Monday October 31 2016  THE CHALLENGE

Remember that I am constantly challenging myself in most areas of life.  Do I always accomplish my challenge?  No, probably not, but it is fun trying.  And my world won’t collapse if I don’t achieve what I set out to do.  So my challenge is to again write a blog in one hour.  I also hope to include the publishing time during that same one hour time frame.  It takes about 30 minutes (at the minimum) to do what I must do to even get it on line after it is written.  So here goes.

Let’s talk about Christmas decorations.   If you recall, my plan was to get the Christmas decorations out by October 1st and have everything finished by October 31^st.   It didn’t happen.  Actually, when I left on October 21^st for my four days away, nothing was out.  When I arrived home four days later, the closet had been raided, the boxes opened, the tree was put together, the lights were on, and about half the ornaments hung.  Ten days later the boxes are still out, less than half of the bulbs are presently on the tree, and the branches have yet to all be separated.  The tree was standing but Dave didn’t realize that the smashed branches he had pulled apart still had more branches behind them that also needed to be pulled apart.  It has not been an easy task to accomplish with many of the branches circled with light cords and ornament hooks.  Since I have separated the rest of the branches the tree no longer looks skeletal.  I have had to remove many of the ornaments to make it possible. 

But hey, my husband’s heart was in the right place and he went to a lot of effort to surprise me.  Yes, not everything is done and the dining room chairs are still lined up between the kitchen and formal eating areas.  On their seats are boxes of Christmas paraphernalia still waiting to be unpacked.  But, we are closer than we were before I left on my trip.  Now my goal is to have the decorations accomplished BEFORE THANKSGIVING!  Don’t you just love a good challenge?  It’s so great to be retired!  I’ll give you an update to let you know when (or if) I finish.

 

DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS

Kathleen Martens

October 31, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The boxes are opened with tender care

Knowing the ornaments are tucked in there.

The tree comes out it bits and pieces,

And the branches are full of creases.

 

One by one the sections assembled,

And when it stands, a tree it resembles.

Lights added next, neatly wound

Up and down and all around.

 

Ornaments of cloth, metal, and glass

All over the tree congregate in mass.

And then comes mama and says “oh my”,

“Through the branches I see the sky.”

 

Limbs pried a part and fluffed a bit,

But papa says “it doesn’t matter one wit”.

Lucky for him mama is his right hand man

And the tree is now fat where it stands.

 

Now the ornaments can be replaced

Exactly how they should be spaced.

And papa is happy to let mama pursue

Everything she wants to do.

 

And so it is still undone,

And papa is very happy to shun

All the fal-der-al for the mission accomplished,

Because ever too soon it will be demolished.

 

But that tree will get decorated

And before Thanksgiving it is fated,

And just for the record, it will be the last time

Because then this tree will no longer be mine.

AND I’M THE MAMA!

 

So I thought I would bring you up to date on our Christmas decorating saga!  In bits and pieces of time I get bits and pieces of the decorating accomplished.  And I’m happy, Dave’s happy, and I feel very happy that we don’t plan to do it again.  We’ll just celebrate at our children’s homes instead!  Maybe that sounds like a Scrooge but my heart carries the spirit of Christmas and I want more time to enjoy family and celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior.  I shall keep my beautiful nativity set and bring it our each year to commemorate the month we rejoice.

Don’t know how much more time I have because I didn’t look at the clock before I started the blog.  But I did turn on the portable heater to stop after 60 minutes.  It is still going so I’m going to see if I can beat the heater!

I failed to buy Halloween candy for tonight so Dave volunteered to go buy some.  I gave him only one instruction and that was to come back with something I CAN’T EAT (like chocolate) or DON’T LIKE.  I don’t want any temptation.

 

Thank You God for the celebration of Christmas and all it means to those who truly believe in your Son.

Thank You for family and for loved ones.

Thank You for this hour of my life.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

P.S.  Though I don’t usually write a blog on Saturday or Sunday please take a look at the last two days.  I guess I just had too many words left in me and had to get them out.

P.S.S.  The heater is still blasting!  I ACCOMPLISHED MY CHALLENGE

Sunday Sabbath October 30 2016  IT IS NOT THAT THE WORLD LACKS WONDERS

 

IT IS NOT THAT THE WORLD LACKS WONDERS

Kathleen Martens

October 30, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

It’s not that we lack WONDERS

In this great big world of ours.

It is that we lack WONDER

As we look through self made bars.

 

The WONDERS of a dandelion

Intrinsic in its design,

Though it is a nuisance

Its beauty is quite refined.

 

And even in a simple cloud

Though many you may have seen,

Today’s will be different

With new lights of delicate sheen.

 

And the buzzing of a bee

Should heighten your sense of pleasure,

Because the WONDERS of such a creature

Offers such a delectable treasure.

 

We fail to marvel at a simple leaf

As it floats gently to the ground.

It plays with wind ever unseen

And its frolic seems unbound.

 

We fail to experience marvel

In the twinkling of a star

That takes millions of light years

To travel to earth so far.

 

It’s not that the world lacks WONDERS

It is we who refuse to see.

For WONDERS are all about us;

Seeing through God’s eyes, the simple key.

 

Such amazing and astounding creation,

Surrounds us, though rejected,

All because we are not infused

With WONDER to be reflected.

 

A day should not pass

Except which we are in awe,

For there are spectacular sights

On each path, put there by God.

 

So remove the shackles of hurry,

And those of doubt and scorn,

Allow your sense of WONDER

Each dawn to be reborn.

 

A paraphrased quote from a sermon this morning by Pastor Joel Alberti:

“It is not that the world lacks wonders,

It is we that lack wonder…”

The above quote inspired my Sunday Sabbath poem’s topic.  Today, take time to dwell on the amazing wonders that God places before us each day.  Never lose your child-like wonder!  It is a “WONDERFUL” place to live. 

P.S.  I scrolled through some pictures I’ve taken this past year on my iPhone and here are a few that I was able to upload in order to share with you some of the wonders I have experienced. BE CERTAIN TO CLICK “OLDER POSTS” WHEN YOU COME TO THE END OF THE PHOTOS.  THERE ARE MORE.

Saturday October 29 2016  A DIFFERENT VIEW OF SATURDAY  (NOT PROOFED)

Since retirement I have frequently said that “every day is a Saturday”.  Well, now I have a different perspective.

When working five days a week and having only Saturday and Sunday off, it makes the weekends a wonderful reprieve, especially Saturdays.  When you attend church on Sunday, Saturday then becomes your only unscheduled day.  And oh, as a worker I do remember those occasional wonderful Saturdays.  (You see, I photographed weddings so I didn’t really have many Saturday’s off.)  But suffice to say, that once one retires and no longer has a five (or six) day a week job, every day may truly seem like a Saturday.  And so it seemed that way for awhile.

Dave and I could go shopping any time we decided to go, so that made it seem like every day was Saturday.  However, I now look at it from a different perspective.  Currently, Monday through Friday are my favorite days and Saturday is often a day of inconvenience.  I will admit that each day has the feeling of sameness but there is something that is exclusively Saturday’s derision.  A few times I have needed to do something on a Saturday only to realize the business did not operate on Saturday.  Other times I wanted to go someplace, such as the library, and then discovered it didn’t open as early as it does Monday through Friday.  And to my chagrin, it even closes earlier!  But the greatest grievance I have toward Saturdays is the fact that when it is necessary to go out shopping on a Saturday (due to my busy retirement schedule), there are just too many people in the stores and parking lots.

So, everyday is no longer a Saturday to me.  Saturday is my stay at home day if at all possible.  Even the gym is more crowded!  We do not miss events we plan to go to on Saturdays, but I will say I have a bit more respect for all those who MUST shop on Saturdays, so we just stay out of the stores and give our elbow room and place in line to another.

Retirement is a great place to be!  And I’m willing to share my Saturday absence in the stores with those who have no other choice but to be there.  Except…I still must exercise on Saturdays.  Oh well, I’m just glad EVERYDAY IS NOT A SATURDAY!

Sunday is a sacred day to us.  And Sunday has never felt like a Saturday. 

 

NEVER ON A SATURDAY

Kathleen Martens

October 29, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Saturday comes but once a week,

Even now that I’m retired.

Once I believed every day the same

Until in crowds I was mired.  

 

Monday through Friday is the time

To seek out places to go.

Few people with which to contend

And lines are seldom slow.

 

Back road driving peaceful and calm

And I can drive a pokey car.

Less traffic is so awesome

When you plan to go far.

 

And the scenery is even better

When no one is on your tail,

Just meandering wherever you go

Seeing beauty will not fail.

