Wednesday August 31 2016  WHAT TO WRITE?

A blank white screen stares back at me and I have absolutely no words fighting within me to come out!  I really haven’t talked all that much today but it seems I am fresh out of things to say.  So, I will write a poem and include some poetry I have previously written and you can have a night off too!  I hope you enjoy the poetry.

 

SO WHAT DO I WRITE?

By Kathleen Martens

August 31, 2016

 

So what do I write when I have nothing to say?

Perhaps I should just close the end of this day

Without searching too deeply into my brain,

And from unnecessary expression, simply refrain.

 

Or should I ponder a bit to find the right words?

Or perhaps just twitter like a little bird?

Maybe think nothing and allow thoughts to come

Whether serious or sad or about something fun?

 

Somewhere on my shelf way up in the sky

There should be a poem that would get me by.

So if I type long enough this page will be full

Even if the meaning doesn’t have much pull.

 

So rather than type and say nothing at all

From poems of my past I will simply recall.

I hope you enjoy what I will pick out for you,

And perhaps their message will ring true.

 

MY FAVORITE TIME OF DAY

By Kathleen Martens

July 29, 2013

 

Oh to awaken

To a brand new story

The beauty and sounds

Creating morning’s glory!

 

My favorite part

Of each day’s birth

When the rising sun

Kisses the earth.

 

Noontime comes

Ever too swift

And the brilliance of day

Cause my heart to lift.

 

It the very best

In my 24 hours,

By light and energy

I’m renewed with power.

 

Then afternoon comes

With cooling breeze

And the melodic lull

Of the honey bees.

 

My most ideal time

For a cup of tea,

A most welcoming place

I choose to be.

 

And then the evening

Bringing day’s end.

Each hour the day gives

Is My Favorite Friend!

 

I love them all!

Every moment I Iive,

Each moment that passes

A new gift it gives.

 

And then the next

That I like best

Is when it’s time

For bedtime rest. 

 

All are favorites

When in joy I receive,

For each moment God gives me

In Him I believe.

 

TIME TICKING AWAY

By Kathleen Martens

March 15, 2011

 

I sit in silent reverence,

Hear the ticking of the clock.

Time passing second by second

And I hear God’s gentle knock.

 

“I am present—I’ve come to speak.

Open Your heart to hear.

When you call out My name

I am always near.

 

I call you friend, I call you child.

I love you beyond all measure.

You come to Me and give Me time,

These hours with you such treasure.

 

Not only friend but Sovereign God!

Power of creation I hold!

As you worship and praise My name

I nestle you in My fold.

 

You cannot imagine My depth of love.

I died for you on the cross

So with Me you will be,

And Your soul will not be lost.

 

So gently listen to the sound

Of time ticking away.

Each hour that slips by

Means sooner with me You’ll stay.”

 

I HAD A LITTLE BOY ONCE

By Kathleen Martens

May 4, 2010

 

I had a little boy once

And my heart remembers so much

From the earliest fluttering in my womb

As well as the kicking and such.

 

Such a tiny baby born too early

With such a hope for life.

He struggled for each breath he took,

His beginning was filled with strife.

 

I had a little boy once

And I stroked his tiny feet,

His unseen eyes covered by gauze

To protect them from light & heat.

 

I had a little boy once

Who one day smiled at me,

With sparkling brown eyes

He found my heart’s key.

 

I had a little boy once

Who crawled, walked and played.

And he gave his heart to Jesus

At four years old he simply prayed.

 

I think back to that time in life,

Unending questions and happy smiles.

All those memories of time and space,

They seemed unending miles.

 

I had a little boy once,

Each day sweeter than the day before.

The days did not last for ever

And oh how I long for more.

 

I had a little boy once

Who at my table did sup.

But that little boy is gone now

He had the nerve to grow up!

 

HIS SONG BREATHES ALL

By Kathleen Martens

April 27, 2014

 

Worshipping My King

My heart does sing,

My words lift up

Above angel wings.

 

And the Glory of God

Received at His throne

All the love of my heart

That now is His own.

 

What I sing to Him

Is the return of His song,

 The song of His sacrifice

So to Him I belong.

 

The song of His love

 He sings in the night

And the bursting of glory

Awakens the light.

 

His majesty and beauty

Overwhelms my soul

As His song breathes all

That I need to be whole.

 

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.

 

Thank You Father that I still have thousands of poems to share.

Thank You Lord for the stillness in my heart tonight.

Thank You for Your peace.

Thank You for Your love.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

 

 

Tuesday August 30 2016  A THANKFUL HEART

Hopefully I will never take for granted the country I live in.  Yes, we have major problems, everything from politics to mosquitoes.  And I don’t know which are more bothersome, the politicians, laws, and taxes, or the mosquitoes.  But one thing I do know is that we have opportunities available to us that many people in other countries do not have.  We have ample food available; anything from fine dining to food pantries.  We have education available from pre-K through the 12^th grade.  We have the very rich as well as those who barely scrape by.  We have social services available, most of us have a dwelling of some sort to live in, we have freedom to express “most” of our opinions, we still have the ability to protect ourselves with firearms, and we have heat and air-conditioning.

The unfortunate thing about living in the United States is that all too often we take everything for granted.  We see more, we want more.  We want more, we spend more.  And so many people go through their lives dissatisfied with where they live, what they drive, what they own or don’t own, how they look, how old they aren’t or how old they’ve become.  Where is the joy, where is the family support, where is the compassion?

Yes, I know I am getting older and of course all old people probably say what I’m going to say,  “What happened to the world I used to live in?”  What happened to the world where families were knit together and helped one another endure the hard times of life?  The world is no longer like it was when I was a kid.  And that is probably both a positive and a negative.  And I know my mother said the very same thing about her past.  And as I have looked back over the lives of my family who lived in my mother’s generation, and where they lived, and with the father they had, I think that maybe the change was for the better.  But that is only because I am looking through a narrow view.  I’m reading the biography of the first President Bush as told by his son, the second President Bush.  The second President Bush’s grandmother was born one year later that my grandmother was born.  That pretty much puts us in the same generation. 

As I think back over what my Grandmother’s life was like as a sharecropper’s wife living in the back hills of Arkansas, and then read about how Bush’s grandmother lived, it is like two separate worlds.  The Bush’s were extravagantly wealthy, tennis matches were their exercise, they never had to work picking cotton at the age of five years old, and I would imagine they never went hungry.  They were all highly educated whereas my mother’s family of 13 children had only one child that went to school long enough to earn a high school diploma and that was the youngest child of the family.  Does it make me angry or jealous or hurt because someone else had so much.  No.  Instead it makes me sad that so many people in my family and other families during that time suffered so desperately.  But when I step back and look from the perspective of what each of my mother’s siblings did with their lives, it fills me with joy to know that because of living in the country we live in, my family members were able to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, set a different course for their life, and lived long and productive lives.  And the twelve surviving siblings were a tight knit family extending helping hands to each other.  Rather than being pulled apart, they pulled together.  That is a satisfying and wondrous accomplishment.  And where else could that happen but here, in the United States of America?

There are many countries where the citizens cannot change their status in life regardless of what they do.  I think of India and the caste system.  I think of the Muslim countries and the status of women.  I think of Africa and some of the starving countries where citizens never receive the food deliveries that are donated to them because the corrupt government keeps it for the “elite”.  So many atrocities, so much sadness, so many sorrows in the world and so many people who have no opportunity to better themselves.

I never want to take one thing I eat, own, or can offer to others for granted; even if it is just a listening ear, or a kind word.  I never want to take for granted the freedom I have of being able to drive to a grocery store and have food on the shelves.  I look around at all the options I have to choose from and I think of a photograph I viewed of a starving young child, skin and bones, sitting on dry parched land with a vulture waiting and watching in the background for the child to keel over and die.  I think of the American news photographer who took that picture and was so distraught when he came back to the United States because he couldn’t help the dying children.  About three months after he took the photo he took his own life because he could not live with the sadness and heartache he saw while on his foreign assignment.

People; open your eyes to the blessings that surround you.  Open your hearts to those who are less fortunate.  Make it a point to not complain because it’s too hot or too cold or the restaurant doesn’t have your brand of soda.  Instead, be thankful.  Be grateful for every little convenience, for the fresh air you have to breathe, for medical care which is available, for social services if you need them, and then look beyond yourself and help someone else who may be less fortunate.  Be thankful for the food on your plate and the bed you sleep in.  Be thankful for water that comes out a tap in the privacy of your own bathroom. 

Regardless of how much you have or do not have, look around and count your blessings.  Learn how to be content.  True contentment comes when you are satisfied with what you have, not when you get more.

Every time you hear yourself complain about something, stop, look inside yourself, and examine from where and why that complaint originated.  Then take stock of where you are, what you are doing, and what your opportunities are.  Instead of complaining, actually speak aloud what you have to be thankful for in that very setting.  And if you have a relationship with God you will find that you have so much for which to be appreciative.  And you may surprise yourself by realizing that after a while, the complaints may stop coming and your heart will be full, satisfied and content.

 

A THANKFUL HEART

By Kathleen Martens

August 30, 2016

 

Oh to give thanks

For every little gift

Instead of constantly

Always so miffed.

 

Just to be satisfied

To open your eyes

And be able to see

A delicate butterfly.

 

And to hear the sound

Of your child’s voice,

Or as you travel

To your place of choice.

 

To awaken at dawn

In the comfort of home,

For privacy and comfort

And the use of a phone.

 

Be thankful for food

That every day you eat,

Fruits and vegetables,

Desserts and meats.

 

Never take for granted

You have shoes on your feet

And be ever grateful

For air conditioning and heat.

 

Give thanks for a job

Where you can earn a living

And that which is available

To help others by giving.

 

Be thankful for friends,

For laughter and fun.

And for two legs

So you can jog or run.

 

There is just so much

When you look around,

Because you’ll discover,

There’s more to be found.

 

Every day is a gift

When you can get out of bed.

It means another day to live

Because you’re not dead.

 

So give thanks to God

With great intent.

Be thankful for what you have

And you’ll become content.

 

God, thank You for every blessing I receive each day.

Lord, thank You for all the wisdom You share in Your Holy Word.

Thank You O Lord for renewing my mind.

Thank You Lord for all the lessons You have taught me.

Lord, thank You for the grateful heart You have given me.

Thank You for the computer I am using.

Thank You Lord that You have shown me through Your Word how to have a thankful heart.

 

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)

¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

 

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (NKJV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

Monday August 29 2016  A PICTURE INTO THE PAST: GRACIE CEVOLA

Many of my grandparent’s children were either called by their middle name from birth, or chose to be called by their middle name at a later date in their lives.  I wonder why Gracie never chose to do so.

I called Gracie on the phone a few minutes ago.  Since I had spoken with a few others about her I decided to also give her a call.  It is difficult for me to realize that she is approaching 80 years of age.  I asked her how she was doing and how her husband Bob was doing.  She quipped back quickly with such fervency in her voice, “I don’t think I could live without him!  HE IS MY HEART!”  The way she said it; it made my heart melt!  I could hear her depth of feeling and the true love she has for that man who has stayed by her side these past 61 years.  And before I go any further I want to share a few things about Bob.  My facts are scant but it will make you realize what an man awesome he truly is. 

Bob was born in Southern Missouri close to Willow Springs.  He was born into a back woods family who did not hold education dear.  Bob went to school until the 4^th grade.  By age 4 he was scrapping for food wherever he could find get it.  Gracie said he would forage in other people’s gardens in order to feed himself.  His mother never stuck around long enough for him to get to know her.  Therefore his father raised Bob and his two sisters.  

Bob joined the Navy at an early age.  He made it to the top position as Senior Food Service and Senior Baker.  He was deployed many times and served on ships and at Naval Bases throughout his career.  

Each recipe card in his file was for 100 servings however, at times he cooked for up to 6,000 service men and he had to proportionately increase the recipe for the number he was serving.  By the time he retired he had 50 cooks and 200 mess men working under his supervision. 

I remember years later Bob reading from that recipe book and creating some of those recipes for 10 or 12 people.  His ratios were always right on.  He made the best donuts and cinnamon buns in the world!  He served on active duty for twenty years and was in the reserves for another ten years.  His last tour of duty was Naval Base Great Lakes in Chicago.

Bob could cuss like a sailor and I was told he did, until he met and married Gracie, who had an infant son at the time.  When he spewed his language in front of the child the first time Aunt Gracie pointed her finger at him, and in no uncertain terms, told him he would NEVER be allowed to use those words in front of her son again!  She said he never did.

