Three Gifts One Wish

written by

Jeannette Zink

The good and the bad tend to travel in 3’s. Just one of the tried and true mystical superstitions that I have heard throughout time and/or read in a book somewhere. Most recently, I read in Matthew the biblical interpretation of three wise scholarly men traveling by the light of an eastern star to the town of Bethlehem to pay their respects to the newly born child thought to be the King of Jews. The gifts brought by these scholars were not toys, onesies, or diapers. No, the treasures were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Why would these items be the carefully chosen offerings for the presumed crown King of Jews … a baby male child just looking for a little love and some warm fresh milk … not perfume, anointing oil or the valuable glam and sparkle of gold.

If one were to dig into the historical pages of the biblical scholarly tomes, one would soon learn the relevance of these specific gifts and pay honor to their equivalent of a Michelin gold star ranking. The logic of these gems and the merits of their holistic medicinal properties would give pause for a V-8 moment … of course, we would mutter, as we tap our forehead. These gifts, meant for kings, were far more than exquisite luxury items. They would prove in due time their capital worth that the local pharmacist would bow to the treasure chest of their healing compounds and to their divine meaning in the life of this precious child.

Wrapped in this cloak of knowledge, I now turn my thoughts to the three gifts I would give in honor of those I treasure on the stature found in the land of Kings and Queens. My gifts would surely be snubbed by the worldly skeptics and the self-chosen elite. Their worth undervalued in today’s market place; their usefulness cast to the bends of the Salvation Army; and tagged for the everyday common re-gifting pile. In other words, the “ugly Christmas sweater” would be the classification given to my heartfelt gifts. Regardless, I will give these gifts with deep love. I know with unquestioned confidence that my gifts will be measured in due time for their invaluable worth. Even though, my gifts will be laughed at, scoffed and ridiculed and circled in the mystery of the Magi gifts, there will be a moment when it will make perfect sense to the intended recipients … that magical V-8 moment when the pieces will fit perfectly into the life of those kindred spirits who open their hearts and souls to these treasures.

Here a gifting we go …

Gift 1.  Technology devices have their place on the scale of importance ranking up there with Super Bowls, weddings, births, inaugurals, good hair days and mega sales at Wal-Mart. Their prominence has grown over the years to that of celebrity status. Who are you really if you do not have a device in hand and/or on your lap? And, who are you if not constantly looking at said device? You are no one … just a fading and marred antique waiting to be picked-up for the consignment store. Who wants to be a worthless antique … not me, I want to fly with the golden eagles. So, here is my gift … I will love my devices and I will cherish their technological wizardly; but when in the presence of the human/animal species, I will give my full attention and emotional intelligence of engagement to these worthy species.  This person/animal, who has honored me by entering my sacred space, will see my eyes and know the sound of my non-distracted voice. The human being (me) will be my device for communicating, not technology. I come wrapped with a soul and spirit that will honor you with my total attention. In short, I promise to be PRESENT … to SHOW UP!

Gift 2.  My God-given life journey is mine, not your journey. You cannot walk in my shoes nor travel down my trail. God intended for this adventure to be mine … one that I would learn many lessons, reap the rewards, cry tears of each challenge, overcome struggles with the strength of a David and bow with humbleness to God’s mercy. It is through these travels that I will find the trueness of the me that God intended, and the invaluable purpose of my walk on this chosen travel itinerary. As is the case with most explorations, the outgrowth of knowledge gained will render opinions and ideologies formed, beliefs adopted, tolerances developed for an acceptance or rejection of behaviors and lifestyles, and a soul that will take flight on the wings of tomorrow’s history cradled in the memories of yesterday’s story. I will ultimately become the person that God always intended, but I may not be the person you had hoped for nor ever intended of me. My gift to you is the respect to honor your journey and all the treasures you will find on your lifetime travels. I promise that you will never find me standing in the department store’s exchange line with the gift I hope you will have gladly afforded me … your gift to cherish the God-given path that only I can and must travel. Love will be our anchor; respect our light; and God our roadmap-maker to the life we are each intended to find and to follow.

