Celebrations, Chickens, Dream Catchers, and Christmas!

On December 11, 2023December 11, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry119 Comments

**Gorgeous flowers sent by my colleagues.**

Dear Friends,

This past Saturday was the Celebration of Life for my dear father-in-law. The sun shone boldly in the vast, blue sky and the air was cold in the mid 50s. Not weather for shorts or flip flops, but truly glorious for this special December event. It took a village to make the service what it should be, and the village was successful. The speakers (including me), the music, the memories, and the reception following with delicious food and conversation reflecting upon this ‘gentle’ man who lived a little more than a century all flowed seamlessly.

Verses from one of my poems were printed on the back of the bulletin:

A Life Well Lived

Tears may spill into our days,
but so do the memories
and celebrations
of a life well lived.

Our eyes are open to
the legacy he has left
and the yesterdays that
were shared with him…

so, we will honor his wish…
we will smile for our tomorrows.

About 90 people attended, so you can imagine the many stories gently weaving around each one of us as we talked about our father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. It really was a perfect day and we knew Wil was present in spirit, smiling and laughing along with us. My husband’s second cousin flew in from Idaho, and she is one crafty woman! She reminds me of my mom and mother-in-law who could skillfully sew, knit, or crochet anything! It was great to see her, but it was also fun to catch up. She’s been working on a new project – crocheting items for Random Acts of Crochet Kindness USA. (Members in this group crochet small, meaningful items that are placed in random locations in their communities for anyone to find. A thoughtful verse is included to brighten the finder’s.)

She brought some adorable and beautiful creations. Here are two that are reveling in the comfort and scent of our tree:

Traditionally dream catchers were made from a willow hoop or calabash covered with decorative fabric on one side and feathers on the other to be hung near a person’s bed. In this way, the dream catcher is said to protect people from bad things that happen in their sleep as well as bad omens during the day. (Googled)

I have never heard of this organization, but any act of kindness is commended, and I can see how these handmade items would uplift the spirits of many people, especially during the holiday season when not everyone sings, “Joy to the World.” I’ve always loved dream catchers, and Lorelai is so adorable! How can you not smile when you see those purple glasses, vibrant colors, and cute, yellow beak?

Well, this post is coming to an end and will be my last post and day of blogging for 2023. I will visit as many blogs as possible today, but I apologize in advance for missing so many. Unfortunately, blogging has taken a back seat. Our son is home from his 7-month road trip, so we’re enjoying his wonderful presence, company, and humor, and even though Wil’s service is behind us, we’re in the middle of settling his estate and perusing his belongings where more treasures are surfacing. And we can’t wait to see our daughter and SIL for Christmas. I’m sure you can guess that I’ll leave you with a poem, one from 2020, but words that still seem fitting for today…

A Christmas Soliloquy

The noble fir smells heavenly
Pervading throughout the room
Lights twinkle in red and green
Adding to its festive costume.

Stockings embellish the mantel
Eager to be filled with treats
Garland graces letters in gold
Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.

Dangling to model icicles,
White lights sparkle on eaves
Ornaments shimmer on branches
All this, the stuff of dreams.

But can dreams still come true
After this year, so displeasing?
Amidst the tears and heartache,
Is there room for believing?

I have faith that joy weaves
Its way through the pain
Angels keep watch while Love
Is the magic that remains.

I don’t know your story
The details are yours alone
But I do wish you Happiness
That you may seize and truly own…

As we listen to the marching rhythm
Of the exultant Christmas drum
For these holidays upon us
And for the New Year to come.

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Thank you VERY much for stopping by, and I wish you a peaceful holiday season filled with lots of hugs, giggles, cookies, and carols. The gifts may be fun, but the people, the connections bring the most joy. Sending you all holiday hugs as I continue to keep those who are suffering in my heart.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2024!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!! 🎄⛄️❄️🎉
~ Lauren ❤️

Trouble – Acrostic Poetry

On May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry81 Comments

Trouble – An Acrostic poem inspired by Colleen’s post , but mine turned into a double acrostic with a more somber twist. It may even be more of a story than a poem. When I saw the word ‘trouble’ my father-in-law came to mind…

Thriving in life’s sunrises and sunsets
Reveling in life, travel, staying active,
Over the last century he’s lived a fulfilled life,
Unaffected by pessimism, his sanguinity
Bestows a light on all who walk in his circle.
Legendary in his knowledge and keen memory,
Enervated and full of pain is his body now.

Taking each day as it comes, persistent agony
Rarely breaks from its stopover, but complaints
Outstandingly never fall from his lips. It is
Unusual for the query to escape, but he
Breathes gently before asking when the distress will
Liquidate his bones and muscles, when it will all finally
End.

Maybe you can relate? Perhaps you’re in the same situation with a loved one?

On a lighter note, if you find yourself at a loss for words, desperately needing poetry writing inspiration, visit Colleen.

Thank you for reading. ❤️

Out of the Blue

On July 24, 2015July 24, 2015 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry31 Comments

Before darkness settled in and sun bid farewell
I took a drive not far from home going fairly slow
What happened next I’m reluctant to tell
Yet the story has been told; others already know
She darted out from nowhere I did see
to this day I wonder how it all could be

Poor little one was naive though surely in control
She was unaware of the danger lurking outside
Her cries echoed through my heart and soul
Provoking tears and sadness deep inside
We simply met at the wrong time and place
And departed with my many prayers of grace

I wish to rewind that awful hour in my day
To save an innocent doe from unwanted sorrow
Let a little one run freely and be on her way
For a much, much brighter tomorrow
The suffering is over now but images aren’t kind
They lie still so fresh in my mind

(This happens all the time where we live because deer are in abundance. Many people don’t like them because they eat the gardens. Well, yes, I suppose that is an annoyance but I’m a little different. I love watching them walk gracefully down the street and always hope that car and deer don’t meet. After many years of living here, my car has never come in contact with one. This time though, the deer hit me on the left front side by the headlight. She was tossed into the gutter, hurt very badly and suffered about an hour before she was put out of her misery. I knew it wasn’t my fault. She truly did fly out of a backyard on my left side, out of the blue, and into my car all in a matter of seconds. But it was a very heartbreaking hour and I wouldn’t leave until she was taken care of…sadly this happens so often that it’s not a big urgency. We live in their territory and they are the innocent ones..)