Bob was, and still is, contrary, quick witted, and vocal.  When I was on the phone with Gracie this morning I could hear him in the background.  Listening to the two of them together is like living in the midst of a sitcom!  You can’t help but laugh, but in the same instant you realize they are sincere in how they banter, and their bickering is what puts a bit of spice in their life.  Their love for each other seems to reach deeper, just as it seems more powerful, than other couples I know.  I believed the words Gracie spoke when she said she didn’t think she could live without him.  And I think it is true for him too. 

My beloved Aunt Gracie; so much I could say about her.  I talked to some of her sisters recently and picked their brains for their memories of her.  My one and only Aunt Annie told me that Gracie was a child of endearment.  She was bright and talkative and curious, and life held excitement for her.  She wanted to learn and explore and converse.  She was described as a wisp of a child, with dark mesmerizing brown/black eyes, and long, thick, straw colored hair.  But she had one thing against her.  She was born to her Papa. 

She personally shared with me about some of the beatings she received as a child.  She told me about one incident when her Papa kicked her across the length of their kitchen floor.  She cried and cried and her mama told her to hush because she wasn’t hurt that bad.  She said she wasn’t crying because she was hurting, she was crying because she didn’t know why her Papa would kick her.  Her mama told her she was in the way.  And Gracie told me, “I didn’t hear him come up behind me.  He just kicked me hard instead of asking me to move.  That was what hurt so bad.”  Her Papa was a giant of a man.  He was a farmer who walked behind a horse or mule to till the land. He was a strong and formidable foe to a little wisp of a girl.  All her life Gracie has always looked like a big gust of wind would just take her to Kansas.

Gracie confided in me that somehow all except one child survived their Papa’s beatings.  She went on to say that she probably received a few beatings because she needed them, others even when she didn’t, and still others because she was so hungry for attention.  She had such a desire for someone to notice her that she was willing to get punished to receive that attention.  She once asked her mother if she loved her.  My grandma’s response to her was, “I love all my chill’ins”.  Gracie told me she just longed to be loved for being who she was.  She needed personal love.  And she searched until she found it.

From what I’ve been told, most of the girls married to get away from home.  I believe Gracie was 13 or 14 years old when she married.  She married a young man by the name of Raymond Eugene.  She had at last found someone to love her for who she was.  I believe she had a baby within the year and named him Dale.  When Dale was eight months old Gracie’s husband drown and she found herself in the predicament of being a widow without financial support.  Her younger sister Georgia’s fiancé also drown in the same boating accident.  It was a devastating time for all those involved.

Georgia still lived at home and Gracie moved back in as well.  Things were not going well with Papa in charge and Georgia went to Florida to stay with their brother Montgomery and his wife.  Gracie followed a short time later due to the stress filled home-life in Arkansas.  Gracie had planned to stay a bit longer with her parents so she could celebrate mother’s day with her mother.  However, she was informed that Eugene’s parents planned to kidnap Dale, and leave town with him.  She took the midnight train to Florida that night to escape the abduction of her son.  She was not able to stay for the Sunday celebration.

Georgia had already met some friends and introduced Gracie to a young sailor.  Gracie’s husband had died in March and in November of that same year she married her sailor man.  This year they will celebrate their 61^st Anniversary!

In 2013 Bob fell off a ladder from 14 feet high when it collapsed while he was topping a tree.  This fall changed his life.  He spent many months in a wheel chair with a broken hip and a crushed right leg.  He also broke a wrist.  Up until then, this extraordinary man in his eighties was taking care of their small farm and spring fed lake on their property.  He is limited now in what he can do.

When I go visit Bob and Gracie it is like walking back in time.  His property is beautiful and peaceful.  Their home is an older farmhouse with an unbelievable view.  Bob always cared for his land and was a great gardener and all around maintenance man.  The last time I saw Bob and Gracie was last year when I was on my long road trip.  My aim was to stop by and see all my family on the route I was traveling so I could once again visit with them and express my love and appreciation for what they mean to me in my life.  Each contact I made is a cherished memory for me.

Bob and Gracie’s oldest son Dale (adopted by Bob when Gracie and Bob married), died a few years ago from cancer.  Bob and Gracie had two more children and named them Sheila and John.  John is now 48 years old and has a two year old son.  He also has a daughter that was born to his wife in a previous marriage.  Gracie and Bob also have two other grandsons that are Dale’s sons.  Sheila did not have children.

When I talked to Aunt Gracie today she was alert, remembered me, and still has that charisma and fire in her passionate soul.  Her memory is declining but she is the same LOVABLE person she has always been.  And again, tears whelm in my eyes as I think about the beloved people in my life in whose footsteps I follow.  Gracie was always so gracious and kind to me even when I was a young child.  Though we are not very many years apart Gracie had to grow up a lot earlier than I did.  When she was fifteen she was a mother and all grown up in my eyes.  I was fortunate enough to go to high school, go to college, worked and supported myself, lived away from home by choice, and then met and married the man with whom I had fallen in love.  I did not need to marry out of desperation to get away from home as did my mother’s generation.  I often times wondered if my sisters did the same.  

There are still some things I want to comment about before I close.  One is that Gracie was extremely talented in both singing and acting.  She seemed to always have a song in her heart that escaped through her clear soprano voice.  I suppose it just came natural to her because I remember her songs from my earliest memories of her.  And secondly, she always felt passionate about life.  She had a tender heart and it was often bruised and painful due to life’s circumstances.

I always felt a connection between us even when I was five years old.  She talked to me like I mattered and gave me attention that I never received from my mother or most of my sisters.  She confirmed to me today that the reason she treated me so special was that she could see I had the same needs as she did.  We were both tail end children of a large family whose parents did not know how to give the little ones the attention they needed.  Love was not a commodity to be discussed or dispersed.  I had always wondered if my mother loved me and so wanted to hear her say it.  When I told mama I loved her, she would always respond with, “Me too” or “Okay”.  When I was five years old I had my first understanding of knowledge that there was a God that truly loved me.  From that point on I became closer and closer to the God who loved me for who I was.  And I knew mama loved God too.  What made me feel better was that I realized mama did know how to love because I knew she loved God a whole lot.  After that I never doubted again that she loved me, somehow I just knew she didn’t know how to  say it.  But remember, if you have read past blogs you may remember me telling you that I did teach her how to say “I love you” before she died.  After that she always said goodbye with an “I LOVE YOU” included.  And I still cherish having heard those words come from her.

REMEMBER TO TELL THOSE YOU LOVE THE SIMPLE, SPECIAL WORDS, “I LOVE YOU”.  AND FOLLOW THOSE WORDS WITH A BIG HUG!

Dear Aunt Gracie: 

I love you dearly and I hope I have shared your story so others will know what a truly special and amazing woman you are.  The details of your life would create a thick book so there is no way I can do justice to you or any of my aunts and uncles in these short (over-long blog) compositions.

Thank You so much for sharing your heart felt thoughts, your history, and the tidbits you told me about your sisters who I’ve yet to write about.  And I especially enjoyed our “over the phone hug” today.  I could just imagine your frail little body wrapped within my arms.  I felt your hug go all the way into my heart.  Thanks too for all the special memories we have made over the years.  Memories that may have faded a bit, but for the little girl I was, they still mean a great deal to me.  Bob, I love you too.  I especially love you for loving my Aunt Gracie so very much.  Like she said, keep living, because she doesn’t think she could go on without you!  Remember, your hearts beat as one!

Below is Gracie Cevola’s biography I wrote for our 2011 Family Reunion:

 

Gracie Cevola

Born 1937

 

Married: 

Raymond Eugene

Robert “Bob–her handsome sailor”

 

Children

 

Raymond “Dale”

Sheila Lorraine

John Keith

“What must first be said about Gracie Cevola is that SHE IS BIGGER THAN LIFE!  You are the heartbeat of fun and laughter.  Even though you are at a “mature age” in years, your spirit has forever remained the inquisitive, mischievous, stinker you have been since you were a little girl.  God just made you that way because He knew that our family needed some laughter and fun in our existence!  The spark of life that shines from your soul has always been a beacon of light to others in our family. 

Gracie we know you have had your share of difficult situations in your life to face.  Each time with God’s help, you have become the victor.  Gracie, you are the part of this family that sparkles!  Your bubbly personality is so infectious that it just draws people to you.  Your sense of humor brings smiles to so many faces.  Your candid remarks touch hearts with both laughter and seriousness.  You are such an amazing woman! 

Gracie was first and foremost a homemaker when her children were young.  Later she worked as a telephone operator in “plug in days”.  Then she worked for Wal-Mart and her last 15 years in the workforce was as a Bank Teller.  Now she just sits around all day admiring her handsome sailor.

Gracie, as with all your brothers and sisters you have been blessed with many talents.  The greatest may be your wonderful gift of GAB!  Though, you do not own the monopoly on that gift in this family.  You just happen to be the best at it.  Those of us who have had the chance to see you act in the theater know that you are an academy award winning performer!  What a great talent in acting you have.  Your vocal talent is also a treasure to our family.  And even though you have experienced deep sorrow in your life, you have been given a very special and unique gift; the gift of giving joy to others.  You are a joy giver!  And we are so blessed that you are part of this clan.  How can we even begin to tell you how special you are?”

 

Gracie’s Poem from 2011:

Gracie Cevola 

November 29, 1937

 

YOU ARE TREASURED MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW

Kathleen Martens

April 3, 2011

 

The heartbeat of laughter,

A beautiful little girl.

She had to keep so quiet,

The hardest thing in the world.

 

But she survived to adulthood,

A mother when not quite grown.

She had a hard road to climb

Through it all God’s love shone.

 

Her spark of life returned

After struggles and sorrows,

To give joy to her family,

And brighten all their tomorrows.

 

No other sister so endearing,

As she was as a little girl.

Her sparkle of life contagious,

She’ll give your heart a whirl.

 

Bigger than life and so much fun,

And such a charming smile.

You can hear it when she talks,

On the phone across the miles.

 

When we tell her she is special,

She seems to disbelieve.

If only she could know her worth,

Our heaps of love she’d receive.

 

So we take the opportunity to say

 “WE LOVE YOU WITHOUT MEASURE”.

In our family you’ve always been

“OUR RAREST, MOST SPECIAL TREASURE.”

 

“GRACIE’S FIRST PLACE AWARD WAS FOR:

ACTING AND THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL

WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU FOR YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR AND BRINGING JOY AND LAUGHTER WHEREVER YOU GO.

YOU ARE TREASURED MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW”

The above poem speaks my sentiment!

Following is today’s poem:

 

THREE LITTLE WORDS

By Kathleen Martens

August 29, 2016

 

This journey I’m on

As truth I seek,

Seems to cause

My eyes to leak.

 

To hear voices

I’ve loved so long

Of family members

To whom I belong,

 

What a joy it is

That fills my heart

To understand fully

The family I’m a part.

 

A part of the whole

With love stirred in

And within my family

I have many friends.

 

Love not expressed easily

With words hard to say,

To tell others of affection

So many delayed.

 

But as an old woman

I heard my mother speak

The words “I love you”,

As she kissed my cheek.

 

And even my aunts

And my uncles too

I’ve heard them declared

Those three words so few.

 

Three little words

So easily spoken

Took many years to say

From hearts that were broken.

 

But now they are heard

For I declare to all,

AND SAY I LOVE YOU

Whenever I call!

 

And I hear them back,

In sweet tender sound,

Because hearts have mended

And the words now found.

 

God, thank You for my family.

God thank You for the love You made real to a five year old little girl so many years ago.

Thank You God that I chose to say “I love you” to my children each day.

Thank You so much for my dear Aunt Gracie and Uncle Bob.

Thank You that I always knew I was loved by my sister Velma.

Thank You for cucumbers.

 

HAVE A GREAT AFTERNOON.

GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath August 28 2016  HE RESTORES THE RHYTHM IN MY SOUL

Though I do not write a blog on Sunday Sabbath, I still write a poem to my Holy Father.  No blog today but here is my poem

 

HE RESTORES THE RHYTHM IN MY SOUL

By Kathleen Martens

August 28, 2016

 

How amazing it is to know

 That God, the GREAT I AM,

Planned for me eternal life

Through His Son, the Sacrificial Lamb.

 

He knew me before I was born,

Even earlier than I was conceived.

He loved me before the beginning of time

He offered eternal life, and I received.

 

He fulfills my desires

Because He is the one for whom I long,

And I know that I am His child,

And to Him forever belong.

 

Incomprehensible, miraculous grace

Is given to me each day.

He offers His amazing forgiveness,

Never pausing to delay.

 

His arms are always open wide

Offering a place of quiet rest,

Because He forever loves me,

More than the east is from the west.

 

And on this Sunday Sabbath

He restores the rhythm in my soul.