Gift 3. There are times in life when you may find yourself in an emotional and/or intellectual quagmire. The relationships stumbled into may run hot and cold; love and hate; can’t live with them can’t live without them. World events may swing from the drama of war to the placid rejoice of peace on earth. There will be times when you may sit on top of your all-knowing judgmental pedestal or beg forgiveness for your bad judgments and wrong-turn decisions. In any event, sooner or later you may find yourself straddling the proverbial fence of “should I or shouldn’t I.” You will ask yourself Socratic questions in search of the critical thinking of truth’s answers … should I take that leap of faith and dive into the unknown world of the brave or remain on the well-grounded fence of better safe than sorry. Evaluate will be the moniker given for these times of “stalling” on this fence of indecision and fear while waiting for perfection … when all answers are known, all facts are revealed, and everything is just the way you want it to be … perfect. What a quagmire of dilemmas you may find yourself! My gift to you is to tear down that fence and put on your wading boots. The morass will be quite messy and you will get your hands dirty, but the water and soap of the soul will make way for your newfound courage to face each quagmire with determined faith in yourself. Just believe, my dear kindred spirit, and see the wonder that will lead you on an unbelievable journey. Live every moment of every day of your God-given life … don’t waste a second in the safety heights above the quagmire! Make mud pies and drink sweet lemonade.

One Wish. Please accept my gifts and make the most of each. They are given with deep love and respect for you, my Kings and Queens. The value tendered on the scale of gold, frankincense and myrrh and intended to serve you on your passage of a lifetime journey that only you can travel.

Blessings and love, my kindred spirits. Enjoy this most beautiful of time.

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/

Life on the Ridge

written by

Jeannette Zink

Every coin has two sides, every story has 2 sides, every leaf has 2 sides, every muffin has a top and bottom, every wish has a hope, and every life has ups and downs, usually … I think you get my drift. But, kindred spirits, it is not the top and bottom or side A and side B that I opt to hitch my wagon and ride off into the sunset of misty rainbow dreams.

In the spirit of day’s events, I am here to campaign for the RIDGE. Yes, it is for the RIDGE that I cast my vote. The RIDGE … strong, life-worn, intelligent, creative, tried and true of character … my steadfast companion for when the chips flip. The RIDGE is my lifeline rope that continuously ties the knot from the page to page of an enlightened tomorrow. The RIDGE of matters is where I prove my worth, where the tale is told, and where the whip cream on top of life’s coco makes it all just a little bit more endurable when a range of reason may be a bit out of focus.

Some may choose to ride the wave, go with the flow, or draw their line in the proverbial sand in times of change and turmoil. I tell you, the RIDGE is the place to be … best seat in the house to ponder all the what-if’s and maybe that’s. The view is so much clearer and the air is fresher on the RIDGE. Just the other day, I was up on the RIDGE – first time in a while – and it was wonderful. I saw things and heard things on the RIDGE that I would have never experienced in the murky crevices of life’s dilemma.

Yes, we did have a lively debate, my RIDGE and I, but it was a respectful and thoughtful conversation. The RIDGE offered suggestions, pros and cons, highs and lows of the issues. I, in turn, lobbed every argument with the oh, but’s strength of a left-brain sumo wrestler. However, I graciously admire and lamentably admit that the RIDGE is so much smarter than me. It is with respect that I bow to the master RIDGE, and take a look-see through loaned binoculars of a future made from the insights gained on RIDGE mountain.

Kenny Rogers and my RIDGE have something in common, each know when to “hold’em and when to fold’em” when exploring the slippery slopes of human dealings. They both know the rules of living the game. They both provide the foundation that will sustain every decision encountered on a trek across the landscape of defining moments. Kenny and my RIDGE know fairness and honorable standards must be engraved on both sides of every coin, but the strong of character riding on the RIDGE of that coin is the Master’s keeper and the bonding gel for every decision on a lifetime journey.

Vote for the RIDGE … today and every day. You will never regret your decision, I promise you.

I rest my case, kindred spirits. Peace and love.

