Thursday, December 28, 2023

A thought for 2024

Been decommissioned with a nasty sinus infection.
Feeling a little more human today,
so I thought I'd pop on and add to your day.

Work on you,
for you,
all ways,
always.

Seems like a good way to begin and spend 2024.
Heading to funeral in Orlando.
Won't be back to NYE day.

Enjoy what you have around you.
It is all a blessing.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

One Another

For so so so so so many people ...
Please let me know whatcha think ...

One Another
by Lyn Marinello


I've written of an empty stocking, waged words of an empty chair;
condolences in rhythmic rhyme to express a deep despair.
I've given in to sadness. Left a space for it to lay.
My prose is often all I have, feelings sympathy cards cannot convey.
I have penned my way through tears, put to paper all the pain,
In hopes that in the midst of my grief, another broken heart may be sustained.
I have written for all the parents, for siblings and for friends, as well,
to bridge a chasm unfillable, to keep life in an empty shell.
Grief if a necessary evil; a gaping wound that must be felt.
Take your time throughout the process to navigate the hand that you are dealt.
Mere words will never capture the breadth and width of life;
Or the constant gnawing ache of a lost child, parent, husband, wife.
But there is a certain warmth; a comfort in memories shared.
A blanket of eternal security. A tapestry of pained hearts bared.
The time in which we're given is a fleeting, precious gift.
A planet full of wayward souls, haphazardly adrift.
Or are connections that we have, a universal GPS?
A link to climbing mountains; to lean on through numbing distress?
In wandering through my loss, I've learned the hurt cannot be smothered.
The greatest tool that we each have is the love and strength from one another.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Merry Christmas

I have the unique opportunity
to kind of just unplug for a few days. 
I hope that you also take advantage
of this time to truly cherish your
loved ones and friends.
I am wishing hope and love and light
to those that might be struggling
or need a little boost
(including my own little self).
May the spirit of the season
bring you joy and peace.
Find blessings in the little things
and share kindness when you're able.
You are ALWAYS able.
Merry Christmas, friends.
You are some of my dearest and greatest gifts.

Friday, December 22, 2023

One Line

When a certain country song comes on,
I pull a Seinfeld and hush the room.
I don't even know the title of the song.
I am just completely enamored with one line.

ONE LINE.

And now,
having had old wounds re-opened,
adding fresh new ones,
woes from my babies,
and unexpected gifts that shock and warm my heart ...
read this line

this ONE single line

and let it seep deep deep deep within your bones.

Never leave I love you left unsaid.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Untethered

Those that know what's going on with us, will understand this post.
Perhaps, some that don't may get it too.
My husband made the comment, "I feel empty and lost."
It immediately brought this to mind.
If you're hurting or sad ~ or empty or lost ~
I hope this helps to some small degree.
You are not alone.


Untethered
by Lyn Marinello

There's a special sort of blessing that takes place upon this earth,
Literally tied, in womb, to Mom, at conception through to birth.
Dependent for all food and growth. Gestation creates a home.
A safe and peaceful haven no matter where we may roam.
Next we're bound by apron strings as childhood rushes by,
Always testing elasticity as we spread our wings to fly.
Then into young adulthood. We feel trapped under their thumb.
Like we're never going to get away about to surrender and succumb.
Time passes by, we build our lives, perhaps those calls out of obligation.
Forced to travel for the holidays. Interactions faced with trepidation.
We tend to get annoyed by the volume that you use,
By the layers that you wear or the phrases that you choose.
The calls become infrequent. The visits dwindle in their number.
And reaching out seems so mundane; a weighty task that we encumber.
And then, as life so often does, we take a curveball to the chin.
We're shown that life is very fragile and reality sets in.
The strolls down memory lane seem a much more frequent walk,
And every day a call is made for unimportant, idle talk.
But we have to come to realize that every chat's essential ~
Tidbits that are tossed our way are savored; reverential.
We help you put the layers on. With the volume, we add captions.
We sit patiently to help you out with these newfangled contraptions.
Holidays are cherished; embellished with your every phrase.
Happy to bound our tired wings. Content to share an afternoon laze.
There is not much we wouldn't do to be tied in apron strings once more,
To arrive at your little dated abode and have you waiting at the door.
But time is like the ocean ~ a grand ebb and equal flow.
An Angel brings a brand new life; a tenured soul must go.
A connection once so intimate, so pure and absolute,
Has swayed and frayed and frazzled but now stands faithful; resolute.
They've shared every bit of self, sometimes disheveled and often weathered.
Their steadfast love has paved a guiding path as we now travel on untethered.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Like a Lake

