Reading Half the Sky
To learn about why
To heed the girls' cry
What I can buy
To give help a try
Don't want to deny
Them a chance to fly
Let dreams soar high
From the depths they lie
From conditions they could die
Saw the authors on Oprah urging action.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
She Gives
I stare at the small and wrinkled writing
And think of her fragile hand just like it
No birthday or holiday missed
As long as she lives, she gives
I pull on another hand-knit sweater
She made when her eyes were seeing better
She’s started the next one on her list
As long as she lives, she gives
I realize she won’t be here forever
My heart won’t easily forget her
I’ll pass to the coming generation
A few examples of her loving patience
I hope I’m remembered just like this
As long as she lives, she gives
Now I’ve grown to appreciate and understand
The strength of my mother’s mother’s plan
As long as she lives, as long as she lives,
As long she lives, she gives
In this season of giving, I'm remembering my grandmother -
with thanks to co-writer Betsy Jackson for bringing it to life.
And think of her fragile hand just like it
No birthday or holiday missed
As long as she lives, she gives
I pull on another hand-knit sweater
She made when her eyes were seeing better
She’s started the next one on her list
As long as she lives, she gives
I realize she won’t be here forever
My heart won’t easily forget her
I’ll pass to the coming generation
A few examples of her loving patience
I hope I’m remembered just like this
As long as she lives, she gives
Now I’ve grown to appreciate and understand
The strength of my mother’s mother’s plan
As long as she lives, as long as she lives,
As long she lives, she gives
In this season of giving, I'm remembering my grandmother -
with thanks to co-writer Betsy Jackson for bringing it to life.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Attraction Distraction
This little attraction may be more than it seems,
Afraid to face why he shows up in my dreams.
Feels like he's all mine when we talk on the phone,
I'm not sure what to say when it's us two alone
I try to keep my place and handle his request,
Try to keep to myself how much I'm impressed.
He's thoughtful and caring, he loves to joke around.
A more respected man isn't easily found.
I know he has a wife, isn't looking to play.
I have no intention of getting him to stray,
Just want him to notice how I look and act.
He's got my attention, I can't ignore the fact.
With Tiger's troubles I was reminded of this writing from my single days.
Afraid to face why he shows up in my dreams.
Feels like he's all mine when we talk on the phone,
I'm not sure what to say when it's us two alone
I try to keep my place and handle his request,
Try to keep to myself how much I'm impressed.
He's thoughtful and caring, he loves to joke around.
A more respected man isn't easily found.
I know he has a wife, isn't looking to play.
I have no intention of getting him to stray,
Just want him to notice how I look and act.
He's got my attention, I can't ignore the fact.
With Tiger's troubles I was reminded of this writing from my single days.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Planet Protection
Forget the jokes that he's a bore,
Listen to what's said by Al Gore.
It's a crisis we can't ignore.
Shouldn't we learn how to do more?
We see the glaciers disappear,
But it doesn't cause enough fear.
Learn how the waters could rise here,
See if that can get us in gear!
Harmful as the national debt.
Seen An Inconvenient Truth yet?
Go to climatecrisis.net
Before or Earth's too hot and wet!
We need to keep moving in the right direction
Of planet protection!
Written just after seeing An Inconvenient Truth, posting for the global climate change conference in Copenhagen.
Listen to what's said by Al Gore.
It's a crisis we can't ignore.
Shouldn't we learn how to do more?
We see the glaciers disappear,
But it doesn't cause enough fear.
Learn how the waters could rise here,
See if that can get us in gear!
Harmful as the national debt.
Seen An Inconvenient Truth yet?
Go to climatecrisis.net
Before or Earth's too hot and wet!
We need to keep moving in the right direction
Of planet protection!
Written just after seeing An Inconvenient Truth, posting for the global climate change conference in Copenhagen.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving?
Nearly Thanksgiving,
Have some misgiving?
Despite rightful living,
Life's unforgiving!
Who can give thanks?
After problems with the banks,
Housing market tanks,
Job offers are blanks,
Car makers walk planks,
Lawmakers join ranks
In Healthcare pranks?
Who can give thanks?
For those who might not be feeling grateful this year
Have some misgiving?
Despite rightful living,
Life's unforgiving!
Who can give thanks?
