I’m sharing GP’s post because today is a special day and he wrote up a wonderful tribute – a day when I remember my father who lived to be 2 months shy of 98 years old, and I think of my father-in-law who is still with us at the young age of 99 1/2 years old! These two wonderful men served in World War II.
GP’s words: On November 11th, we pause to reflect on the history of this great Nation and honor all those who fought to defend it. Originally titled “Armistice Day” and intended to celebrate the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” Veterans Day allows us to give thanks to veterans past and present, men and women from all walks of life and all ethnicities, who stood up and said, “Send me.” We recognize your sacrifices, your sense of duty and your love for this country. And…For many other countries who remain free thanks to their veterans, this day is called Remembrance Day. I thank you!!
Please visit GP’s blog post at his site, Pacific Paratrooper, for more touching words, profound messages, and even a little humor. And I join GP in thanking all those who have served for our country’s freedom and for those who currently serve.
This is an old photo of my dad and husband, and Dad was 92; he was grieving the passing of “His Gal” after being together for 70 years. We miss my parents so much, and God Bless Dad for his service!
This photo was taken 4 years ago. My father-in-law sits in the middle with my son and daughter on each sides, and my daughter’s husband on your far left next to my son and my nephew on your right next to my daughter when you’re looking at this. Of course, Copper had to join in, too. So, Wil was 95 here and he’s now 99 1/2!
The Marine Corps birthday has been commemorating on November 10 every year since 1775, the year of establishment of Continental Marines. Every year the cake cutting ceremony with the conventional ball follows.
Saluting the U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Corps Birthday Cake
Sketch of the original Tun Tavern
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Veterans Day
On November 11th, we pause to reflect on the history of this great Nation and honor all those who fought to defend it. Originally titled “Armistice Day” and intended to celebrate the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” Veterans Day allows us to give thanks to veterans past and present, men and women from all walks of life and all ethnicities, who stood up and said, “Send me.” We recognize your sacrifices, your sense of duty and your love for this country.
She’d sit on the landing, long hair cascading, her little friends listening to her read about Paddy, Peter the Rabbit, and The Three Little Bears.
My mind still can’t fathom that this moment wasn’t just yesterday when she loved to create her little delightful worlds.
Now, a beautiful woman giving life her best with an open heart and a smile bright as a field of sunflowers.
But geography intervenes…
And yet, our phone chats, well, let me just say, we make up for lost time! Three hours later, what could we have possibly gabbed about?
Everything, and most likely, a little bit more.
She knows the amount of residence she claims in my heart. Then again, it is quite difficult to quantify. It would be like counting the display of gleaming stars in the vast evening sky.
Just look at that painting in the sky! Brush strokes of orange, bright and cheerful like California Poppies parading in our yards.
Can you feel it? I can.
I see hope clearly suspended in the pale hues in the midst of that vibrancy, waiting for the right time to glide in and perform its opening act.
That’s what we do, isn’t it? We wait for the best time to do something, to speak words that could produce honesty or vulnerability within our hearts. We delay in beginning the next goal.
The sun hangs joyfully in the sky, Clouds stay concealed alertly on stand-by. Watch your step through the never-ending maze… Your safety may just be a delusional phase.
A dizzying task, to the left, to the right, All you can ponder is fight or flight! Moans around each turn trouble your heart. Screams in the void cause a kickstart.
Beware of rustling as the wind grows harsher. Something lurks in the stalks as you move farther. Deeper and deeper you sink into ugly dread, Fearing you’ll stumble upon unsightly bloodshed.
Your world has transformed into endless corn! You have failed and fallen, feeling forlorn. But lo and behold, a ladybug on a leaf Bringing to your heart a flood of relief.
Her essence portrays hope that was buried. Fright has dissolved, you no longer feel harried. Those unsettling sounds don’t cause any chills Compelling you to hightail it for the hills!
Should you muster up courage to return next year, To this spooky season that brings about ghouls? Or should you leave the shivers and fear For the thrill-seekers and the reckless fools?
BOO!!!!! 👻🎃👻
P.S. Look closely at that second image above..do you see something lurking?