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/

Portal called my Name …

and things have never been the same

~ a fantastical fable for all ages ~

written by

Jeannette Zink

Zachary, can you hear me?  It’s me, Portal … wake up, Zachary Aaron.  Zach, Zachary Aaron … wake up … can you hear me?  Zachary … Zach … geeeezeeee … It’s so hard to get your attention, Zachary Aaron.

“What do you want, Portal?  I am busy thinking,” said Zachary Aaron.

    

**********

“Who are you talking to, Zachary Aaron?” asked Zachary’s teacher, Mr. Appletart. 

“I was talking to Portal,” said Zachary Aaron. 

“Who is Portal … where is this Portal?” asked Mr. Appletart. “I don’t see anyone named Portal in the room.”

“Zachary, are you feeling alright?” asked Mr. Appletart.  “You are even more distracted than usual today.”

“I am fine, Mr. Appletart,” said Zachary Aaron.  “I was just doing some thinking and Portal distracted me.”

“Well, please pay attention, Zachary,” said Mr. Appletart.  “We will discuss this Portal person later.  For now, please show me your answers for today’s assignment.”

Zachary Aaron showed Mr. Appletart his homework for today and for the remainder of the week.

“Excellent job, Zachary Aaron!” said Mr. Appletart. “You are an A+ student!”

Zachary could hear the other children giggling in the background. 

“Thank you, Mr. Appletart,” said Zachary Aaron.  “May I go back to my thinking?” asked Zach.

“Yes, of course, thinking is a good thing to do,” said Mr. Appletart. “It will soon be time to go out and play,” Mr. Appletart reminded Zachary Aaron.

“I really just want to sit and think,” said Zachary. 

“But, you need to get fresh air and play with your friends and classmates,” said Mr. Appletart. 

“I don’t have any friends and the air is filled with pollen!” said Zachary. 

“You do have friends, Zachary … what about Megan Miranda?” She is such a creative and talented artist. “Don’t you want to see what she has been thinking about?” asked Mr. Appletart.

“Megan Miranda may be an artist, but she is not a thinker!” scoffed Zachary. “She cannot remember anything … no, she is not my friend!”

“Okay, Zach … go ahead and think, but please think about how your thinking may be hurting others and not really helping you,” said Mr. Appletart.

“I have to think so I can breathe, Mr. Appletart.  Thinking and breathing are all the same for me … I have to think to breathe, and I have to breathe to think.”

“This is quite a dilemma, Zachary. Who knew thinking and breathing could be such a distraction from just everyday living and being,” said Mr. Appletart. “Maybe you need to consider more carefully what you choose to think about … perhaps, less about you and more about others.” “Just a thought worth thinking about, Zach.”

“I will think about it, Mr. Appletart,” said a doubtful Zachary Aaron.

**********

“Zachary Aaron, it’s me again, Portal.”  “Come along. It’s time for our learning journey.”  “Zachary Aaron, can you hear me … Zach!”

“Portal, you are such a nuisance,” said Zachary Aaron. “I do not want to take any journey with you. I just want to sit and think.”

“Thinking is just the ticket for this learning journey!” said Portal.

“Why is it that I am the only one who can see you, Portal?” asked Zachary Aaron.

“Because you need me right now, Zach,” said Portal.

“I don’t need you, Portal. I don’t need anyone!” said Zachary.

 “Yes, you do, my friend,” said Portal.

“Let’s get started on our journey. Press the escape key on your computer’s key board and we are off!” said Portal.

  

**********

Zachary Aaron watched as the screen on his computer turned into a door and then into a spiraling staircase and next before he could say ‘Whaaaaaaat Is Happening?’… the world of Zachary Aaron suddenly took an unexpected turn of events.

**********

“Come, follow me,” said Portal. “This is the way to our learning journey.” “But, first I must ask you a very important question, Zachary Aaron,” said Portal. “Do you want to travel the path of tomorrow’s new discoveries or a path of yesterday’s facts?” asked Portal.

“Why would I care about yesterday’s facts?” asked Zachary Aaron. “I am always thinking about the future!” said Zachary. “So, of course, I want to travel to tomorrow’s new discoveries!” said Zach.

