Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day traditions
perfectly unfold
with ol' Tom turkey
slowly cooking; Sweet potatoes,
mashed potatoes,  a green
bean casserole, cranberries
and creamed corn
Friend and family
gather at table
made festive with
familiar heirlooms from
two loving grandma's;
Organdie  dishes, and
gold plated flatware
We join  hands,
and lift our hearts to
 pray a prayer of
thanks for the gift
of each other, God's abiding grace,
and the bounty we share
For loved ones far away,
and those no longer
here -  All  sweetly remembered
as stories are told
Past memories held
dear, new memories  are born

Early Winter

The calendar says
Autumn; Thanksgiving Day
not yet here, but winter
has come, snow has
arrived, quietly falling
from a colorless
sky, covering north
Idaho with a cold,
frosty white - looking
like  Currier and Ives
at Christmas time.
The woods are
silent, no  sound
of bird, or critter
to be heard
Deer seek shelter
under heavily flocked
trees , trying to
keep warm  from
an afternoon temperature
of twenty-three degrees

Winter Approaching

Signs of winter weather
travelling this way, across
field and mountain
and farm and town are
seen in  low hanging clouds, in
a sky of charcoal gray;
Of cold wind whipping
through northern pine trees,
twisting limbs  like the
sway of a hula dancer,  and migrating
birds flying south.  Maple's
dropping their colorful leaves,
covering the ground
like a red and yellow
blanket; Morning  frost on the
doorstep, and late afternoon
like the dark of night

A Sorrow Shared (Mike and Walt)

When Susan called my cell so early in the morning I knew something was wrong. I had anticipated she was calling to tell me her 96 year old mother, whose health has been declining in recent months had passed away. I wasn't prepared to hear it was her oldest brother, Mike.  My eyes welled with tears, I wanted to hug  my life long friend, to be with her,  and share her sorrow.

While I  listened   to  Susan  telling    me the sad  details of   Mike's death, that he  suffered a fatal heart attack ,  my mind flipped back  eighteen months earlier  when  I was the one making the phone call,  to tell Susan my  brother,  my Walt had died.   Like Mike, from a  massive heart attack.

Throughout our conversation,  I couldn't seem to escape a single  image  locked in  memory's  view  -  a picture from 1963,  an 8 x10 photo.  Camp Little Green Valley. Southeast YMCA.   Susan's  brother, Mike,   a camp counselor is  standing in the back row -  my  brother, Walt,  sitting in the front row.

I thought of those years so long ago,  Mike  working   at his dad's hamburger stand across the street from our apartment on Heliotrope, Walt  still riding his bike, and playing cowboy and Indians with neighborhood kids. Susan and I not yet in high school,   but walking home from   school together . Meeting each afternoon at the corner  of the  different grade schools we attended - Susan's  Zion Lutheran , and my  St. Rose of  Lima.  I thought about how our lives   intersected, as did the lives of our brothers - if only one summer in 1963.

Veteran's Day 2011 - Reflections

This past Sunday at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic church,   in preparation  and remembrance  of  Veteran's Day our pastor , Father Bill invited all  veterans sitting in the congregation  to come forward for a special blessing,  and recognition for their service to our country.  My husband, Gary and our friend,  Marty Mednis were  among many who stepped forth. Without saying a word, seeing  the age of each told the  generation they represented.  While none  are no longer here from World War I, there were a few from World War II, several from Vietnam , and  many who fought in Iraq. As Father Bill  presented each with an American flag pin with a cross overlay, the congregation gave them a standing ovation.   I felt proud of my husband for the time he served during the Vietnam conflict, and proud of all.  Each one a  piece of the fabric that makes our land great. 

In Bell, the southern California city I grew up in, the official name of the park was Veteran's Park, but us kids mostly called it Bell Park. It was a great place for Dodge ball, tether ball, softball, swings and slides.  I don't know how old I was when I first understood our playground was named in honor of the military men and women who served our country ; American veterans of all wars - men like my grandfather, Cecil Cooney, great uncle Andrew Norton, uncles Lloyd Cooney and Bob Breedlove,  and how significant   that was for me, and other children playing so innocently, and free.  Men who sacrificed and believed in something bigger than themselves.    Veterans honored  then were soldiers from World War I, known as the Great War - the war to end all wars,  World War II, and the Korean War.    Vietnam , the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan were still far in the future.  Today November 11, 2011 -  veterans of those later  conflicts  are also  remembered for their sacrifice and duty to country, receiving gratitude from a grateful nation for their fortitude and service.

This morning I read about the history of Veteran's Day on the US Department of Veteran's Affairs website, http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp  and was struck by this opening paragraph,

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

The war to end ALL wars. If only it could have been.

Yes, let us always remember Veteran's Day - the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month  when the 'war to end all wars' came to an end,  and as we look forward , let our  constant hope and prayer  be just that - the war to end all  war.  