 

No crowds to fight in stores or roads

Until rush-time mass appears.

But by then all errands done

And at home I am always near!

 

So Monday through Friday

Are the gems of the week.

Saturday our quiet rest,

Our day of calm retreat.

 

I love being retired!

 

Thank You God that I have lived long enough to experience retirement.

Thank You Lord for the peace and calm you place in my heart.

 

My prayer for today:

Lord, I ask that you would bring peace to those who have no peace.  Please bring healing to those who seem to have lost hope for their healing.  Renew the strength of those who are struggling, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Give hope to those who feel they have no hope left.  Lord, please give strength to those whose strength to go in this life seems to be defeated.

Father, heal the brokenhearted, heal those who are sick, heal those whose hope is lost.  Lord reach down into the most painful heart and renew their hope, heal their body, and restore their strength; pour out over the hopeless Your abundance of healing water, Your river of life, Your joy and love and peace.  Renew their mind that they may turn to you and think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. 

Lord, You have promised that if we cry out to You that You will answer our cry.  I claim that promise today for those who are suffering.  I pray for complete healing. Oh, Lord, here my cry for Your children.  And make aware to those who are in need that there are those who are praying and loving them through their journey.

 “Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Dear Readers:

Please pray the above prayer with me this day and every day that you remember to do so.  I know those who are in deep pain, sick, and without hope, who desperately need our joint prayers.  Join my prayer and remind Jesus to intercede to the Father for Kathleen’s friend who needs these prayers to go up in her behalf.  Sometimes people are even too sick to even pray for themselves.  Let us be their voice as we lift up prayers on their behalf.  And Lord, instill in their hearts that there are those who send hope and love their way as they are facing such a difficult journey. 

GOOD NIGHT ONE AND ALL AND REMEMBER TO NEVER TAKE YOUR HEALTH FOR GRANTED.

“If you have been gifted with good health consider it a treasure worth tending”.  Quote by Kathleen Martens October 29, 2016

P.S.  I know it is Saturday and I don’t normally write a blog on Saturday.  I just felt it come to me and wanted to share it with you, especially the prayer.  I didn’t know why I was writing it but when the prayer came I then knew why.

 

 

 

Friday October 28 2016  CONTENTMENT

One hour from start to finish is all I have today for writing.  So I thought I would talk about contentment.  I read the following quote but have no idea of who spoke it:

“Contentment is not the achievement of all we want, it is the realization of all that we already have.”

This above definition is my favorite quote regarding contentment.  Satisfaction, happiness, pleasure, gratification and ease are the words the synonym finder comes up with.  Yet, how many times do we find ourselves in situations where none of the words apply to how we actually feel, or how we look at life.  Perhaps we are not content with our car because there are so many other cars that look better, or are faster, or more flashy.  Have we ever looked at what we do have and just give thanks for what it is we can afford, or has been given to us?   

I find that the more grateful I am for what I have, regardless how meager, my contentment seems to grow.  When I give thanks to God for all he has provided, the fact that I HAVE a car and it gets me where I want to go, goes a long way in growing my contentment.

The fact that I would love to spend three hours in my office thinking about what I will write, making certain every work is proofed or what poem I will compose, but have no time to do so, should that make me discontent?  Instead I thank God for the few moments I do have.  I thank Him that I can rely on Him to give me words to write.  I thank Him for the desire to write and gift of writing a poem to Him daily;  and my heart changes.  I find that I am content with what I have and even with who I am because it is the realization that I actually HAVE these few moments to use.  I am so fortunate to be alive this day and to share my heart with my readers.  I pray daily for God’s will in my life and He fills me with contentment.  God has a unique plan for each of us, but there is one plan that he has for all of us:

“1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 

REMEMBER TO GIVE THANKS

Kathleen Martens

October 28, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Lord I give you these moments,

Use as You will.

Open my heart

That gratefulness fills.

 

Regardless the circumstance

I offer thanks to You

And I pray continually

That Your will, You do.

 

Thank You Father that I have these moments to share Your contentment with others.

Thank You Father for the beautiful memory that 44 years ago today I met my husband.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

Thursday October 27 2016  KITCHEN PLEASURE: MAKING SOUP

 

KITCHEN PLEASURE: MAKING SOUP

Kathleen Martens

October 27 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Delicious smells from the stove,

Onions sizzling in the pot.

Wooden spoon fragrance stirs

As garlic I add a lot.

 

Chicken broth and roasted tomatoes

Along with tomato paste,

Bay leaves, salt, and pepper,

Nothing goes to waste.

 

Dash of cayenne, and four potatoes,

And lots of pepper flakes!

Add two teaspoons of sweet paprika,

The beginning of soup to make.

 

Add southwest seasoning; a tablespoon,

A chicken flavored bouillon cube.

All the flavors blend so well,

And together they are never rude.

 

And then add ten full cups

Of tightly packed kale.

And let it simmer for quite a while

And your soup will never fail.

 

Sliced carrots always a must

To be added toward the end.

The timing of each ingredient

Becomes soup’s greatest friend.

 

And just a little dollop

Of jalapeno pepper juice;

It is my secret ingredient

A delicious taste to induce.

 

And then pour in all the beans

Cooked fresh from being dried,

Never use those old canned things,

They cause your soup to cry.

 

And then add cooked barley

Fresh from the back burner.

Just one bite of its texture,

Makes a tried and true quick learner.

 

Do not skimp on ingredients,

And be alert as you assemble the lot.

Be sure to remember fresh lemon juice

Because it adds a good punch to the pot.

 

And there you have it my friend,

Dinner for many a day!

And I even eat it for breakfast

Whenever I have my way.

 

And that is just what I did this morning; ate soup for breakfast and then made another great big pot of Kale Soup. 

Wednesday October 26 2016  PEANUT BUTTER AND FLAX SEED

What do peanut butter and flax seed have in common?  Both are what I needed to buy today and they cost me over sixty dollars!  When I walked out of Mischler’s Country Store today I had over sixty dollars worth of groceries from the Amish market and all I needed was peanut butter and flax seed.  I go there only a couple of times a year and though I try to keep it at a minimum I always find something else I need in addition to what is on my list.   And that is what happened today.  From my house the market is about 80 minutes from home.  Today I attended a funeral held at our church and when it was time to go home I realized I was already 20-25 minutes closer to the Mischler’s Country Store.  Since I had an afternoon available I decided to drive the extra distance and pick up what I needed.

You may wonder why it is so important for me to drive so far away to pick up peanut butter and ground flax seed.  Sometimes I wonder that too, but the primary culprit is the honey roasted peanut butter I purchase there.  It is freshly ground and has no preservatives.  I purchase several containers because I have little “munchkins” (properly known as grandsons) who absolutely adore the peanut butter I buy from the Amish market.  And since they both have birthdays around this time I try to stock up on it so I can give the peanut butter as gifts to them.  The market has very reasonable pricing and has a large variety of bulk items I can purchase.  Today I bought beans (black and kidney), 2 red peppers, 5 containers of the freshly ground honey roasted peanut butter, a bag of roasted unsalted peanuts, sweet potatoes, 3 bags of ground flax seed equaling six pounds total, mushroom popcorn, raw pumpkin seeds, a jar of honey, and a couple of other little things of which I can no longer recall.  It’s rather amazing how quickly food prices add up these days, especially when one eats like I do.

But the best part about driving over to the Amish market is the beautiful back road drive.  Today when I entered the Amish community it was as if a hush fell over the land.  The trees were even more beautiful and in peak color.  The rain was coming down and the wetness intensified the fall colors.  When I arrived at the store I thought the store was not open when I looked in from the outside.  No lights were turned on.  Then I remembered that the only light available in the store comes from ceiling skylights.  The store is closed when the sun sets.  And even though I was there at 3:30 p.m., due to the overcast and rain, it was almost dark inside the building.  There is no electricity, no refrigerated items, and no frozen items.  A hand manipulated adding machine manually totals the bill.  Old fashioned cash registers make a loud clanging noise when the cash drawer pops open.  Instead of seeing women shrouded in burkas like I see at the grocery stores where I usually shop, most of the Amish women have on long dark dresses and their heads donned with little white bonnets.  Rather refreshing I’d say.

What dawned on me this afternoon was that I especially enjoyed shopping there because I love the quiet hush that permeates the building; no music; no electrical sound.  When walking through the store there were no other sounds at all except those made by other people.  An eerie silence enveloped me.  There was a peaceful stillness; no freezer hum, no refrigeration sound and no high pitched sound from lights on the ceiling.  The absence of man-made noise was quite refreshing.

