New Year

You make your grand entrance into our lives,

At midnight every year.

We hold steadfast with glass in hand,

Ready to kiss someone dear.

The timely countdown has begun,

Slowly from ten to one.....

With hopes, dreams and promises

We yearn soon, to come.

It's somewhat sad to see you go,

But, truly I am glad,

I'll leave behind the memories,

Most of them, happy ones,

Yet, some of them were sad.

Some I'll choose to remember,

Some I will forget,

Some were filled with laughter or tears,

Some held regret.

The moment is upon us now,

The time is drawing near,

So raise your glass, hold it high,

Join me in this cheer;

Let's say 
"Good-bye" 

To the old,

And 
"Welcome"....

To our 
"New Year"

Passing Through

I'm just an angel passing through,

Always looking out for you.

Forever I am at your side,

To help you through, 

To be your guide.

I'll give you encouragement, 

Along with hope,               

Comfort, protection, 

To help you cope.

I am here, as you know,

You'll feel my presence 

Wherever you go.

Travel life's path with enlightened heart,

Until this earthly world you part.

I'll then take you home; where you belong,

Your spirit now free, 

Your heart filled with song.

Then your next journey will start and be,

An angel passing through, like me.

SHATTERED

In weakened consciousness,
Mortality stands before me,
Naked and unforgiving.

Moments gather,
Clusters of space,
Seconds, minutes,
Hours to days,
Weeks turned months,
Years.

Fears and worries
Steal my thoughts,
Robbing my precious time.
Lost,
Never to be returned.

Memories flash,
Flood my mind
With wonders of what 
I'll leave behind.

Unspoken whispers, 
Words of love,
Laughter and song,
Did it go left unheard?

Seasons passed,
Beauty unseen.
Did I pass this life with
Eyes wide shut?

Reality stood motionless,
Silence prevailed.
Self reflection was mirrored 
Shattering my imprisoned mind.

Revealing;
Truth,
Acceptance,
Embracement
Life. 

KET

I started this write in 2011, the first few lines were how I felt at a very weak point in my life; in a hospital bed wondering what lay before me and discouraged by choices I had made in my life in regards to my health.  It took me a few years to complete the write where I was happy with it.  The drawing was meant to be that of shattering and emerging. That also took a while, students would comment "Are you still working on that" or "You have been working on that a long time."  I can conclude that; I did emerge and have made amends with my choices and embrace life as it comes. 

Mon Jardin De Toile (My Garden Canvas)

 

 ~ Mon Jardin De Toile ~

(My Garden Canvas)

The canvas lay blank, untouched and bare,

Waiting for someone to give it some care.

Time went on and passed slowly by,

Until it was seen by an Artist eye.

The Artist thought deeply and drew up a plan,

Then carefully took up a brush in hand.

The vision consisted of color, with grace,

Each stroke that was made, would have its own place.

Flowers were chosen, then planted from seed,

From here, the Artist knew, just how to proceed.

The rows were laid out, straight and precise.

The garden was meant to bring joy and entice.

The garden was tended from morning to night,

Many would stop to admire the beautiful sight.

With time the picture began to appear,

In the Artist mind, it had always been clear.

Soon it sprung forth with all of its might,

Colors and fragrances that gave great delight.

The Artist stood.......then looked back and saw,

The Garden Canvas in all of its awe.

KET

Dedicated to my Aunt Karen Roncari, my namesake. Aunt Karen had a makeshift studio in Grandma Emily's basement.  As a young girl, I would peek in and see some of her work, very carefully of course, since we were not to be messing in there.  As an adult I grew to have a love of gardening and I would post my garden photos online.  She was the one who made the comment on how my flower beds were like a canvas, thus began the beginning of a poem.  She was recently working on a garden floral painting, which in turn inspired me to finish the poem.

                                                                                             

DREAM MAKER

Dream Maker came

Along in the night,

While in the midst of

Sweet Twilight.

Crescent moon was shining,

Stars twinkled up above;

I was bestowed a dream,

That which of love.

I closed my eyes,

Without thought or fear.

Sweet seduction invoked me,

Drew me near.

Warmth of emotion,

Surrounding, without sound

Complete fulfillment,

Pleasure all around.

All life's glories,

Secrets galore,

One couldn't ask

For anything more.

Dream Maker nudged again!

Gently in my sleep,

With the promise....that my dreams

Were forever mine to keep.

I knew I must awaken,

Knew it must be soon.

When my eyes did open;

Twinkling stars greeted me,

Along with crescent moon.

I anxiously await,

In the evening of the night

For Dream Maker to come,

In the midst of Sweet Twilight.



GENEVIEVE

My baby sister

Whom I adore.

A sister yes,

But, she's so much more.

Truly a gift

From above,

We'll always share

A special love.

My confidant

Through thick and thin,

I just don't know

Where to begin.

Fun and laughter

Fears and tears,

We've been greatly blessed

For so many years.