AUTUMN MOON, IDAHO SKY

An Autumn  (full) moon
in a big Idaho sky
shines bright
like a flashlight
in the dark of night
over tree covered
land, and beauty
of the north -  Rockford Bay
and Lake Coeur d Alene

The Artist

She hasn't painted
since her sister passed away
More than a sister, her
best friend, and painting
partner -  the one who
encouraged and inspired                                    
her art. Now, the canvas
is blank , the brushes tucked
away, and  the vivid
colors stored in a drawer.
Perhaps not today,
but someday soon, she'll paint again;
Something beautiful in
memory of her beloved Linda

Natural Beauty, North Idaho & The Danger of Changing Landscape

Mountains and prairie,
river valley and farmland
so much of north Idaho still
rural, allowing for the beauty
of natural land
Evergreen trees, pine trees
white birch, and white
tail deer. Wild  huckleberries
and grizzly bears; Moose and
elk roam the woods while
Osprey and Eagle fly
in a smog less sky

I wonder though, how
long will it  be
before  Joni Mitchell's
parking lot
takes victory here;
Not the loggers who
earn their living by
timber dollars, but
developers and local
politicians  making  way
for high rise buildings
and shopping centers                                          

WOODSY WALK IN AUTUMN

As I  walk through the woods
cool, crisp air brushes against my face
I wear a  fleece hat to keep
my ears warm, and  a bright
yellow jacket
I notice the color of the leaves
have changed from summer
green to autumn gold, and
take  in the smells of nature
that smell so good
this time of year
I reach the rim and
look out at the lake; silent
and calm.
Overhead, the  blue
of the sky isn't filtered
with smog or haze, but clear
and beautiful. It seems
close enough to reach
up and touch
Nearby, a  Red Shafted Flicker
rapidly raps  the trunk
of a tree with his pointy
yellow beak , and I'm
reminded it's time
for home

October 29, Night

Tonight,  a sliver
of a moon
set against
an ebony sky;
A trillion, zillion stars
glimmer and shine
like rhinestones on
a paper crown

Vinyl Records & Bing (Crosby)

 On the way  driving to  Clarkston Thursday, my mother and I   stopped at a thrift store in Moscow. I was delighted to find a collection of Bing Crosby vinyl (78) records from the 1940's, and quickly purchased them.   They are thick and heavy, like records were at that time - allowing for a deep, rich sound,  and  recorded on Bing's long time  label, Decca.

Everybody has their favorite male singer. For many, maybe most,  Frank Sinatra is considered   the best pop vocalist of the twentieth century. No doubt, Frank had a great voice, but for me, Bing Crosby is the voice beyond compare.  His is like a finely tuned instrument so sweetly, and beautifully played.

I could hardly wait to get back to the house and listen to Bing sing.  For an hour mom and I sat in the charm of her downstairs family room, and played record after record.  Pleased at their good condition, and quality of sound, we agreed it was like having Bing right there in the room , singing to us alone , in his vibrant, melodic  baritone;  Night and Day, Begin the Beguine, Far Away Places, and Tarra, Ta-Lara Ta Lar.

Later that night , after I was in bed and said my prayers, I thought  how wonderful   it was that  a man long dead , a man who recorded his first song before either my mother or I were born continues to bring a smile to others by the tunes  he croons.

October 25, 2011

Sixty one candles on my birthday cake
Sixty one reasons to celebrate
Sixty one reasons to sing and
dance, grateful for the gift
of a wonderful life
Like a kaleidoscope of
color on a big movie screen
there's sunshine and laughter
mixed with tears and rain
Featuring a star-studded cast
of family and friends
with stories to tell, sweet
memories to last 

My Birding Experience

    Stealth like,  it  swooped low and flew very near where I was walking,  startling me  out of  my reverie and quiet reflection. With its wings spread wide, the bird was huge and kept my attention as  he glided through the woods. I continued looking up, and followed his direction.  Maybe one reason I pressed on despite the wet leafy terrain, getting my pants soaked and shoes all muddy is because I had recently seen Steve Martin's new movie, The Big Year, a story about birding, and was motivated to see and document a bird myself.

I was still several   feet away when I watched with awe as the mighty bird made its landing on the limb of a tall pine . With his cat like stare he looked at me , as I looked back at him.  Continuing to move forward,   I saw he had  ear tufts (horns) and no neck,  and recognized what I thought was a  hawk, wasn't a hawk at all, but a Great Horned Owl.

                                                                 

  

Disappointed I didn't have my Nikon, I took  a picture using my cell phone.  That seemed okay with the Great Horned one. In fact, he sat on that limb for the longest time,  like  he was posing for a bird magazine  photo shoot - tilting his head to the side,  and  allowing me to take picture after picture.   It wasn't until  I tried hooting, hoo- hoo-hoo, hoo- oo, hoo-oo ,  that he  stretched his wings and flew away.

Safe Haven

All year long
deer and rabbit, and
a persistent Blue Jay
find shelter and food
under the trees
at Dobbs' Domain
And now, a stray
gray cat sits
outside the door
under the eave
waiting her turn
for a bowl of
milk, and pet
behind the ear

Will she go? Or will she stay ?