And once again I am refreshed,

Because His peace has made me whole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday August 27 2016  A PLAY DAY

A fast, busy, and fun-filled day, with new experiences added in.  Today was Karate day.  Both of our grandsons participate in Karate.  The eight year old has been participating for the past four years.  The four year old has participated just a few months. 

Today we had the honor to be in the audience as the boys performed their Karate routines and to be present as each grandson received a new belt showing a higher level of accomplishment.  I never realized how difficult their routines are and the diligence it takes for the boys to advance to higher levels.  It takes such focus to learn so many new steps.  It is a great discipline to learn such control for children so young.  It was very interesting to see in person how focus, control, balance, and concentration are taught to children this early in life.  I can see the advantages a child receives when given this opportunity at such a young age.  Needless to say, Gramma and Grandpa were very proud of our grandson’s today!

Xander’s class met from 11:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.  Zach’s class met at 3:00.  The YMCA location was approximately halfway between where we live and where our son lives.  We were invited to join them for a delicious lunch at their house so we could then turn around and go back for the afternoon session.  Xander was promoted from his original white belt to a white belt with one yellow stripe.  Zach went from some fancy striped belt to a brown belt.  I guess a brown belt for a young student is quite an achievement.  We were tickled pink to be able to attend the events today.  This was a new experience for us to see them receive their belts.

We then attended church with Court and Amy.  They recently started attending a church that is closer to their home.  It has a large children’s ministry which the children seem to enjoy.  It was a joy to visit the church and meet one of the children’s teacher.  Our son works most Sundays and the Saturday night service makes it possible for him to attend church with his family.  The church also has two services on Sunday morning.

And then we came home.  Truthfully, I am exhausted this evening.  I worked out this morning before going to the Karate classes and dealing with the aftermath of my fall has taken a bit of a toll on me as far as physical activity goes.  I hope to be able to have some down time next week, and if I find the time, I will take it a bit easier to see if I can heal faster.

Forthcoming are three more biographies of the three youngest siblings of my mother’s family.  At least that is my goal.  I have gleaned information from family members and there are only a couple more people which I hope to speak with.  I look forward to writing the short biographies and hope my family enjoys learning new things about the people they love.

 

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

By Kathleen Martens

August 27, 2016

 

I am so grateful

For my family and friends

And words of love

To them I send.

 

To kin I belong

For the rest of my life,

Regardless the camaraderie

And even through strife.

 

I treat each one kind

And try to be there for them,

Even if it means

Going out on a limb.

 

I am so blessed to have family,

But sometimes God sends

That special someone

Who becomes a very close friend.

 

I cherish those friendships

And always remember,

When God brings us together

We become like family members.

 

And when relatives are gone

And all moved away,

I am just so blessed

To have friends who stay.

 

Thank You God for my friends.

Thank You for my family.

Thank You Lord that I have a house to live in.

Thank You for my children and their spouses.

Thank You for my grandchildren.

Thank You Lord for the love I receive from others.

Thank You Lord for filling me up with love to give to others.

Thank You for family members who have become close friends.

Thank You for close friends who have become family to me.

GOOD NIGHT FAMILY AND FRIENDS.  I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE.

GOD BLESS YOU!

 P.S. I think I have published the following poem previously in my blog but I just wanted to share it again since I know I have new readers who have joined the blog recently.  It is one of my favorite poems.

 

YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO KIND

Kathleen Martens

January 19 2012

 

When you meet someone kind,

A rare treasure is what you find.

A peace shines upon their face,

Accept their gift with gentle grace.

 

Realize you’ve been given a gift,

Perhaps their smile or a word that lifts.

Tuck that pleasure in your heart

And turn to another to impart.

 

Kindness is beauty like a nugget of gold

Though not purchased, traded, or sold.

It is GIVEN without cause or motive,

An act of joy, unselfish votive.

 

Think of ways to another give,

How you think is how you live!

Remember you can never be too kind,

For tenfold blessing you will find.

 

Friday August 26 2016  AN INTERESTING DAY

Not only has this day turned out interesting, but so was my night.  Yesterday at the Medical Clinic I descended and later re-climbed the same stairway with about twenty five steps.  My knee was feeling so much better from the exercise the day before I forgot I should not be over using it yet.  Well, my knee let me know otherwise.  After I arrived at the top I realized it was too much stress.  Did I go up sedately like my age should dictate? No, I did not.   About twenty steps later I realized my knee was in trouble.  It felt as it was loose on the inside and kept wobbling as I walked.

It is interesting how your body will talk, or sometimes scream at you until you pay attention.  But why does it have to happen in the middle of the night?  I was awake with my knee griping at me for hours.  Did I take pain pills?  No, I didn’t even think in that direction.  Before this fall it has been years since I have needed any pain relief.  When you don’t have pain, you actually forget what it is like for others.  Yes, my hands are quite painful but I use them with caution and know how to treat them to alleviate unnecessary pain and trauma to them.  I choose not to be on prescription medications if I can at all do without.  Most medications cause some kind of side affect that is usually worse than the ill.  I have succumbed to taking Tylenol intermittently the past three weeks. 

Finally I actually got out of bed a bit after 3:00 a.m. and watched a movie on television.  It kept my mind occupied and and finally I became sleepy, but it was 7:00 a.m. by the time that happened.  Dave got up and I climbed back in bed and slept soundly until 10:15 a.m.!  After I got up it literally took me about an hour before I was fully awake again.  It was as if I were a zombie going through my morning routines.  After I finally became fully awake I felt a lot better, my knee felt better, but my headache still persisted.  I have had a headache in my forehead area off on since my fall.  That is where I took the full impact of my upper body crash.  But considering the condition I was in the first 10 days I still feel as if I am on the mend. I’ll tell you one thing; it has renewed my compassion for others who suffer pain of any kind.

After I finished breakfast I walked in the living room.  The back of our house is mostly windows and looks out over a beautiful natural setting.  We have a lot of wildlife that lives out in the woods and we always keep our eagle eyes alert in hopes of watching them.  Well today I saw a beautiful solo ballet.  Our lower terrace has an area where water pools after a heavy rain.  There was a large, rather shallow puddle in my eyesight.  Standing in the puddle was a hawk.  I was mesmerized.  I later looked the bird markings up online and matched my poor quality phone photo to an online photo of a female Cooper’s Hawk.  I watched this bird for over twenty minutes as it sashayed, humped, strutted, did wing flaps, ruffled its feathers, as well as almost doing a complete somersault in the shallow pool of water.  All the while it was ever watchful of its surroundings.  Each washing endeavor was punctuated with in between pauses as it used its hawk eye strategy to make certain it was not the prey of a larger animal.  I could not take my eyes off the synchronized water dance.  When the bird was satisfied that she was thoroughly cleaned she abruptly flew away without warning.  There were too many leaves blocking “my bird’s eye view” from the upper level so at last I actually decided to get busy doing something constructive.  But, for my spirit, what I saw was very beneficial and very productive.

Below are excerpts from the web address:  www.allaboutbirds.org

Cooper’s Hawk

“Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wing beats followed by a glide. With their smaller look-alike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Both species are sometimes unwanted guests at bird feeders, looking for an easy meal (but not one of sunflower seeds).

• Behavior

Sharp-shinned Hawks are agile fliers that speed through dense woods to surprise their prey, typically songbirds. They do not stoop on prey from high overhead. They may also pounce from low perches. When flying across open areas they have a distinctive flap-and-glide flight style.

• Habitat

Sharp-shinned Hawks breed in deep forests. During migration, look for them in open habitats or high in the sky, migrating along ridge lines. During the non-breeding season they hunt small birds and mammals along forest edges and sometimes at backyard bird feeders, causing a wave of high-pitched alarm calls among the gathered songbirds.”

Hawks are always welcome in our yard because we have so many pesky chipmunks and other rodents living in the woods.  Our largest rodent must weigh 10 pounds or more.  I may be exaggerating but when I see it come loping across our yard it looks huge.  They are the groundhogs. And believe me, they are a nuisance in very expensive way.

Last evening I had a couple of computers on.  As I sat here, on the phone, I felt a sound percussion noise twice, and at the same time my Mac Machine flickered on and off.  I quickly turned the computer off even though it was connected to a battery backup appliance.  It was frightening to see my computer screen flicker.  The PC I was working on was not affected by the power outage.  Later I told Dave we needed to have our electricity checked again because of what was happening.  He then told me that he too had heard, and felt the same noise I experienced, and he too was puzzled as to what had caused it.  When he came home from the gym today he knew exactly what had taken place.

Two miles away a house exploded due to a gas leak.  Several surrounding homes were also damaged beyond repair.  We drove by the exploded area later and the house was totally flattened.  The homes adjacent to is were damaged beyond repair.  The owner of the home was found in the front yard area of his home and taken away in an ambulance.  He regained consciousness on the way to the hospital and told the rescue workers that when he opened his refrigerator door his house exploded.  He is in critical condition at present.  No one else lived with him.  He is 57 years old.  Please pray for his recovery.  Those who witnessed the explosion said the noise, fire, and debris was horrific.  It is not every day that one sees firsthand the aftermath destruction of what the power of a gas explosion can cause.  It truly was a devastating sight. 

On the way home we stopped by the local farm that sells the best corn on the cob that I have ever tasted.  While there I said hello to the highland long horned herd.  I’ll include some photos for you to enjoy.  There were many calves who were trailing along behind their mothers sucking their long teats.  They are a beautiful species and from what I’ve been told, taste quite good too.  We have a small order of grass fed, long horned steer meat that we will pick up on Sunday after church.  We couldn’t order more because we didn’t have room in our freezer and secondly because it was all ordered so quickly.  I love the perks of living in a farming community.

So my interesting day still has a few hours left.  I intend to work on the heritage album for my sister’s book.  I know there are a hundred other things I could do but I try to pass my time around to lots of things so I can eventually get them all done.

 

BUT NOT EVERYONE WILL LIVE

By Kathleen Martens

August 26, 2016

 

Never a dull moment,

Never an hour undone.

There is always a purpose,

To work or have fun.

 

Life has a way

Of speeding so fast,

And each short day

Never seems to last.

 

But it seems not everyone

Takes time to live,

To savor the moments

Of the hours God gives.

 

To be fully alive

Pursuing life’s goals,

Or nurturing their spirit

Or tending their souls.

 

Though we are given time

To walk upon this earth,

Will anything in your years

Be counted as worth?

 

There is but one thing

THAT WE ALL MUST DO.

And we have no choice

But to die, when we’re through.

 

That’s the one thing in common.

Every person will know death.

But not everyone will live,

Even while drawing their breath.

 

Thank You God for life.

Thank You God for death.

Thank You Lord for loving me forever.

Thank You too that I will live forever.

Thank You for corn on the cob!

 

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND A BLESSED NIGHT.

 

Thursday August 25 2016  ALL IN A DAY

So again a day comes and goes and I did not have time to do more sleuth work on my three remaining Aunts regarding the series “A Picture into the Past”.  As I mentioned yesterday, time has a way of disappearing during my day.  My grandiose plans do not always come full circle as quickly as I would hope.

I did get a lot accomplished today but did absolutely nothing.  Or, perhaps I should say I didn’t get anything accomplished today, but it took all day to do so.  My day was filled with a doctor visit to check out my toenail removal (good report), Costco run, Aldi’s shopping,  Fitchburg Senior Center stop to pick up bread for a recipe I plan to make, stopped to see a woman I felt God was directing me to talk to, a library stop (never a short stop), and then home.  Unloaded groceries, put a dozen eggs on to boil, ate lunch standing up because I was so hungry, then took my “mandatory” hour on my back (which went a little overtime), took care of several phone calls, scheduled upcoming events, started my blog and had several phone interruptions that had to be handled (as the phone once again is ringing as I write).  And, all my food from the Thursday Food box delivery sits, patiently wilting on the kitchen counter, for me to come and rescue. 

As I read back over the above paragraph I realize perhaps I really did “DO SOMETHING AS WELL AS ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING”!  Putting things down on paper gives me a much better perspective of my day.  All in all, I had an excellent day which is still long from being over and it is already after 7:00 p.m.  My best advice to myself?  Just roll with the punches and enjoy the journey.  And that is what I did.  And I felt very proud of myself.  For one thing, I didn’t have a Costco soft serve ice cream cone today.  Every once in awhile I do just that and then suffer the consequences. 

I have learned to no longer berate myself for not accomplishing the feats of Wonder Woman, and to be satisfied that what was done today, will no longer need to be done tomorrow.  And when I arrived home, I came home to a clean, shiny, kitchen floor; courtesy of my awesome husband!  He knows that the way to my heart is through clean kitchen floors!  But the best part is, he does it, and doesn’t expect anything in return.  Maybe, that is indicative of the fact that we have both just gotten old…(er)! 