“Interesting choice, Zach.  Let’s see what we learn and what we miss or forget that is important to us,” said Portal.

“What do you mean, forget?” asked Zach. “I never forget anything!”

“But, do you every feel anything … do you allow your heart to have feelings?” asked Portal.

“Portal, you are such a big NUISANCE!” said Zachary Aaron.

“Come along, Zachary, let’s get started. Things will become clearer as we travel the path of new discoveries,” said Portal with a chuckle.

**********

“Zach, we are headed toward our first learning station.  It is just around that corner where that young girl is sitting.  Do you see her, Zach?” asked Portal.

“I see just fine, Portal,” said an irritated Zachary Aaron.  That’s Megan Miranda.  Why is she here and why is she part of our journey? 

“Megan Miranda has special gifts. Gifts that will prove very important to you, Zach.  You will soon understand,” said Portal.

“Please take hold of this scarf, Zachary Aaron.  We need to stay connected through the feel of this scarf.  Remember how it feels to you … the texture, the emotional connection, the folds of the scarf, the smell, the feelings of the colors in the scarf … can you feel the scarf with your heart, Zach?” asked Portal.

“Portal, you are making no sense.  The heart does not have feelings!” said Zachary Aaron.  This scarf is nothing but a piece of fabric.  I feel nothing, not one thing.  Let’s just move on before Megan Miranda sees us.

“Wait, I need to stop for a minute and do some thinking,” said Zach.  “I need to sit quietly and just think so I can breathe, you know that Portal.”

“Okay, you go over there and do your thinking, and I am going to visit with Megan Miranda,” said Portal.

“Just don’t tell her that I am with you. And, whatever you do, don’t invite her to join us on our journey!” Zach instructed Portal. 

“Try to relax and hold on to the scarf, Zach. I will be back in a few hours,” said Portal.

“A few hours!” said an alarmed Zachary Aaron. “We need to keep traveling on our journey.”

“Just breathe, Zach, close your eyes … think and breathe.  I will be back before you open your left eye,” teased Portal.

**********

“Hi, Megan Miranda,” said Portal. “How is your learning journey going today? Any new discoveries?”

“Hi, Portal,” said a very happy Megan Miranda. “It is great to see you again! Did you bring the scarf with you this trip?”

“Yes, I did bring the scarf, but I left it with Zachary Aaron,” said Portal. “The scarf is the vessel to transfer emotion into Zachary’s breathing and thinking.” Zach needs the scarf, Megan Miranda. I hope you are not too disappointed.

“But, you know I need the scarf to recharge my memory.  I can’t remember tomorrow what I learn today without the scarf,” said Megan Miranda. “Besides, Zachary Aaron doesn’t like me. Why should I help him!” “The scarf is MY vessel!!, Portal,” cried Megan Miranda.

“Funny the things we think we cannot live without,” said Portal.

“You, Megan Miranda, think you can only remember today if you have the presence of a scarf, and Zachary Aaron thinks he is learning the concept of emotion through the same scarf,” said a mischievous Portal.

“What if neither you nor Zach needed the scarf, but only needed to accept each other and the special gifts that God has blessed you.” “What if each of you are exactly who God intended you to be?” Could the scarf really be a blessing of grace from God to reveal the best in each of you?”

“STOP, Portal!” “You are asking too many questions … I can’t breathe or think at your pace,” cried a frightened Megan Miranda.

“Don’t be afraid, Megan Miranda, you will remember today and all the days to come, not by the magic of a scarf, but by your heart of gold for loving all who touch your life.

“Just believe in You and the gifts God has given to only you,” said Portal.

**********

“Well, it’s about time you came back, Portal,” said a disgusted Zachary Aaron. “You were gone far longer than a few hours!” said Zach, as he looked at his watch.

“I felt that you needed extra time with the scarf, Zachary,” said Portal. “And, Megan Miranda needed some extra time with me, as well.”

“Oh, please, I would not spend one second with that Megan Miranda!” Zach said with such disgust. “No, less than a second, zero, zilch, zippo!”

“Message received, Zachary Aaron,” said Portal. “By the way, where is the scarf?” asked Portal.