When I was in the Amish country this past weekend (a different part of the state from where I went today) my friend and I came across a group of about 20 to 25 little Amish children walking in mass alongside a country road.  The boys were dressed like little men wearing long sleeved shirts made from blue course fabric which was partially covered by their black homemade bib overalls (which all appeared too short in length).  The little girls (from about 5 years old to 10 years old) were dressed just like their mothers, black dresses with white aprons covering the front of their dresses.  It was quite cold outside and every single child was walking barefoot on the hard pavement or along the graveled road’s edge, skirting the horse droppings.  I don’t remember seeing any of the children with jackets on.  It was so interesting to see them in such a large group, all barefoot, swinging their metal lunch boxes as they walked home from school.  It was more than likely two or possibly three family’s worth of children.  I was dressed warmly, had shoes and socks on, along with the heater running, and I was still chilled.  Those little Amish kids must be quite resilient.

 

LIKE GOING BACK IN TIME

Kathleen Martens

October 26, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Little ones

Dressed in white and black,

Replicas of their parents

Walking in a pack.

 

Swinging buckets back and forth

Walking homeward bound.

Bare feet pitter patter

On both asphalt and ground.

 

Little men and little women

In the process of growing older,

No matter how old they grow

Seldom do they seem bolder.

 

But it seems that peace

Radiates from within.

All is quiet in their world,

No electricity noise to lend.

 

It may be extra quiet

But it probably gets quite old

Running to the outhouse

When it is quite cold.

 

A hard life to live,

Like going back in time.

And though it looks serene,

I’m glad that life’s not mine.

 

Oh Lord, thank You so much for the modern conveniences we have available to us.

Thank You Lord that it is not necessary for me to live as the Amish do in order to get to heaven.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Tuesday October 25 2016  NOW I REMEMBER

 

NOW I REMEMBER

Kathleen Martens

October 25, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

 

I’m trying to remember

Why I retired.

I thought it was to rest

And get re-fired.

 

It seems my hours

Are just too full,

So many jobs

At me pull.

 

And here I sit

Glued to the screen,

Working on photography,

Ready to scream!

 

My eyes are sleepy

From my days of rest

Playing cards too late

At my own behest.

 

And my return home

To face all the faces

That look back from my screen

From all over the places.

 

Sorting and pondering

Which photo to choose,

So the story-line

I will not lose.

 

And then I must

Design a book

Of an incredible day

So memories will look…

 

…Back at the viewer,

With smiles captured,

As a treasured memory

For the ever after.

 

There are other things

I should be doing

Rather than sitting here,

Hundred of faces viewing.

 

But I made the commitment

And will see it through.

Then sell my equipment

So no more I can do.

 

Then remember once more

Why I actually retired

Was so I could fulfill

Some of my desires.

 

No more pictures,

No more books,

At no more faces

Will I need to look.

 

Except for those

For my family I’ll do

Because over the years

My own not in queue.

 

But NOW I REMEMBER

Why I retired!

I’ve so much to do

Before I expire!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Monday October 24 2016   A WEEKEND RETREAT

Although the date above is Monday, it is truly only Sunday night as I write these words.  It has been a memorable weekend and a wonderful time of relaxation.  My friend and I have been at a country cottage for the past three days and tomorrow (Monday) we head home.  We plan for a busy last day and I may arrive home too late to have time to write a blog.  So, on this last evening, my friend sits in front of the fire in the living room reading the book she bought at “Crazy Frank’s Flea Market” in Readstown Wisconsin.  Crazy Frank’s Flea Market will always be remembered by me for its restroom! 

When you travel in Wisconsin most of the places on the map are only accessible from back roads.  And when you travel in Wisconsin towns can be quite far apart, thus, so are the toilets.  We stopped at a little gas station/grocery store so I could run in and use the restroom.  A large bold note on the door informed me that unless I was a paying customer I was not permitted to use the restroom.  The note told me to use the public restrooms; however it didn’t tell me where the PUBLIC RESTROOMS were located. (Just for information sake’s:  I would always rather use a PRIVATE RESTROOM).  I asked the store clerk where the public restrooms were and she pointed across the street.

We drove across the street, which was about a block away, and she was right.  There were three public restrooms situated by a ball park.  THREE PADLOCKED PUBLIC RESTROOMS!  So off we drove, mission unaccomplished!  Then we saw Crazy Frank’s Flea Market forlornly located out in the middle of nowhere in a huge building with a parking lot on the side of the building.  All of a sudden I had the desire to go browsing at the Flea Market.  So we both got out and meandered around the building (me circling the outside parameter where restrooms are usually located) as I quickly browsed the hundreds of displays on the way to finding that little public/private room.  Whew!  I made it.  NO NOTE ON THE DOOR!  That was the nicest public restroom I’ve ever been in.  I think the door even locked.  To be truthful, I didn’t really care if it locked or not!  I didn’t even care if it had toilet paper.  Crazy Frank’s was awesome.  I even bought something; a homemade jar of Amish hot pepper butter!  I haven’t tasted it yet, but I’m sure it will bring back a fond memory!

This four day trip turned out to be a bit more expensive that I expected.  I brought all our food already prepared so we didn’t have to go out to eat so that wasn’t the problem.  However, on the way to our destination, La Farge, Wisconsin, we stopped at THE SHOEBOX (shoe store) in Black Earth, Wisconsin.  And I purchased two pair of shoes.  I blame that on my friend Ginger.  When I told her we were approaching The Shoebox she asked if we could stop so she could buy a pair of much needed shoes.  The SHOEBOX is quite a ways from our house and it is where Dave and I always purchase our shoes because we get such good deals.  So, I killed two birds with one stone.  I saved on gas by taking advantage of buying shoes while I was on my way to someplace beyond and, I wouldn’t need to take the time to come back another day.

And now the weekend is almost over.  And by the time this is published it will be over.  I will have lived the moments, and they will be part of my past.  Even as I sit here this Sunday evening I ponder at how the time could have passed so quickly.  It really does seem as if my life is but a blade of grass, here today and gone tomorrow as the Bible says. 

I taught Ginger how to play two different kinds of card games, fed her the good food I brought, stayed up late each night, slept in each morning, went sightseeing, stopped at all kinds of different shops, had a cup of salted caramel ice cream (a premeditated occurrence),  fed the pig our leftover food scraps, fed the chickens our leftover eggshells, swung on the porch screen, looked at the amazing night sky filled with galaxies, had a tour through a three story log cabin built in the 1800’s, entertained a guest for dinner, petted the sheep, stroked a horse, loved and petted every kitty cat I came across, dispensed “wisdom” to anyone who would listen (at least my opinion of things), ate popcorn at a beautiful antique shop, TREASURES ON MAIN, in Westby, Wisconsin, and kept the fire burning in the fireplace.  I also wrote poetry each day which I will share with you in Monday’s blog.  We have no Wi-Fi at Trillium (the Airbnb in which we are staying).  While we were out on Saturday my cell phone hooked into a guest WiFi and received a message that an aunt in California had died.  It was a busy weekend and a memorable weekend.   

One more day of leisure, (if you count repacking to return home)!  The good part is I never mind what I am doing; I just enjoy doing.  And right now, I am going to be “doing” by getting ready for bed.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

And now it is truly Monday, the day the above blog will be published.  We had another wonderful day and arrived home by 8:00 p.m.  I am unpacked, leftover food is put away, a load of laundry is in the washer, I’ve done the first proof-reading of what I wrote yesterday and it is only 9:41 p.m. 

I will add the poems I wrote this weekend.  Each poem is about something that took place while I was at Trillium Farm. Though Trillium is not an Amish farm it is  located deep in the heart of the Amish Countryside.  It is quiet, serene, wild, rustic and rugged.  Dave and I stayed there for a week or so each autumn for about 20 years.  I discovered that it is truly the one place where I can go and experience complete relaxation.  It is one of my favorite places to be. 

 

LIGHTING A FIRE IN THE FIREPLACE

Kathleen Martens

October 21, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Unhurried flames in laze refrain

Stubborn log all space clogs.

Burning fire has no desire

Meager aim causes disdain.

 

Paper burns at rapid pace

But the blaze loses face

Though nurtured so steady and slow,

The embers will not glow.

 

On cat’s feet a burst of heat

Flames burst with scorching thirst

Casting light on its flight,

A myriad sight burns the night.

 

It comes to life with setting sun

In vigor sound pops un-shunned.

Roaring tongues as if with lungs 

Upward plunge through stick rungs.

 

Warmth surges with licking urges

Heat returns as it’s earned.

All is well, cold is quelled

Because a tree was burned for me.

 

 

THE LITTLE LOG CABIN

Kathleen Martens

October 22 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Nestled by the road

A little cabin stands.