 

MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

By Kathleen Martens

August 25, 2016

 

Regardless what the day may bring

Whether much accomplished or not,

I will no longer be disappointed in self

Because I like myself a lot.

 

No more need to feel regret

When I am unable to meet my goals,

I just commiserate with myself

And keep loving this aging soul.

 

I look at life a bit differently

Than I did in days of old.

When I was years younger.

About old age I was not told!

 

Situations now not quite the same,

It takes longer to do some things.

And it seems with each passing year

More functions the years do bring.

 

I no longer just go to bed,

First, must wrestle my stockings off,

Then put lotion on feet and legs

In hopes they will stay soft.

 

Then I put heat across my eyes

And soak with a warm compress

Then my wrinkled face I scrub

And never even get depressed.

 

I take a shower, wash my hair,

Blow-dry my thinning locks.

And the evening goes quickly by…

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock, Tick-tock.

 

Cream my face and brush my teeth,

Dental floss to get the food,

And the hour becomes later and later

But still, I am in a good mood!

 

Then I soak my eye patches

That will snuggle against my eyes,

So that as I sleep through the night

My corneas will not get dry.

 

But before I go to bed

I mustn’t forget the paste I use,

To seal my eyes with a salve

So tomorrow they are a good as new.

 

I must not forget to bandage my toe.

For at least two more weeks,

Until the bandage stays nice and dry,

And my blood no longer leaks.

 

And the morning is in reverse

But there’s even more added to do.

Again I must wrestle those stockings

Then put on my granny shoes!

 

So, as you can now see

When I’ve nothing to show for my time,

By getting to bed and getting up again

MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE QUITE SUBLIME!

 

Lord, thank You that I have good medical care.

Thank You God for everything I AM ABLE TO DO!

Thank You Lord for the peace and joy You give to me daily.

Thank You for each precious hour I live.

Thank You for friends.

 

Remember to enjoy your life in the present.  Whether old or young, you are living your turn and it goes by so quickly.  As long as you have God within you, your life will not be meaningless.  Make each day count.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

Wednesday August 24 2016  WHAT HAPPY PEOPLE DO

My schedule is discombobulated due to the necessity for more rest in order to allow my injuries to heal.  Instead of my regular schedule of always staying home on my “WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS” I actually worked out today before going to the barber for a haircut.  And you know what; my Wednesday was still wonderful, sore ribs and all.

My workouts at present are physical therapy workouts ascribed by the doctor to assist in the healing of my strained ham string and broken ribs.  I go three days a week, with a day of rest in between as well as a two day rest on the weekend.  I am feeling a bit better each day.  I usually workout four days a week but will not do so until I can do more strenuous exercise.  In the mean time I will follow the instructions suggested to me by the doctor.  But, I discovered that even Wednesday is a lovely day after all, regardless if I workout or not.  I am just thrilled my injuries are healing. 

It doesn’t take much for me to be happy.  I simply enjoy life, wherever I am, whatever I am doing.  All of my moments and hours are adventures to me.  I know I drive some people batty with my zest for life, and I can be overpowering and probably overbearing to many.  As I go through my days I must TRY to keep myself focused on things that are time sensitive because it easy for me to forget to look at a clock. Siri who abides in my iPhone is one of my best friends.  I set timers by voice command and Siri keeps me on track.  I prepare for what must be prepared for and try to work on my projects when time allows.  I love people, enjoy going places, live in the moment, and am constantly pursuing goals.  And I have even discovered that I enjoy the hour when I must lie prone each day with my feet propped up.  I can read the newspaper, read a book, call a friend, or even watch an hour of television.  I have even viewed a couple of movies I “taped” last year. 

I actually called a friend this week and we talked quite a bit longer than an hour.  My friend Darlene and I go way back.  She was a local neighbor for the past 30 years but moved to Evansville a year ago.  We have only spoken a few times since she moved so it was really great to get caught up.  I realize I need to get reacquainted with my friends of old.  When I worked it was necessary to limit most relationships due to my overloaded schedule.  It felt like old times when we talked on the phone the other day.  She reads my blog so she keeps current with what is going in my life. The only social media that I do is read a couple of other blogs.  I never go on face book, twitter, or whatever else is out there.  Again, time is still the driving factor.

Darlene paid me a compliment when we spoke on the phone.  It was one of the nicest compliments I have ever received.  Darlene is much more subdued than I am and I fear I must tire her out when she is around me because I always want to be up and doing something.  Now that I am older I diligently try to act my age but sometimes it just makes me feel like I am going to pop!  I have often felt a little different than most other people.  I shared that thought with Darlene and her response to me was:  “You spend more time enjoying life than anyone else I know.  You get enjoyment out of every little thing, every minute detail.”

Note to Darlene:  “Darlene you will never know how much your comment touched my heart.  It was as if someone finally looked inside me and understood how I view life.  And believe it or not, I only show a subdued side of myself to others for fear of being thought of as wacky or immature.  For me, life is just so amazing that I don’t want to miss a minute of it.”

Later during a time of introspection I asked myself, “why am I so happy?”  I came to the conclusion that the reason I am so content and happy is because I am filled with the joy of the Lord and with a peace that only God can give.  And my greatest goal in life is to be in God’s will.

A couple of days after our above conversation I listened to a sermon online at www.southlandchristian.org preached on July 1, 2012.  The message series was “5 Easy Ways to Wreck Your Life”.  The Sermon title was “LET PLEASURE DRIVE YOU”.

The sermons are based on the book of Ecclesiastes written by Solomon at the end of his life when he realized he had failed God.  He looked back over his life and he realized that without God in his life, his life was just meaningless, like chasing the wind.  I have read this Old Testament book many times but only now have I truly been enlightened as to the point Solomon was trying to convey.  I have listened to three of the five messages in the series about “5 Easy Ways to Wreck Your Life” and look forward to hearing the last two.  This teaching about Ecclesiastes is excellent.  I highly suggest you look it up if it interests you.

Mike Breaux was the speaker and he used as a reference the book, “THE LAW OF HAPPINESS” by Dr. Henry Cloud.  I just looked it up online and purchased a hardback copy for $ .75 (plus $3.99 for shipping).  I found it on www.half.com which my favorite place to buy used books.

I took some rough notes of Mike Breaux’s message and I will share with you the abbreviated account of what makes a happy person.

HAPPY PEOPLE:

1.  …are givers, and give generously
2. …are not lazy about helping others
3. …live in the moment and live life intentionally
4. …pursue goals
5. …fully engage in what they do
6. …connect with other people
7. …don’t compare themselves to other people
8. …think well and have godly thoughts
9. …are grateful and thankful
10. …are forgiving
11. …have a calling on their life and have a sense of  purpose
12. …have a strong faith
13. …embrace every moment

The above were notes of Mike Breaux sharing another writer’s thoughts.  I identified with what Mike Breaux was passing on.  Ponder the above list for a moment and see how many descriptive phrases you embrace and identify as a trait you have.  For me, I don’t think so much in the term of “being happy”, rather I believe I am simply filled with the joy of the Lord and perhaps that is what other people translate into happiness and contentment.  I suppose joy and happiness are interchangeable if you look at the synonyms for each word.  Four words out of eight are the same. 

 

WHAT HAPPY PEOPLE DO

By Kathleen Martens

August 24, 2016

 

As I view happiness

I believe it’s a choice

As I decide how to live,

And how to lift my voice.

 

To give generously

Is something I chose to do.

And helping others

Is but my choice too.

 

To live in the moment

Is to not squander time,

And I choose intentionality

As I draw my line.

 

To pursue goals

Is a satisfying endeavor,

And to engage purposely

Should last forever.

 

Connecting with people,

Seeing how everyone is unique.

Enjoying God’s design

Without comparisons to seek.

 

To think beautiful thoughts

That God sends our way,

That which is just and pure

Throughout the entire day.

 

Think on things that are lovely

And are of good report.

And even the praiseworthy

Is meditative support.

 

Choose to be thankful

And forever grateful,

Always forgiving others

And never being hateful.

 

As you find your calling

And you hear God’s voice,

Your faith will increase

And your happiness is choice.

 

Embrace each moment

And live in God’s presence,

When you choose happiness

You live in God’s essence.

 

Thank You God for all the wonderful teaching I receive through Your scriptures.

Thank You God that my life is not meaningless when Your joy resides in my soul.

Thank You God for every moment I live.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

 

P.S.  “A PICTURE INTO THE PAST” WILL BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  

 

Tuesday August 23 2016  A PICTURE INTO THE PAST: JOHN MARK

Another favorite Uncle!  If I am to be totally candid I would say that Uncle John was the uncle I was closest to as a young child.  He was younger than my other uncles and so to a kid he was fun loving and adventuresome.  He was the little boy who was so brutally whipped by his father.  His big brother Buddy, who was about 12 years old at the time, tried to intervene for his younger brother who was being severely thrashed.  That would have made John about two years old.  That is the incident I wrote about Buddy’s biography telling about the time his father then turned on Buddy by chasing him with a gun.  Would he have really shot him?  He had already caused the death of one three year old daughter, so who is to say what might have happened.  I’m just glad Uncle Buddy fled, grandma later hid the rifle at a neighbor’s house, and little Johnny survived.

John came to California with quite a resume.  He knew how to pick peaches, pick cotton, and cut down trees  .  He also knew how to ride a horse.  He was once working with a wild horse and had the rope wound around his hand.  As the horse took off the rope became snared on one of his fingers and his digital finger was ever after missing.  That was an amazing happenstance to us younger kids.

I do not know what year John first married.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958.  I believe he was married while still in the service.  That was a question I forgot to ask his son.  John and his wife Jean lived in Hayward, California and had three young children during their years there.  I attended my first two years at a college close to their home.  A couple of days a week I had a long gap between classes and since I lived further away I would go to their home and spend time with Aunt Jean and the kids.  Jean suffered with severe migraine headaches and I would go over and often just help her deal with the household chores.  I loved going there.  I love Jean and all the children.  John was rarely there due to working but I had a great time becoming better acquainted with Jean “as an adult”.  John and Jean later divorced but I never lost my love for my Aunt Jean and their three children. 

I think John was a favorite among many of his nieces and nephews.  He knew that our family did not have much money to spend and he made certain to ask us to go to the lake with his family on occasion.  I usually went alone, as my older sisters were all married, and my younger sister too young.  John and his family camped quite a bit and if it hadn’t been for him and my Aunt Estell and Uncle Horace’s family I would not have had the thrill of camping as a child.  I LOVED IT!  Uncle John taught me how to water ski when I was about 10 or 12 years old.  I later found out that he taught all of us cousins how to ski.  He was always so great to be around.  He was a great role model for me.

Over the course of the following years John married Lynn, was divorced, remarried to her, and divorced again.  There were years that John struggled through problems related to alcohol.  He again remarried and had another wonderful wife for many years.  Peggy died and it broke John’s heart.  I believe he was a member of Alcoholic Anonymous by this time and once he became sober he was sober the last 23 years of his life.  He married a lovely woman named Jeanette and I was fortunate to have several opportunities to be around her and get to know her better than I had known Lynn or Peggy.  When John loved, he loved deeply.  I know he loved each woman he married and suffered great loss regardless the reason for their final separation. 

John was retired for many years due to having worked with pollutants most of his life.  He was a drywall expert and worked with asbestos, was contaminated by breathing lead paint fumes and paint dust, and had several other kinds of exposures over the years.  He especially suffered with pollutants while in the military service.  He died of respiratory disease. 

During the last 23 years of his life he gave his heart to working with Alcoholics Anonymous.  At John’s memorial service it became apparent just how much John had done for other people during his years of sobriety.  He was matched with many people to mentor and to encourage.  If one of his “friends” called, regardless the time, or where his friend was, John would go.  He sometimes traveled hundreds of miles to pick them up in their distress and inebriated state.  His son Steven said the memorial service was packed to over capacity and there were so many stories told to him about how his father had saved their lives. 

John would get up in the morning, make a pot of coffee, take out of his shirt pocket a small sized notebook tablet with lists and lists of names of those he was helping in AA.  He would then drink his POT OF COFFEE over the course of an hour or so and pray for every single name on that list.  That story brought tears to my eyes when Steven told it to me and now as I write it, the tears are once again stinging my eyes.  I wish I could paint a clear picture for you of the kind of heart John had.  He had a spirit of gentleness, kindness, and compassion.  I don’t know what he was like when he was under the influence of alcohol but I knew who he truly was deep down inside.  And he was loved by so many.

