Tag: Kindness

small home library

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small home library
books and journals
to read at different times
some to reread
and some to give away

Last summer, I enjoyed creating a collection of books for Goodwill in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Books that may bless someone else.

There are books I will always keep, and sometimes I may order a copy for a library or friend. Small press journals may be new for many people, and may inspire someone to write.

Now I look at my small home library, and books I learned about from reviews and blogs are waiting to be read, or read again. Used books as well. Some covers are faded, some are new, all beautiful. Memories, gratitude, hope, and new inspiration. One or two books at a time now.

I hope to create another donation this year.

We also like to donate copies of Quiet Christmas Poetry which is both a site and large print chapbook.

books on the shelf
supported by each other
kindness of friends

wpclipart

“books on the shelf” is from August 2012.

POEMS FROM OOSTBURG, WISCONSIN

April to May

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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.

Easter And Spring Poetry

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Easter And Spring Poetry is a small site where I am creating some posts for Lent and Easter 2020. Some of your favorite poems are shared again. Last year, I posted there from February to May 2019. I will see what poems I have written since then that may be good to reprint in a new way as well. And perhaps even some new poems!

morning light
forms part of a cross
on the wood wall
my faith completes
the picture

L  ove
E  verlasting
N  ot
T  emporary

LENT acrostic poem

These are photos from wpclipart, a good education resource.

Poems are by Ellen Grace Olinger.

Creative Notes, Poems, and Photos

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One day this winter, Karl and I went to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This has been on our list for some time. We enjoyed our visit and the people working there were so helpful.

Another visit to Mead Public Library in Sheboygan is also on our list.

And our Oostburg Public Library “A Little Library Growing Everyday.”

A note of gratitude: as I think over the years, my heart is touched by the kindness of people as I have grown older and experienced some health challenges. Some poems from my archives reflect this theme.

autumn in the air
young people
open doors for me
at the library

autumn leaves
the caregiver finds time
to rest

“autumn leaves” was the Daily Haiku for August 14, 2019.
Charlotte Digregorio’s Writer’s Blog

how quickly
another generation
grows
seems I only
looked away
for a moment

how good their work
how beautiful their art

Tulips from a store – February 9, 2016

April 7, 2017

May 2, 2016

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5: 7 (KJV)

Notes, poems, and photos are by Ellen Grace Olinger.

Kindness and Service

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Years ago, when I helped with my mother’s care, I was always alert to what might be on the floor, to guard against falls. She used a walker, and was trained by therapists and so careful. After her passing, I would continue to pick up a piece of paper in a store or parking lot, thinking of her. I would tell this story to others who observed.

We watch for opportunities to take someone’s cart from the parking lot to the store, if that seems appropriate and helpful. Karl and I shop together.

Now it is best to allow myself to be helped, and I am so grateful for the kindness and service at the stores and restaurants where we go.

We drive home on all the roads we know so well. Some might look a little bleak now. Karl wonders about new construction and keeps an eye on things. Being comfortable in a new place took time for me, and while I know sometimes over decades I needed to change, this time I am grateful I was able to stay. And feel at home. So I know I see some things differently now, than a new person might see.

It can take time for some in our lives to accept changes, as we age and/or health needs change. When the caregiver needs to retire in the sense of physical work, but always cares. I stay close to home now.

Yesterday in a parking lot, I saw a garbage can tipped over. And I knew their staff would take care of it right away. Time for me to go home. Rest, complete a post with one of Karl’s photos.

Image: wpclipart

Ellen Grace Olinger