Thursday November 19 2015  BECOMING ANONYMOUS

An exciting day.  Received our last shipment of produce from the farm.  I promise not to say too much about it but just wanted you to know that it makes for an exciting day.  To hear me write you would think that my delivered boxes are the only things we get to eat.  Not so.  It is just because I enjoy cooking so much it is a big thrill to have such fresh delicious vegetables to work with.  I wrote my sister a nice long email and told her all about everything relating to my boxes so that I would not need to write about it here. 

So, on to the title of this page, BECOMING ANONYMOUS.  I bring up this topic because this morning Dave brought up the subject using a little different term.  He asked me if I ever noticed how often it seems that the “younger generations” of this era seems to dismiss the older people.  He was quick to assure me that it wasn’t everyone who does, but quite a few who do.  Dave lamented how the younger crowd does not seem to want to talk to older people, ask their advice, or even consider what they say as valid or necessary.  I replied and said yes, I have noticed that a bit but I look at it rather differently.  I refer to it as becoming anonymous when we are in a crowd.  The synonyms for anonymous are:  nameless, unidentified, unnamed, unsigned, unspecified, unknown, secret, and mysterious.   

There was once a time in my life, when as a younger version of myself, I felt significant, attractive, full of energy, and purpose.  I remember the first time I was with my daughter, who was all grown up to the ripe age of a 16 year old, beautiful teenager, and I noticed the men eyeing her and not looking at me anymore.  The problem was, these men were my age and they had no business eyeing my daughter in such a way.  Well, as the years past I realize that now as an older woman, I sort of fade into the anonymous category. What’s worse is, the only men that do look at me now, are OLD!

The anonymous are those of us who lived long enough to have white hair, stooping shoulders, a slower walk, and wrinkles that come with our many years of life experience.  We become unidentified in a crowd.  We are unnamed, unspecified, and unknown as the synonyms aptly describe us.  But the truth of the matter is, there is a whole lot going on in the secret and mysterious departments.  There are some things that only life can teach, and purify, and cause to bloom.  There is a quiet wisdom that comes with age.  I might not have learned the “quiet” part yet, but hopefully some wisdom has settled in. 

I find that I think differently than I did as a young person (which is probably a good thing), I try to act differently (but probably haven’t mastered that yet either), and definitely have greater insight into most situations than I used to. I have found a quiet inner peace that I did not have as a younger woman.  I do not feel the need to be so forceful, so rushing, or so judgmental.  We, the anonymous may be slower, find it more difficult to find all our words, lack the vitality and energy which we once took for granted, but we have something so precious that the younger crowd cannot even comprehend.  I often look at the young and think how fortunate I am to be so old.  I have something that many of them may never have or experience.  And that one thing is time.  I have had the opportunity to live all of these years I have been on earth.  They only have the years they have lived and no promise of another day.  When we are young we never expect that we will die young.  We believe we will live forever but, yet neither will we ever become like all these old people walking so slowly and getting in the way.  To the young, the old have always been old.  But now that I am old, I can look back and know that once I was young.  And I am ever grateful that I have made it this far.  I will never take for granted one day of life given me and will thank God that I am now in the older crowd.

Life to me is still exciting and vibrant.  Perhaps even more than it was when I was younger because I do not have all the pressures to look so perfect, to perform, and to become what the world considers successful.  I still dream, and wish, and plan.  I still see and hear, but I see so much more vividly and I hear so much more deeply.  And there are things I know that the young have no clue about (and that may be a good thing).

Even though another day of life is not guaranteed we should plan and work as if we will live forever.  Remember the old saying:   “Plan as if you have forever.  Live today as if it is your last”.  That is what I do.  Actually, I do have forever and that is exactly what I am planning and living for in the here and now.  My forever part will be with my Lord and Savior.  My now part is to live in Gods’s will and for His glory. 

“Oh to be young again”!  That is not my mantra.  I am satisfied with where I am in life, with who I am, and with where I am going.  I don’t think many young people (me included at a younger age) can say that.  I look at the younger generation living in today’s world of entitlement, self-satisfaction, and indulgence and I am saddened for them.  As they pass me by, no longer realizing I am there, my heart goes out to them for their road ahead.  Life is not easy and never goes exactly as we plan it to.  Every decision we make each day has consequences of some kind at a later date, be they intended or unintended.  Yes, I can look back and see the great mistakes of my life rear their head, but I got through it.  I survived and I came out on top.  I only hope that the younger generations living in today’s troubled times will be able to do the same.