Love this little Lao Tzu quote:

Make your heart
like a lake,
with a calm, still surface
and great depths
of kindness.

And invite deserving folks
to take a dip.

Enjoy your hump day!

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Hugs

My cover photo kind of put me
in a hugging mood.

I just hugged you
in my thoughts.
I sure hope
you felt it.


Monday, December 18, 2023

Habit

From one Ralph Marston:

Make it a habit
to tell people, "Thank You!"
To express your appreciation,
sincerely and without the expectation
of anything in return.
Truly appreciate those around you,
and you'll soon find
many others around you.
Truly appreciate life,
and you'll find 
that you have more of it.

Make Monday Matter!

Sunday, December 17, 2023

A Long and Winding Road

I must apologize.
I've been a bit discombobulated lately.
I'm not normally on here on Sunday at all, but I was absent yesterday.
I was watching over my sweet husband whose Momma earned her wings on Friday night.
At 98, she sure has seen and been through an abundance of experiences.
As strong and sturdy and steadfast a soul as you could meet, she finally let go and let God.
You may know it's coming, but you are never ready.
Hope these words that woke me up yesterday morning do her justice.
You will be missed Inova Marinello.
You've left a legacy of love.

A Long and Winding Road
In Honor of Inova Marinello
by Lyn Marinello

It’s been a long and winding road with many a twist and turn.
You took every step undaunted; each opportunity to learn.
You stood firm within your faith. Family always at your core
Herculean strength ~ perhaps the model for that lore.
You traveled many places; taken paths no one would dare.
Coiffed, bejeweled, dressed to the nines. Met all your troubles with Inova flare.
You met challenges head on. Faced fears and loss and pain.
You’d occasionally crack and shed a tear or say something quite profane.
Steadfast in your beliefs, a heart so loving and so kind.
Always willing to lend an ear and also to speak your mind.
Hand in hand with Sal, you were never more content.
Surrounded by your offspring is the place that you were meant.
Greater joy could not be found than the gleam within your eyes
when spending time with family and its ever-growing size.
You created countless memories with the many souls you reached.
Improved the lives of every one with the fortitude you have preached.
It’s been a long and winding road. Beyond the trials, you’ve been blessed.
Enjoy Christmas at the throne of God, put your feet up, Mom, and finally rest.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Hey Alice!

The secret, Alice,
is to surround yourself
with people
who make your heart smile.
It's then,
only then,
that you'll find Wonderland.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Tapestry of Truth

I do not always know
where these things come from,
but I have learned to listen, write and share.
Hope it finds where it needs to go.
And, as always, please let me know whatcha think ...


Tapestry of Truth
by Lyn Marinello

Have you ever stopped, perhaps,
for a moment just to think,
of the hate within your words
or the poison in your ink?
You're not present in the moment,
you sit lofty on your perch,
choosing points you want to lean on,
then arrogantly besmirch.
You think your money gives you leverage
to speak of things you're unaware,
insist that everyone should follow
the delusions that you share.
You demand that wrongs be righted,
that we should all be wrought with guilt.
Your vista is the only one
in the tiny, narrow world you've built.
You request we pay attention,
but, my dear, you're not "all that,"
and your bland and baseless rantings
are just truly falling flat.
Maybe, in the morning,
as you stand atop your hill,
you'll have a bite of reality ~
it's an occasionally bitter pill.
In all your finger-pointing,
as you prepare another post,
it might be wise to see the whole
of that in which you're so engrossed.
Please ponder that your info
may be just a tad askew,
and the root of some of these issues
may begin with folks like you ~
who believe they know the facts,
but just consume what they are fed,
and without haste or caution
pull at every loosened thread
until the tapestry of truth
sits unraveled and all frayed
because it doesn't suit your narrative
or your failed attempts to persuade.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Wednesday Two-fer

Hoping this helps my day ...
and yours too!