After problems with the banks,
Housing market tanks,
Job offers are blanks,
Car makers walk planks,
Lawmakers join ranks
In Healthcare pranks?
Who can give thanks?
For those who might not be feeling grateful this year
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart
Certainly did her part
In making history
Without the results she wanted to see
She gave women a good start
In expanding what they could be
Amelia Earhart
Eagerly would depart
In taking to the sky
Believing that all were wanting to fly
Had the horse before the cart
Said the doubters, why even try?
Amelia Earhart
Labeled as a tart?
For straying from her man
When someone else fit into her plan
Wasn't seen as very smart
Husband staying her biggest fan
Amelia Earhart
Navigator read the chart
Circling the world
Marveling the sights, the beauty unfurled
Satisfied her wandering heart
Till over the ocean her plane twirled
Inspired by the recent movie Amelia
Certainly did her part
In making history
Without the results she wanted to see
She gave women a good start
In expanding what they could be
Amelia Earhart
Eagerly would depart
In taking to the sky
Believing that all were wanting to fly
Had the horse before the cart
Said the doubters, why even try?
Amelia Earhart
Labeled as a tart?
For straying from her man
When someone else fit into her plan
Wasn't seen as very smart
Husband staying her biggest fan
Amelia Earhart
Navigator read the chart
Circling the world
Marveling the sights, the beauty unfurled
Satisfied her wandering heart
Till over the ocean her plane twirled
Inspired by the recent movie Amelia
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Healthcare
Patients lining up
And the phones won't quit
There's no diagnosis
And my nylons don't fit
A buzz from the doctor
While I'm still on the phone
Roasting from the heat
And I feel like a drone
Patients lining up
Others wait on hold
Many needing shots
And some with a cold
Be sure they check in
And they go to the lab
Who else was put in?
It's hard to keep tab
Who is on which line?
Will you spell that name?
Whose writing is that?
Who will take the blame?
Payments aren't logged
The charts are piled high
Stomach is growling
And the time won't fly
Posting as topical but written in 1987 with a few updates
And the phones won't quit
There's no diagnosis
And my nylons don't fit
A buzz from the doctor
While I'm still on the phone
Roasting from the heat
And I feel like a drone
Patients lining up
Others wait on hold
Many needing shots
And some with a cold
Be sure they check in
And they go to the lab
Who else was put in?
It's hard to keep tab
Who is on which line?
Will you spell that name?
Whose writing is that?
Who will take the blame?
Payments aren't logged
The charts are piled high
Stomach is growling
And the time won't fly
Posting as topical but written in 1987 with a few updates
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
You Save Too Much
MATCHES AND MENUS, MAGAZINES AND MAPS
CHRISTMAS CARDS, COUPONS AND CATALOGUES
BOXES AND BROWN BAGS, BOOKS AND BOTTLE CAPS
AUTOGRAPHS, ARTWORK AND AWARDS
YOUR MOMMA SAID YOU SAVE TOO MUCH
WITH WHAT ARE YOU GONNA PART?
SAVE IT IN YOUR MEMORY
STORE IT IN YOUR HEART
RECORDS AND RIBBONS, RECIPES, RECEIPTS
FAVORITE FRAMES, FLOWERS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS
SHINY SHELLS, SUGARS, SHOES AND SETS OF SHEETS
CHINA, CHAIRS, CHECKERS, CHILD-MADE CRAFTS
THE MOVER SAID YOU SAVE TOO MUCH
WITH WHAT ARE YOU GONNA PART
STORE IT IN YOUR MEMORY
STORE IT IN YOUR HEART
CHRISTMAS CARDS, COUPONS AND CATALOGUES
BOXES AND BROWN BAGS, BOOKS AND BOTTLE CAPS
AUTOGRAPHS, ARTWORK AND AWARDS
YOUR MOMMA SAID YOU SAVE TOO MUCH
WITH WHAT ARE YOU GONNA PART?