And if you’re so inclined, you can listen to me recite this fun poem below:
Last weekend we went to this fun corn maze, and then walked around the pumpkin patch, picking up some pumpkins, and admiring the beautiful horses, an adorable heifer, cute littlegoats, and a friendly donkey. Lots of fun things to do for the little ones, too.
Happy early Halloween and be safe out there… you just never know what skulks around the bend. 😳👹👿
I just found this latest, wonderful review for my book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose, and of course, I have to share! I’ve heard that book reviews are like hugs for indie authors, sohug away!!Trish’s review may be short, but it’s very sweet, packed with all good things to say!
MacTrish gives More than Coffee 5 stars:
Touching, funny, and reflective:
This volume is a delightful collection of observations about life and of the small, ordinary things viewed through fresh eyes. Some of the stories and poems made me chuckle, others were reflective and some were poignant and moving. This is one of those selections that is perfect for dipping into when the mood takes you. (If you’re an arachnophobe, you’ll enjoy Laughing Spiders!)
I am thrilled that another reader enjoyed my memories and the messages they conveyed. So, again, a Big Thanks to all of you who have bought a copy and indulged in a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) while dipping into my memories, some funny, and others reflective and moving like Trish mentioned). And if you haven’t written a review, there is always time (but please, no pressure from me.) 🥰
One of the poems from my book:
Red Lipstick
With childlike fascination, I leaned against the door frame watching her apply a little powder to her nose, a touch of red to her lips. No more, no less. She was flawless. Then our eyes locked – an unspoken connection. Questions never-ending, I gently tucked her wisdom in a safe space where I could draw from it easily. I’d love to share tales of life she’s missing. Perhaps, again someday.
Extract from Laughing Spiders:
Mornings began to fuel unfamiliar anxiety as spider social calls manifested soon after the crack of dawn. The sun brightened the sky and another high school day was on the horizon. I grabbed a towel to dry off after showering when I felt something unnatural. Looking down, I watched in horror as a brown spider scuttled across my chest. I jumped, avoiding a nasty fall in the tub, and brushed the spider off not caring where it landed. I just wanted it off my skin.
These creepy-crawlies seemingly watched for me so they could plan their next prank. During another shower with my head full of shampoo suds, I spotted a black spider near my feet. The dance I did wasn’t a happy one. With a swish here and there, my foot managed to nudge the scary intruder down the drain with ripples of water, as I imagined it whirling into the dark depth of the water system. I quickly rinsed the suds out. Just as I felt calm run through my body, I looked down and saw that damn spider climbing out of the drain. This could only happen to me.
Extract from Ascent:
When we reached the top and I looked down that sleek granite dome, I was amazed at what I had achieved. Never underestimate our abilities. On the other side of the dome, Shealor Lake was in full view. We gave our legs a short rest, drank some water, then headed downhill with the enticing pull of the lake’s beauty. As we neared the bottom, my emotions ran wild. I was relieved that we finally made it, but a sudden wave of grief washed over me. We removed our packs and sat on a log for a time-out. I was so overwhelmed that the tears found freedom. I didn’t fight them. I cried for the loss of Dad. I cried for having completed this hike that I didn’t think I was capable of. I would’ve backed out graciously had I known the details.
After a few minutes, I composed myself and looked to the lake. The water, a jeweled phenomenon. It sparkled, inviting us for a swim. While we set up our back-country camp, the orange-hot sun blazed down on us as if we had drastically turned up the thermostat, so the cool lake water soothed our sun-kissed skin. The fact that we were all alone in this canyon full of forest and smooth granite was beyond welcoming. The tranquility offered me the chance to reminisce about Dad and my parents together. The solitude afforded a perfect destination to grieve, think, remember, and cry. Mourning the loss of one parent was difficult enough but losing both felt surreal – a new stage of life had begun.
If you’d like to purchase a copy, just click on “Buy on Amazon” below, and by the way, the holidays just happen to be around the corner in case you know of someone who may just want or need a gentle read.💜
Thanks for stopping by,and whenever you do, I hope you find something significant to take away. ❤️
For inspiration to notice surrounding beauty, to feel gratitude, to face challenges and fears while sipping your favorite coffee roast or a beverage of your choice, check out my latest book:More than Coffee.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 