It’s really not so bad to be “anonymous”.  If I am not careful it could become too comfortable.  I think the less that is expected of a person the less they will do.  I never want to come to that point in my life.  Even if others expect nothing from me or out of me, I will still expect my standards of integrity, truth, compassion, and love to prevail deep in my heart.  Oh, but if we could instill that in the hearts of the new generations now growing up, how much better a place our world would be.  Someday they too will be in the anonymous crowd.  I wonder what will be in their hearts.  I wonder if anyone will ask them for their advice.

 

BECOMING ANONYMOUS

By Kathleen Martens

November 19 2015

 

Quite a somber topic

To discuss a lady’s age,

Especially when hair is white

And their expression sage.

 

It seems as if identity

Gets lost in the passage of time.

But what is really happening,

Inside becomes refined.

 

Though anonymous in a crowd,

It is secret and mysterious within.

It is the time when wisdom comes,

And you become your own best friend.

 

I hope what I have written seems clear and concise.  In no way do I want it to come across as degrading to we who are aging.  But I think it would behoove us to think about how we behave toward those who are a generation above us.  Even as we age we still appreciate being noticed and respected for who we are.  When all is said and done, the same me, still lives inside this older body today, that lived inside the younger version years ago.  When I look out I am still the same me, regardless my age.  

 

Good night and God bless all of you, both young and old!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday November 18 2015  WHEN ONE WRITES A BLOG

 

WHEN ONE WRITES A BLOG

By Kathleen Martens

November 18, 2015

 

I imagine when one writes a blog,

Then one should have something to say.

I sit here viewing this small blank screen

But no words in my brain come to play.

 

Though I am thinking of what I’ve done,

I wonder if it would be an interesting read?

If I could have but one magical thought,

Perhaps somewhere it might lead.

 

I asked my husband to write it for me,

But he profusely and vehemently denied.

No matter what, I think he’d refuse,

Unless perhaps I had died.

 

So I decided to do it myself

As I enjoy writing from my heart.

So I thought this little poem,

Would be a great way to start!

 

I guess the above poem would aptly be referred to as “filler”.  But it worked.  It started my creative juices flowing.  I so enjoy being home all day without going anywhere.  And that was today as it is my day off from the gym. However, when I have a quiet day, part of it alone, I have less to tell about.  And what I have to tell about may not be interesting to all.  What’s new?  I cooked.  Remember, I have five more farm boxes being delivered tomorrow and I have not yet made a dent in my last five boxes.  Another batch of soup just happened to grow in my pot today, AND IT WAS GOOD.  I created it from a former recipe I used except with different ingredients.  We had it for dinner and believe me, it really was good.  I also baked six winter squash, filled with the apples and cranberries, from the recipe I posted in the blog a couple of days ago.  Then I pureed all of it with a little coconut water and made the consistency of applesauce.  Both the soup and the sauce is already tucked into the freezer.  We had some for dinner, AND IT WAS REALLY GOOD!  I first put some unpureed in the dish, topped it with a tablespoon of the sauce, raw thick oatmeal, and walnuts.  YUM.

So today, I was busy from before sun up until now but that is all I did.  So, just a short poem and my short comments above.  I will give you a bonus however.  I will plug in my external drive and pick out a couple of past poems I have written for those of you who comment on enjoying reading my poetry.  If poetry is not your forte I will say Good night and God bless you.  For you who are asking for more poetry, read below.

 

TO LIVE IN HIS GLORY

By Kathleen Martens

April 28, 2014

 

Children of worship

Children with song

A heart with melody

All the day long.

 

With lips of praise

Lifted on High

As on wings of eagles

To glory fly.

 

The heart bubbles forth

With pure delight

As strands of music

In heavenly light.

 

God the Father

The Redeemer His Son

Jesus our Savior

Is planning to come.

 

He will take us home

And finish the story

That we are His

To live in His glory!

 

GRACE

By Kathleen Martens

Aug 4, 2011

 

Tender Love

Not deserved.

From above

Never conserved.

 

Gentle, divine,

Compassion’s gift

Unmerited favor

Without tiff.

 

Generosity of God

Giver of life.

Gift is free

To end strife.

 

Special love

Forgiveness pure,

Clemency as needed,

Salvation sure.

 

 

MY TREASURE IS FULL

By Kathleen Martens

January 7, 2012

 

Daily I adorn my jewels

Nuggets of gold

Pearls of wisdom

Rubies of righteousness.

 

I adorn myself

With love and faithfulness

And bind them

Around my neck.

 

And my Father commands

I bind them

Upon my heart forever

For safe keeping.

