky. Before dawn today, the light through the clouds, that spanned the horizon, was similar to how the snow rested on the long evergreen branches. The branches extend to part of the view through the window – the whole tree is not seen. I thought, “This is a poem.” Hope I can write the poem. Perhaps another image will arrive.
I have watched the weathered trees, as you know, and noted the harder times in a tree’s life. Revised my views about beauty and age. There are spaces without new growth in the interesting and beautiful trees. Because I have been posting here since December 2009, my blog archives are like that too now.
This morning, I remembered this Bible verse: “for when I am weak, then am I strong” 2 Corinthians 12: 10b ( KJV).
Good can grow from the hard times. This I know, and learn again and again.
Some old memories – the way home from visiting my Swedish grandparents, Poppa Ernie and Nanna, at their home in Milwaukee. Poppa Ernie worked on the railroad, and Nanna worked at home. They created a new life here. My father took Nanna back to Sweden for a visit when she was old.
So many years, yet mostly content to be still and simple now. We stopped at Menards in Sheboygan and bought a wreath and holiday planter. Both on sale. Yesterday we bought a poinsettia in pastel colors at Mentink’s Market Piggly Wiggly here in Oostburg. Some good food to prepare at home.
These are some Bible verses I have quoted in posts, this year of change and new health challenges, and healing. My spirit is strong, and much progress. I remember my mother’s last Christmas on earth in a hospital and nursing home. And I reflect upon all the art and stories of family and friends. My goals are to be well, simple, and continue here.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path.
Psalm 142: 3a (KJV)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4: 7 (KJV)
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psalm 56: 8 (KJV)
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 