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Friday, April 25, 2008
When I was young
I never really noticed the birds.
I would not sit still
and search
for these flightful creatures.
I did not choose to delight in their sweet presence.
I wish that I had given them a chance to raise my heavy heart.
Now that I am older
I often take time
to sit still
and observe
their curious ways -
the way they hop around
from tree to tree
trying to hide from my nosy eyes.
Today I noticed that when I watch
these tiny garden visitors, they are also watching me.
Their careful eyes always
alert to what I am doing,
and where I am
when I am in their midst -
until they detect that I can be
trusted with their safety.
I watch as they watch me
and I realize that they've
been observing me all along.
When I was young
I did not notice the birds
however
I did gaze at the stars.
I enjoyed the feeling
of being cloaked in the midnight air.
Although I was out alone in the darkness of night,
I felt safe in its velvet embrace.
I used to dream
far away from reality
and hope that one day I could pursue
the stars
yet knowing I could never capture one.
I recognize that I am not
much different than my young self.
I still pause and search for things out of reach.
I still admire that which seems impossible to touch.
I continue to watch
small vessels fluttering with light.
Today I noticed a Robin peering straight at me,
a Bluebird nesting (it took over the nest the Nuthatches left)
a new bird I've never seen before with
a splash of yellow on its wings,
a Tufted Titmouse brave enough to get
within two feet from me,
a Dove drinking water,
a confident Cardinal,
and a charming Chickadee.
And amusingly
more than once
they noticed me :)
~ Valaine
posted 04.25.2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
If I give everything would I be nothing?
If I give everything would I turn to dust?
If I share my pearls will you preserve them
or before my eyes will they be crushed
I try my best
but the best is at times reserved
And all that I give is but fleeting
and seems to mean nothing in return
So my cup gets empty
Even though I try to reserve
what's remaining
and I give drips I give drops
of the last of me
When I give my all
would you care
If I expose my soul
would I feel exposed?
If I hide-n-seek forever
what I wonder
would it take forever
for me to never
be?
If I empty my cup
and all that is left is dust
would you replenish
my brittle heart
until my time has come?
If I give the best of me
will you return what is best for me?
~ Valaine
posted 04.22.2008
Last Week
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Last week Tylor and Samantha were on spring break and we went to Callaway Gardens. We usually go there the same time each year because that is where Jay and I went for our honeymoon. It's a really beautiful and fun place to visit :)
Guess who this is?
I'm very happy to say that we actually saved one baby bird! This past Sunday morning after we had breakfast we noticed a little head peering out of the hole and the mommy and daddy bird walking around the bird house to coax their fledgling out :) We all went out onto the porch and were very grateful to have witnessed the baby that survived take flight!!! What a blessing it was to my family. We didn't fail after all.
~ Valaine
posted 04.17.2008
Illustration Friday : save
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"i couldn't save them"
so fragile
your life
and it came to be
while I dreamed
and it seemed to me
to happen all so fast
lasting forever
and ever
you will never be
again.
The bird house in our backyard was blown open
by strong winds last weekend and the baby birds
that were just hatched fell from their nest and died.
My daughter and I found them and could hardly bear
what we had discovered. We buried the lifeless babies
and placed five tiny violet flowers on their grave, there
were five babies. The mama
was still in her nest and flew off when I began to mend their broken home that she and the daddy bird
worked so hard to build. My daughter and I tied string
around the front of the birdhouse and around the back of the
tree and then
went inside our home sad and discouraged. I was sure the
parents would leave and then I would take down
that bird house so that I could replace it with a new one but
later that evening we discovered the daddy returning to the entrance of
his home and the mamma peeking out of the hole to receive
her mate's gatherings. They were acting as if nothing had ever
happened. This gave me hope and a small sense of peace that
they will be okay, and so will I. These little creatures that God
has given us on this earth for us to enjoy has given me strength
some how by their perseverance in life itself.
"They are not long, the weeping and the laughter,
Love and desire and hate:
I think they have no portion in us after
We pass the gate.
They are not long, the days of wine and roses;
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
Within a dream."
~Ernest Dowson
~ Valaine
posted 04.08.2008
13 Years
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"We are the leaves of one branch, the drops of one sea, the flowers of one garden."
~Jean Baptiste Henry Lacordaire
Today we have been married for 13 years :)
I met him at the movies when I was 14 and he was 15. Jay was a friend of my friend's boyfriend. My friend asked her guy to bring some of his friends for me to meet. He was very shy and didn't talk much and I went home thinking that was that. But he called me the next day and we talked for hours. He made me laugh and gave me the hiccups which only happens when he makes me laugh :) He carried my books to my class for me every morning at school even though we were not yet boyfriend and girlfriend, (he was late for his class many mornings). We had so much in common and fell hard in love. I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him by my side. I knew I didn't want to spend it without him. He is my best friend, and completes my soul. I love seeing ourselves in our children. I love waking up with him beside me each new morning. I love not taking my life for granted and knowing what a blessing we share together. I love you Jay, always and forever.
~ Valaine
posted 04.08.2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
~ Valaine
posted 04.03.2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
LEMONS and SUGAR
I received this in my email this morning. I thought I'd share it :)
+ At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.
+ A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't like you.
+ Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.
+ You mean the world to someone.
+ You are special and unique.
+ Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
+ When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.
And always remember....
The compliments you received.
Forget about the rude remarks.
To ask for Sugar
When life hands you Lemons.
Good friends are like stars.
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Life keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only
God keeps You Going.
~ Valaine
posted 04.02.2008
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