An Original Poem....

From Our Hearts' Haven......

My oldest (19yrs) was to write a poem for her British Literature class at the local college. Most people balk at being TOLD to write a poem......add Anne to that list. :) The poem was to be in a similar style to William Blake (1757–1827). I hear tell, she sat at the table saying: Treadmill, Treadmill.........Winter, Winter.........and finally in frustration, looking at her notebook, found her inspiration! What do you think? She writes like a poet to me! :)

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The Sighs of a Non-poet

Notebook! Notebook! gleaming white
For Poetry I cannot write
Heavily my heart doth sigh,
I’m longing for a cup of chai.

Searching my mind for a single rhyme,
This poem is due, but I need more time
Who can help—some muse perhap’?
Oh glad would I sit in Inspiration’s lap.

Type, I must, but all in vain
My soul dry, I distrust my brain;
I am not Milton, Blake, or More,
Creating stanzas is such a chore.

Notebook! Notebook! gleaming white
Yet Poetry I’m forced to write
Fill the page with a clever lie,
Now where is that cup of chai?

Disclaimer: Anne considers herself poet in no way whatsoever.

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She actually wrote that last comment at the top of her paper. Poem reprinted here with pernission from the author. :)

It is based on the following poem of Blake's:

William Blake.

The Tiger

TIGER, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder and what art
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the lamb make thee?

Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?



Enjoy! Blessings on this snowy night!

~C~

Thankfulness Times Ten

Happy New Year, 2008!!

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Recently, I read about research showing that folks who use journaling to write what they are thankful for...instead of just a place to vent, find their lives are more happy, more satisfying. It got me thinking......yeah, I know, scary thought.......well, it got me thinking, it might be kind of nice to just find ten things I am thankful for, in the moment. I have no rules...I may go over ten, if I cannot help myself......I may repeat myself.....and, I will write in no particular order of importance. If you feel inspired to do the same....do link yourself here in the comment section.

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My friend had a very long list at the bottom of her blog, adding to it as needed. I am not sure if it is there on her new blog. I sure enjoyed the idea.

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Okay, here goes......

1. For my new car.....it is a 2001, but it is new to me. My husband found the perfect car for me....and after traveling cross-country in it for two months, and other various shorter trips.....it performs very well. I think you can find it in one of my first posts on this blog. It is on my mind right now as I travel....and appreciate it.

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2. For getting to spend some time with mom on this trip. It was great fun looking at really old photos.....and for finding baby pictures of Aunt Jennifer and Cousin Julie...who knew any existed :)

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3. I am so grateful that I am 43 years old...and I still have my grandma around! She is 86 and a half.....and she reads my blog! :) And, I love that my kids have a relationship with her.....since we go visit her at least once a year. And, I love that she lives near the ocean.......makes visiting her twice as grand! We just love her stew!

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4. Something I thank God for every day of my life: for the lovely & beautiful Catholic faith. God picked me to join His church 23 years ago.......and I treasure every moment with Him, and especially every opportunity to receive Him in Holy Communion. Sometimes the graces are palpable...aren't they?

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5. I appreciate the way the use of the internet has brought so many true friends into my life. You know who you are........but especially Willa, Robynn, Su, Erica, Miss Laureen, Mary Chris, et al......

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6. After living a bit isolated for many years, God provided true friends for me in real life.....Gloria, Cindy, Shawna, Louise & Patty..........are amazing GIFTS. Thank you, Ladies, for just being who you are.....who God is calling you to be.

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7. My husband, whose love language is "acts of service".....what more can I say :) He takes such good care of his family.........amazingly great care. He is the poster child for "acts of service." :)

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8. I have six some of the best kids in the world. I thank God regularly, for doing such an incredible job raising these kids in spite of their parents. :) Now, just to remember to tell them more frequently...they sure do deserve to hear it.

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9. Homeschooling.........I know we have our gaps and are "behind" in a few ways....but the homeschooling lifestyle we live has been one of the best and biggest blessings we could ever hope to receive. My favorite part: my kids have relationships with other, memories with each other.........because we are together almost all of the time.

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10. My dad....he is kind of different from most dads.........but, he is a great dad. He calls me almost daily........insists on taking us to Disneyland, just so he can watch us have fun....loves to watch movies and eat mint'n'chip ice cream with pretzal sticks. Mmmmmm. Oh, and he is nice and gives great back & neck massages.........come to think of it....he just fell asleep while giving me one....I hear him strirring.....wonder if I can get him to do it some more..... :)

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I can think of more....but I will save them for next time...I am getting pooped out here......not enough rest lately.

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We are away from home right now, visiting my family in Northern Nevada, my former home.......home of my college graduation, wedding and newlywed years and the birth of our first child. Please pray for our travels as we deal with storms in the west on our way home this week.

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Blessings to you and yours this new year!

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~C~