So often I think of my parents and the history they lived through. We are all living through COVID-19 history. We wear our face masks, practice social distance, wash our hands often, etc. We take care of one another and ourselves. Our common story, one day at a time.
Future posts will feature the libraries in our area. I am always so grateful for libraries.
Thank YOU for your posts from many places. You add so much to my days.
I am creating a lot at home, since I am here most of the time. I can see this in my haiku. Recent posts are examples. I am calling these “Study Poems.”
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.
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.