SAVE IT IN YOUR MEMORY
STORE IT IN YOUR HEART
RECORDS AND RIBBONS, RECIPES, RECEIPTS
FAVORITE FRAMES, FLOWERS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS
SHINY SHELLS, SUGARS, SHOES AND SETS OF SHEETS
CHINA, CHAIRS, CHECKERS, CHILD-MADE CRAFTS
THE MOVER SAID YOU SAVE TOO MUCH
WITH WHAT ARE YOU GONNA PART
STORE IT IN YOUR MEMORY
STORE IT IN YOUR HEART
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween
I wore a costume on Halloween night
I ran to the houses that left on a light
I loved the candy dropped in my bag
I've got more good stuff you'd hear me brag
I'd lay them all out,pick one to eat
Then choose another for my next treat
Choosing a costume now is most fun
I'm wearing a mask known by no one
A witch and a clown dance next to me
Look at that monster, who could it be?
For the best costume they give a prize
But mine's not the most clever disguise
Won't want a costume as years go by
The fun that it brings I will deny
So I'll stay at home, give out the treats
I'll keep some for me, still loving sweets
I'll admire the kids, might have my own
To pass on the fun not yet outgrown
(written Oct 1987)
I ran to the houses that left on a light
I loved the candy dropped in my bag
I've got more good stuff you'd hear me brag
I'd lay them all out,pick one to eat
Then choose another for my next treat
Choosing a costume now is most fun
I'm wearing a mask known by no one
A witch and a clown dance next to me
Look at that monster, who could it be?
For the best costume they give a prize
But mine's not the most clever disguise
Won't want a costume as years go by
The fun that it brings I will deny
So I'll stay at home, give out the treats
I'll keep some for me, still loving sweets
I'll admire the kids, might have my own
To pass on the fun not yet outgrown
(written Oct 1987)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Gift
When I was born I was given a gift
Of savings bond certificates
I was unable to realize or thank
So my mom made sure they went in the bank
The interest grew over twenty five years
Until this time - my wedding nears
I wouldn't spend it on anything else
Than the perfect choice of a wedding dress
It's sleeves are long, with a skirt falling straight
Not leaving room to put on weight
The neck and back don't cut very low
But they're in a "V" for some skin to show
I won't let the groom set his eyes on the gown
Til at the aisle and walking down
He likes to call it "the mystery dress"
I think with the wait, he'll be more impressed
My grampy's gone and now grammy's too frail
To witness me in dress and veil
But wedding memories will include them there
'Cause their gift to me will be near and dear
Written in 1996 and printed on wedding program 13 years ago
Of savings bond certificates
I was unable to realize or thank
So my mom made sure they went in the bank
The interest grew over twenty five years
Until this time - my wedding nears
I wouldn't spend it on anything else
Than the perfect choice of a wedding dress
It's sleeves are long, with a skirt falling straight
Not leaving room to put on weight
The neck and back don't cut very low
But they're in a "V" for some skin to show
I won't let the groom set his eyes on the gown
Til at the aisle and walking down
He likes to call it "the mystery dress"
I think with the wait, he'll be more impressed
My grampy's gone and now grammy's too frail
To witness me in dress and veil
But wedding memories will include them there
'Cause their gift to me will be near and dear
Written in 1996 and printed on wedding program 13 years ago
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
She Sighed
You wanted to know what was implied when she sighed..........
Sister Rita Margaret was an unhappy nun
Until the school day was done
Then like a worker at five, her freedom arrived
And she sighed
Deacon Raymond Thompson stood up Sundays and yelled
Of sins, and the troubles they spelled
Making a little girl's eyes fearful and wide
And she sighed
David Bennet Junior was gorgeous and cool
She couldn't look like a fool
Wants to ask for a ride but wouldn't confide
And she sighed
Holding her diploma meant the studies were through
Life was beginning anew
Her joyful mother had cried, watching with pride
And she sighed
Happy wedded couple was the part she'd prefer
That life elusive to her
By saying her vows she complied, but not as a bride
And she sighed
You wanted to know what was implied when she sighed
2008
Sister Rita Margaret was an unhappy nun
Until the school day was done
Then like a worker at five, her freedom arrived
And she sighed
Deacon Raymond Thompson stood up Sundays and yelled
Of sins, and the troubles they spelled
Making a little girl's eyes fearful and wide
And she sighed
David Bennet Junior was gorgeous and cool
She couldn't look like a fool
Wants to ask for a ride but wouldn't confide
And she sighed
Holding her diploma meant the studies were through
Life was beginning anew
Her joyful mother had cried, watching with pride
And she sighed
Happy wedded couple was the part she'd prefer
That life elusive to her
By saying her vows she complied, but not as a bride
And she sighed
You wanted to know what was implied when she sighed
2008
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Pillow With A Heartbeat
Always on the go
A smile glued on my face
A hundred friends can't erase
The countless nights alone
But now I look forward to my sleep
'Cause I've got a pillow with a heartbeat
Always holding hands
So happy as a pair
With many things we like to share
Our days our filled with plans
And then I look forward to my sleep
'Cause I've got a pillow with a heartbeat
There's no better place to rest
Than in your arms and on your chest
So now I look forward to my sleep
'Cause I've got a pillow with a heartbeat
Written in the mid-90's and posting in honor of my husband's birthday and our upcoming anniversary.
