February 21, 2010
Faintly from out of nowhere
Came the old familiar remnants
Of a song we had once shared
And with its ending—just as painless
You were gone.
Death came and took you away from me.
Missing You
I miss you driving up for peanut butter on toast.
(I miss coffee at Timmy’s the most…)
I miss you being silly and teasing me
I miss working together and singing silly songs
I miss your humor, the merriment in your eyes
I just miss you, Donald.
It’s always hard to say goodbye
To a way of life you’ve grown
Accustomed to—and harder still
To say goodbye
To friends as dear as you!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
As a writer I’ve been asked over the years to write Valentine ‘isms’ for friends, and lovers and soul mates. It hasn’t always been an easy job. But it has given me time and occasions to think about ‘love’ and what it really means. Not all that fluff that comes with Valentine’s Day although I’m the first to admit that I love all that stuff – cards, flowers, chocolates – it’s nice to be remembered.
But to me, love is the passionate and abiding desire on the part of two or more people (as in family) to produce together conditions under which each can happily exist, and spontaneously express one’s real self. Love is to produce together an intellectual soil and an emotional climate in which each can flourish, far more superior to what either could achieve alone.
Love is recognizing and accepting faults but loving in spite of them. It’s sharing dreams and working together to turn those dreams into realities. Love is quick to forgive; it’s being there for one another. It’s watching a movie you really hate because you love someone more. It is in loving, not in being loved, that the heart is truly blessed.
Bless someone this Valentine’s weekend – let them know they are loved!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Snow
I woke up to a blanket of snow this morning. Everywhere you look is white. The snow must go. I do not like the snow, Sam I am, not even the making of a snowball. I do not like the snow at all!
What should I do with myself on this cold and snowy day? I could write a poem, sing a song, clean a closet or I could do nothing at all! My mother used to tell me that idleness is foolishness. I suppose there is nothing worse than an idle hour, with no occupation offering. I'll ponder this as my day goes on.
Besides the noble art of getting things done there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.
I leave you with this word of advice: Be careful out there and remember it's better to slip with the foot than the tongue!
What should I do with myself on this cold and snowy day? I could write a poem, sing a song, clean a closet or I could do nothing at all! My mother used to tell me that idleness is foolishness. I suppose there is nothing worse than an idle hour, with no occupation offering. I'll ponder this as my day goes on.
Besides the noble art of getting things done there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.
I leave you with this word of advice: Be careful out there and remember it's better to slip with the foot than the tongue!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time
January 26, 2010
I can’t believe that January is almost over. Time sure seems to fly by when you’re having fun and I sure am having fun being Grandma to my ten month old grandson. I don’t mind a bit sharing my time with him. In fact, I have all the time in the world to share.
The great thing about children is that is that they don’t think about time. They don’t think about the past, they don’t worry about the future, they simply enjoy the present time, which few of us seem to do. Adults are always thinking about what we have to do tomorrow, or about the things we didn’t get done today. There never seems to be enough time in a day to get things done – none of that matter’s to children; time seems to stand still for them it has no bearing on their day. When they are hungry they eat. When they are tired they sleep. When they are happy they smile and giggle. They have all the time they need to play and who better to play with them then Grandma and Grandpa, and all we have the same concept of time as our grandchildren!
The older we get I think the more we realize that time is a great innovator and there is nothing if left to time that cannot be worked out; there are no optical illusions in time or in its space; you can see more clearly over the space of time and believe it or not – you do have all the time in the world so use it wisely.
I can’t believe that January is almost over. Time sure seems to fly by when you’re having fun and I sure am having fun being Grandma to my ten month old grandson. I don’t mind a bit sharing my time with him. In fact, I have all the time in the world to share.
The great thing about children is that is that they don’t think about time. They don’t think about the past, they don’t worry about the future, they simply enjoy the present time, which few of us seem to do. Adults are always thinking about what we have to do tomorrow, or about the things we didn’t get done today. There never seems to be enough time in a day to get things done – none of that matter’s to children; time seems to stand still for them it has no bearing on their day. When they are hungry they eat. When they are tired they sleep. When they are happy they smile and giggle. They have all the time they need to play and who better to play with them then Grandma and Grandpa, and all we have the same concept of time as our grandchildren!
The older we get I think the more we realize that time is a great innovator and there is nothing if left to time that cannot be worked out; there are no optical illusions in time or in its space; you can see more clearly over the space of time and believe it or not – you do have all the time in the world so use it wisely.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The prep, the planning, the decorating, the shopping, the wrapping, the cooking and now Christmas is over. Wait a minute; it doesn't have to be over. I think we need a little Christmas right this very minute!