Many years

It has looked over the land

 

In disrepair

Covered by trees

Barely discernible

For eyes to see.

 

So many stories

Tucked between her walls,

And now her structure

To disrepair falls.

 

All alone,

Un-needed, unloved

Her wounds cut deep

In corners doved.

 

Empty windows

And crooked doors

Decaying logs

And sagging floors.

 

Until one day

One man came along

Rescued the cabin

For a song.

 

And into the shanty

He poured his heart

To give his new cabin

A brand new start.

 

Day by day

And piece by piece

He is restoring her value

So it will not cease.

 

He cleared the land

Provided fresh air

All around the structure

Because he cared.

 

And ever so slowly

He is giving new birth

To the lonely cabin

To reveal her worth,

 

Built a new foundation

And replaced logs

So her structure

No longer bogged.

 

New windows installed

Floor no longer sags,

But to finish

Time seems to lag.

 

Persevering one day at a time

Love is poured out

To make the little cabin

Both beautiful and stout.

 

She proudly stands

With a new shiny roof

And with her green donning

Seems quite aloof.

 

Slowly but surely

Two hearts become one

And again in the future

It will protect a son.

 

Slowly repaired

Standing grand by the road

Someday she will be

An intimate abode.

 

 

IN A CATHEDRAL ALL MY OWN

Kathleen Martens

October 23 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Quiet reverie in country silence,

Contemplation of God’s gifts.

Meditative thoughts in blissful calm

Seems to right all the wrongs.

 

Tranquility of God’s loving heart,

Serenity of mind during interlude

Creates a passion of gratefulness

To fill the hours with quietude.

 

Simple pleasures still exist

In the heart free to all,

While in the presence of God

As on his name I reverently call.

 

Sunday Sabbath in countryside

In a cathedral all my own.

Amidst the grandeur of God’s creation

My spirit worships at His throne.

 

 

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Kathleen Martens

October 24, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Isn’t it nice

There’s no place like home?

Yet so much fun

There are other places to roam.

 

A time of relaxation,

Rest and reprieve,

No work to be done

Raking garden’s leaves.

 

No toilets to clean

Or beds to change,

Just time to rest,

No appointments to arrange.

 

But just one problem,

Time speeds by too fast.

The days seem to fly

And they just don’t last.

 

And now I am home

To all my mess,

And the busy schedule

Of time’s duress.

 

But I’m already planning

Next time away,

Perhaps a year

I should like to stay!

 

But then I remember,

There’s no place like home,

Regardless how fun

It may be to roam.

 

Thank You God for safe travels.

Thank You too for all the wonderful people I met these past four days.

Thank You Lord for all the amazing experiences I enjoyed.

Thank You for the grandeur of the beautiful countryside.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU!

Friday October 21 2016  A WASH AND WEAR FACE

A photographer friend emailed a recent picture she took of me when we photographed a wedding together.  We test our lights by photographing each other.  And it is always fun to do a little posing or goofing off.  I have quite a collection of “light test” photos dating back many years.  The photos definitely show the passage of time.  If I had some of them available on this computer I would include them in the blog but they are not available.

The photo my friend emailed to me today was to give me an example of what her new computer program can do.  Her new program has the ability to add makeup to a person and change their appearance in various ways.  I’ll try to include them at the conclusion of this blog.  I’ll share them with you at the end if I can figure out my new update on my iPhone.  When I showed them to Dave I commented that I think I liked the original print the best.  He looked at it and told me that he did also.  He scrutinized my face and then made the comment that I have “a wash and wear face”.  Hmmm…I didn’t quite know how to take that at first.  Then he back peddled a bit (or maybe not) and said that what he meant was, I don’t need make up and my face looks good just as it is.  Whew!  He saved himself by his quick thinking!

After I thought about his comment for a minute I realized that yes, I do have a wash and wear face.  What makes it so is because I choose to make it so.  I choose to not take the time to doll myself up with makeup.  I can’t wear any eye makeup near my eyes (and where else would you wear eye makeup except around the eyes) due to the MRSA infection I had in my eye sockets a few years ago.  I had surgery in my forehead which was accessed through my eye openings.  I almost had to have my left eye removed; another long story which I think I’ve already shared.

I also choose not to use my precious time smearing my face with layers of anything except a moisturizing cream.  So, I wash my face, put on cream and I am ready to go!  I have too many other things I must do, so I choose to not do things that are unnecessary (at least in my book).  Oh yes, I almost forgot, I do comb my hair once a day;  and that is getting easier and easier due to how little hair I have left.  Someday my head might even be “wash and wear”. 

I thought it would be fun to allow you to see the “dazzling” me with makeup and less wrinkles.  It’s a onetime event so enjoy the attraction.  I’m glad that I have decided to be cremated (after my death of course) so I won’t have to wear makeup until I decompose!  Nothing like saying it like it is.

Chances are that there will be no publications of poetry this weekend as I will not have Wi-Fi access.  And for some reason, Dave won’t write any poems for me.  I’ll write while I’m gone and will bring you up to date on Monday night.  If you need to contact me, call our home number (family members) and Dave will know how to contact me.  I’m leaving my hubby behind…again!  I promise I won’t be gone four months this time.

 

A LITTLE TIME OF R AND R

Kathleen Martens

October 21 2016

 

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

On a journey to have some fun

A little time of R and R.

But so much prep to leave town

Especially packing of my car.

 

Into a world of quiet reprieve,

Horses clip clopping along the road

Pulling buggies that are always black,

And large families are their load.

 

Amish countryside still and serene,

A quaint cottage sits on a hill

Spent gardens surround the site

And starry skies the heavens spill.

 

The smell of smoke warming homes

On tranquil breeze all alone.

A peaceful grace quiets each house,

No TV’s, no ringing phones.

 

Kerosene lamps flicker and burn

For a short while till folks are fed.

Short days and early nights,

So soon it’s time for bed.

 

Four days with my friend

To talk, play cards and eat.

How precious the hours of life,

How easy a diet  defeat!

 

Thank You God for the beauty of the autumn countryside.

Thank You for interludes of relaxation.

 

MAY GOD BE WITH EACH OF YOU AND BLESS YOU THIS WEEKEND.

I pray for blessings to be on each of you this weekend.  Please pray for our safe travel and safe return.

 

 

 

Thursday October 20 2016  PREPARATION

 

PREPARATION

Kathleen martens

October 20 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Do you ever stop to think

That anything worthwhile

Takes so much preparation,

That you sometimes lose your smile?

 

The list could go on forever,

So I’ll cut right to the chase.

When I plan a few days away

The hours seem to race.

 

So much to do at the end.

Last minute packing to do.

And tidbits I need to buy

So I can survive the weekend through.

 

And that’s where I am on this day,

Planning for four days away.

It seems like so much work,

It takes the fun out of play.

 

So I am done, my tea in hand,

Relaxing as I think what to write.

Planning to be in bed by nine

So up at five won’t be a fight.

 

What a dream that would be.

Perhaps it can happen if I try.

So I must close this silly poem

For time is drawing nigh.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday October 19 2016  WHO ARE YOU?

Have you ever had someone ask you the question “Who are you?” because they were really interested in knowing who you are?  If someone did ask you, how would you respond? 

I met a new employee at my friend’s barber shop when I was there for a haircut yesterday.  Yesterday’s poem was born from that experience.  When we meet people we all do a quick assessment of them, whether we admit it or not, and that first impression is often a lasting impression.  Personalities are all different; some people are reticent, laid back, and in my opinion, sometimes just boring.  Other people seem so full of life that they seem to create a different atmosphere when they enter a room.  It is as if there is energy, a pulse, a love for life that permeates from them.  I would hope I would be the latter rather than the former description.

The new hairdresser I met had that impact on me.  After her client left I asked her, “Tell me who you are”.  Whew! Did I ever get an earful.  She sat in the swivel chair opposite me and thoroughly described her valued points of life, all in one breath; I probably received more information from her within the first 60 seconds of meeting her than I end up knowing from people I’ve been acquainted with for a year.  She was open, honest, and forthright.  I think a lot of people might have been turned off by such a comeback from the simple question of “Who are you”, but it was totally refreshing to me.

Most people have a desire to be known, appreciated, and accepted.  Here is a quick way to find out if the person asking the question really has any intent of knowing who you really are.  She peaked my interest by her quick, concise monologue; and of course I only wanted to know more.  She was refreshing and had laid a foundation between us.  I could accept who she was, or I could walk away.  She had pretty much covered all the bases of any future surprises.  Actually she was quite refreshing.