John’s FIRST PLACE AWARD CERTIFICATE that was given to him posthumously at the family reunion in 2011 reads as follows:

“First Place Award for: STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO BE A MAN OF GOD.  WE WILL ALSO REMEMBER JOHN AS A COMFORTER TO OTHERS.  HE WAS A TRUE GENTLEMAN, GENEROUS AND KIND IN SPIRIT.”

This is what his children had to say about him: “HE WAS HIS CHILDREN’S BEST FRIEND!”

Following is the biography I wrote for John for the reunion presentation.

 

John Mark

1935 – 2009

 

Married:

Jean

Lynn

Peggy

Jeanette

 

Children:

Steven

Jennifer  

Bruce  

A loving and gentle man.  What better words could describe our dear Uncle John?  John is remembered for so many things.  He was easy going, agreeable, easy to get along with, and had the patience of a saint.  He was a gentleman at heart, and devoted to his family.  His heart’s desire was that his children would never know abuse as he had.  Instead of abuse he gave comfort to those who came to him.  He was an advisor to many.  He was a man of honor and a best friend to his children.  His children remember him for his courage and his strength to be a man of God. 

John struggled at times during his life.  Yet, he was able to overcome some of the greatest strongholds a man can fight.  He dedicated his life to Alcoholics Anonymous after he became sober. He was sober the last 23 years of his life.  He was a strong tower to those who fought the same fight he fought; the fight to regain his life.  With perseverance, and the strength of God, HE WON! 

We salute you John for your service in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958.  He worked in the surgical units of hospitals.  Thank you for the years you so proudly wore the uniform of our beloved country.  John worked as a drywall contractor for most of his career.

John will be remembered for his love of music, fishing and camping and his love of the great outdoors.  I don’t think there were many in my generation that he did not take camping and teach to water ski.  Great memories of a great time!

One of his children has recently been quoted as saying: “He will be remembered for the way he loved his children.”

The following is the poem that was written for John in 2011:

 

HIS CHILDRENS’ BEST FRIEND

Kathleen Martens

April 3, 2011

 

He fought his battles hard and victor for 23 years.

Life not always easy, he shed a lot of tears.

Through his life he persevered,

And for what he accomplished, he was revered.

 

A loving man, gentle and strong.

In the eyes of some he could do no wrong.

He overcame a stronghold; the toughest a man can fight.

For the rest of his life he tried to make things right.

 

To some he offered comfort, holding out his heart.

To many like him, a new life he helped start.

His courage remembered, he was a man of God

A best friend to his children, while he traveled this sod.

 

God gave him a gentle spirit, and patience of a saint,

His love went out to all, no one did he hate.

He loved his music, loved to sing.

So much joy to others he’d bring.

 

The Great Outdoors! Oh how he loved God’s beautiful land!

That’s where he would go, and in God’s beauty he would stand.

To be sober was his great quest,

But loving his children, is what he did best!

 

John came out of a difficult childhood, he survived with the help of family and friends, served our country, worked hard all his life, loved his children and experienced the love of several wonderful women through his life.  John persevered, found refuge and strength in God, helped so many others succeed in their quest for sobriety and will live forever in my heart as the gentle, kind, and loving person I knew as a child and adult.  He made my life brighter and brought me much joy.  Thank you for reading this story about my dear Uncle John.  And best of all, John has three wonderful offspring to carry on his legacy of love.  Though our roads have carried us many miles apart over the years I so dearly love John’s children; Steven, Jennifer, and Bruce. 

Though my extended family is scattered across this great country, each and every person has a special place in my heart.  I cherish the memories of our past when we lived closer together while growing up.

 

EVERYONE HAS A STORY

By Kathleen Martens

August 23, 2016

 

Who knew the emotions

This simple trek would take?

I didn’t know a simple blog

So many tears could make.

 

I sometimes wonder is it awkward

With strangers to share,

Stories of my family

For whom I deeply care?

 

And perhaps to many

My story best left unread,

But through my personal sharing,

My spirit is being fed.

 

We often take no time

To think about another,

And so soon their life is gone,

Aunts, and Uncles, and Mothers.

 

And there are words

Forever left unsaid,

A heart full of things to say

But your loved one now is dead.

 

I want to share memories

To my children and beyond.

To bring the truth into light,

Sharing stories of which I’m fond.

 

Do not wait to give a hug

Or say words that should be heard.

Give your heart to those you love

With kind and gentle words.

 

Leave behind a legacy

Of compassion, love, and grace.

Look into the eyes of your children

And gently caress their face.

 

Never ever be ashamed

Because you love and shed a tear.

Every day you create a story

Which others someday might hear.

 

Thank You Lord for giving Uncle John to our family.

Thank You for this time of reflection.

Thank You for the joy of having had so many wonderful relatives in my life.

Thank You for those who may someday read the stories about those I love.

 

HAVE A GREAT AND WONDERFUL DAY!  YEAH!  I AM PUBLISHING EARLY!

GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday August 22 2016  MUSIC OF THE UNIVERSE

Well folks, I think I am on the mend.  I had two days off without much exertion and both my leg, and my ribs have much less pain today.  I did go to the gym for therapy exercise and it too was much less stressful.  Perhaps full recovery is in sight.  I certainly hope so because I have two weddings coming up in September and October and the doctor feels certain I should be able to handle them.  That has given me some encouragement.

Another decision I have made is to follow the orders of my long term physician regarding lying down one hour each day with my legs elevated above my heart.  I have always fought this “therapy” due to the fact that I didn’t want to give up another hour of my day.  By lying down my kidneys kick in and then I don’t retain so much fluid.  And on Sundays I plan to sleep during that time!  So you can see, I am slowly becoming acclimated to being retired (and if truth be told, TO BEING OLDER)!

I just hung up from my cousin Steven, Uncle John’s oldest son, who lives in California.  We talked away all my blogging time but I found out some interesting facts about my uncle.  I choose not to write the story tonight as I need more time to do so than I have left this evening.  For those of you who are looking forward to the sequel please be on notice that I plan to write it tomorrow. 

To those who haven’t been long time readers of my blog I want to give you one of my favorite websites to go to.  When Dave and I traveled this past April we visited a church in the Lexington, Kentucky area.  I was so amazed at the outreach that this church had in their community and in the world.  Since I have been home I have listened to over 4 years worth of Sunday morning sermons online.  I am so blessed each time I hear a new sermon.  I learn something new every single day.  I enjoy how one of the pastors explains the meanings of the Hebrew and Greek in relationship to the word used in the English translation.  These insights have given me new understanding of what so many of the scripture’s underlying meaning really is.  I wanted to once again share this website for those who have not been reading my blog long enough to have already been made aware of it.  www.southlandchristian.org.

One topic I listened to recently was about Creation.  It was preached on November 25, 2012 and the title was “LOUDER THAN CREATION”.  It told a brief synopsis of how a German born man, named Johannes Kepler believed through mathematical calculations that the planets and stars created a music that filled the universe.    Some of the below facts which I included below are tedious and have lots of words underlined due to my copying them from the blog site, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Kepler .  I found Kepler’s story to be quite interesting, especially having just toured the Creation Museum in Kentucky a couple of weeks ago.  The scripture also speaks about God’s creation making music and sounds of praise.  Here are some facts I thought you might find interesting.

“Johannes Kepler lived from December 27, 1571 – November 15, 1630.  A key figure in the 17th century scientific revolution, he is best known for his laws of planetary motion, based on his works “Astronomia” “Nova“, “Harmonices Mundi“, and “Epitome of Copernican Astronomy“.  These works also provided one of the foundations for Isaac Newton‘s theory of universal gravitation.

Kepler was a mathematics teacher at a seminary school in Graz, Austria, where he became an associate of Prince Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg.  Later he became an assistant to the astronomer Tycho Brahe, and eventually he was the imperial mathematician to Emperor Rudolf II and his two successors, Matthias and Ferdinand II.  He was also a mathematics teacher in Linz, Austria, and an adviser to General Wallenstein.  Additionally, he did fundamental work in the field of optics, invented an improved version of the refracting telescope (the Keplerian telescope), and was mentioned in the telescopic discoveries of his contemporary Galileo Galilei.

Kepler lived in an era when there was no clear distinction between astronomy and astrology, but there was a strong division between astronomy (a branch of mathematics within the liberal arts) and physics (a branch of natural philosophy).   Kepler also incorporated religious arguments and reasoning into his work, motivated by the religious conviction and belief that God had created the world according to an intelligible plan that is accessible through the natural light of reason.  Kepler described his new astronomy as “celestial physics” as, “an excursion into Aristotle‘s Metaphysics“, and as “a supplement to Aristotle’s,  “On the Heavens“, transforming the ancient tradition of physical cosmology by treating astronomy as part of a universal mathematical physics.

He proved himself to be a superb mathematician and earned a reputation as a skillful astronomer. Under the instruction of Michael Maestlin, Tübingen’s professor of mathematics from 1583 to 1631, he learned both the Ptolemaic system and the Copernican system of planetary motion. He became a Copernican at that time. In a student disputation, he defended heliocentrism from both a theoretical and theological perspective, maintaining that the Sun was the principal source of motive power in the universe.  Despite his desire to become a minister, near the end of his studies Kepler was recommended for a position as teacher of mathematics and astronomy at the Protestant school in Graz. He accepted the position in April 1594, at the age of 23.”

Now I didn’t understand all the systems and education qualifications relating to Kepler, but I included them in the above text as they were part of the original website.  This was by no means the entire text of the website.  Nor do I know the meanings of some of the words.  I’ll let you discover more about the topic if you are interested.

THROUGH MATHEMATICAL CALCULATIONS KEPLER BELIEVED THAT THE UNIVERSE HAD A MUSIC ALL OF ITS OWN.  In recent history his mathematical calculations were proven to be very close to the accurate calculations from modern day.  He insisted that because of the movement in outer space music of a certain key was constantly being created but was unable to be heard by the human ear.  This has since been discovered and proven to be true.  With modern technology many of these sounds have been detected and translated to the sound levels that the human ear can detect.  I googled “music of outer space” and was actually able to listen to the deciphered sounds.

Personally, I do believe in the Bible’s literal translation of creation.  I also believe the Word of God when it speaks that nature gives praise to the Creator.  Below are scriptures that ascribe my belief.

 

“Psalm 19:1-4 (NKJV)

19 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
² Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
³ There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
⁴ Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,”

 

“Isaiah 55:12 (NKJV)

¹² For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

 

“Psalm 93:3 (NKJV)

³ The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
The floods have lifted up their voice;
The floods lift up their waves.”

 

“Psalm 96:11 (NKJV)

¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
¹² Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.”

 

“Psalm 98:8 (NKJV)

⁸ Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord,”

 

GOD HEARS IT ALL

By Kathleen Martens

August 22, 2016

 

Sometimes I just imagine

That creation’s worship I hear.

As I stand in awe and listen

I’m aware that God is near.

 

The rustling of the trees

Sing out in murmuring praise,

As a storm hums its song

Throughout blustery days.

 

Raindrops patter window panes,

Melody soft and sweet,

And fields become a joyous chorus

As drafts rustle wheat.

 

And the beauty of the universe

Creates a song in my heart,

And though its volume undetected

Its joy never departs.

 

For it may be heard

By only God alone.

Perhaps exclusively created

Just in heavenly tone.

 

Howling canyons sing their praise

With harmonic clamor,

As the universe sings to God,

Always in perfect manner.

 

Even the leaves as they fall

Create delicate, tinkling tunes,

As does sifting, desert sands

Shape new drawings in the dunes.

 

Even the softest flower petal

Whispers as it falls.

And the earth again is glad

That God can hear it all.

 

Thank You God for Your Creation.

Thank You for allowing me to know that even the Universe sings its praise unto You.

Thank You for brilliant people in this world.

Thank You for all Your creation.

Thank You that Your creation is so beautiful.

Thank You for bees.

Thank You for the sunshine.

Thank You for all the food You have created.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday August 20 2016  OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

THE GIFT OF RAIN

By Kathleen Martens

August 20, 2016

 

Another night of rain,

Another refreshing breeze

Cause fragrant aroma

To wafts up and tease.

 

A gentle spirit settles,

Somber clouds lay low.

Intimacy of earth and sky

Consummate in morning glow.

 

The gift of rain,

The gift of life.

Without this wonder

So much strife.

 

Remember to be thankful

When rain falls from the sky.

Without heavens nurturing

The earth would surely die.

 

Sitting at my computer thinking of all I would like to accomplish this day and the above poem came pouring out of me (no pun intended).  Dave and I took our breakfast to the front patio and we sat on damp chairs just to be closer to the intimacy of morning.  This week the earth has been saturated with night after night of gully whoppers and gentle rains.  We didn’t quite make it through breakfast before heaven again was too burdened to carry its load. 