I can't imagine

My life without her,

Thank you Lord!

Shes' made my world.......

Much happier.

~  Dedicated to my sweet sister Genny ♥ ~

I love you endlessly and always.

LIMBO

Can anyone really....

Tell us why?

We didn't see,

Or hear the cry.

Hidden so well,

Behind a mask,

Choosing, which day

Would be the last.

Leaving us all,

With stories to tell,

Trying to make sense of

This painful hell.

We're sorry you felt

You couldn't cope,

We would have tried,

To give you hope.

You did what you thought

Was for the best,

We don't agree,

We love you no less.

Your pain unbearing,

We didn't know,

You never did,

Let it show.

Now, you're gone;

It doesn't seem real,

It shouldn't have been,

This bad of a deal.

Our memories now,

To see us all through,

But, saddened and shadowed,

From the loss of you.

Will there ever

Come an end,

To all this strife?

It's never worth it,

To take your own life.

WINTER MORN

Softly, ever so quietly he came

Blanketing my world at night.

It wasn't until the morning,

I'd see the beautiful sight.

It glowed the purest of the pure,

Blinding me with all its white,

Tiny diamonds, dancing all around,

When hit with warm sunlight.

The simpleness of fresh fallen snow,

Urging with all it might

Come dance,

Frolic,

Have pleasure in me

Winters picturesque, quaint delight.

January 21, 2010

WEB SONG

She wove herself a pretty web
So evil and precise,
With only one thing to pursue
It was everything but nice.

She stood in wait... As they came
Unknowing,
One by one.
Enchanted by the silkiness
Her web song had begun.

She sang her tune
Heard near and far,
A haunting mystique it told.
Entranced they approached
Unbeknown to them
Misfortune would unfold.

She drew them near and
Held them tight,
Glared them in the eye.
Eyes stared back with
Panic and fear,
For defenselessly,
They'd die.

 She pierced them all with helplessness,
Without a qualm or care.
She then began her teadious task,
Entwining them with silky hair.

 All neatly wrapped in an envelope
She spun them neat and tight.
She anticipated the next day to come
For she devoured them,
To her delight.

She weaves herself a pretty web
So evil and precise.
Before you come to visit her,
Perhaps.....you should think twice.

FLASH

Your face flashed before me today,
Your memory took my breath away.
You were so young and full of glee,
A wonderful friend to many you see.

Your golden curls and waves galore
But, you consisted of so much more.
Your inner beauty was pure grace,
That beautiful smile upon your face.

Kindness always came from you,
Delightful and honest through and through.
You always gave your very best,
Nothing more, nothing less.

You taught us much while you were here,
And though you're gone, you are, still near.
So close and dear to our heart,
It hurt so much when you did part.

It's oh so true, the best He takes,
We carry on, with the ache.
We're grateful for the time we had
For this, I am so truly glad.

An angel now, that you are
Gracing the heavens as a star.
So until we do meet again,

Forever, and always,
You'll be my friend.

In memory of
Cyndi Renae' Cloutier
July 27, 1988 - September 21, 2001

HE

His face,
Forever frozen in my mind.
His smile,
Embedded in my heart.
His voice,
A melody to my ear.
His touch,
A tender caress.
His eyes,
Aglow amorously at me.
His manner,
Of refined gentleness.
His inner being,
Pure and sincere.

He,
Has captivated me.


Dedicated to my husband Donald, who has been a constant in my life, as a beau, husband, friend, confidant, hero, teacher, father to my children.
Happy Father's Day ♥

Decided to at least post a sketch today. Inspired by watching Mark Kistler's Imagination Station on PBS. I find I'm really drawn to sketching in black & white, maybe it's the uncertainty of the end result with color, and the thought I won't like it as well?

I'm trying to be more attentive to myself and my creativity, (it's not working) it is so difficult to find time for just me and what I want to do and what I need to do. It's easy to say "just take/make the time", that doesn't seem to happen here. The life of a woman, wife, mother, worker, grandmother, where does she find time for just herself with all these roles and needs to fulfill.

In closing I want to say thanks to all of you who follow my blog, I appreciate all your comments. I'm still learning the ins and outs of this blogging, be patient with me. My daughter, Sara, was the one who took care of getting me set up on here, she is a busy young lady herself, but always has the time to answer my endless questions. Till next time.

KEEPER OF MY HEART

Would you consider yourself worthy,

To be the Keeper of my Heart?

I desire a passionate companion to be,

The Keeper of my Heart.

My gentle heart is fragile,

It needs much love and care.

Keeper of my Heart,

Will be faithful, always there.

The Keeper of my Heart,

Must be noble, likewise true,

Loyal to the death.

I'll ask nought for more,

Consent to nothing less.

Keeper of my Heart,

Shall give their very best.

The Keeper of my Heart,

Will mourn me when I'm gone,

And I will sing his praises,

In a lonely, haunting song.

Keeper of my Heart,

Will never be set free.