“It slipped out of my hands and sailed away while I was thinking,” said Zachary Aaron.

“What if the scarf is our ticket back to where we started?” asked Portal. “What if the scarf had magic powers?” “What if the scarf was a gift from God?” “What if you needed that scarf to help you breathe and think?” “What if Megan Miranda needed that scarf to remember?” “What if….”

“I do not NEED a scarf for anything, and I do not CARE what Megan Miranda needs!” said Zachary.

“Oh, so is that the reason you gave the scarf to Megan Miranda?” “Because you don’t need anything or anyone … because you don’t care for the feeling of others … because it is safer to pretend you have no feelings for anyone.”

“I saw your act of kindness, Zachary Aaron,” said Portal.

“How did you see me, Portal?” “You stopped to rest on your way back. Your eyes were closed tighter than a … I don’t know what … but, you were snoring so loud I sneaked by you!” said Zachary Aaron.

“Or, so you thought,” teased Portal.

“Look, I didn’t need the scarf as much as Megan Miranda … that’s all, no big deal,” said an embarrassed Zachary Aaron.

“You have special powers, Zach,” said Portal. “The power of God’s love. Use it every second of your days, and you will be a very happy person. The person God always intended you to be.”

“What are you thinking, Zach?” asked Portal.

“I’m thinking it is time to return home. Let’s pick up Megan Miranda and start our journey back to where we started, but better than we were when we started,” said a renewed Zachary Aaron.

“Fine thinking, Zachary Aaron,” said a very pleased Portal.

**********

“Hi, Megan Miranda. Ready to go home?” asked Portal and Zachary Aaron.

“I am very much ready,” said Megan Miranda. “Good to travel with great friends!”

“By the way, I tucked the scarf away in a secure place. I don’t think I will be needing it anymore,” said a very confident Megan Miranda.

“We have each other … and God’s shining light … that’s enough for whatever comes our way, right Portal?” asked Zachary.

“Portal … where are you Portal … Portal …?”

**********

“How was play time, Zachary?” asked Mr. Appletart.

“I had a great time with Portal and Megan Miranda,” said Zachary Aaron.

“Who is this Portal person?” asked a puzzled Mr. Appletart.

“Well, you see … you tell him, Megan Miranda …” laughed Zachary Aaron.

“It’s a long and magical story, Mr. Appletart, pull up a chair,” laughed Megan Miranda and Zachary Aaron.

There once was this magical scarf ….

The End

Dear Kindred Spirits,

Jason Micheli, a minister at the church I attend, was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer, in February 2015. It almost always affects only men in their old age -- not 37 year olds like Jason Micheli -- a pastor, husband, and father. He spent the year of 2015 fighting this cancer and is now enjoying the fruits of his battle - the cancer is no longer rearing its ugly head. Jason will never be cancer free, but we all pray that it will stay tucked away and never reappear to cause such a life disruption of a gifted young minister. He was asked to write a book about his experience with cancer. His hardback book will be published on Dec. 1, 2016 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon. The following is a book review I wrote for the release of the book, and will be posted on Amazon. Jason is not only a gifted pastor, but a wonderful writer. I thought you may be interested in Jason and his story.

Book Review

Cancer Is Funny: Keeping Faith in Stage-Serious Chemo

written by

Jeannette Zink

November, 2016

Jason Micheli’s new book, Cancer Is Funny: Keeping Faith in Stage-Serious Chemo, is not a have you heard the one about book. It is also not a book written by a minister of religion who decided it best to skip over the messy parts of stage-serious cancer and showcase only a steadfast application of church doctrine and a bow to the sanctity of biblical scripture. Yes, it could be argued that once you cast your lot in the universe of pastoral membership, there are expectations and protocols to be upheld. However, rest assured there are multitudes of offerings and lessons learned from the bread and wine menu served by the grace-filled love of his “non-prick” God.  Each is expertly woven into Jason’s heroic duel with cancer and the pillars of a faith that would sustain him time after time. This account of how one phone call upended a perfectly enjoyable life for the Micheli family and how cancer now the new bride until death do part is funny, while heartwarming and heartbreaking. The rawness in this disease-laden reflection is written with intelligent cheeky humor and profound eloquence – handled with care and given to us as a gift for living our life. The perfect GPS treasure chest for when life takes an unexpected U-turn and the prognosis can only be classified in enigmatic genera terms … stage-serious. Come as you are when you read Jason Micheli’s Cancer Is Funny book, but I promise you will leave a far better person – perhaps the person you were always intended to be.

