TO BE TAKEN ORALLY

ESTRANGED
Mouthed apologies fall like scattered cards,
fill the vast space between us,
two tragic actors bound
in a play of regret.
Half-erased words fill the silence
as barbed hours lapse into wounded days.

Dreams left undreamed
crumble into ancient memories,
as we live separate lives joined
in an existence under siege.

A bitter seed takes root,
our clouded existence
a lurid wreckage
in an incessant storm.
---Rose Lefebvre, author

Words are so powerful - they can give someone a multitude of possibilities to strive for, or create a chasm that is so deep one can never escape.
The effect of our words on someone is strong. Words offering praise and support can give someone the push they need to achieve a goal.
Words of comfort and hope can lift someone from darkness into light and give them strength to move on.
Words can bring people together or shatter relationships.
We all make mistakes and say things before thinking, then wish we could erase the words spoken in anger or hurt. Often our anger or hurt causes us to end up on a carousel, spinning into a continual response that causes more agony and destroys bonds.
Once in this repetitive mode, even apologies become casualties. Our words can heal or destroy.
They can come from love or from anger.
We have the power to make a choice.

SEEKING HOPEFUL HORIZONS

I had never heard the song I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack until the day my niece, Vanessa, got married a few years ago. My brother, Jim, had chosen the song for the father/daughter dance at the reception. As I watched them dance and listened to the words I was struck by the messages the song expressed. I was also moved by the fact that my brother had chosen this song to convey to his daughter his dreams and wishes for her. At that moment, this song became one of my top favorites.
It is inspirational for me.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance....
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance.
Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking,
Loving' might be a mistake but it's worth making,
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to selling out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...
I hope you dance, I hope you dance.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...
Dance....I hope you dance.

So simple a song yet it says so much.
To me, it says to always see the beauty and wonder of the world that surrounds you, to always give thanks for what you have and for those in your life, to know you are one small part of this world but you can make a difference, and most importantly, never give up. When feeling overpowered and weakened, keep going as best as you can.
What does it say to you?

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY TO BROGAN!!

My best friend's grandson, Brogan, celebrated his first birthday on Saturday, August 8th. This is also Sue's first grandchild! I am the "Nana" Rose to him because his mother, Christina, is like an adopted daughter since I have known her all her life!!

Sue and I had to work Friday, the day before the party, to do some prep work--last minute shopping, putting together goodie bags for other children attending the party, and an occasional stop at a garage sale along the route!

Also we were honored to have Brogan take some of his first steps!! He took 3 steps to Grandma Sue and 2 to me!! It is a good thing that Brogan's father, Weston, witnessed some of this or Christina would not have believed us since she has not seen it so far.

Saturday morning had us a bit worried as it almost threatened rain, but it turned out to be a lovely day. Weston had a slide show of Brogan's first year playing continually for everyone to see. He has had many photographs taken of him since daddy is an amazing photographer and now Brogan is his favorite model!

I also took many photographs as have promised to create a birthday celebration scrapbook. Thank goodness I have many to chose from among those I took, those Weston and Christina took, and those Grandma Sue took.


Here is a photo of Brogan with 2 crazy ladies--his Grandma Sue and Nana Rose!
I will post a few photos on this blog to the right.