Do everything
with a good heart
and expect nothing
in return
and you will never
be disappointed.

Do small things
with great love.

Enjoy your day.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Kindness

As you are perhaps shopping
for seasonal gifts this year,
maybe ponder simple kindness.
You can gift lots and lots of people
with kindness.
It costs exactly NOTHING!
The recipient though ...
WOW!
that simple gesture can mean
the absolute world.
We may notice things
that are not quite right.
We may wish they would
be in better shape,
eat better,
wear more flattering clothing,
or the like,
but they are deserving
of a great many compliments
as well.
Why dwell on the negative?
Just a kind word,
a helpful act,
a little support,
is a precious gift.

Monday, December 11, 2023

Words

As many of you know,
I pen poetry.
I have learned to listen
to the little voice within
(and/or from above)
that either ekes out
or screeches
things I'm supposed to put to paper.
Sometimes, it is at 3 am.
That may sound exhausting,
but if I don't get up and jot things down,
the words will swim about for hours.
Occasionally,
I have stopped a workout 
to find something to write on.
Intermittently,
(and thankfully not too often,)
it is while I'm driving.
This weekend,
it was while I was showering.
Now I'm pondering
if I need one of those wet boards
to jot stuff down in there
if it happens again.
LOL
Listen to your inner artist.
Share your gifts

Keep your eyes open
for a new poem soon.

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Sunshine

A Saturday snippet for ya ...

It never hurts
to keep looking
for sunshine.

~ Eeyore

Friday, December 8, 2023

Magic

There is magic in this season.
There is something special
that lingers in the air.
A sweet, divine blanket
that wraps you up
in wonder and kindness.
It's in the lyrics of the carols;
in the gleaming eyes of children;
in the twinkling lights;
the iridescent ribbons;
the joy in hearts.
If someone has lost sight
of these things,
please share with them
a little of your magic.

Everyone needs
a little magic.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Tiny but mighty

This little tidbit
flickered across my screen.
I almost missed it.
But it kind of whacked me
in the forehead.

Apparently someone
(perhaps myself)
needs to see this.

Yesterday is heavy.
Put it down.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Small and Simple

Stole this from a framily member
who just oozes a beautiful and calming love
every time I look in her direction.

Thanks Amy!
(She did not write it, but I'm sure sharing!)

We think
that it is the big moments
that define our lives ~
the wedding, the baby,
the new house, the dream job.
But really ...
the big moments of happiness
are just the punctuation marks.
The narrative is written
in the small and simple.


Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Nonsense

I may actually have posted this previously.
It just seemed, however,
appropriate to share again.

I do hope it finds its intended target.

The older you get
the more quiet you become.
Life humbles you so deeply
as you age.
You realize 
how much nonsense
you've wasted time on.

Agree with absolutely everything,
except maybe the quiet thing.
Oh boy ... do I use my voice.
Perhaps its meant as introspective.

Have a totally tantalizing Tuesday.

Monday, December 4, 2023

Learning this ...

over and over and over again.

One who believes
in himself
has no need
to convince others.

~ Lao Tzu

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Soggy Saturday Snippets

Here's a pair of ponderings
to whisk you through your weekend.
Good stuff right here.

You cannot change someone
who does not see an issue
with their actions.
You can only change
how you react to them.

and

There will always be someone
who can't see your worth.
Don't let it be you.

Have a safe and happy weekend.

Friday, December 1, 2023

Dadgum It!

Have always loved this quote.
Not certain of its origin.
Don't really care.
It's spot freakin' on!

If your path demands you
to walk through hell ...
walk as if
you own the place.

Happy Friday.
You're welcome.