But, sometimes things are not always as they seem.  Do I really know this person by just this one meeting?  No, I do not.  Does she have hidden pains and fears of which I am unaware?  Probably.  She is more than likely just like the rest of us, doing what must be done, facing the fears that surround us, overcoming difficult situations, worrying about things that probably don’t need to be worried about, and searching for the reason she was placed here on earth.  And yet, on her face was a smile.  She exuded joy when she spoke, and I could feel the pulse of her life as she went about her job and interactions with others, as well as in her kindness toward me, an older lady.  Just meeting this young woman put a smile in my heart.  I hope when people meet me that they walk away with a smile in their heart.

 

WHO ARE YOU?

Kathleen Martens

October 19, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Who are you?

Is the question to ask.

Have you discovered

This daunting task?

 

It is not easy

To figure it out.

Some search forever

With anguishing doubt.

 

Who would you describe

Your self to be?

If I asked you?

Would you tell me?

 

Have you discovered

Your inner self

Or do you idly store

Your self on a shelf?

 

*I purposely divided the word “yourself” to “your” “self” in both stanzas.  It makes the meaning different.

 

How very fortunate I am to go to the barber shop I go to.  Both men and women are clients, and it is a full service hair salon.  But the best part is that my hairdresser is also a person that always puts a smile in my heart.  I enjoy having my hair cut because I love the time she spends talking to and with me.  And I just love who she is.  I always leave more refreshed than before I came.  

 

Thank You Father that I know that I am your child!

Thank You Lord for placing in my heart the desire to make others smile.

Thank You for all the wonderful people you bring into my life.

Thank You God for the poetry you place in my heart.

 

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!

Tuesday October 18 2016  A GREAT BIG WORLD

 

EACH ONE IS UNIQUE

Kathleen Martens

October 18, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The world is so full

Of new people to meet,

So many fresh faces

Available to greet.

 

But not everyone receptive

To speak to a stranger,

Because evil lurks

With so many dangers.

 

But once in a while

Through a mutual friend

The walls are let down

And relationships begin.

 

And from one conversation

Somehow you know

This is a potential friend

Because you are a kindred soul.

 

It is so refreshing

When someone is kind,

And even your quirks

They don’t seem to mind.

 

Perhaps it’s because

They are quirky too,

And their unique qualities

Blend with you.

 

But there is something special

When you hit a mark

With a refreshing new face

That smiles with a spark.

 

And perhaps that one meeting

Is all there will be,

But it was nice to meet someone

Who is as quirky as me!

 

And I really did meet this lady today who was just as nice as my poem portrays.   You see, I may be quirky, but I am really nice too!

 

Monday October 17 2016  DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW

It seems as if there are a lot of things to worry about in today’s world, just as I am certain it must have been in all the time periods in which we didn’t live.  Do you know some worriers?  Perhaps you are one yourself? 

The Siri definition of worry from my iPhone is: “ give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles; cause to feel anxiety or concern; cause annoyance to.  NOUN: a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems.”

The key words in the above definition are actual or potential problems.  The real problem being that there are probably fewer worries that are actual problems and more  worries that are only potential problems, but regardless, whether they are actual or potential, when you worry about either, worry has the same affect on the worrier.  I have known, and still do know a few people who I would describe as chronic worriers.  This scenario reminds me of a story I heard a preacher tell.  The preacher had a friend who was a chronic worrier and his worrying caused havoc on his health and well being.  After not seeing his friend for many months he realized that when they were together he noticed something was different about him.  His friend no longer worried.  The preacher man asked his friend how he overcame his worry problem.  His friend told him that he had hired a “professional worrier”.  This impressed the preacher man as he had never heard of this before but he could see that it had made a great difference in his friend’s demeanor, outlook, and mental health.  His friend went on to elaborate that it was quite expensive though.  He told his friend that it cost him $100,000.  Whew! That was a big sum the preacher man replied.  He said how are you going to pay for it?  His friend replied, “Oh, I just let him worry about it”.

If it were just that simple it would be great!  But to those that I know who are chronic worriers I somehow don’t think it would be as simple as the “joke” above portrayed.  One of those worriers was my mother.  She probably worried most of her life about something but I was only aware of it during the night.  The more she worried, the more she prayed.  I would hear her in the night praying and crying, mostly about her children.  To an eight, nine and ten year old (which I was during that time) it caused that worry to transfer to me.  I believe it was because of that, that as an adult I always had to prepare for the worst “just in case”.  Food was scarce when I was a child and I knew this was a worry to her as well, so as I set up household I always needed to have my cupboards full, even to the point of hoarding.  As I look back I can see how traits are handed down, both genetically and environmentally.  I was not the only one in my family that this was passed on to, but it is only my story I am telling here.  I won’t mention names.  All I know, it was a long term issue with me and it was only resolved in my life when I finally faced the issue head on as the Lord took me on a year long journey to help me become victorious over the seed of worry that had been implanted in me as a child.

It is probably a certainty that on occasions everyone worries about something.  If you have children worry is probably more prevalent than to those who are not parents.  Sometimes I wonder if something is wrong with me because I have so fully given up worrying.  It is an awesome place to be in one’s life.  Am I concerned about certain issues?  Yes, of course I am.  But the difference between worry and concern is that worry will not change the future one iota.  Concern is looking at the aspects of the situation, preparing ahead of time what needs to be done, (like having legal documents such as wills, power of attorney, that sort of thing in place) or just stewing about what could happen in situations of which you have no control.  I don’t encourage people to put their head in the sand and just simply not care about anything, rather, give whatever may be causing the worry into the hands of God.  That is what I learned to do.  There is not much I have control over.  So, rather than worry, I choose to give God praise, show gratitude for all I have, regardless much or little, put my children’s lives in God’s hands, and know that whoever is elected in this presidential election, that God is the one in whom I put my trust.  Regardless who is elected our country is in dire straits.  We could have war, upheaval, market crashes, terrorist attacks, and lose our freedoms if we go to a one world government.  Is there cause to be concerned?  Yes.  Is there cause to worry?  That’s for you to answer.

Ask yourself, will worrying make one bit of difference in the outcome, except to rob you of peace of mind?  When we finally learn to live in the present, knowing God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, and that He is for us, why must we then worry?  If you know where you are headed after your earthly body dies, then there is nothing to worry about.  It is God who is all knowing, is everywhere at once, and who is the deity with unlimited power and able to do anything and I AM GOD’S CHILD.  It was only then that I totally understood and embraced the knowledge that as A CHILD OF GOD, I no longer needed to worry.

If you do not know God in a personal way, rather than worry about what might happen to your eternal soul, give your life to God through the acceptance of His Son’s sacrifice, who loved you so much that he died so your sins would be forgiven.  When you are forgiven and live your life with the Lord dwelling in you, you will no longer need to worry where your eternal soul will live.  I’m not willing to take the chance that I might be wrong about salvation.  If there is no afterlife, I will have lost nothing.  However, if I am right and those who do not believe in God’s eternal salvation are destined to live for an eternity in hell, then I’ll certainly be rejoicing for having made the decision to live for God.  I choose not to worry about it!  I’m quite certain where I am going.  I’ve just experienced too many miracles while here on earth to negate God.  

“Man is choice, man is total choice, when man chooses not to choose, he has chosen.” (I do not know where this quote originates but it is not my original thought).

 

 

TOMORROW WILL WORRY ABOUT ITSELF

Kathleen Martens

October 17, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Worry is like a disease

That consumes from the inside out.

Furrowed brows and etched lines

Silent worry shouts.

 

Worry is not a help

To all of life’s woes,

It only consumes precious hours

To those caught in its throws.

 

How you look or who you are

Or what color your skin,

It is not worry that changes things

Rather deep inside change begins.

 

When you have no control

But spend hours of stifling sorrow,

What will happen happens

So don’t borrow from tomorrow.

 

Every day is so precious,

No amount of worry will add life.

Enjoy each moment that God gives you,

Rather than swim in worry’s strife.

 

Whatever your need may be,

Put your faith in God alone.

Turn to Him and lay down your pain,

God can take away worry’s moan.

 

Seek God’s kingdom and righteousness

And God will take care of His own,

He will instill peace and joy

As you worship at His throne.

 

Therefore, no need to worry.

Tomorrow is in God’s hands.

And tomorrow will worry about itself,

While in God’s presence you stand.

 

Thank You God for Your Scripture.

Thank You Lord for Your promise to take care of Your children.

Thank You for supplying all of my needs. 

Thank You Father that I can daily give my cares to You.

 

Matthew 6:25-34 New International Version (NIV)

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Sunday Sabbath October 16 2016  A FATHER’S INSTRUCTION

 

A FATHER’S INSTRUCTION

Kathleen Martens

October 16, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Pay attention and gain understanding

The voice of a father is commanding.

