Showing posts with label #SOL2026. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #SOL2026. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day: Then and Now

Memories of many St. Patrick's Days float through my mind. I put aside the to-do list and concentrate on tonight's dinner party with the family. I wonder if my little grandgirls will be excited? Will the leprauchan tales be told in school? I look forward to hear about their day at school just like my mother would listen to my St. Patrick's Day stories. I want to tell my grandgirls about my childhood days. The nuns would bring us into the cafeteria to learn the Irish songs and dance the Irish jig. This day reminds me that children enjoy laughter, fun, and treats. It's time to wear the green, decorate the house, and enjoy the sunshine.

 

What makes me feel the wonder of this day? The undeniable taste of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and Irish soda bread with yummy sweets. Today was the first time I made Irish soda bread. It was delicious, and the Irish butter on top made it more so. But beyond the food, decorations, and treats, I am eager to enjoy the closeness of family gathered together tonight.  In the image poem to the right, you will see only two little grands. Their sister was not yet born but the outfit shown is now fitting granddaughter #3. Let's hope she wears it tonight.

The doorbell rings and here they come, all dressed in green. Let the dinner party begin!

Day 17, March 2026

 12th year with Two Writing Teachers

Monday, March 16, 2026

Reflaction on Life

When I spend time reflecting on life, I get to know myself better.  I slipped out of this habit during the initial phase of grief, but I am trying to make a comeback each morning.  A reflaction is a reflection with action. It was coined by two colleagues in New Jersey. The action part of my reflaction is in the last two lines of the poem.  Father Mike on YouTube centered his Sunday sermon on this mantra. 

Before dawn has broken
I lay in quiet stillness
Waiting for flickers of light.
Outside 
            Lies an imperfect world
            In disrepair from continual
            Disharmony and egregious behavior.
Call the seamstress!
Restitch the torn, the worn.
Restore hearts broken from turmoil.
             Renew our precious land.
             Relight the darkness found.
             Revisit possible solutions.
Before the close of the day
Find rest in nature's offering.
Seek comfort in others' hands.
            Hold high the light of hope.
            Look for joy and steal it
            Every time we find it.
                                                  (c) CVarsalona, 2025
                                                 
Day 16, March 2026
 12th year with Two Writing Teachers

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

GrandGirls Bring Sunshine

Regardless of gray skies, my little grandgirls bring sunshine and good cheer every time they come to visit.  Last weekend was grandma-sitting time. What a surprise to be greeted not only by two of the three little grands but also by the sun itself, with its warming touch. 

Inside the home, is a gift of love for the grandgirls and a fashion show from them to me.


Gift of Love

spring arrives
colors pop
flowers bloom

fashion trend
brings love and 
flowered joy
(c) CVarsalona@gmail.com

I found a quote by an anonymous donor that made me smile.
"Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting."

In return, the little grandgirls (8, 6, and 2 1/2), bring sunshine every day, even when the sky is gray.

 12th year with Two Writing Teachers

This slice was meant for Day 3 but I fell asleep with my laptop on my "lap".