I know that some say Santa is a myth, but he doesn't have to be. Jesus is the reason for the season, but Santa is the magic of the season. Kids grow up to fast; they need a little magic in their lives, time to dream, time to wish upon a star.
St Nicholas was a real person, a man with a loving heart who cared about children. Stockings were filled while children were sleeping. Nicholas did his gift giving secretly, under cover of darkness. (And he still does.) He didn't want to be seen and recognized as he wanted those he helped to give thanks to God. He had a seasonal concern for the needy and gave gifts to those in greatest need—the young and the most vulnerable. Christmas gifts and baskets given to those in need, along with other seasonal contributions to charity, reflect St. Nicholas' unselfish concern for others. He never wanted or expected anything in return. He represents the spirit of Christmas. When he died mankind carried on those traditions.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could carry on this spirit of unselfish giving every day? That’s exactly what Christ expects us to do. It’s what He is all about. Giving, loving, sharing, joy, peace – He is the reason for the season, God's ultimate gift to mankind -- a Savior. Folks, I personally think we need a little Christmas every single day from Christ, from Santa, from mankind--we need it.
And on that note, I hope you all had a happy and blessed Christmas -- if you didn't, maybe you need to practice your "ho ho ho's." Until next time.
I know that some say Santa is a myth, but he doesn't have to be. Jesus is the reason for the season, but Santa is the magic of the season. Kids grow up to fast; they need a little magic in their lives, time to dream, time to wish upon a star.
St Nicholas was a real person, a man with a loving heart who cared about children. Stockings were filled while children were sleeping. Nicholas did his gift giving secretly, under cover of darkness. (And he still does.) He didn't want to be seen and recognized as he wanted those he helped to give thanks to God. He had a seasonal concern for the needy and gave gifts to those in greatest need—the young and the most vulnerable. Christmas gifts and baskets given to those in need, along with other seasonal contributions to charity, reflect St. Nicholas' unselfish concern for others. He never wanted or expected anything in return. He represents the spirit of Christmas. When he died mankind carried on those traditions.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could carry on this spirit of unselfish giving every day? That’s exactly what Christ expects us to do. It’s what He is all about. Giving, loving, sharing, joy, peace – He is the reason for the season, God's ultimate gift to mankind -- a Savior. Folks, I personally think we need a little Christmas every single day from Christ, from Santa, from mankind--we need it.
And on that note, I hope you all had a happy and blessed Christmas -- if you didn't, maybe you need to practice your "ho ho ho's." Until next time.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Year End Reflections by Connie Hawkins
2009 is almost over. It's been both a year of joy and one of sadness. Joy first: I took my first airplane trip!! Yep, I finally got on an airplane and flew to Florida with my daughter to visit my brother and my father. We had a great time. It was so enjoyable. Would I fly again? Hum-m, I'm thinking about it. The birth of my adorable grandson, Jeremiah, (Little J) on March 30th was truly the highlight of 2009. He is such a delight and has captured our hearts from day one. He brings laughter and joy into my life.
Went to see the musical Chicago with the girls at the Bay City Players. It was so much fun, didn't realize how much I needed that night out. Struggled with trying to lose weight, which will be top of my New Year's Resolutions again for 2010. I've lost the same 30lbs four times--that's 120 pounds my friends! I know that one of these times I will actually lick it, lose the weight and keep it off. All things are possible with Christ! I wonder if the cereal diet really works?
Read the book "The Shack" this year -- everyone was talking about it so I decided that I needed to read it. I gained a lot of insight from the book and came away with a new insight about God the Father. It's a book that gives you a lot to think about.
I endured some physical hardships over the summer and into the fall. Nothing that cannot be overcome with a trip to Florida this winter!
In May my nephew (who is the same age as my son) died unexpectedly. I am so glad that Heidi and I got to spend some time with him back in February. In August a good friend from church had a heart attack and died -- he was 64. When people your age go home to be with the Lord, it makes you think about your own life and the path you are on. I'm trying to take some time every day to stop and smell the roses.
In September I traveled with my brother, my father and my daughter, to PA for a surprise 85th birthday party for my Aunt Lila and 94th party for my father. My cousin, Bonnie, graciously hosted the family, feeding 35 people every night for four days! Aunt Lila has dementia now and doesn't always remember who I am, but I always remember who she is -- the one who has been praying me through and now, it's my turn to pray Aunt Lila through!
In October, my high school friend, Mary, lost her 9-year battle with cancer. Mary was one of the most courageous people I have ever known and has truly been an inspiration to me. She said in her obituary, "Let the change you want to see in the world begin with you." She would always say that whenever we would talk, too. And so, in honor of Mary's memory I want to bring about some change in my life this coming year...first and foremost, removing some of the stone walls in my life that are keeping me from being all that God wants me to be. I know change must begin with me so I need to get to it.