 

And jewels are bound

Upon my fingers,

That which I’ve been taught

For all to see.

 

My treasure is full,

My adornment gracious,

For I am clothed

In Compassion

 

Kindness and humility,

Gentleness and patience.

The wardrobe of righteousness

And forgiveness toward others.

 

And over all

The garment of love.

And wisdom

I do not forsake.

 

The jewel of understanding

Lights my eyes–

A jewel to honor and embrace.

A garland of grace upon my head.

 

As I pursue

This esteemed jewel

I am presented

With a crown of splendor.

 

All these jewels

From my loving Father

As I open His word

And write them on the tablet of my heart.

 

(The last poem above is taken from the scriptures)

 

Good night and God bless all of you doubly if you read this far!

P.S.  Wisdom for today:  When you write a blog be certain to save it right away.  I did not do that tonight and lost my entire blog!  However, with a little research and asking my computer “How do I retrieve a document I did not save”, I was given the combination needed to retrieve it.  And I did!  

 

 

 

 

Tuesday November 17 2015  91 AND COUNTING

People are so interesting to me.  Today Dave and I visited some friends from church.  As we got in the car this afternoon to drive over there I turned to Dave and said, “Now I really do feel retired”.  He asked me why and I told him, “Because we are leaving to go someplace during the day just because we want to”.  It actually felt rather different.  I must keep reminding myself what day it is, that it really isn’t a Saturday.  He won’t be home for just two short days and gone again.  I love having him home.  I love being home.  I don’t think there is any place in the world I would rather be than at home.  However, when I am out and about I thoroughly enjoy the time and place I am.  Remember the“living in the moment” thing I do?  Well, anyway, back to where we were going. 

We met Joe and Virginia about three or four years ago when they started attending our church.  They are always such a delight to talk to.  We go to the early service which lets out at 10:00 a.m..  Virginia and Joe attend the late service which begins at 11:00 a.m..  We stay late, they come early and we always seem to meet in the foyer and spend time talking.  They moved to a new place last year and have been wanting us to come over.  We kept putting it off and putting it off due to all our overbooked circumstances, like illness, hospitalizations, surgery, etc. and couldn’t seem to find the right time to go.  So today on a windy, cold, rainy day we decide this day would be perfect.  It was the only day this week that would fit both of our schedules.  So, we called them this morning, asked if it would still be a good day to come and they replied yes.  So that’s what we did. 

Have you ever just walked into someone’s home and you knew you would feel comfortable there?  Well, that is what I felt when I walked into their condo.  It was open and airy, spacious, with large windows, and beautifully appointed with just the right amount of furniture and wall décor.  It was so refreshing to be there.  I immediately felt at home.  This is the first time we have visited at their place.  Both Dave and I had a great time visiting with them.  It was so interesting listening to Joe’s stories.  Joe is one of those rare guys who have a perpetual twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face.  He has a quick sense of humor, and is a true gentleman!  He is always a delight to be around.  Virginia is warm and inviting and you can tell that she really does enjoy being with people.  Dave and I love them both.

Joe has a woodworking shop in his garage.  He showed us how he is all set up with his specialty saw and he showed us some of the work he does.  He is talented and patient.  His work is intricate and takes hours to do.  He has about two hours a day to dedicate to his craft but it seems he gets a lot done.  A couple of years ago Joe graced us with one of his beautiful pieces of art.  It hangs in our kitchen and I see it every day.  It always puts a smile in my heart.  Joe is 91 and counting.  He and Virginia are truly amazing.  Their stories are refreshing and I only wish we could have stayed longer.    I will enclose a photo of the piece of art that Joe handmade and presented as a gift.  It means a lot to us.

I asked both Joe and Virginia what their wisdom to the world would be.  Joe told me a story too lengthy to put in the blog but I think the one fact that was most important for him to convey is:  “ALWAYS PAY CASH FOR WHAT YOU BUY.  DO NOT GO INTO DEBT!”  He learned that from his father. 

Virginia’s wisdom was concise and to the point.  “TRAVEL AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.  ENJOY THIS UNITED STATES AND SEE WHAT YOU CAN SEE BECAUSE IT IS BEAUTIFUL.  WE HAD A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND MET SO MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND WE HAVE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH THEM AND STILL SEE THEM WHEN WE TRAVEL.  I JUST RECOMMEND THAT YOU TRAVEL ALL YOU CAN.”

After they answered I asked them another question.   I asked each of them, as they aged, what was the one thing that caught you by surprise that you didn’t realize that your aging would do?