You Tube, Lyrics & Sutton Foster

I had fun this afternoon  browsing You Tube searching for songs by  some of my favorite lyricists, i.e. Lorenz Hart, Jerome Kern, Berlin, Sondheim, and Cole Porter. Another reason  I was motivated in finding a song is because  I've added a new  gadget on my blog allowing me to share videos with blog followers.    You Tube is a musical haven for anyone who enjoys listening, and  watching  great songs performed by great artists over and over again.

In my search today, I came across several clips from those golden MGM musical years of the 1940's and 50's. A favorite is June Allyson dancing, and singing Hart's Thou Swell in the biopic Words and Music, a film loosely based on Hart's life.  His lyrics

"Thou swell, thou witty, thou sweet, thou grand
  wouldst kiss me pretty
  wouldst hold my hand"

may sound corny and simple to some, but I find his choice of words clever and well put together.  Better examples of his fine lyrics  might be  My Romance, Blue Moon, or Ten Cents a Dance.  In my opinion, all wonderfully written.

I also viewed several of  Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra.  I'm a huge fan of  Judy, and was happy to find  many  videos  of her singing and dancing at her best ,   but the one I finally went with  is this years Tony Award winner, Sutton Foster,  for her starring  role  in Broadway's  revival  of Cole Porter's Anything Goes.  Please check video link at end of this post. Believe me, it's a treat to watch.  Not only does Foster give an outstanding performance, but it's wonderful to know the lyrics and music of Cole Porter are timeless !

Sweet Remembrance

How sweet life is.  Even through
trials and mishaps, there is
the joy of being with family
and friends; The laughter
and  silliness of a  shared
moment  forever remembered
bringing  a smile , and warming
the heart of those no longer
young, but growing older in age.

A Cousin's Gift, A Grandparents Love

When I grabbed the over size padded envelope from the mailbox earlier today,  I didn't  need to look at the return address to see who it was from.  I recognized the familiar handwriting,  and knew right away  it  was from my cousin, Shauna.

 Since it had been a couple months since I heard from my cousin, I was anxious to read what she and her family have been up to.   Shauna's letters are always thoughtful and caring; Full of fun and affirmation, and interesting.   I already knew she and her husband, Al  made  a trip to  Boise to visit their daughter, and grand-daughters, and  Shauna  planned  to paint a mural on the girls bedroom wall.    Blessed with a double set of creative genes, Shauna  is an immensely  talented artist, so upon opening  the envelope I happily anticipated  finding  a picture of  the newly painted mural.

 But there wasn't any picture. No, it  was something else entirely.  Something totally unexpected, totally endearing -  ever sweet, and very lovely. A precious gift from my cousin  to me,  made even more special as it  was  first given to our grandmother from our grandfather before they were married,  while Grandpa was stationed in France during World War I.  The postal card with  a  dainty  handkerchief stitched in pink,  says  Souvenir of France. The  back side is dated France 8/23/18.   Grandpa, so telling of his optimism and good cheer -even  in the midst of such  horrific times,  and of  his  love for Grandma  wrote this note:

Dearest Vera
Am fine. Could not be better. Everything is going fine here. Have not received mail since I left Meigs (sp)  Will write first chance. With  Love, Cecil.  Cecil E. Cooney  Pvt. Mobile Laundry Unit 311  A.E. Fr. 

It is addressed to:

Miss Vera Williams
20th  21 St.
Council Bluffs, Iowa
U.S.A.

On a second , smaller gift card  Grandpa had written, With the Greatest of Love, Cecil.

I read the aged note cards again and again. The very  cards my grandfather sent to my grandmother so long ago. I held them to my lips and  kissed them, then  pressed them against my heart thinking of grandpa and grandma,  and their  love for one another, remembering their love for their children and grand-children, and how very dear they were .  Thankful for the grand legacy they left to  each of us.

And of  Shauna - so generous in spirit, and  how proud  our grandparents would be of her for so  graciously sharing this beloved family treasure with her  grateful younger cousin.

Heaven's Door

Those in the pews
at the Funeral Mass
sit in silence; Solemn
and sad , gathered together
to mourn, and bid farewell
to one who has died. But there
is  also joy, and smiles in
recalling the life who touched
other lives with a kind word,
a warm embrace, special
moments shared , and laughter.
And hope eternal  that the
one no longer here
crosses Heaven's door
and is greeted warmly
on the other side

Time Alone

I sit alone, outside on the deck
No moon or stars
to give light
this night
All is quiet except
crickets making
their cricket sound, a
single engine boat
trolling across the lake,
and a  dog barking
somewhere in the
distance.  I pray my
rosary , then sip a beer.
I contemplate
my place and space,
and wonder God's purpose
for my life, and hope I've
made a difference.

Time to Eat

I sit on the  front porch ,
and watch in awe
as deer nibble
Purina Antler Mix,
a blend of alfalfa pellets
and kernels of yellow corn
They eat at their leisure, until
they get their fill,  but
remain on guard against
any  potential enemy; Like
sentry's standing at the
gate, they're alert
and aware of any
unwanted visitor.
A single Blue-Jay
disrupts the silence
with a  noisy
squawk- squawk-squawk
to make  his presence known
and declare his   turn at
the ground covered breakfast food
But  buck and doe ignore
his plea,  and quietly
linger on