Trunk of a Fallen Tree

I look back on the days of a childhood in the country
We were roaming freely in the forest by the creek
Stretched behind that log, playing games of hide and seek
There's more I see than the trunk of a fallen tree

I recall when we stared at the skyline of the city
From a distant hilltop where we rested from the climb
Sitting on a log, breathing in the scent of pine
There's more I see than the trunk of a fallen tree

So many memories in that trunk of a fallen tree

I remember the warmth of your body sitting near me
All the hours of driving from the weekend left us tired
Listening to that log, crackling in the roaring fire
There's more I see than the trunk of a fallen tree

Feel The Spirit

Can't Bear It?
Don't Fear It
Feel The Spirit

Can't Hear It?
You're Near It
Feel the Spirit

Can't Steer It?
Just Cheer It
Feel the Spirit

Like the Rebirth of Mother Earth,
Feel the Mirth, Know your Worth


Written Feb 2009, Read at Soul Spring Women's Retreat 1/23/10.

Help Haiti

How much can I give
To help the Haitians live?
Nothing seems enough
Conditions are so rough!
I'll do what I can
To help my fellow man
Who survived the quake
With horror in its wake!

She's Married to her Cat

He sleeps close but wakes early
And makes a lot of noise
He wants his food right on demand
Then plays with all his toys

He takes off and roams around
She knows that he'll return
He brings her gifts she doesn't want
She knows he'll never learn

She's married to her cat
Sounds like a silly notion
But he's got her devotion
She's married to her cat

He's on guard when company
Includes another male
He stakes his claim right on her lap
The effort never fails

She's married to her cat
Sounds like a silly notion
But he's got her devotion
She's married to her cat


Inspired by my first cat Lefty, and Lyle Lovett's quirky songs.

Resolutions?

I resolve to get more sleep
For the benefits I'll reap.
I have plans to lose some weight
To ensure that I'll feel great.
Also needing to swim more
Till it doesn't feel a chore.
I resolve I won't be late
So I don't make others wait.
I'm intending not to swear
Choosing my words with care.
I decide to clear out stuff
Better judging what's enough.
I resolve to stop this list
Fearing some already missed.

Half the Sky

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.

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.