P.S. If after you have read the last sentence on the final page of Cancer Is Funny and think you have met a new friend in Jason Micheli, you are only a click away from continuing the relationship. Jason’s blog and podcasts at tamedcynic.org echo the man you met within the pages of his funny new book.

Curbside chat with my Soul

written by

Jeannette Zink

It was early, very early on a Monday morning when the train arrived at Huntington Station. I boarded this very early train in my usual automatic half-asleep mode. The seats vacantly awaiting my selection. With a casual demarcation, I stake out my territory for the very early 30-minute ride to our nation’s capital. The train car pleasantly toasty on this cold January morning, for this I was immensely grateful. It was now my sacred time to rest my weary early morning soul, disregard the quiet chatter of the other passengers and dream of the day I could retire from this routinely stressful life. 

Just as I was entering into that sleep state of semiconscious and dreamland, I feel the essence of someone sliding down beside me on this mostly empty train. Next, I vaguely hear words being spoken, as if in the middle of a sentence with a good friend. “And, what are you doing with your life today?” asked this character who had invaded my clearly marked space. Since my eyes were closed and head leaned against the train’s frosty window, it should have been a clarion signal to anyone that this is a Do Not Disturb area.

“Good morning, my lady, what do you plan to do with the rest of your life?” asked the essence sitting next to me. “What did you say?” I manage to mumble with as much disdain as possible, without being absolutely obnoxious to my uninvited seatmate. “It’s a brand new day. I was just wondering what you planned to do with your day. You must have something amazing planned since it was given to you without any conditions.”

Just who do you think you are, I want to say to this disturbing and inconvenient disruption to my morning routine.  But instead, I manage a civil exchange … “Look, you may be in a pull up a chair to the curb of my soul for a chat kind of mood, but I am not. I respectfully ask that you go visit with someone else who would not object to an early morning philosophical exchange of existentialism. Have a nice day. Good-bye.”

“I could definitely move on,” said the phantasmagorical nuisance denying me of my well-deserved quiet time. “But, you really need me this morning. I am the one with the answers you are desperately seeking.”

“Okay, I have tried to be polite, but you must leave me alone, or I will call security!” “Go away, NOW!!!”

“I am so sorry to have bothered you this morning, my lady. I want to leave you this very moment; I truly do, but I cannot.” “What do you mean, you cannot?” I once again engage with this unpleasant thing sitting next to me.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, but I am attached to you and cannot take flight like one of those planes at the airport that we just passed. I am the gift you have been asking for each morning before you leave your home. I am the answer.”

“Well, if you are the answer, what is the question?” I play with the vision at my side.

“You know, my lady. You ask God each morning to show you the person you were intended to be and the path you are to travel. You ask God to help you be a good person.”

“Are you trying to tell me that you were sent by God to provide the answers to my questions and prayers?” I smirk to this thing that has unquestionably dismantled my morning commute.

“You have elevated me far beyond my position in life, my lady. I am not God’s FedEx service.” “I am more like your wake-up call. You know … you wake up most mornings before your alarm sounds, but the alarm goes off, anyway. You already know the time without evening looking at the clock, but yet you let the alarm go off, anyway.”

“So, wake-up call, what are you waking me up to?” I continue with the banter.

“I am waking you up to what you already know, my lady. God has placed in your heart the answers that you seek. You just need to open the proverbial door and step inside to greet the answers.”

Next stop, Union Station in our nation’s capital … I hear the conductor announce.

“Good day, my lady. This is where we get off to start our brand new day.” “The door is open … time to step through.”