Do not forsake a father’s teaching

So your goals may be far reaching.

 

Listen carefully to what you are told

So it will stay with you when you are old.

Put the words deep into your heart

Cherish and honor them each day to start.

 

Seek wisdom and understanding in all things,

Do not forsake them; protection they bring.

Love wisdom; her protections is yours

For wisdom is supreme and will open doors.

 

Get understanding; though the cost is high.

Esteem understanding; and she will help you fly.

Embrace understanding; she will honor you.

A garland of grace will be her gift too.

 

A crown of splendor will adorn your head

When understanding is in good stead.

And when you listen as a father speaks,

Longer years made available the Lord to seek.

 

Because of good decisions your path will be straight,

And the Lord will help you seek your fate.

Hold on to instruction and do not let it go,

Guard it well to protect your soul.

 

Understanding is important, for it is your life,

And will teach you how to avoid strife.

It will also keep you from the wicked path.

Shun evil men and you shun God’s wrath.

 

The first glean of dawn shines on the righteous man,

But a man of evil, in darkness stands.

So pay attention to your father’s word,

And keep them in your heart, forever heard.

 

AND GUARD YOUR HEART ABOVE ALL ELSE THAT YOU DO,

For it is the wellspring of life and it will carry you through.

Put away perversity and speak it not.

It is your father’s teachings that are to be sought.

 

Remember well what your father has spoken

That your life will not veer or become broken.

Do not let his words out of your sight,

For those who have listened, turn toward the light.

 

“PROVERBS 4 (New International Version)

 

THE ABOVE POEM IS INSPIRED, INFLUENCED BY, AND QUOTED IN PART FROM PROVERBS, CHAPTER 4.

GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SABBATH SUNDAY

Saturday October 15 2016  OH THE STORY HANDS COULD TELL

 

OH THE STORY HANDS COULD TELL

Kathleen Martens

October 15, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Hands speak a thousand words.

In silent tongue they talk.

As they caress a new born babe

And teach their toddler to walk.

 

A story that exceeds what words can say

As an old lady sits quiet and still,

Hands folded serenely in silence

Which no longer do her beck and will.

 

Hands once smooth, now are veined,

Pots and pans she can no longer lift.

But those hands once cooked in mass,

Preparing for others her generous gift.

 

Fingernails now yellowed with age,

Brittle and stained with time.

But on that day so long ago

A beautiful ring slipped on so fine.

 

No thought given to all the tasks

The hands were required to do.

But as years past and pain set in

Her accomplishments became quite few.

 

Regardless the swelling and awkward bend

Of fingers that would no longer flex,

The hands devised many new ways,

Though sometimes fingers were vexed.

 

And through it all the spirit soars

Because life is so precious to live.

It is not what you can no longer do,

But to do what one can still give.

 

It may take longer to do a chore,

And the hands may need a rest,

But the joy is just being able to do

With limited movements, doing your best.

 

Oh the stories hands could tell

If they only could speak their voice.

But the attitude of those to whom they belong,

Tells the story of their choice.

 

The above poem was inspired by song I listened to today sent to me by a lady who reads my blog.  The song title is:

ONE PAIR OF HANDS

BY Carroll Roberson

 

If you would like to listen to the song you can do so by clinking on the link below.  IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL!  Be sure you have a screen for the visuals.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200715678792401

I hope the song blesses you as much as it did me.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU

 

Friday October 14 2016  HALF IS GONE

The month of October will be half over tomorrow.  Every day I type the date and it always seems surreal to see the days advance so quickly.  Remember our plans to begin setting up our Christmas tree on October 1^st?  Well, here it is the 14^th and we haven’t even had a moment to take our boxes out of the closet.

The sun room windows really needed washing and in order to do so we had to move all the furniture out from the walls and move all the little things into the formal dining room.  It took Dave a couple of days to finish washing all the windows, another couple of days to get all the large pieces back in place, and all the books and little do-dads are still gracing the dining room.  I have not had a minute to stop and do anything except the urgent pressing needs of the moment.  That is, until today.  But, unfortunately I wasn’t home.  Sunday’s nap was one of those “urgent pressing needs of the moment”!

So now we need to wash the formal dining room and living room windows.  And again, all the furniture close to the wall must be moved out, the windows washed from the inside, using squeegees to reach outside areas which are on the second floor. We haven’t figured that one out yet.  Normally we hire it done but this year we decided that since we are retired we should try to do more of the “house maintenance chores” ourselves.  Hmmm…maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. 

Perhaps you now understand why we start so early to get our Christmas tree decorated.  It will probably take us a month just to get the boxes out of the closet.  I’ll keep you updated.

It is now 9:00 p.m. and my bedtime.  So this will be a short blog. 

 

Autumn’s Recollection

Kathleen Martens

October 14, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry

 

Cool days and blustery wind

Bid summer adieu,

Sweaters and jackets pulled from storage,

Again feel quite new.

 

Morning light comes so late,

Internal clock reset.

Early evening beleaguered by dark,

Circadian rhythm beset.

 

Early to bed, early to rise,

Darkness becomes our friend.

All the daily outside chores,

Mid-day hours we must lend.

 

I view the world with new eyes

As it changes from day to day,

I stop and watch the flying Vee’s

Of migrating geese on their way.

 

To experience the grackles* in their flocks

Thousands darken the sky!

And our yard is their stopping place

As they go flying by.

 

Changing color as temperature drops,

More quilts go on the bed.

And brilliant shades sprinkle my view

From gold to radiant red.

 

Dazzling fields of drying corn

Shimmer in morning light.

Stunning landscapes around each turn

Create magnificent sights.

 

Spider webs sparkle with dew

With myriad, intricate design.

Like a lace floating in the wind

Workmanship oh so fine!

 

The sound of crunch on the path,

Cheeks cold with frigid air

Are recollections of the past

And so with you I share.

 

There is beauty yet to be seen

And cold you don’t want to feel.

Every day reveals new mystery

And that’s a really great deal!

 

Thank You God for the changing seasons in many parts of the world.

Thank You God that I live in one of the areas that has defined seasons.

 

THANK YOU FOR…

Kathleen Martens

October 14, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Thank You for the color I see.

Thank You for the wind I feel upon my face.

Thank You for the flowers and bees

For spiders who design intricate lace.

 

Thank You Lord for the rustle I hear

As wind flits through the leaves,

And thank You too that summer is over

Because I love wearing long sleeves.

 

Thank You God for Your majesty

That shines in Your earthly creation.

And for all the senses You gave me

In order to delight with such elation!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

 

*In winter, Common Grackles forage and roost in large communal flocks with several different species of blackbird. Sometimes these flocks can number in the millions of individuals. http://www.allaboutbirds.org

 

Personal note:  Sometimes when we are home as the grackles are migrating we hear a racket outside and we know the grackles are landing for a bit in our yard.  I am sure the birds cover a vast array of yards because there are thousands of birds which land in all the tree tops, the grass, and the fields around us. It’s as if the trees are alive with movement of their own.  When the birds take off they do so as if orchestrated by a choreographer.  They fly in mass from tree top to tree top.  The flap of so many wings must be like music to God’s ears; soft but crescendos, a sort of fluttering whoosh that revs up and just keeps on going.  The flock just keeps landing and taking off over a span of several hours throughout the day.  Usually it is only one day.  I do remember one such year however when it happened over parts of two days. 

At times we see them in the air from a distance and they literally blacken the sky in wide, long ribbons as they fly quite low above the tree tops.  Whether we view this escapade from our kitchen window or from the window of a car as we travel, it is one of such wonder that it takes my breath away.  Sometimes the ribbon of blackbirds stretch into the distance so far you can’t see where it ends and the same is for the distance from whence they come.  It is the kind of experience that you must experience firsthand to understand the scope.

Thursday October 13 2016  A WEEK IN A DAY

 

A WEEK IN A DAY

Kathleen Martens

October 13, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

It seems as if I have lived

A week in just one day.

So much I have accomplished,

I wish this day would stay.

 

Up before the crack of dawn,

Photo order sent in by eight.

The early bird gets the worm,

On this order I won’t be late.

 

Off to the gym to burn some calories

And to enjoy my water massage,

As I leave Dave as busy as a bee

Blowing leaves out of the garage.

 

After my restful time on the table

I’m off to supply my larder,

Off to Aldi’s and then to Costco

Because growing a garden would be much harder.

 

And once again I’m back at home,

Unload, unpack and put away,

While organizing in my mind

All the things I would do today.

 

Dave and I are such a team

We worked together side by side,

As we prepare the food to cook,

We wonder where it will hide.