The beauty of morning after a rain is like a dessert to me.  I can almost taste it before I partake of it.  It is a day that causes me to relax and ruminate.  It is an excellent day for writing and watching the magic of changing light throughout the day as clouds skitter by; also a wonderful excuse for taking a nap and curling up with a good book, a justification, so to speak, for not working.  The day is still intermittently pouring forth its bountiful blessing of water over our land even as I type.  I always thank God for watering our yard.

Water is an amazing component in our lives.  Too much causes great havoc, not enough causes drought, and when we have just enough we may take it for granted.  Water is our most important recyclable commodity.  My sister lives in the San Francisco Bay area and the entire state of California is suffering with a long standing drought.  Water is being rationed, lawns cannot be watered, and there is no reprieve in the forecast.  Every time we have rain in our area my heart is so full of gratitude.  It reminds me to pray that those mountains in the west will receive lots of snow and the low lands will be blessed with rain. 

Last year when I drove through the Sierra Nevada Range, Central and Northern California Coastal Ranges as well as other ranges, the drought was so devastating that acres and acres of trees on the mountain sides had died.  Fires were, and still are, rampant.  I saw in person many of the burned and scarred areas.  That will lead to additional damage in the future due to mud-slides when the first rain falls.  I saw many of the famous Peaks in the States of Oregon and Washington and very few had any snow or icecaps left.  I crossed over a bridge on the way to Mt. Hood in Oregon that spanned a riverbed that appeared to be wider than the width of a twelve lane freeway system.  The water formed a trickling spring less than one or two feet wide, with no rushing water.  These sites were heartbreaking.

I drove alongside the Columbia River Gorge that divides the states of Oregon and Washington.  It is wide and runs mightily through the more narrow sections but I was told that its water level was dangerously low.  This is the water that flows from east to west to provide thousands with water.  After being without access to water in our home for just a few days after our well-pump died, my eyes were opened to the hardship of so many who have gone totally without, as well as those on severe rationing.  We cannot live without water.

When the rain comes, be thankful that the earth is receiving its nutrient of life.  Be thankful for the farmers who provide our food even as farming provides them a way to make a living.  In all things give thanks.  I really do believe that God blesses a grateful heart.

A poem and blog that just dropped from the sky you might say.  I had no design on what to write this morning.  So you might say, that the very thought of my topic fell right into my lap. 

I am still awaiting information to include in Uncle John’s biography so did not want to continue the series today. 

No blog tomorrow as it is my Sunday Sabbath.  I pray you have a wonderful day of worship.

 

Thank You Father for rain.

Thank You for clouds that bring the rain to us.

Thank You for our well-pump that pumps it into our home.

Thank You for a place to live.

Thank You for this computer on which I am typing.

Thank You Lord for the love You pour over me.

Thank You also for opportunity to serve You.

Thank You for the opportunity to give to another.

Thank You too for the healing that is taking place in my body.

Unending thanks for my wonderful husband.

Thank You for my glasses which improve my eyesight.

Thank You for the peace You place in my heart.

Thank You for bananas.

 

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE DAY!

GOD BLESS YOU!

 

P.S.  A gully whopper is when the rain comes down so fast and hard that the runoff creates gullies in the ground and create rivulets in our yard.  These runoff areas can actually sweep you off your feet.

 

PROLOGUE:

BE CERTAIN TO REFRESH YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE READING THIS BLOG.  THE BLOG HAS BEEN EDITED SINCE I ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IT.  REFRESHING YOUR SCREEN SHOULD ALLOW THE CURRENT COPY TO BE AVAILABLE. THANK  YOU

Friday August 19 2016  GOD’S TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT

Before I fall asleep in my chair I must get busy and write today’s blog.  An interesting day to say the least. 

Original “plans” for the day was to leave about 8:00 a.m. for an early workout.  My workouts are minimal at present due to my broken ribs and strained leg muscle.  My leg hurts when I exercise, hurts if I don’t exercise, and since it tightens up so bad when I don’t exercise, I psyche myself up to do so every other day.  I believe my leg seems to perform better and stays more lubricated the days I workout.  The 8:00 a.m. plans to leave for the gym did not work out due to small duties performed at home. 

It is my prayer and goal each day to be in God’s will; to be where He wants and needs me to be, and that He will give me opportunity to speak encouragement to those He brings my way.  So by 10:30 a.m. I am finally working out at the gym.  When I arrived I reserved a time for a water massage at the end of my workout.  When my time for the massage came up it was occupied by someone else.  So I waited and waited.  I did a few upper-body exercises, and then walked back to the restroom area since the massage room was still unavailable.  A lady stumbled toward me having just come out of one of the locked shower/bathrooms, bumped into me and gently took hold of my arm. I could barely hear her whisper to me that she needed my help.  She asked for a piece of hard candy due to her low blood sugar.  I could tell she was in trouble.

I quickly found a hard candy in my bag and gave it to her.  The massage room opened up at that precise moment and I was planning to turn that way when a word of caution came to my heart that I should not leave her.  She was much worse off than I first realized.  The lady had gone into one a shower/restroom and realized she was about to pass out due to her diabetic condition and did not want to be isolated in a locked room.  She told me later that she was fearful that she might faint because she had not eaten before leaving home that morning.  She thought she could get away without eating.  About that time Dave came out of another one of the rooms and I motioned for him to come help me.  My “new friend” practically collapsed on a bench. Dave quickly grabbed a couple of floor mats and we were able to help her lie down on her back and we positioned her feet on the bench above her head.  I kept talking to her trying to keep her coherent.  I wanted to call 911 because I recognized all the signs of a diabetic’s sugar crash but she was just coherent enough to insist I not call.  I finally got her name and phone number from her but it was not easy to do because but she was not thinking clearly.  I kept prodding her and talking and telling her if she didn’t answer me I would call 911.  I gave her another candy and slowly she started coming around.  Had she closed her eyes and not responded for one millisecond I was ready to call 911 immediately. 

I refused to leave her side until the feeling in her hands returned, the tremors stopped, she was upright, walking, and of sound mind.  I stayed with her as she regrouped herself, the sugar having worked its temporary magic.  I have been present with Dave a few times when his blood sugar plummeted and it is not a good feeling knowing he was in such a state.  It is always a frightening experience.  Dave was the provider of the second piece of candy for her.  He ALWAYS carries hard candy with him.

My new friend and I had a long talk.  She was an extremely bright and well spoken woman once her brain was given the sugar it needed to function.  I know it takes a few moments for the sugars to kick in but she didn’t realize how close she was to being taken away by an ambulance if I had my say about it.  I was praying. 

All the little details that lined up to put me right where I was when she came staggering out of the restroom were apparent to me.  First off, I was delayed at home (and I might add that it was on a day when I usually do not workout at all).  Secondly the massage room was not available for me at the time I had reserved, thirdly, I knew what protocol to follow, had a piece of candy in my workout bag, summoned more help, extracted contact information from her (which was no easy feat with her not thinking clearly), found out which hospital she wanted to be transported to, and willingly stayed with her through the entire event to make certain she was okay.  We also had a long talk afterwards, punctuated by a few cautionary suggestions on my part.  I think I will see her again.  That is a good feeling because I believe God allows us to be available for His work, at His timing, for a specific reason.  It was a hard way to become acquainted with her but I think there will be more to this story in the future.  When I finally left I thanked God for being with us the entire time.

Perhaps by sharing this story there will be those who may say I should have handled it differently, but I felt God’s presence and knew that I was doing the right thing by taking care of her immediate needs, planning for the split second should she need further help, and making certain she was back to feeling like her “normal” self (as she described it), before we parted.  I do hope this incident makes a great impact on her regarding the necessity of taking caution with what she eats and when she eats it in regards to being diabetic.  I do hope she follows up with a Doctor’s visit.

Two weeks ago when I fell I too declined a 911 call.  Was it my best decision?  Maybe not.  At the time I did not feel as if my injuries were bad enough to disrupt my day, my trip, and my fellow travelers.  But since I have been home I have had three doctor visits, one scan, one x-ray, and lots and lots of pain.  Would I do it differently if it happened again?  I guess I can’t answer that unless it happens again, but I will tell you one thing I learned; I don’t plan to run so fast next time.  Maybe I’ll even take my husband’s advice and decide that perhaps I should start acting my age!  Hmmph!  I hope that never happens!

 

ALL IN A DAY

By Kathleen Martens

August 19, 2016 

 

When a day

Goes not as planned,

Give it to God

And make no demands.

 

So when things

Don’t go my way,

I relinquish to God,

“Do it Your way”.

 

And where He wants me

I will go

Even when it means

I must go slow.

 

No complaints

To come from my lips,

Even when inconvenience

At my heels nip.

 

One never knows

God’s special timing,

Why delays happen

With hours climbing.

 

So much to do

We set a frantic pace,

But God sees the picture

And decides our place.

 

So my day unfolds

And I never know,

Exactly how,

My day will go.

 

And when I give it to God

It all works out,

I give Him control

With nary a doubt.

 

Thank You God that Your timing is always perfect!

Thank You Lord for using me today to help someone else.

Thank You too that I met this delightful and interesting woman and that she is okay.

Thank You that Dave was also available with a second piece of candy.

Thank You that Dave’s diabetes is now non-existence after so many years.

Thank You for Dave’s commitment to being faithful to his eating plan which gives him excellent blood sugar levels.  

Thank You for the food You provide for us.

Thank You Father that You love each and every one You have created.

Thank You for Werther’s Hard Candy.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

P.S.  I am still waiting on the information I need from my Uncle John’s children to help me finish and publish my next edition of “A PICTURE INTO THE PAST”.  Hopefully we will make contact today.

P.S.S.  I stopped by the store on the way home and purchased a new supply of Werther’s and Peppermint hard candies.  I plan to restock my bag before I go to the gym again.

 

 

Thursday August 18 2016  NO BRUSSELS SPROUTS TONIGHT

Today did not get away from me; it was already gone before I got out of bed!  I just worked a little harder and a bit quicker.  And thus, my blog will be QUICK, SHORT, AND SWEET.

 

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO

By Kathleen Martens

August 18, 2016

 

One of my favorite things to do

Is to have friends come over to eat.

I fix and mix, plan and bake

And freeze some things I make.

 

About my menu I think and ponder

Planning just the right meal.

Hoping to prepare what others like

But unknowing as to how they feel.

 

So many things that I like

That so many others wouldn’t think to eat,

Such as my favorite Brussels sprouts

Which to me is such a treat.

 

So I take my chances and cook what’s good

Like zucchini pepper pie.

And that is what we are having tonight

For our guest, Dave, and I.

 

And fresh corn on the cob

Bought from a local farmer.

And perhaps the rest of the food

To the guest will be a charmer.

 

Salads with cucumber smothered in dill,

Fresh veggies sprinkled on top,

And everyone loves garlic bread,

Hopefully the kids like it a lot.

 

Fresh chicken splayed across the plate,

And a colorful watermelon slice.

If food was my only solace

This meal would be my vice.

 

One more thing I shan’t forget

Are the caramelized sweet potatoes,

Along with a few touches of fruit,

Like delicious little red tomatoes.

 

And then to top the whole thing off

The kids get chips and dip,

Not to mention the smoothie I made

Frozen, so unable to sip.

 

And for dessert none other than

Vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake.

Frozen together in beautiful parfaits,

A touch of elegance it will make.

 

But do not worry about the kids

Who never seem to like squash.

For them I have chicken nuggets

Which will make me seem quite posh.

 

And now I must go and prepare the meal.

Much is already completely done

So it will all be ready on time

And for my guests I hope it is fun!

 

The couple coming tonight recently moved here from Denver Colorado.  I met the man of the family at the gym when he generously allowed me to use his phone in an emergency.  When I discovered he and his wife did not know many people I asked them over.  I have never met his wife nor his three children who are six, almost four, and two months old.  I look forward to this evening.

 

Lord thank You for people You bring into my life even if it is only for a short season.

Lord thank You all the food you bless us with that we might share it with others.

Lord thank You for this beautiful day.

Thank You for my energy.

Thank You for Brussels sprouts even though we are not having them tonight.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

Wednesday August 17 2016  TAKING A REPRIEVE

My plan was to write another episode tonight about A PICTURE INTO THE PAST.  However, I allowed my day to get away from me when I walked out the door to begin my errands.  I made a purposeful decision as I left the house that I WAS NOT GOING TO HURRY TODAY!  I have been on high speed since before we left on our trip three weeks ago.  The only deviation from my sometimes frantic routine was when I was in too much pain to move after my fall.  I’ve been trying to catch up with all that is going on at this house, but as much as I NEED TO DO, I knew there was no possibility of catching up today.  Perhaps there is no catching up for me…EVER!  So since I couldn’t catch up today I decided to S..L..O..W……D..O..W..N!