I did step through the door on that very cold early Monday morning January day, but not the same as I had begun on that morning’s journey. I felt warm in my confidence that all the answers I needed were no longer hidden in some mystical corner of the universe, but stood tall and in plain sight within me. I just needed to open the door and greet each answer with respect. The sigh of relief was not mine, but that of the answers that had been begging me to release them from their place in wait … for me to open the door.

May your questions be the friend that waits by your side until you find the courage to open the door and greet all the answers you will ever need.

Peace and love, my kindred spirits. 

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/

Many Paths
There are many paths ... one will shine brighter ...
God prepared that one just for you. Peace and Love.

collage and words
by
Jeannette Zink
October, 2016

The Raspberry Hour

written by

Jeannette Zink

The sun now rests on the waning magenta and lavender rays of our daylight hours.

Time has scattered hither and thither, as if raspberry swirls

 on top this chocolate mousse of a day.

 Secrets and regrets veiled in the aromatic scents of our rosemary and thyme memories.

  The nightscape soon to take lead role in the narrative of our fantasies and tomorrow’s truths.

This is our raspberry hour when we pause and self-evaluate the swirls of our day.

We search through misty fragments of successes and failures,

and appeal to the gods of our maybe tomorrows –

well, maybe tomorrow I will do better.

Our sleepy eyelids lower with the window shade of this day,

 and we give thanksgiving for every single great and small blessing.

We are now free to join the night in a stroll made clear

 by starlight beams and mystic dreams.

Yes, maybe tomorrow we will do better and be so much wiser

 before next we bow to our raspberry hour.

The universe gently wraps its loving arms around our unsure soul, and

whispers lyrics of encouragement to a weary spirit.  

Come dance, beckons the nighttime hour,

 do not toss and turn with misery that come to mind,

this the midnight gala and you the welcomed guest.

Enjoy the party ... you are the guest of honor.

Graciously, I thank you, gifts of the night,

nurturer of my frustrations and sorrows;

our time together a treasure well spent.

Now, dear night; with deep respect,

 I must release you and these rosemary and thyme memories;

and, turn to greet the graceful light of unconditional love

 found inside each waiting God-given gift.

The sun will soon dawn and bravely I lift the window shade on a brand new day. 

Maybe today I will do better …

maybe today will be the day that I shout courageously

 on the tip toes of wonders and greatness.

Maybe this will be the day that I share the best of me.

Yes, today will be that day …

before next we bow to our raspberry hour.

Peace be with You,

on your pilgrimage

and

before next you bow

to the

 raspberry

 hour.

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/

Life is never straight Forward

written by

Jeannette Zink

When a thing is over, you simply pick up and move on. It’s that simple. Unless it’s not. Unless the bits and pieces of the unfinished parts resist their assigned space in our life. The leftovers … what to do with those pesky fragmented leftovers … the mosaic pieces nicely broken in shapes that fit snuggly into a place hidden until coming out for their midnight visits. The unwelcome guest knocking on our door in the hours intended for respite of the weary soul.

The picture perfect life encased within a beautiful frame. But, what about the fringe that wait off-stage in the shadows … casually sliding into our photo shoot? What to do with the fringe … the question sits uncomfortably in the backseat of our emotional roller coaster ride.

 

The bits and pieces of our life dangle from delicate threads, as if wind chimes swaying in the breeze to a tune of allusive regrets and starlight dreams. Their music float among the memories of yesterdays and the hopes of tomorrows. It should be a time for rejoice, but the gods of incompleteness persist in the compartment of unsettled business.  The need to make things right, before moving on with our life … before simply picking up and moving on.

Life is never straight forward and our desire to make things right is never easy.  Here is the thing, my dear friends, when a thing is over, it just may actually be over … we may not want to see it, to accept it, but it may actually be where it needs to be … for now, at least.  So, don’t hold on to the past and all the bits and pieces that don’t quite fit with the visceral picture of a perfect life.  There are many different perspectives of a photo with the natural shadows and tones cast in the background.  We can use the techniques of altering the imperfect and to align with our concepts of perfection, but it then becomes our manipulated image of perfection.