 

Our refrigerator is so full,

And now it’s crammed even more.

Every Thursday the food box comes,

And we need more places to store.

 

I peeled and cut, diced and sliced,

Snapped green beans to go in the skillet

I got out the big pots and pans

And my food actually filled it.

 

Chicken bones bubbling in the pot,

Stir-fry sizzling its delicious smells,

And I snacked while I worked,

Hoping my hunger to quell.

 

Finally the salads were all made,

Fresh greens from the garden box.

The room so quiet as I worked,

No one around but me to talk.

 

Just in case you think it not possible

On occasion I am sometimes quiet.

And during my hushed interludes

My thoughts are actually a riot!

 

After lunch I cooked some more,

Cleaned up as I made each mess.

By the time the cooking was done

My kitchen was spotless I must confess.

 

And one thing just led to another,

No end to food prep in this house.

But eventually everything was done

Without one speck of food on my blouse.

 

That’s because I have my towel

That hangs around my neck,

It covers me both front and back

To protects my clothing from specks.

 

And dinner time had come and gone

And I had nothing at all to eat.

So I ate peanut butter and crackers,

And finally got off my feet.

 

Made some calls, then answered some

So as to keep contact with our son.

We’d like to schedule a day of celebration

When together we can have fun.

 

But it is not to be

For the next two weeks are full.

And not one moment in this day

Was there even a lull.

 

Worked on the album for two hours

And then stopped to go to bed.

That’s when I remember my poem un-written

And my poem needed to be said.

 

So this is the story my saga tells,

Just the busyness of my day.

Now I’m ready to be tucked into bed

If I not too tired to find my way.

 

Yesterday seems so far away,

Tomorrow seems to come too soon.

Perhaps I should take a day off

And sleep blissfully til noon.

 

GOOD NIGHT!

Wednesday October 12 2016  KITCHEN MEMORIES

Loud thunder and brilliant lightening greeted our early morning hours.  Dave and I were both up early due to nature’s stereo being turned up so high.  As I was leaning against the bathroom sink, a hot water compress covering my eyes, I could hear the cascade of rain pelting on autumn’s destruction of our fern garden through the open bathroom window.  It sounded like gentle secrets caressing the earth.

From the other end of the house I could hear Dave taking the clean dishes from the dishwasher and putting them away.  All else was silent.  The gentle rain and the sounds coming from the kitchen lulled me back through time.  My journey took me back, one by one, to all the kitchens of bygone houses, bygone bits of life, and bygone years.  A gentle peace accompanied my thoughts as the visual images of the past came flooding in.

My kitchen of today looks out toward the street, through the leaves of the big old maple tree out front.  The kitchen from our last house covered the entire wall above the sink and looked out past our deck, that was suspended on stilts, to a view which encompassed a vast nature preserve, the inland waters of the Carquinez Strait* where the moth ball fleet was anchored in the distance.  We were at the top of the highest hill in the Martinez, Pleasant Hill, and the Walnut Creek area in Northern California.  I remember many days looking down and watching the eagles soaring below us.  Often we were above the thick fog and it appeared we were peering down from heaven looking at the top of the clouds.

The house before that was a rental house we stayed in while Dave was in a transition job on a temporary assignment.  Again we were high up but our kitchen window faced the back yard which continued to climb even higher.  The entire yard was covered with ivy that grew thick and profusely covering both the front and back yard to the delight of the snail population.  We challenged our daughter to gather snails for us and we would pay her a penny a piece if she counted them.  She diligently found as many as she could in one day.  She collected bags of them and her count was 1,300.  She earned a whopping $13.00!  She threw them in the garbage can in the garage.  She did not close the garbage can lid. 

Early the next morning I went out into the garage to hustle the kids to school and the entire garage was sliming with snails in every direction!  I kid you not; they were everywhere.  And guess who got to pick them up!  After I dropped the kids off at school I came home to the hardest $13.00 our daughter ever earned.  I didn’t get paid for picking them up the second time.  When I threw them in the garbage can I put the lid on very tight!

The kitchen before the rental house described above was the second home we bought.  We lived there for 10 years and it where we brought both of our children home from the hospital when they were born.  The window was above the kitchen sink and the counter. The window was 10 feet wide and looked out on a block wall which stood on our property line about 6 feet beyond the window.  The wall was about 6 feet high.  About 10 feet beyond the wall was another large two story house with the bedrooms looking down into our un-curtained kitchen window.  That house was on a high hill and was located in the Santa Ana Canyon of Southern California.  We lived in the pathway of the famous Santa Ana Winds.**  Our back yard was high and we had a view across the valley to the Anaheim Hills crowded with stair-steps of homes carved on the opposite hillsides.  Most days our view was a valley of smog.  Many days would pass when we couldn’t even see the homes across the valley; except after the Santa Ana winds.  Then it was crystal clear. 

Outside our kitchen window was a very nice ledge that served only one purpose.  That was where our two cats would hang out.  Dave was unable to have the cats in the house due to allergies but the cats were ever faithful, knowing they would have moments of loving touches from me and that their meals were always on time.  That is the house we lived in when our two year old son drug a chair the length of the kitchen over uneven brick floors and licked the frosting off an entire round cake decorated for a cake walk later than night.  That’s a whole story in itself.

The kitchen in our very first home was on the flatlands of the Anaheim area.  We bought a brand new house and it was like a dream to me.  Remember, growing up I had never lived in a home owned by my family.  This was my first home in my entire life that I lived in which was not a rental.  Dave and I moved in six months after we were married.  The early seventies look was the “IN LOOK”.  I papered the adjacent family room area (which we used as a formal dining room) with bold yellow and orange wallpaper that went up to the slanting roof line of our house.  The kitchen looked into the family room.  The sink was positioned in the white tiled bar that divided the kitchen from the family room.  There was a large double sliding glass door on the far wall of the family room that overlooked the uneven dirt and rocks of our un-landscaped side yard.   Whatever I looked at during that time of my life really didn’t matter.  I was just in love with life and the new world that awaited Dave and me.  In other words I was immature and didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing.  Actually, that was a tough year for us as I adjusted to married life. 

And as far as our married life goes there is only one more kitchen to remember.  Our first residence was an apartment in Anaheim California a couple of miles from Disneyland.  Alas, there were no windows above our kitchen sink.  As I washed dishes I looked at a solid wall.  But there were a lot of other things we were focused on during that first six months of our married life that kept us quite busy; and we were seldom in the kitchen. 

Each kitchen holds its own memories.  I so loved being in all the kitchens of each place I lived.  I love cooking, making new recipes, and having people over so I can let them try my “experiments”.  I learned the hard way that I must experiment at least once with a recipe BEFORE I use it as company fare. 

The kitchen is the heart of our home.  I enjoy our kitchen because it is large, open, has places to sit at the bar, has an eat-in area and is outfitted with all that I need to easily prepare meals.  We had our kitchen updated in the late 1980’s and so I’ve been told it is ready to have another update.  HOWEVER…and this is a big however, I like my kitchen just the way it is.  I have conceded to having the wallpaper removed (a nice small subtle flower print) and having the walls painted.  But that is all I desire to have done.  I love my Formica counter tops, the built-in stove top, built in ovens, and the stainless steel sinks.  I have lots of counter space, three pull-out cutting boards, lots of storage space with pull out drawers, and a very inefficient refrigerator that I would like to replace.  However, the fridge is quite new so we plan to keep it for a few more years.

The memories I love most are the sounds and smells of the kitchen; the talking and laughter, the cooking and the crowding of people, and the smell of sweet potatoes caramelizing in the oven as onions and garlic simmer on the stove.  And I especially love the sound of my husband putting the dishes away.  It is a sweet sound to me.  Oh, and one more thing.  I love coming home at night from a function and walk into the lingering aroma from the soup I made earlier in the day.

 

SO MUCH FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL

Kathleen Martens

October 12, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

There is so much more I could say

About the sounds of life’s bustle

And all the stories of my life

While preparing food with all the hustle.

 

A place to keep things cold

A stove on which to cook.

And for whatever pot I need

I simply must take a look.

 

Utensils of choice for special jobs,

Mixers and squeezers, and measuring cups,

Bowls and spatulas, whisks and knives,

And plates on which to sup.

 

Spices galore grace my cupboards,

And containers of this and that,

Salt and pepper, flower and meal

And sugars that will make me fat.

 

Grains and beans await their turn

For a recipe to turn up

So they too can do their part

Measured out by the cup.

 

I am so grateful for all I have,

Especially the food that is ready to eat.

But I often turn my thoughts to others

Who live in poverty and defeat.