As Most of you know, I enjoy meeting and talking with new people.  I love new experiences.  I quite frequently am distracted and forget to keep track of time.  During my working years I had to run my life by a strict clock, a hectic schedule, and had absolutely not one minute to slow down…EVER.  I remember saying to myself that when I retired I would never rush again!  I have experienced a few of those days so I decided that I was going to give myself that opportunity today.  And I did.  I simply gave myself permission to do so.

When I awakened this morning I had my day organized with precise times when I would leave the house as well as when I had to be home.  There were so many tasks that needed to be accomplished to meet my goal of having guests over tomorrow evening, knowing that everything I did today would not need to be done tomorrow.  Well, to be truthful, my schedule went out the window; my clock could not prompt me to leave when I thought I should, so I just chucked all my plans and decided to have a good time instead.  Oh, I would still get all my errands accomplished but I was no longer concerned as to how long it would take me.  I JUST LOVE DAYS LIKE THAT! 

Sometimes my need for such a day is even greater than the love I have for such a day.  It is like having a break in a storm when you are out at sea.  This slow, interesting, and yet fulfilling day was such a beautiful lull from all that has been happening around me lately.  On a normally busy and hectic day I believe my greatest reprieve is when I allow my mind to wander, grasp the thoughts that come strolling by and then allow myself to freely take pleasure in developing those thoughts as I write my blog.  I always ask for God’s direction as to where I should go.  God is my daily strength.  Writing becomes a way that I can worship God as He gives me solace.  And my poetry is my offering of love to him daily.  Taking time to think gives me pause in an otherwise run-on day.  Sort of like a run-on sentence, you must break it up in order to make sense out of it.

The next segment in my family’s saga will be about my Uncle John.  I do not believe I can do him justice until I contact a few people I need to talk to.    I will not say on what day I will resume the series but will do so ASAP.

So what did I do today?  How DID I SPEND my precious hours?  I stopped at the Senior Center to pick up some bread and then became sidetracked when I peered into a room and saw several ladies painting.  My curiosity was peaked.  I received permission to stroll along side their tables and view their work in progress.  What amazing talented people sat at those tables.  I was informed later that there were several award-winning artist involved in that group.  I met two interesting women at a front table and had a delightful conversation about drawing, painting, photography, blogs, trips, and soap making.  I loved it.  I think I miss having more people in my life.  I have been too busy to develop relationships.  Even a short conversation such as we had today fills me with an inner contentment.  It just felt good to be in a room full of women enjoying what they were doing as well as the companionship around them.  I finally pulled myself away and headed over to the library.

I decided to just drop off my books that were due and head out to the gym.  I had a short workout, one round on the table for the hydro-massage, and headed to Aldi’s.  Had a great time shopping for tomorrow’s dinner supplies, talked to several people in the store, enjoyed myself immensely and headed home.  Arrived home, put everything away, and ate lunch at 3:45 p.m.  I was hungry!

And then my sister called and I listened to her talk.  She can’t hear on the phone but she can hear just enough to know I am on the phone.  I mostly listen and punctuate her calls with a few responses she is certain that I am still there.  That way she can speak her thoughts to me instead of spending so much time writing emails. My sister also has a similar disorder with her hands that I do.  She is 9 years olderso her hands are 9 years ahead of mine as far as their deterioration.  One thing we can still both accomplish with our hands is typing on a keyboard and she is even having some trouble with that.  Emails are how we normally communicate.  She seldom calls but when she does I prop my legs up and rest during her monologue.  How is that for not rushing!  After the call ended I popped up (very slowly with my broken ribs), prepared fresh fruit for the freezer, made some more food to eat, and then went to my office and commenced to writing.  And I have been here way overlong. 

Tomorrow will be a busy day… or not…  Some things just might not get done.  But oh, how wonderful it was today to come home and see the results of Dave’s vacuuming.  He did the entire main level AND mopping the kitchen and back hall!  WHAT A MAN!  And I didn’t even ask him to do it.  At least I don’t think I did!

Last Friday I wrote my sister an email.  The last line I wrote to her as I was signing off was, “Life is just too short.  I still have too much I desire to do.”  Immediately after writing those words a poem just twinkled across the keyboard, as my fingers tried to keep up with the words that came spilling out.  I would like to share that poem with you tonight.  So here it is!

 

Life is too Short

By Kathleen Martens

August 13, 2016

 

Too many books to read.

Too many gardens yet to seed.

So much more to learn about God.

So much to think about the odd.

Too many recipes I’d like to try.

I need more days to look at the sky.

Too many delicious meals to eat,

So many interesting people to meet.

So many words left to write.

So many candles yet to light.

 

So many poems still left in me.

So many more clouds I want to see.

So many more mountains I must climb.

So many more experiences I want to find.

Life is simply much too short

For even one moment for me to abort.

 

So I will keep climbing.

I will keep rhyming.

I will keep reading

As well as feeding.

I will keep learning more each day

About what God has to say.

More experiences will abound.

And interesting people will be found.

So many words left to say,

So I must not shorten this wonderful day.

 

Blue skies and puffy white clouds,

In their beauty I will shroud.

Sunshine days will be my gain,

And new joy found in gentle rain.

As sparkling fire flies mesmerize me

I will keep seeing all I can see.

I will keep listening for the sound of birds

And sing songs in my heart that I’ve heard.

 

I will touch the cold, white winter snow

And the bark of trees wherever I go.

I will smell the nostalgia of chimney smoke

And snuggle under my winter cloak.

I will watch the midnight sky

And migrating birds as they fly by.

And clean the kitchen after I cook,

And then go read an exciting book.

Or perhaps just pen what I know

And the byline will be my own.

 

In my imagination I gracefully fly

On the wings of a butter fly.

I will touch a baby’s newborn cheek

And just wish it could make a peep.

I will be creative, compose and design

A family album that will be so fine.

 

And perhaps someday I will be done

Knowing everything I did was so much fun.

And then I’ll still have more to do

Before this old life, of mine is through.

 

And believe me, I could make this list a lot longer if I had but more time.

 

I NEVER WANT TO MISS A CHANCE

By Kathleen Martens

August 17, 2016

 

May lullabies in your heart sing,

And may their melodies in you ring.

Hush the pace of all that must be done,

Give yourself permission to have some fun.

 

It takes so little to bring me joy

A simple cloud becomes my toy.

I see the shapes of long ago faces

As the cloud so quickly races.

 

And for exultation I seem to find

Words, that with others rhyme.

And I am thrust with such force,

Following a butterfly on it course.

 

I want to run, I want to dance

And I never want to miss a chance

To enjoy this life that is so short,

So I wait expectantly at its port.

 

Venturing out to face the day

No matter what may come my way.

Giving to others part of me,

Words of love that will set them free.

 

Thank You God for the beauty of Your sky this day. 

Thank You for Jean and Nancy whom I met today.

Thank You for a day of rejuvenation.

Thank You Lord for all Your blessings You bestow upon me daily.

Thank You for puffy white clouds.

Thank You for all the people I spoke with today. 

Thank You for mango.  My very favorite fruit!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

Tuesday August 16 2016  A PICTURE INTO THE PAST  NAOMI “LOIS”

Naomi Lois, who I always only knew as Aunt Lois is the 7^th daughter born to William and Gracie.  She had two brothers who were older and one born after her.  She too preferred to be called by her middle name just as several of her other sisters were.  Sybil Marie was always called Sybil.  Ora Helen was called Helen.  Mary Hattie Bell was called Hattie.  Vera Estelline was called Estell and sometimes I heard her referred to as Estelline.  Arvil Edward’s name was shortened to Buddy.  Esther Ruth was always called by her first name.  Montgomery Delmar was called several things; Gomery to the young nieces and nephews, Monty as the younger children grew older, and finally referred to in full as Montgomery.  Annie Jane was pretty much called Annie Jane when she was younger but when she was older she preferred to be called Aunt Ann (NO “I” “E” FOR HER)!  I still call her Aunt Annie!  And that brings us to Naomi Lois.  I don’t know if she was called Lois as a child or if it was an adult change for her.  Perhaps she liked the meaning of Lois, one of which is “As unique, creative individuals, they tend to resent authority, and are sometimes stubborn, proud, and impatient.”

If Lois chose “Lois” because of the definition I will be the first to agree that it is a good description of her.  Lois was amazingly creative in her younger years.  Not only was she CREATIVE when she was younger, she was (and probably still is), a PERFECTIONIST.  I never had the opportunity to spend much time with Aunt Lois as our lives took different directions.  When I was a child we at times lived relatively close together but circumstances did not bring us together much.  As an adult I moved away and was rarely in her presence.  And as far as the above meaning of the name goes, Lois is also a UNIQUE person.

The dictionary definition of UNIQUE: “Adjective: BEING THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND; UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE.  Noun:  A UNIQUE PERSON OR THING; existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics. Having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable.” And this definition of UNIQUE is definitely an accurate description of her.

If I remember correctly I did hear tell that she did resent AUTHORITY, at least that of her father (which is probably the one thing she had in common with all her siblings).  As far as being STUBBORN, I could imagine she was that way in the sense she did not give in easily.  I cannot comment on being “proud” (as the definition above quotes) but I can attest that I did see for myself that she was IMPATIENT.  I was around her enough to figure that characteristic out for myself.  In other words, she was definitely unique in many ways when compared with her brothers and sisters. 

Is she still that way?  I don’t know for certain.  I had the opportunity to visit with her last year at the retirement care facility where she resides.  Lois has suffered with health issues all her life and I don’t remember her ever being well.  She is now unable to do much, her husband died a few years ago and her daughter Cynthia died this past year.  Lois lives in an area without many relatives around her.  I am certain it must be sad for her at times to be so far away from her siblings since her daughter is no longer living.  Cynthia was also plagued by many illnesses throughout her life and lived in a care facility at the time of her death.  She was a couple of years younger than I am.  I was planning to stop by last year to see her when I was in California.  However, it was recommended that I not go because she was unable to have visitors due to the seriousness of her condition during the days I was there.

Aunt Lois loved to sing and she had a beautiful, clear soprano voice.  I usually heard her sing at family weddings.  I always remember the song, “I LOVE YOU TRULY” because of her. 

When Lois was a child the abuse from her father sometimes seemed focused on her.  She suffered cruelly with the punishment meted out to her.  I have only heard stories and it always broke my heart knowing what she went through.  I think the extent of pain and injury inflicted upon her through her childhood and adolescence predisposed her to all the suffering she went through later in life, both physically and emotionally.  Even as I write these words I seem to be receiving more insight and understanding to the life Lois lived.  Life never seemed easy or peaceful or satisfying to her.  I hope she has obtained a modicum of inner peace and joy from the Lord.

Words to Aunt Lois:  “Aunt Lois I have always loved and cared for you as my aunt.  I still do.  As my mama’s sister I know how much she loved and cared for you and you always seemed to return her affection and love.  I thank you for that.  I know I have probably disappointed you in many ways, especially when I was a child.  I pray that you can forgive my childhood antics and can accept me for who I am today.  I will always love you and carry special memories of you in my heart.  I send continued condolences for the loss of your daughter”

Aunt Lois was unable to attend the family reunion in 2011 that was held in Arkansas.  Lois lives in California and due to health and immobility she was unable to travel.  Below is the Biography and poem that I wrote in honor of her place as the ninth child born to William and Gracie.

Naomi “Lois”

Born 1933

 

Married:

Charles Odel

 

Children:

Cynthia Louise

Bernie Ellis

Charles“Stanley

“Aunt Lois we are so sorry that you are unable to be with us tonight due to your health.  We miss you and send you our love. 

You have been gifted in so many areas of your life and have been so willing to share your talent and expertise with so many in the family.  I think a trait that stands out above all others is the perfectionism you displayed in all you accomplished.  It was known that if you did it, it would be done to perfection.  You were an expert seamstress and created beautiful one of a kind creations.  You were also excellent in the field of upholstery and always willing to help someone else in the tasks you were so accomplished in.  I think your resourcefulness helped so many save lots of money over the years; especially when I think of all the haircuts you used to do.  Thank you for helping so many stretch their thin dollars.

Over the years you have provided care and love as you helped friends and family.

You have graced many weddings and events with your beautiful solo voice.  Thank you for sharing your talent of singing as well as all your other talents of sewing, upholstering, hair styling and the gift of helps.

Again, we send our love to you and miss your presence tonight.”

 

WE MISS YOU AUNT LOIS

By Kathleen Martens

April 2, 2011

 

Aunt Lois – we miss you tonight.

