family – Rivers Renewed

Happy Father’s Day

I cannot think of anything more important in my life, than being the best husband and father I can be.

Besides being married to the most beautiful, amazing woman on the planet, being a father is by far the greatest achievement of my life. Our children are grown now, and they are absolutely amazing people!

They are filled with faith, care about others, and we are incredibly proud of them. And they are excellent writers! Isn’t that something??!

Wishing you a Happy Father’s Day!

A Day in the Life II

20160606_164850 Today’s sandwich is chicken salad and the cheese is some really spicy, jalapeno and cayenne pepper cheese.

This is milder than I thought, but definitely hotter than pepper jack.

We also ventured out today to an organic farm, and picked up some produce. And the other day we were at an organic dairy farm for meat and dairy products.

A ride in the country is always good! I really don’t have the inspiration for a poem today, life is busy.

And that’s something I wanted to mention. I’m still out there working, and not from home. Sometimes I work alot of hours.

No I’m not a medical professional, but I have to be there. Yes, we take precautions but I’m very concerned

about my wife’s condition and her immune system. The other day I drove her to her appointment for treatment.

I did think of retiring from blogging but you know what? I love writing, it’s who I am!

And I love your posts! So I’m still working out some modifications.

Now back to my sandwich. Wow, this cheese is great! And the wheat bread is fabulous.

Peace.

Happy Thanksgiving

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In our heart of hearts we long for home,

and a sense of belonging

that speaks to us.

Over the next few days, millions of people around my part of the world, will be traveling with the longing for home within them.

The gathering together, the drawing in.

Life is not always about the battles, and scars. It’s also very much about the healing, the joy, the forgiveness, the love and yes belonging.

My wife and I have much to be thankful for.

From our home to yours,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Note: The photo above is not from our home, but a museum. I’ll be off for the next few days but have a few posts planned. Peace.

As Autumn Fades

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As autumn fades, we remember

special meals,

the warmth of smiles,

passing the mashed potatoes

and at sunset – blankets,

and popcorn on the couch

with a good movie.

The Lifesong of Autumn

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In autumn there is not only the glory of leaves

but the harvest

the drawing in

and bringing together,

the closeness of love.

A lifesong

sung so wonderfully.

Having Shed These Shells

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Perhaps when our loved ones pass away,

it is not so much of dying, at it is of living,

in a different way, having shed these shells,

we call our bodies,

with all, of our limitations.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Music for the season! Peace to you.

Traditional Christmas song, sung by Lauren Daigle via youtube

As the Waterfalls Freeze

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As the waterfalls freeze in the mountains there is no sorrow,

no lamenting over what we once had, only the waiting

for a new sun, as our attention turns indoors,

to apple pies with ice cream, and

the holidays with family,

slowly rising

on the horizon.

Have an Awesome Week!

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Ok so hopefully you are refreshed and ready to face another week of work, and creativity, not necessarily in that order! Hopefully you will have time to work on that project you’ve been thinking about. You know the one, the one that’s been at the back of your mind, that you really want to begin!

I was really blessed yesterday, the whole day, but especially when the family took me out to lunch. Since you weren’t there, here is a small piece of our conversation:

“Why is the chicken so yellow, is that saffron?” “Probably.” “Wow, look at that bread, what kind of bread is that?” “It’s roasted pita bread Dad”. “Cool!”

And our daughters talked schools and friends: “Is she really a meteorology major???” “I can’t believe it.” “Yeah and is she is always talking about her boyfriend now…” There are chuckles around the table, until Mom chimes in, “Well that’s looooove……… you always mention his name……..and think about him……..” We roll our eyes.

Before we eat, I ask who will pray, and my oldest daughter volunteers. And she prays that, “Dad will be blessed on Father’s Day……”

Beaming, and filled with joy, this old guy says, “Amen”.

Put the petal to the metal, have some fun, and have an AWESOME week!

Peace and blessings to everyone.

“When we love people, we give them hope.”

My Other Grandfather

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He was a tough guy and drank too much

making steel, but he always loved Christmas

maybe it was the tenderness once a year,

lots of presents. Working in the factory,

then as a bartender, and the liquor store,

like I said he was tough, but not with me

I always saw the other side of him, he had a soul,

a gentle soul, and at the nursing home

he never liked being left alone,

and at the end he wasn’t.

Rest in peace, GrandPop.