 

Those who have no food to prepare,

And go to bed without a meal,

And maybe not even a place to live,

No house or garden to till.

 

So many hungry in our world

Who starve more each day.

How can I help those who hunger?

How can I send food their way?

 

I cannot save the entire world,

But when I do even a small part

It garners strength when others pitch in

To help many have a new start.

 

And as I cook in my house

On a stove with glistening pots,

I never want to forget about helping

All those, who have not.

 

So give some thought beyond doors

And give every chance you can

To feed a hungry child abroad,

Or a local woman or man.

 

Food Pantries need donations,

Buy something extra to give away.

Even here close to home

Many need help along the way.

 

Be thankful for all you have,

For every morsel of food available to you.

Give thanks to God for providing

And every meal say a “THANK YOU” too.

 

Thank You God for all the food I have to eat.

Thank You for my garden box that comes during the summer.

Thank You for a kitchen in which to cook my food.

Thank You for the conveniences we have available in our homes.

Thank You for land that grows new crops each year.

Thank You God for You and Your mighty wisdom.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

*The Carquinez Strait is a narrow tidal strait in northern California. It is part of the tidal estuary of the Sacramento and the San Joaquin rivers as they drain into the San Francisco Bay. Wikipedia

 

**The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry down-slope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. Santa Ana winds blow mostly in autumn and winter, but can arise at other times of the year also. The winds originate from cool, dry high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin. The winds are known especially for the hot dry weather (often the hottest of the year) that they bring in the fall, and are infamous for fanning regional wildfires. For these reasons, they are sometimes known as the “devil winds” across Southern California. Wikipedia

 

 

 

Tuesday October 11 2016   A DEEP SADNESS  (POETRY DAY)

 

OUR COUNTRY IS QUITE ILL

Kathleen Martens

October 11, 2016

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

How sad it is to know

Our country is quite ill.

A cancer roams through our land

With intent to kill.

 

Evil abounds wherever you go

Sorrow and sadness the norm.

Our country is being divided

By such a political storm.

 

Regardless of who is elected

The demise of our country is near.

It may take a little while

But our end may soon be here.

 

We kill our babies,

Shoot public servants of valor.

Prisons full to overflowing

Because goodness seems so shallow.

 

Prejudice roars like a lion

In all walks of life.

Too many innocents are imprisoned

Causing so much strife.

 

Our borders unprotected

And will possibly be opened more,

It matters not who wins the election

We have no clue what’s in store.

 

How did our country fall so low

That the dredges of the human race

Are now fighting for the highest office,

Desperately running in place?

 

The future of our country

Will be ruled by liars and cheats.

Either candidate is labeled both

And their match is such a heat.

 

How sad it is to ponder

The cancer that grows within,

Because our country no longer has values,

But willingly accepts all sin.

 

Avarice rules behind the scenes,

Lying is the accepted norm.

Closed doors of corruption

Cause more evil to be born.

 

More and more rights taken away,

The word “tolerance” is the choice.

Unless perhaps you disagree

When your lift your voice.

 

As long as you see eye to eye

With the words politicians say,

It’s all right to speak your mind

And you’ll be considered okay.

 

But should you legally carry a gun

You are blamed for crime’s infection.

The mastermind is to make it illegal

To have your own protection.

 

Take away the rights of citizens

And allow our borders open to all,

And then let’s see how safe we are,

Because evil men ignore the law

 

And soon our land no longer governed

Of, by, and for the people.

The landscape soon will change.

And there may be no more steeples.

 

Freedom of speech will be in the past,

We will do exactly as we’re commanded.

And the cancer will overtake the land

And all freedoms will be abandoned.

 

So go ahead and go to the polls

And try to not think what’s ahead.

Because as the world goes now…

We’ll all have much to dread.

 

AND ON THE OTHER HAND…

Here is a poem I wrote in 2010

 

Words of Grace

By Kathleen Martens

September 21, 2010

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

There is such power in words.

To build up

Or tear down.

 

Do we say

That which is good?

Or words that carry a frown?

 

Words can cut

Deep in the heart

A wound of unseen blood

 

Where silent tears

Spill forth sorrow

Where no bandage can stop the flood.

 

Or words can heal

And give hope to life.

When given in loving grace

 

Can cause a heart to soar

With joyful song

When spoken softly face to face.

 

GOD BLESS OUR YOU AND OUR COUNTRY REGARDLESS WHO WINS THE RACE!

 

Monday October 10 2016  DO NOT COMPROMISE

“DO NOT GIVE UP WHAT YOU WANT MOST FOR WHAT YOU WANT IN THE MOMENT.  DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS.”

The above statement is a quote from a sermon message I listened to this morning while working out at the gym.  I backed up the audio and listened again to make certain I heard it correctly.  It was an epiphany moment, though not a new idea to me.  It was just that I had never heard the idea so succinctly worded.  I needed to hear it, TODAY. 

This past weekend was a busy, eat oriented weekend.  I was careful, but not careful enough.  Dave went to a men’s breakfast Saturday morning and they always have the kinds of foods he enjoys.  So that was his first meal.  Dave joined me on location at 9:30 a.m. to photograph a 35^th wedding anniversary.  Dave and I were invited to the sit down luncheon served to the wedding party from 35 years ago, family, and closest friends.  A WONDERFUL array of Italian food was served.  There was also an amazing array of desserts.  After the luncheon the open house guests began arriving for the afternoon.  

The caterers had the afternoon food prepared and presented in a beautiful arrangement within two hours of the luncheon.  AND OH MY GOODNESS…ANOTHER SPREAD OF DESSERTS.  Up until the last five minutes before we had to leave I had not taken even one bite of one dessert.  Since I was leaving I thought I should at least try one bite of what appeared to be cheese cake.  It was cheese cake; cold and firm (just like I like it) and the most delicious tasting cheese cake I have ever tasted (sorry sister)!   Well, I went back to the dessert table and cut off the entire piece of cheese cake.  Over the course of the next 45 minutes as Dave and I drove to our next event I ate the entire piece.  Probably about 2,000 calories!  But, it was so good.  And as I walked out with my cheese cake partially eaten I also decided to sample one other tidbit, a Norwegian cookie!

We arrived 45 minutes later just in time for a sit down dinner served in the formal dining room at our Son’s home.  We were there to celebrate our younger grandson’s birthday.  And yes, you guessed it, the party included all the trimmings, including popcorn AND cake served to all the party guests who arrived at 6:00 p.m.  My only salvation was that the cake was chocolate with chocolate frosting.  I was so glad!  It looked so delicious but I cannot eat chocolate due to a health issue so it was easy to pass it up.  Whew!  That could have been a 4,000 calorie day (and I’m only talking about the dessert calories)! 

And then today the preacher man I listened to on my iPhone from http://www.southlandchristian.org had to say the above words.  The statement hit a bull’s eye.  I have been struggling the last few weeks with over eating.  I don’t feel good when I take one bite over what I should but yet the food is always so delicious I think I can get away with it.  Well, I can’t.  I am still wearing the same clothes but I can feel a bit of tightness in some areas.  So, my goal has been to just refrain from the excess bites.  To attain and maintain my long term goal of keeping off the 80 pounds I dropped three and half years ago, I must not sabotage myself by allowing what I want in the moment to compromise what I want the most.  My goal is to maintain a healthy weight, stay in the same clothing size (especially since I only have one size in my closet now) and not eat sugar as it lowers my immune system considerably and makes me swell uncomfortably.  It also causes me to look and feel awful.

So, I will take to heart the words I heard spoken today.  I will not allow what I want in the moment to compromise what I want most.  Is it possible that this statement has also hit a tender spot in your life?  We each have our own dreams, goals, and visions.  Think about your life.  Are you missing out on what you want most because of what you want in the moment?  Give it some thought.  Tomorrow is a new day.  And after all, it only takes one day at a time to achieve what you want most if you will just bypass what you want in the fleeting, present moment.

 

DO NOT GIVE UP

Kathleen Martens

October 10, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

An instant in time

Insignificant and fast.

In those moments of indecision

Allow your dream to last.

 

Let not busyness

Take away your focus,

Nor other hindrances

Become like locust.

 

What you desire most,

Put on top!

Succumb not to temptation

Which may cause you to stop.

 

The long term result

Of being true to self

Will become your glory

And your help.

 

Make a decision

And follow the course,

Saying no to the temporary

Will be your force.

 

Do not give up

What you want most.

A WISE CHOICE EACH MOMENT

Becomes your helpful host.

 

Thank You God for the words I hear.

Thank You Lord for helping me to understand truth.

Thank You for the gentle reminders you give me daily through the voice of others.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!