Virginia’s reply:  “I GUESS I DIDN’T REALIZE THAT I COULDN’T DO NOW, WHAT I COULD USED TO DO.  I USED TO BE ABLE TO KEEP MYSELF BUSY ALL THE TIME BUT NOW I NOTICE WHEN I OVERDO I GET TIRED.” 

Joe’s reply:  “WHEN THINGS GOT DIFFICULT I JUST GAVE LIFE A PUSH AND KEPT ON GOING.  WHAT AGE IS DOING TO ME NOW IS TAKING AWAY THE THINGS I WANT TO SAY.  THEN I KNOW, I REALLY AM OLD NOW.”

Joe actually said quite a bit more in answer to the last question.  I sort of helped him paraphrase it in simpler terms.  The story was very interesting, but again too lengthy to include at this time.

Oh, I mustn’t forget to mention their beloved 14 year old puppy.  She is part poodle and part something very impressive, I just can’t remember what she told me.  Very cute though.  It is a wonder she doesn’t have a split personality because Joe calls her MITZIE and Virginia calls her MISTY.  She answers to both.  Her given name is Misty so it is Virginia’s name of choice to use.  I will enclose a photo below of the piece of art that Joe made for us.

What more can I say?  We sleep, we get up (and do all the other unmentionable things everyone else does), we eat, we do dishes, we do laundry, (we even put it away most of the time), but I do not make the bed.  I figured it out one time that I used 26 ½ hours a year to make and unmake my bed.  I figured I could do something better with that 26 ½ hours.  Now, if I am to be totally truthful, I do make it two or three times a year when we expect “important company”.  So, if you ever come to our house and want to find out if you are important or not, just sneak a peek to see if our bed is made up with the bedspread and shams and pillows.  Then you’ll know how you rate!  It sure does feel good when you get to the place where you can release yourself from other peoples expectations!  I LOVE NOT MAKING OUR BED!

So, I guess I have told the most important part of our day.  Our visit with Joe and Virginia was our highlight.  I just love being retired!

 

GOOD OLD FASHIONED VISITING

By Kathleen Martens

November 17, 2015

 

There is something about visiting

In the good old fashioned way,

Which is without a cause,

Other than you want to play.

 

No agenda, no meal to cook

Just plain old simple talk.

No phone or email notes,

But a a place when you can sit and gawk.

 

Face to face, side by side

Laughing and sharing stories,

How much better can it get

Because tales are never boring.

 

Eye to eye, heart to heart,

Sharing with a friend.

Good old fashioned visiting,

Too soon comes to an end.

 

And that is the way it was with us today.  It all ended too soon. 

 

Good night and God bless you.

 

 

 

Monday November 16 2015  EVEN IN CHAOS GOD REIGNS

So much tragedy happening every day in the world we live in.  It is beginning to become clearer and clearer as to what the Bible says about what is coming in the days and years ahead.  These last two week’s sermons (City Church Madison Wisconsin) have given me even more insight as to what the future holds.  God’s plan is in progress and some events must happen before Jesus’ second coming. Through all the chaos and bedlam it is encouraging to know that God is in control even in the midst of all the evil that prevails in men’s hearts.  I read the Calendar Wisdom for tonight and it is so appropriate for this day and time.  “HOW CALMLY MAY WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE HANDS OF HIM WHO BEARS UP THE WORLD!”  And that is what I do.  I commit myself to God daily and call on Jesus when I am in need of anything.  It is through my relationship with my loving Heavenly Father, that I find peace and joy and fulfillment in this life.  Regardless what comes my way, I need never fear.  I would only hope that you have the same hope in your heart that I cherish.  The best part?  It’s free!

I think sometimes we take for granted the normalcy of each of our days.  This is something I never want to do.  I am so grateful and thankful for every single day I arise and I look forward to all the routine and regularity of what my day may hold for me.  I find that it is the little things that I enjoy so much.  Standing at the kitchen widow viewing the outdoors as I wash dishes and clean up the kitchen. Even picking up an apple and being able to peal it with my aging hands.  Being able to go to the fridge and decide what I would like to prepare for lunch from all the plethora of food that sits on the shelves patiently waiting to be eaten.  Do we ever stop to realize what a privilege that really is?  There are so many in this world who do not have enough to eat.  I thank God for every bite I put in my mouth.  That is one thing Dave and I do not ever take for granted.  Each meal we eat together we hold hands across the kitchen table and one of us prays to God, giving Him thanks for Who He Is, for what He has done for us, and thanking Him for our food in the name of His Son Jesus.  A bite of food, that is cause to celebrate and give thanks. 