A smile glued on my face
A hundred friends can't erase
The countless nights alone
But now I look forward to my sleep
'Cause I've got a pillow with a heartbeat
Always holding hands
So happy as a pair
With many things we like to share
Our days our filled with plans
And then I look forward to my sleep
'Cause I've got a pillow with a heartbeat
There's no better place to rest
Than in your arms and on your chest
So now I look forward to my sleep
'Cause I've got a pillow with a heartbeat
Written in the mid-90's and posting in honor of my husband's birthday and our upcoming anniversary.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Make Do
Patch up the holes, and let down the hem
Looks better on you then it did on them
So what if the style's no longer found
You look all dressed up in your hand-me-downs
Only shop at stores to find the low price
Reduced unwanteds will have to suffice
The shopping clerk you hate to thank
He takes your cash and breaks your bank
Some can laugh and look back on these days
Relieved they've reached a wealthier phase
But early on you've got nothing new, you've got to make do
Just pop it in, it says gourmet
It tastes like slop you ate yesterday
Desserts are a special sacrifice
Cause they all come with a healthy price
Some can laugh and look back on these days
Relieved they've reached a wealthier phase
But early on you've got nothing new, you've got to make do
From 1991 with thanks to co-writer David Butler of Connecticut Songwriters Assoc.
Looks better on you then it did on them
So what if the style's no longer found
You look all dressed up in your hand-me-downs
Only shop at stores to find the low price
Reduced unwanteds will have to suffice
The shopping clerk you hate to thank
He takes your cash and breaks your bank
Some can laugh and look back on these days
Relieved they've reached a wealthier phase
But early on you've got nothing new, you've got to make do
Just pop it in, it says gourmet
It tastes like slop you ate yesterday
Desserts are a special sacrifice
Cause they all come with a healthy price
Some can laugh and look back on these days
Relieved they've reached a wealthier phase
But early on you've got nothing new, you've got to make do
From 1991 with thanks to co-writer David Butler of Connecticut Songwriters Assoc.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Panic Attack
Having a panic attack!
Fears are out of whack!
How did I get off track?
When am I coming back?
Why does it all look black?
When did I lose the knack?
In believing what I could hack?
In knowing how to pick up slack?
The problems start to stack!
Believe I'm not gonna crack!
Written for a friend in need 10/2/09.
Fears are out of whack!
How did I get off track?
When am I coming back?
Why does it all look black?
When did I lose the knack?
In believing what I could hack?
In knowing how to pick up slack?
The problems start to stack!
Believe I'm not gonna crack!
Written for a friend in need 10/2/09.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
COWS
The cows have it made in the shade
Sitting on their ass, chomping grass
Nothing more to do than chomp and chew
Tails twitching away the flies
Staying casual, nobody tries
Stick close to the water for a drink
Not worried what others think
Maybe pulled and prodded when they don't want to be
Yet still looking calm and content to me
Smart enough to get out of the sun
They make their lounging look like fun!
Written June 2007 at Soul Spring Retreat
Sitting on their ass, chomping grass
Nothing more to do than chomp and chew
Tails twitching away the flies
Staying casual, nobody tries
Stick close to the water for a drink
Not worried what others think
Maybe pulled and prodded when they don't want to be
Yet still looking calm and content to me
Smart enough to get out of the sun
They make their lounging look like fun!
Written June 2007 at Soul Spring Retreat
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Upsetting
Heard about the one who got away
Listened to the horror she went through
Startled at the point details rang true
Realizing this could have been you
Letting, Petting, Netting
Upsetting, Fretting, Regretting
Thought about the man inside your car
Remembering you didn't think it through
Then when you saw what he began to do
Wondered what might become of you
Letting, Petting, Netting
Upsetting, Fretting, Regretting
Written after watching recent Oprah show.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
To The Workaholic
Slow Down!
