spruce tree branches
by the window
where I write
thoughts of my parents
and all the history
they lived through
one day at a time
and careful plans
for the future
as I write in this day’s
bright morning light
spruce tree branches
Category: Generations Of Faith
the light of many new times
This week, I wrote:
November morning
I learn the light
of a new time
And I am thinking about this on many levels. I have learned to see the art, beauty, light, faith, and hope of many new times. Sometimes I may not realize during a difficult time just how much I am being blessed. When I was in the hospital in June 2018, by God’s grace, I was not afraid and I said thank you to all who were helping me. Some things about my health are much better, and some are a work-in-progress. I accept this.
After the hospital, I thought, where did I learn how to do this? And I thought of my mother, and times with her when she needed the care and I was there as her daughter. Now sometimes too some of the medical professionals who help me are a generation younger, and I honor and respect the latest science and technology, along with daily practical advice. I can receive direction. And again, I think, where did I learn how to do this?
And again, my mother, most of all. And many other artists and writers, here and in print, over many years. Grateful for all, and all the generations.
Lots of life chapters, by God’s grace, and new light to learn always. Daily dedication and small steps. So much gratitude.
In many ways, I have always been an old soul, and so am comfortable amidst life’s challenges. I work to be independent – with so much support from Karl – and if I need more care some day, some year, I will look for the light there as well.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psalm 23: 1–2 (KJV)
Thank you,
Ellen
Image credit: wpclipart
Creativity Over Time
I realized that my two posts yesterday reprinted a poem published in 1994, and then another poem in 2014.
Poem and Garden Journal Photos
writing over time
more than sometimes
I knew
lessons learned
lived again
anew
what was learned
can be applied again
with new wisdom
losses and griefs
changes
and health needs
so much creativity
and gratitude
rest and patience
always beauty, love,
faith, hope
Wait on the Lord:
be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 (KJV)
Ellen Grace Olinger
Creative Notes: Turning the Page
Poem, Bible verse, and thoughts from a post in September 2014:
turning the page
of an older book
the age in my hands
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation . . . Psalm 71: 18 (KJV)
I wrote the haiku awhile ago. I’ve always been an “old soul” and always felt my gifts with the language arts would take a long time to begin to grow. When I read verses in the Bible that encouraged me to take the long view, I had no idea blogs would be the answer.
And creative notes today:
I have a few drafts of chapbooks in progress, with my poems from our blogs. And I’ll add photos. Many ways to create, and each book can be different. I am still happy with Quiet Christmas Poetry, from 2014.
As I work through this process, the posts here with dates and any publication credits help a lot. I also save emails and letters from editors and have a few shelves where I keep print journals and books. Grateful to the editors and all readers for their encouragement.
Ellen Grace Olinger
These are two of my favorite photos by Karl from our recent visit to The Sheboygan River at Kiwanis Park. We saw many butterflies.
Books
I look at my shelves and think, “I love my books.” They are not perfectly organized, rather I make different arrangements here and there. I bought more used books at Goodwill in Sheboygan this week. And we have bought used books at the libraries in Sheboygan, Oostburg, and Cedar Grove. I enjoy reading and learning from different generations and styles of writing. Not necessary to always finish – not taking a test or teaching a class about the content. When my formal education years were complete, I had to learn how to read again, in a simple way.
When I search for used books on Amazon, I often look for books that had been in a library somewhere. I like seeing where the books have been.
And on a general note, how wonderful to have interests that can span a lifetime. I am not a math or science person, though cannot remember learning how to read. During my mother’s last illness, we kept books, newspapers, and magazines in her world. Just their physical presence was a comfort. And I read to her.
Books and blogs – gardens and flowers – so many blessings every day! Vintage art too.
Floral Card is courtesy of Free Vintage Art.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Age and Place
where one person may see
an empty building
I see the store that
was there before and
where I shopped
for my mother
the road may look grey
with rain today yet
I remember this road
on all kinds of days
over many years
and seasons
bookstores may have closed
yet shelves of books
to look at and perhaps buy
exist in different places
thrift stores and other stores
library discards too
one step at a time
a new life can grow
and sometimes later
we may realize that
we are more at home
than ever before
Ellen Grace Olinger