I will look forward to 2010 with a positive attitude, working to accept the things I cannot change as I work more diligently to change the things I can. Peace, joy and love my friends.
2009 is almost over. It's been both a year of joy and one of sadness. Joy first: I took my first airplane trip!! Yep, I finally got on an airplane and flew to Florida with my daughter to visit my brother and my father. We had a great time. It was so enjoyable. Would I fly again? Hum-m, I'm thinking about it. The birth of my adorable grandson, Jeremiah, (Little J) on March 30th was truly the highlight of 2009. He is such a delight and has captured our hearts from day one. He brings laughter and joy into my life.
Went to see the musical Chicago with the girls at the Bay City Players. It was so much fun, didn't realize how much I needed that night out. Struggled with trying to lose weight, which will be top of my New Year's Resolutions again for 2010. I've lost the same 30lbs four times--that's 120 pounds my friends! I know that one of these times I will actually lick it, lose the weight and keep it off. All things are possible with Christ! I wonder if the cereal diet really works?
Read the book "The Shack" this year -- everyone was talking about it so I decided that I needed to read it. I gained a lot of insight from the book and came away with a new insight about God the Father. It's a book that gives you a lot to think about.
I endured some physical hardships over the summer and into the fall. Nothing that cannot be overcome with a trip to Florida this winter!
In May my nephew (who is the same age as my son) died unexpectedly. I am so glad that Heidi and I got to spend some time with him back in February. In August a good friend from church had a heart attack and died -- he was 64. When people your age go home to be with the Lord, it makes you think about your own life and the path you are on. I'm trying to take some time every day to stop and smell the roses.
In September I traveled with my brother, my father and my daughter, to PA for a surprise 85th birthday party for my Aunt Lila and 94th party for my father. My cousin, Bonnie, graciously hosted the family, feeding 35 people every night for four days! Aunt Lila has dementia now and doesn't always remember who I am, but I always remember who she is -- the one who has been praying me through and now, it's my turn to pray Aunt Lila through!
In October, my high school friend, Mary, lost her 9-year battle with cancer. Mary was one of the most courageous people I have ever known and has truly been an inspiration to me. She said in her obituary, "Let the change you want to see in the world begin with you." She would always say that whenever we would talk, too. And so, in honor of Mary's memory I want to bring about some change in my life this coming year...first and foremost, removing some of the stone walls in my life that are keeping me from being all that God wants me to be. I know change must begin with me so I need to get to it.
I will look forward to 2010 with a positive attitude, working to accept the things I cannot change as I work more diligently to change the things I can. Peace, joy and love my friends.
Friday, December 4, 2009
December 4, 2009
he Magic of Christmas
Remember when you were a child? The magic of Christmas seemed to appear over night. One morning you woke up, the Christmas cookies were baked, the candy made, the tree was up and looked so awesome and you thought to yourself -- WOW, it's magic!
Now that I'm an adult, I realize just how much work my parents, especially my mother, put into making Christmas a magical time of the year for my me and my brothers. Now, I'm the mom and the grandma! And it's my turn to bake the cookies, trim the tree, buy the presents! I'm the one who makes magic for my family, especially for my 8 month old grandson (who'll be almost 9 months come Christmas) -- and what fun I am having. :)
If you find yourself caught up in the busyness of Christmas, look at the holiday through the eyes of a child, the excitement and merriment that dance in their eyes, the joy on their faces; for children think not of what is past or even what is to come, they simply enjoy the present moment. It is never better to be a child than at Christmas!
Happy holidays, friends and God Bless us everyone!
he Magic of Christmas
Remember when you were a child? The magic of Christmas seemed to appear over night. One morning you woke up, the Christmas cookies were baked, the candy made, the tree was up and looked so awesome and you thought to yourself -- WOW, it's magic!
Now that I'm an adult, I realize just how much work my parents, especially my mother, put into making Christmas a magical time of the year for my me and my brothers. Now, I'm the mom and the grandma! And it's my turn to bake the cookies, trim the tree, buy the presents! I'm the one who makes magic for my family, especially for my 8 month old grandson (who'll be almost 9 months come Christmas) -- and what fun I am having. :)
If you find yourself caught up in the busyness of Christmas, look at the holiday through the eyes of a child, the excitement and merriment that dance in their eyes, the joy on their faces; for children think not of what is past or even what is to come, they simply enjoy the present moment. It is never better to be a child than at Christmas!
Happy holidays, friends and God Bless us everyone!
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