We want people to like us, to love us, to be in agreement with us, to make our life complete and perfect. That is what we want, but what about the other people? Does what we want fit with what the other people may want in their life … do all the want’s fit inside a beautiful mosaic picture perfect life?  More than likely the answer is NO … sometimes, never, or maybe just not now.  This is an okay place to be, actually.  Hug, shake hands, wish each other well … pick up and move on, for now. This is a wonderful gift we can give each other.

Life is an evolving universe allowing for growth and space to meet new vistas.  Our wants are necessary to us, our needs imperative to us and our right to be the person we were intended to be is God’s gift to us.  Let’s be brave enough to share these gifts with others in our life … and, then pick up and move on.  The universe will know when it is time to revisit the place we may find ourselves to be … each day a renewal for love and grace to find that picture perfect place.

Peace, my kindred spirits … the picture is perfect, for now.

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/

The Greeter

written by

Jeannette Zink

The sign outside a building I pass each morning reads –

Welcome, Come As You Are

I began to wonder what could be inside this building that stands four walls tall;

reflecting such beauty through windows of stained glass;

steeple brushed by the tarnished colors seen each fall.

So, I stopped one morning and went inside this familiar building that stood four walls tall. 

“Here I am,” I said at the portal –

as if answering the cries of a lost person’s call.

“Welcome,” I heard you say, “please come in and rest this day, you have traveled so far.”

This is your home; you are not just a casual guest. 

Please, come, my friend, take your place in this building made four walls tall.

The sun has now risen many seasons since that morning I stopped

 and went inside this building made four walls tall. 

Now, I greet you, wandering traveler, you have come so far.

Welcome, Come As You Are

to this place made four walls tall;

pillars secured by loving grace.

This is your home and you are free to roam;

free to be the person God intended you to be.

Welcome, my friend,

Come As You Are,

you have traveled so far.

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/

 

Pottery Maker

written by

Jeannette Zink

Inspired by Isaiah 64:8

There is a warmth in this midnight air;

the Pottery Maker labors without care;

art perfection blazing with flare;

broken and flawed met not with disgusted glare;

imperfection hailed as beauty in this warm midnight air.

The Pottery Maker knows well the clay held in hand;

remnants scattered and found in states of worst to bland;

creator of grace traveling throughout the land;

search and found just as plan;

the Pottery Maker knows well the clay held in hand.

There is love and joy with each turn of the Pottery Maker’s wheel;

we, the benefactor of this kindred spirit-fill;

gift of mercy given without conditional will;

mold us by hand with each turn of the Pottery Maker’s wheel.

There is a warmth in this midnight air;

the Pottery Maker labors without care;

art perfection blazing with flare;

broken and flawed met not with disgusted glare;

imperfection hailed as beauty in this warm midnight air.

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock … gift from my Clock

written by

Jeannette Zink

I give to you this gift each new day, said the Clock to the Keeper.

Every second, every minute gloriously crafted from the exquisite threads of a fine new day.

Gladly, I share these offerings wrapped by the ribbons of grace.

Come, celebrate – Creative Spirit – this is your day; this is your place.

Please do not waste my precious gift on mindful thoughts lesser in value than

 your true self, your intended purpose, your truth, your voice.

The universe longs for the authentic YOU … the one you were created to be.

Come, celebrate – Creative Spirit – this is your day; this is your place.

***

I give to you my token vow, said the Keeper to the Clock,

no longer will I sit at the table of false self and doubtful thought.

You have my pledge of truth and honor.

Your magnificent gift, now a cherished companion;

forever we travel as one.

Time etched by your sacred whispers;

mystic of journeys soon to unfold –

your treasures are measured in weight of gold;

a feast of gifts to eternally behold.

My paints now primed by dreams made clear.

My voice speaking words in volumes strong and dear.

My jewel palette prepared and readied in the aisles of renewed soul.

My true self now made whole.

***

Tick-Tock

Tick-Tock

Tick-Tock

***

Faint allusive joy finally come home to nest.

My purpose, my voice, my intended best.

Come, celebrate – Creative Spirit – this is your day; this is your place.

You may enjoy following my blogs:

https://jeannettesartandstories.blogspot.com/

https://doodlingwithwordsbyjeannette.blogspot.com/