They Say to me
Relax!
How can it be?
Keep Still!
I'm on the run
Time Off!
I'll fall behind
Hang Out!
I can't unwind
Breathe Deep!
Don't have the time
Lie Down!
But that's a crime
Have Fun!
How do I play?
Feel Good!
I know dismay
Laugh Hard!
No humor here
Get Help!
Can't shed a tear
Rest Up!
I can't give in
Ease Back!
I have to win
Love Life!
Feels like a test
Be Real!
Must be the best
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Steve McNair
Steve McNair, Just There!
In June, at celebrity softball
Signing autographs for all
Unaware that too soon life's halted
Steve McNair, Not Fair!
You're killed in a Nashville downtown place
Linked with that other woman's face
Can't repair stories filled with distaste
Steve McNair, Had Flair!
You played through injuries with game
Drive in Superbowl brought fame
Fans still care like you stayed in Titan flame
Steve McNair, We Care!
In June, at celebrity softball
Signing autographs for all
Unaware that too soon life's halted
Steve McNair, Not Fair!
You're killed in a Nashville downtown place
Linked with that other woman's face
Can't repair stories filled with distaste
Steve McNair, Had Flair!
You played through injuries with game
Drive in Superbowl brought fame
Fans still care like you stayed in Titan flame
Steve McNair, We Care!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Flower Box
Some folks feel better with daily walks
Or pick up the phone for long friendly talks
Others choose a favorite book & warm pair of socks
But I find my comfort in a flower box
You might like fishing out on the docks
Or camping outdoors without any clocks
Others use binoculars to spot owls & hawks
While I find my comfort in a flower box
Petunias, begonias, gladiolas, mums
I start planting and my shovel hums
Beauty, brilliance, fragrant flowers
Digging in the dirt keeps me happy for hours
Some kids keep busy with building blocks
Or pick up the crayons and colored chalks
Others like collecting things like marbles & rocks
But I found my comfort in a flower box
Now mine find their comfort in a flower box
(not sure who this was written for..............)
Or pick up the phone for long friendly talks
Others choose a favorite book & warm pair of socks
But I find my comfort in a flower box
You might like fishing out on the docks
Or camping outdoors without any clocks
Others use binoculars to spot owls & hawks
While I find my comfort in a flower box
Petunias, begonias, gladiolas, mums
I start planting and my shovel hums
Beauty, brilliance, fragrant flowers
Digging in the dirt keeps me happy for hours
Some kids keep busy with building blocks
Or pick up the crayons and colored chalks
Others like collecting things like marbles & rocks
But I found my comfort in a flower box
Now mine find their comfort in a flower box
(not sure who this was written for..............)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Quick Tribute
I just learned the somber news today
Senator Ted Kennedy has passed away
Up till his death, still ready to fight
Trying to get our healthcare right
So many of his family had gone before
But he fought his illness to give us more
Still not ready to lose Teddy
08/26/2009
Senator Ted Kennedy has passed away
Up till his death, still ready to fight
Trying to get our healthcare right
So many of his family had gone before
But he fought his illness to give us more
Still not ready to lose Teddy
08/26/2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
I Care
How do I show I care?
With a smile
A wink
A tug of the hair
How do I show I care?
With my time
For friends
I try to be there
How do I show I care?
With trusting
To tell
The secrets I bear
How do I show I care?
With money
For those
Who need me to share
How do I show I care?
With my faith
I help
In saying a prayer
How do I show I care?
With amends
To end
The cold, angry glare
How do I show I care?
With a song
To make
Others more aware
How do I show I care?
With a dream
To fix
That which seems unfair
December 1987
With a smile
A wink
A tug of the hair
How do I show I care?
With my time
For friends
I try to be there
How do I show I care?
With trusting
To tell
The secrets I bear
How do I show I care?
With money
For those
Who need me to share
How do I show I care?
With my faith
I help
In saying a prayer
How do I show I care?
With amends
To end
The cold, angry glare
How do I show I care?
With a song
To make
Others more aware
How do I show I care?
With a dream
To fix
That which seems unfair
December 1987
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