Wish you were here sitting on my right.

Tonight is about memories of the past,

We’ll send you notes so they will last.

 

Over the years you’ve provided love and care.

And so many talents willing to share.

Such beautiful work, none other could do,

Upholstering couches and hair cuts too.

 

You’ve helped others save, such a generous gift.

Your time given, helped spirits to lift.

Beautiful clothing all made so well,

Perfection a trait you could not quell.

 

And best of all, your willingness to sing,

So to others, joy you’d bring.

“I Love You Truly” still rings in my ears,

I’ve never forgotten through all the years.

 

We love you Aunt Lois, wish you were here.

It would be nice to have you near.

We send our love across the miles,

And will send a portrait with all our smiles.

 

Aunt Lois’ FIRST PLACE AWARD was for:

 

“PERFECTIONISM IN ALL YOU ACCOMPLISHED”

“We will always remember you for your beautiful voice that has graced so many weddings and other events.:

“YOU HAVE PERSEVERED THROUGH THE MANY CHALLENGES OF LIFE.”

My husband and I proofed and edited the above portion of the blog.  I had yet to write my poem for today’s blog.  As he left the room this is what transpired.

 

A PICTURE INTO THE PAST

By Kathleen Martens

August 16, 2016

 

My husband’s parting words,

“Before writing your poem please pray,

That God would speak through you

The words He’d want you to say.”

 

Some words not easy to write

Difficult times are hard to share,

I write with full intent to heal

So those who read realize I care.

 

And as I write my words just come

As a true picture into the past.

Perhaps some memories should be forgotten

Rather than imprisoning them to last.

 

Should I share all the truths

So as to tell the whole story?

Do generations yet to come

Need to know the sad and gory?

 

My words must be truthful

Spoken with heartfelt integrity.

Difficult words as well as sad

Sprinkled liberally with levity.

 

I often ask the question

Are there facts I should not tell?

I believe the truth is best exposed

And never should be quelled.

 

By no means do I desire

To cause anyone grief or pain.

Because when I write, my total reason

Is that it be for another’s gain.

 

Future generation will someday read

The story of past lives.

That is how we live and learn

And understand how best to thrive.

 

I write about the time I lived,

About true stories which will last,

Because I wish to draw for you

A TRUE PICTURE OF THE PAST.

 

God, again thank You for EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY AUNTS AND UNCLES.

Thank You Lord for the stories we have to tell.

Thank You for giving life to each person in the family so that they can have the opportunity to have an eternal relationship with You.

Thank You for creating a way that we, as imperfect beings, can someday begin our eternity with You.

Thank You for the joy and peace I have that comes from knowing You.

Thank You for BLACK ANGUS COW MEAT!  That was a good hamburger I had today!!!

 

GOOD NIGHT FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.  I PRAY GOD’S BLESSINGS ON ALL OF YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday August 15 2016  A PICTURE INTO THE PAST;  ANNIE JANE

WOW!  Where do I begin?  I’ll begin at my beginning.  The earliest memory I have of Aunt Annie was when I was perhaps 4 years old.  I was sitting at a little table eating dinner in her kitchen with my cousin Carol and her brother Dennis.  The adults were eating out of sight in the “big” dining room.  On my plate were some green peas.  I HATED GREEN PEAS!  I was all done and wanted to get up but Aunt Annie came in and informed me that I could not leave until I ate all those peas.  HORROR UPON HORROR!  I did get them all in my mouth but could not swallow them.  Try as I might I could not get that mush to go down my throat.  I started crying, ran into the bathroom and just stood there gagging and quietly sobbing.  My mama saw me go into the bathroom and followed me, in order to find out what was wrong.  I so wanted to spit the peas into the toilet bowl but didn’t know if it would plug it up (go figure the reasoning of a 4 year old).  I got the words out, and I to my relief, I remember my mama’s very words, “Well for pity’s sake spit them out.  They won’t plug the toilet bowl.”  By the way, this was a real flushing toilet, not the kind left behind in Arkansas.  My mom was my immediate savior and I was so relieved.  And for a long time after that I was quite leery of going to Aunt Annie’s house.

Annie’s daughter was quite hard headed in my book.  As a kid I did not like her, nor did she like me.  We had some pretty good “knock-down, drag-out fights”.  You know, the kind of fighting with scratching, hair-pulling, and floor-wrestling.  And of course, she started them all!  So, needless to say, mama protected me from Carol somewhat and made certain we weren’t left together without her being in earshot.  When I asked mama why Carol was so ornery my mom told me it was because she was just like her mother was when she was a kid, and now her mother was getting paid back for all the shenanigans she did when she was little.  I believed it.

But oh, I certainly found out later what an absolutely amazing and astounding woman Annie Jane really was.  If she had not been a scrappy kid with a lot of spunk, living with the likes of her father, she probably could not have survived.

Below I include the biography I wrote about her to share at our 2011 reunion. 

 

Annie Jane

Born 1931

 

Married: Raymond

Married: John

 

Children:

Carol Ann

Dennis Raymond

 

Stepson

Johnny

 

BIOGRAPHY:

“Well, let’s see.  What can I say about Aunt Annie?  I would say she may be the most opinionated of my aunts.  She has always had a strong personality that at times, so I’ve heard rumor, caused her to butt heads with her strong willed father.  However, her strong personality has proven to be her one most important gifts.  One that has helped her weather many storms in life and come out undefeated.

Annie has outlived both husbands and also her two children.  Aunt Annie, we give you our deepest love and support at the loss of your two children.  The strength you show in your daily walk is truly amazing.

Annie was an L.V.N. and worked at Alta Bates Hospital as a Certified Surgical Technician for many years and is now retired.  She has also participated in Community Theater and loves to sing.  Annie is a talented writer and contributor to music sing-a-longs.  How we love to hear our family sing!  Annie, thank you for blessing our family so richly.  You have reached out to so many when there was need for a safe place to live; offered food to eat, and doses of love.  Both of your grandchildren at different times have lived with you because of that generosity and love.  You opened your home to your sister Sybil when she needed a place to live.  Not only that, you were such an advocate for so many.  Your connection, knowledge and experience in the health care world have also been such a help to so many, as was your advice when we needed medical information.

As I talked to others in the family the one most significant trait that continually surfaced was how you were always willing to help and give support in so many ways.  Counseling, coaching, first aid advice, advocacy, financial aid, meals cooked and delivered, reunions for family gatherings, and so much more.  Everyone I talked to has great affection for you. 

You have been given many gifts; the gift of knowledge, the gift of helps, and according to your grandson Darrell, in his own words: “the gift of loving and helping me.  She was always willing to give time or anything to help me.  I feel she gave me the gift of financial responsibility which I cherish.”  You are remembered by many for your gift of generosity.  All you have given could never be repaid.  Thank you for freely giving your time, your concern, and your love.  You are also remembered for your gift of having fun.  Your infections giggle and your love for life and dedication to family stand out to me.”

Annie Jane’s FIRST PLACE AWARD was rewarded to her for:

“GENEROSITY WITH HUMILITY.”

This is how her family remembers her:  “We will always remember you for your strong willed nature and how your strength persevered through all adversity.”

“You have given in more ways than can be counted.”

And Annie’s first place award and all that it included truly does say it all.  In my eyes she is right up there at the top with all her brothers and sisters for surviving a life that would have brought most people to their knees.  Needless to say, by the time I grew up my childhood opinions of Aunt Annie had changed considerably.  I always wondered over the years if she truly did love me, but in a recent conversation she assured me she did.  Even at my age it was still nice to hear. 

When my mama died I asked for, and received, all her correspondence and diaries.  Though I have not read many of her diaries I have read enough to know how gracious, generous, and helpful my aunt was to my mama in so many ways during the time she lived with her.  As my mama aged she could no longer be a live-in caretaker for the elderly. She found that she no longer had place to live, her health was deteriorating, she had no health insurance, yet she refused to move in with any of her children.  My Aunt Annie opened her home to her.  You know how it is when you have young children and people treat them kindly, it makes you appreciate those who treat them so.  Well, that too is how it is when someone treats your aging mama in the loving way that Aunt Annie did.  Forever after there was very special place in my heart for Aunt Annie.  Not only did she allow my mama to live with her, but she saw to it that my mama received health care she could not afford, and if I remember correctly, my mama received surgery she desperately needed performed by the surgeons for which Annie worked.  You see, it does pay to have a nurse in the family, especially one that worked as a Certified Technician to doctors who were willing to give their time and talent to take care of a desperately needed surgery.

Annie, my hat is off to you!  Thank you so much for all you did for my mama in supporting her emotionally, physically, and financially.  What an asset you were and still are to our family.  I am honored to be your niece.  And just so you know, even Carol and I smoked our peace pipe before she died.

Following is the poem I wrote for Annie for the 2011 Reunion:

 

Annie Jane

Born 1931

YOU HAVE GIVEN IN MORE WAYS THAN CAN BE COUNTED

Kathleen Martens

April 2, 2011

 

Such a woman of power and strength,

She’s lived a “dash” of quite some length.

Not always easy, what she lived through,

Weathered some storms, but starts each day new.

 

An amazing woman with a generous heart,

To so many she’s given such a start.

So much about her I did not know

And lots of her traits she does not show.

 

But I found out as I dug up her past,

She is a stalwart woman with integrity that lasts.

She has much to say, but listens well,

And some of the stuff she doesn’t tell.

 

Her knowledge is sound, she dispenses advice.

She says what she means and quite concise.

If you need help, she’s the first to come.

She works hard, but knows how to have fun.

 

Delivers meals on wheels to Lois her sister,

Stays out of the sun so she won’t get blistered.

She gives her love while helping others,

And to more than you know, she’s been a mother.

 

She still has a sparkle in her eye,

And men still likely on her spy.

Her swaying hips – now just a small jiggle,

And she has the absolute best, infectious giggle.

 

Annie, thanks for your gifts, you’ve shared with all,

Thanks for answering when we call.

We love you Aunt Annie – for who you are,

And for all you’ve done, YOU ARE A STAR!

 

END OF 2011 POEM

 

A GOOD RACE YOU HAVE RUN

By Kathleen Martens

August 15, 2016

 

What more could be said

Is quite a lot.

Her unique traits

Still highly sought.

 

She has since moved

Left a lifetime behind,

Turned a leaf,

A new life to find.

 

A different stage of life

She forges ahead,

But we will never forget

The wisdom she has said.

 

She dispensed life

To those around,

And her advice

Was always sound.

 

She has cried buckets of tears

For lost loves and kids,

And some of her memories

She will never be rid.

 

But she holds her head high

And bemoans not her grief.

Always the life of the party,

And gives to others relief.

 

We love you Aunt Annie,

Words can never express

How much your family honor you

That you live life with such zest.

 

You are so amazing

In all you have done.

And though not always easy,

A GOOD RACE YOU HAVE RUN!

 

One more tidbit I would like to share about this noble, and persevering woman of fortitude, is that she accomplished a great feat that she set out to do.  She wrote her autobiography, had it published, and it is all sold out.  The title of her book is “A BAKER’S DOZEN”.  Annie self published and does not know if she will have another printing done.  I read her book and it is remarkable.  It is well written and I believe it should be made into a movie.  It would give a more realistic slant on how desperate life was to so many before, during, and after the depression years.  It is a story of pain, tragedy, and sorrow; as well as one of resilience and triumph. And, Aunt Annie survived it all.  And you’ll never see a more irresistible smile upon a face, or hear a more infectious laugh, coming from anyone else.  YOU GO GIRL!

I had so wanted to receive permission to include in my blog what was written on the back cover of her book.  My cousins edited her book and wrote an awesome review about it.  It spoke much more eloquently and thoroughly the message I wanted to convey.  But alas, I could not get through to Aunt Annie on her phone today to ask for permission. 

I published a photo on Saturday, August 13, 2016 which you can view by scrolling down after reading this blog.  It is a picture of part of the clan during the depression era.  My mother was already married, having babies of her own, by the time the photo was snapped so she is not included in the picture.  The two youngest children were not yet born, and of course Helen had died many years before.  Annie is the little girl on the lower step, second from the right.  My grandparents are in the center on the top step.  Take a close look at my Grandmother.  When this photo was taken she was 37 years old and had birthed 11 children. 

 

God, thank You that You have placed in my life such women of valor.

Thank You God for all my family members.

Thank You Lord that my mother instigated the move to California, the land of opportunity.

Thank You Lord for a Grandmother who loved You and prayed so diligently for her children as they (Grandma included) were being so tormented by Grandpa.

Thank You for the work that You did in Grandpa’s heart after he was too weak to be so mean.

Thank You that Grandma outlived him.

Thank You for tomatoes.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!