So, thankfully today was a “normal” day.  A bit different than what I have been used to  recently, but normal.  I actually worked!  I did get the wedding album sent through the magic wires of the internet.  And I also was able to send off all my school pictures for color correction.  How about that!  I accomplished two things in one day.  That’s pretty good for an “older” lady.  The only reason I was able to accomplish it however, was because of all the help my lab was able to give me over the phone.  Use it or lose it.  Well, I haven’t been using the program (a lot to remember) lately and I needed a little direction to get back on track.  Had a great little helper named Corey.  I was also pleased about how quickly my computer was finished with the wire transfer.  Things have come a long way since I started digital photography. In the beginning it was laboriously slow.  Now things are changing so rapidly that I am having trouble keeping up with it because of the infrequency of which I use it.  Oh well, soon it will be over and I can go back to reading my books and doing more writing. 

I literally worked pretty much all day (except for gym time) on the wedding, office work, and the school.  Now I will be free for a few days until I get the school photos back from color correction.  Then I will need to key in all the packages each student ordered.  That is what takes up my time. 

I did do one other accomplishment today.  I have lots of honey crisp apples that need to be used up so I can have some refrigerator space back.  I created a new concoction (Dave calls me the chief concoctor) from the recipe I made last week using squash, apples and cranberries.  Dave cleaned and cut two large acorn squash for me so I could bake them and then stuff them with a filling.  I did a double recipe ALMOST exactly like the recipe said to do.  The only difference I did was to add the juice of one small lemon to the ingredients.  I like the tartness.  The recipe makes a lovely dish to serve, both in taste and presentation.  Well, I thought it was so pretty I took a picture and enclosed the recipe on a photo so you can use it if you like.  It is very easy and very delicious.  Dave does not like winter squash and he really enjoyed eating this recipe last week when I made it.  Well, today I decided to dig everything out of the skins and then blend it the blender.  Dave really loved that taste.  One blending I did to the consistency of a thick apple sauce.  I also did one consistency to a thick liquid by adding coconut water.  Dave loved the “applesauce” blend the best but said he thinks the liquid blend would make a delicious hot drink for the holidays.  I have two or three more batches to make in order to use up the squash I have sitting on my counter.  And I just found out in an email that in my winter vegetables that will be delivered this Thursday, there will be 5 more acorn squash for us to eat or prepare for the freezer.  We actually will receive five more boxes in this delivery.  It is like Christmas morning to me when I rummage through all the boxes and think of all the creative ways to prepare the coming meals.  This week we will receive lots of Brussels sprouts still on their stalks.  I would say that is pretty fresh.  Speaking of fresh, I ordered a fresh turkey that I will pick up the day after Thanksgiving.  The turkey I ordered was raised on a local Amish farm and has no preservatives, antibiotics, or additives.  It will just be a plain dead turkey already plucked!  We are going out for Thanksgiving dinner and we won’t have any leftovers.  So, I decided I wanted to make some leftovers.  Besides,  just think of all the excellent turkey stock I’ll be able to boil from the bones.  More broth means more soup.  Lucky me!  Tragedy for the freezer space!

I guess it has really been a normal day now.  I have again accomplished saying a lot about nothing much important.  Just wanted you to realize how normal I am.  My husband sometimes ponders that statement when it refers to me, especially if I am the one saying it.  Oh well, I guess we each have our own normal.  I enjoy my normal, I hope you enjoy yours.

Time for me to shower and prepare for bed.  I ate so much squash and apples while I was taste testing that I am not hungry for dinner.   I guess I should force myself to eat some of that delicious Salmon leftover in the fridge.  I don’t want it to spoil.  Besides, I need the protein!  But most of all because I love it!

 

NORMAL IS…

By Kathleen Martens

November 16, 2015

 

What I see as normal

May differ from yours.

We each have our own way

Of opening our doors.

 

I enjoy some things,

You enjoy another,

Just as do siblings,

Sisters and brothers.

 

What I have found

Is that it is okay,

To be who you are

In your own way.

 

As long as you’re kind

And not judgmental,

Appreciating differences

And the sentimental.

 

We should each love ourselves,

And then others the same.

And though someone is different

There should be no blame.

 

We have all been fashioned

By God’s beautiful design,

He fashioned each person,

As one of a kind.

 

Good night.  There is so much more I could write but I refrain, for your benefit.  After all, I don’t really want to become TOO boring!

God bless you and keep you!