flowers from a store
arranged in the sunroom
one vase, then two
blue sky and green leaves
my study window view
as I pray the Psalms
by Ellen Grace Olinger
I am also reading Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing by Charlotte Digregorio. You can learn more at Charlotte Digregorio’s Writer’s Blog.
some days
I read a poem
and seem to
understand
other times
I reread and
then I may
understand
and years later
see something new
This week, I am rereading Eye of the Beholder: Poems, by Luci Shaw (2018, Paraclete Press).
The language arts are an ever-growing source of inspiration. Sometimes it is good to simply “hear” a favorite author’s voice. A book may have been with you during a difficult time, and now you understand in another way. Luci Shaw is a generous writer. I gave a few of her books to one of the four places where I received care in 2018 and 2019. Now my care is at two places. And home, with Karl. The goal is to maintain progress.
We have to be patient during this time of COVID-19. Karl follows the science regarding progress for a vaccine. We are following directions!
Please see Luci Shaw The Official Website, if you would like more information. I look forward to her new book later this year.
Snowdrops are beginning to fade. They lasted a long time this year. Small flowers, strong and resilient.
Green perennial plants are growing. The green is so beautiful, and we can wait for the flowers: daffodils, primroses, daylilies, hosta. Each their own schedule.
Listen To The Green by Luci Shaw is a book by my computer. My copy is the third printing; October 1978 (Harold Shaw Publishers; Wheaton, Illinois). Copyright 1971 by Luci Shaw. I still remember being so inspired by the thought of listening to a color.
Lake Michigan waves were powerful last night. Lake levels are at record highs. Karl said not to be surprised if the wood deck is washed away. It is still there today. Not afraid – our home is secure – higher up from the water and reinforced with rocks by a previous owner. We’ll add more protection too, along with neighbors. Such an unusual time, though, in many ways.
Today the water is a brown color, because the sand was stirred up by the waves. Reflections of clouds too.
So good to work in the kitchen, wash my hands often, and take care every day.
I posted two verses from Psalm 67 at Poems From Psalms And Nature. This phrase to share again here: “thy saving health among all nations.”
Tomorrow is May.
Grateful for snowdrops and the healing beauty of the gardens.
once unknown to me
now memories
of comfort and rest
and new today
quiet songs
George Winston, Helen Jane Long, and many other wonderful artists – when someone’s work stays new, what a gift. And the miracle of learning something new.
The rose is from AntiqueClipart.
The Sheboygan River
Kiwanis Park
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
August 29, 2019
Photos by Karl
a walk by the river
butterflies and wildflowers
memories of being there
this time last year
after medical appointments
in Sheboygan
I said, “Hello, old friends”
when I saw the trees
Ellen Grace Olinger
Karl took these photos last year. I thought, “It is healing to walk by the river.” Then I realized the river is healing too. Later today, we will review photos from yesterday and share here the next few days.
Kiwanis Park
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
last year
I missed seeing
daffodils in the yard
they bloom for all
sheltered and strong
by the house
this year
I make a special effort
to see them again
to be sure not to miss them
tulips seem gone
perhaps can plant again
in the fall
and along the old path
primroses
Journal Poem
May 22, 2019
from my archives:
they ask to be
in this poem
daffodils
sunrise
daffodils bowed by rain
recover
Image: wpclipart
Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 