He's been my Knight in armour,

He'll know not what to be.

He'll wander aimlessly lost,

Like a ship out in the sea,

Until his restless soul,

Is reunited back with me.

Would you consider yourself worthy,

To be,

The Keeper of my Heart?

DEATH

He comes like a thief, in the night,

Robbing you of life itself.

Without a thought,

Or consciousness,

His ugly face is shown.

He shows no preference,

Of any kind,

To him, they're all the same.

Any gender, race or age,

He just picks the day.

He leaves the rest,

With emptiness,

Aches that never cease.

He contemplates who is next,

He has to fill his need.

We sit and wait, for we know

Our time is sure to come.

He has your name,

He knows your move,

There is no where to run.

So live each day as your last,

For this could be so true.

He lurks in silence,

In the dark,

Just waiting to call on you.

CLASSIC, CHAOTIC, CLASSROOM

Teachers were teaching tragically, while the students felt trapped in transparent torture.

It was a continuous, constant, state of confusion,

As they furled their furious frustrations aloud.

Infurating me with ironic, inconsiderate, inconsistencies.

Eagerly, I awaited for an early end, and the empowering bell to emit its escaping echo.

MY GIRLS

My daughters have been my joy, my life,
Without them; I just couldn't conceive.
The countless memories we have made,
Some you wouldn't believe.

They're each unique in their own way,
With likes and styles of their own.
The only thing we all have in common,
Is together, we make up our home.

Anna Rose, the first of four,
Compassionate and so true.
She has her first daughter, Chloe,
Without them, life would be blue.

Elizabeth, was number two,
Fearless and spirit free.
Mom to Grahm, our first grandson,
Both mean the world to me.

Kimberly, was third to arrive,
An artist, who loves to create.
She recently was married,
To her love and high school mate.

Sara, our fourth and our last,
So full of words and sweet.
Continually writing to her hearts content,
With her, our families complete.

I've been so blessed with these children of mine,
They've brought me such joy and love.
I can't imagine a day without them,
They're truly God's gift from above.



To my precious daughters,
whom I love and adore.

Anna Rose
Elizabeth Irene
Kimberly Dee
Sara Donelle

ON THE OUTSIDE

Always, on the outside,

Always, looking in.

Always, afraid to show herself,

For fear,

They'd see her sin.

Unable, to let herself

Be set free,

Unable, to tell us why.

Caught inside her world,

Her mind,

It wasn't that she's shy.

She didn't think,

They'd understand,

Perhaps, they never will.

Laughter,

Never once was heard,

She always was so still.

We only knew,

She had herself,

Silence,

Her only friend.

On the outside,

Looking in.

No beginning and,

No end.

Full Phase

Magically, he rises,
So big and
Full of light.
Ironically,
Mother Earth is asleep,
Filled with dark of night.

He peeks his large face,
Up over tree tops,
Casting his luminous glow.
It's always such a mystery,
The evenings celestial show.

With wonder I watch
As he continues his flight,
Up, to his evening place,
He does this slowly, meticulously,
Completely, with poise and grace.

I stand there amazed,
As I gaze to the sky,
Taking in all that I see,
I bid him farewell for the night, and
Give thanks for the tranquility.

Steps

Every step I take, puts me
One step farther from where I was,
And one step closer,
To where I am going.

I won't look back with regret,
But, I will look forward,
With the promise,
And the belief,
That I will attain my purpose.

I will walk with
Faith, hope and
The knowledge,
That I never walk alone.

Dedicated to my dear friends, Helen & Andy Schmid. Both, are retired school teachers, both who have and are battling cancer. Helen's year of retirement found her with a battle against breast cancer which she has won. This November, found Andy with bladder cancer, he is in the starting stage of his battle and has undergone two surgeries thus far, with more surgeries and treatments to follow. They have both been retired for less than, I believe, three years. They are both amazing people and I feel blessed to call them my friends. I was humbled by Andy's posting of this poem in his journal that he is keeping through a site called Caring Bridge, we are able to receive updates as he goes through this journey.

Following are his words.

"A very special poem from a very special friend. Thanks Gladys, you're one of a kind!"

Gladys is my nickname picked up from one of their famous Christmas parties. Please say a prayer for them both as they go through this courageously and with the support of many family and friends, as I stated, " That I never walk alone."

My Mom, Rose

My mother once lived,

So full of life,

Till cancer crept in,

And brought us all strife.

Her laughter, her manner,

Such style and grace,

It filled up a room,

That smile on her face.

Her song, she sang,

From her heart, you know,

She sang to her Lord,

To Him, she would go.

Her body grew weak,

Her eyes would show,

The burden she bore,

As the illness would grow.

She lost her battle,

On a crisp, November day,

Her time had come,

The cancer had its way.

My mother, now gone,

So kind and dear,

Her memory brings a smile,

Along with a tear.

In loving memory of my mother,

Rose Ann LaPeer

9-6-1939 - 11-20-2003