Here I stand

A native be

In this town

Where roots are deep

I giggled down

The path of youth

Grew up fast

And old too soon

Life has surely

Danced for me

Joy and pain

And mystery

Where did all 

The prized years go?

Memories 

I cherish so

They will ever 

Live inside

Beloved halls

Of heart and mind

FREE

 Lord I will sing, open my wings

Help me to fly with You

My heart's desire, passion and fire

Glorious hope brand new

I want to be free!

I want to be free!

I will offer my all and answer the call

Spirit strengthen me

Father, my prayer is that I might care

As You have so loved me

Help me to fight, I will take flight

Above the enemy  

I want to be free!

I want to be free!

Lord, I offer my all and answer the call

Spirit strengthen me.

I want to be free!

I want to be free!

Fill me anew, reflections of You

It's my heart's one plea!

It appears that winter has breathed most of its fury...and for whatever reason, it didn't seem too aggressive this season.  The biggest part of me REALLY wanted a BIG snow dump.  I have always been of the opinion that if if is going to be cold, it might as well be white!  However, it just might be that the gray winter will transition straight into color one of these soon to come warm days!  Though I might miss the snow, I certainly won't complain when these be-dazzled jewels of brightness begin to throw themselves into full bloom!  Spring represents promise.  New life.  Joy in the morning.  Sunshine after the storm.  Those delicate early morning dew drops gleam as they attempt to announce the opening of symphonic brilliance.  Though there could be a final winter tease, I have begun to set my sights on a water-colored palette.  Waiting for "grand and glorious days ahead...."

Well, it's been quite awhile since I added to my blog.  There are a number of reasons for that, some of which I will attempt to share here now.  My daughter and husband and their two toddlers have been living with us since before Christmas while they wait for a home to be built near-by.  It has been about 6 months of pure pandemonium and pleasant delight!  Anytime seven people share a house, there will most likely be stories to tell.  And....each of us could certainly tell a few!  The computer that I typically work on to create the blogs here happens to be in an office-turned-children's room!  So the opportunities to sit quietly and write are let's say, not as frequent!  I sit tonight among three of our combined six lounging dogs, one hamster, a fish, toy baskets, un-matched shoes, blankies and binkies.  There is a toy octopus eyeing me and a T-Rex who has temporarily stopped growling while his favorite boy is out with mom and sister tonight.  So, I have slipped past the gnarly-faced King Kong and puff-a-lumps to see if I might still have a little writing inspiration left over since we brought the dump trucks, tricycles and baby dolls in.  I have to say that having grandkids - and kids at home is an inspiration of its own.  Not all can say they get the opportunity to have a window of time with them that is so up-close.  I know it will be short-lived as far as sharing space and meals and moments, but I cherish the joy of grandma-hood in its pleasantries and am thankful for these specialties of life!  I have also been working again for the past year (plus), which is also often inspirational, but also very time-consuming.  One day I hope to to have more concentrated time to focus here in this little space.  For now, I will sneak in as often as time allows and hope some of you might also enjoy a picture or two, some humor or just thoughts on a page.  I might add that I appreciate the visits and peeks from those of you who are curious - or just enjoy these expressions of life!  Life.  We all have it in common...I just sometimes like to put words to mine!  Blog blessings to you!

Glassy wonder, prisms bright

Frosty crystals, glazed delight

Water droplets melt and fall

Giving in, giving all

To the warmth of sunshine's glow

Winter's exit, chilled and slow

Seasons change in front of me

Diamonds melting into Spring

Dripping gently, without sound

Falling softly to the ground

Where new life will rise again

Like a long awaited friend

So many have sung this treasured song through the years.  It was penned by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 musical, "Meet Me in St. Louis."  Frank Sinatra later recorded a version with modified lyrics (shown here).  Though I know heaven's songs will be best, this one strikes so much sentiment and grace in the hearts and lives of everyday people.  It is probably my favorite.  Light up a fire, turn on the soft tree lights and let this warm melody hug you a little this season.  Merry Christmas, blog friends.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

Next year all our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Make the Yuletide gay

Next year all our troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days

Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now