Tribute to "Mossy"

It is hard to believe it has been a year since my mother ("Mossy" as known by family and friends) joined our Heavenly Father. She is greatly missed every day but especially at Christmas. The house is decorated filled with festive sights and sounds while sweet and savory aromas permeate the air as the kitchen becomes the hub for visitors and activities.

During this time of celebration, my thoughts again revert to thankfulness. Thanks to my husband for divine love and spiritual uplifts. To my children, those near and far, thanks for the many memories, happiness and tears, as you have grown from infant to youth on to adulthood. Thanks for my mother who taught me life IS a bed of roses -  thanks beyond words for preparing me for life's many thorns and instilling in me the importance of perseverance. Then, of course, thanks for my dad, who is always in my thoughts, for believing in me and keeping me toward life's goal.

To each of you, You Don't Seem so far Away...

(The poetic writing You Don't Seem so far Away is excepted from Echoes, 2004. Click the page link to the right.)

A Profound Day in Our History

Franklin D. Roosevelt, Address to Congress, Dec. 8, 1941

32nd president of US (1882 - 1945)

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live on in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant.

For the Pearl Harbor Raid, 7 December 1941 visit Overview and Special Image Selection. 

America should never slight, nor ever forget, the events of this infamous day. May we all pause on this day with our own prayerful thoughts! Then, go to http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2012/08/this-day-in-history.html, This Day in History, for what happened next. . .

Pre-Christmas Cheer

Today as I ponder the upcoming Christmas season, my reflections go back to Grandpa and Grandma. Times were so different way back when: Different indeed without today's technology fuss! Some say life was simpler back in the day but, of course, that is debatable considering all of the modern amenities of today.

There is also a touch of sadness in my reflections as I prepare for Christmas without my mother. It will soon be one year since her passing but not a day has gone by without her in my thoughts. Even though sadness is definitely part of the scene, when I look upward to Heaven, I envision her face and smile:)

The poetry writing for today is titled Toys 'n Things. Hopefully, its verses will trigger memories as you remember...

Have your energies been revived?

We have had our energies pushed to the max in preparation for the Thanksgiving meal. The three to five days taken to prepare the meal and less than an hour at the dinner table now rests in their afterglow as we breath a sigh of relief. Ah-h-h-h! Um-m-m-m? But, is this relief only to be shortlived? In the aftermath of Thanksgiving, with full bellies, we proceed right along into the Christmas season where our energies need to be at their highest level.

Switch over to the page titled Before TV, 19th Century. Let's take a quick look at London, England, 1894...

Best Location On Getting Garbled Energies Revived!

This is my first experience with blogger. Um-m-m-m-m? Strange word this blogger. So, let's make it a little more interesting: Best Location On Getting Garbled Energies Revived! Haven't we all at some point in time felt totally garbled: jumbled, unclear, hazy, confused? Don't our energies need a new awakening?

My purpose for the blog is my passion for writing: writing with a poetic finesse. A twist of fate brought me to the writing world, from mathematician and educator to writer. Or, perhaps I should clarify: As epitomized in my first book, Echoes, I am only the instrument From His Hand to Mine, From My Heart to Yours. If only one mind is opened or one heart mended, then I have been blessed for touching that one soul!

A second book generated thoughts of Remembering...My Hand in Yours, Your Hand in Mine. As with Echoes, the message is from the heart inspired by life, love and whispers of yesterday. In contrast, Remembering reflects an emotional journey through childhood days, recalling facets of family ties, camaraderie and adversity. It is a means for sharing love, dreams and inspirations to send a heart racing, free a heart of grief or perhaps even offer a path for forgiveness.

Of course, it did not stop there. My latest venture is Awakenings from Then 'til Now. What a great way to energize your inner being and find out from whence YOU came! As we seek to find knowledge that identifies who we are, let us not forget the words of our forefathers that preserve honor in the past, present and future. Ignorance of the past leaves us naive in the present and stagnant in our images of the future. In this endeavor, a Time for Reflection appears intermittently that affords the reader the opportunity to connect From Then ’til Now and examine personal Whisperings from the Past.

More on the Writing Board: There are actually five volumes to complete the set. The fourth, Catnip of Life, is complete and ready for editing. I know... you are wondering about the title, Catnip. It's inspiration actually came from our two cats, Foxie and Boots. What a joy and treat they are as they scamper about the yard truly enjoying the wonders of nature!

The beliefs behind this volume of poetry expose nature as a diamond in the rough and its power to heal. The verses reveal openness to the world around us and how simple everyday happenings and observances make a difference, not only in our lives but also in the lives of others. From reflections where happiness is found with the falling rain and sunshine eases our sorrows to experiencing The Thread of Life where life is given a second chance, there exists excitement, enchantment, emotion, heartbreak and contentment.

Last, but not least: Ah-h-h-h! Reminiscent of Chocolate! This is my favorite because I am joined by my husband, Jim, who is absolutely the best chef ever! Reminiscent of Chocolate entails nourishment to engulf the most appetizing flavors, and food for thought and encouragement connecting the past with the present on into the future.

While all of the recipes in this collection do not necessarily contain a major chocolate ingredient, they are all Reminiscent of Chocolate: delightful, delectable, and delicious. Subtle hints of chocolate appear most unexpectedly; then, a scrumptious bombshell bursts forth with absolute chocolate madness! NOTE: There are recipes which are totally absent of chocolate, or seem to be anyway. This is debatable for there is always that tiny, crystal dish filled with those captivating, mouth-watering, decadent delights to be enjoyed throughout the cooking process. Who knows what chocolate surprise might be found in the most unusual of recipes! In other words, chocolate knows no boundaries.

Bottom line: Why am I here? My proposal to you, the reader...

One of the best ways to grow is to listen and learn from my readers. Periodically I will post a new writing. These will be selections from the latest volume, Awakenings, which is due on the market in February, 2012.

Hopefully, the readings will Embrace Your Past, Empower the Present, Enrich Your Future! Take time to reflect on your own life; then, inquire, research and locate your ancestors to direct your energies toward understanding your heritage. If you become really inspired, let me know and I will hold you a personal signed copy of the book at a special price!

Note: On special occasions some verses may appear from Echoes or Remembering.

Happy reading!
Sharla