Curve Ball

Has life ever thrown you a curve ball when you least expect it? 

Life is fragile and uncertain and you can't predict when the curve balls come your way. I have seen many a curve ball in my life but this spring into summer has brought a few new ones. Curve ball #1 was thrown out in the late spring just before our first grandchild was to be born. My husband had a horrible case of shingles. The pain was intense and constant, localized around the eyes. The eye specialist and internist wanted him isolated. That news sent shock waves. How would we see our grandchild when she was born? Our faith was tested but we managed to get through that ordeal and travel to see our sweet granddaughter right after she entered the world.

Now, a new crisis has risen. It appeared suddenly and without warning. This time the pain is more excruciating that the shingles virus. It radiated from my husband's lower back and down into his leg that became numb. There have been three days of doctor visits, tests, and no let up in the pain. We are now faced with the reality that my husband may not be able to travel to Cape May for our summer holiday weekend with our grandbaby. 

It is interesting that this week I wrote about life living moments. While this is not a joyful time, it is a real life living moment. Many people experience times of crisis. They are part of life. The hard part is that these moments rob the joy (temporarily). While medical problems are tests of faith, they are also opportunities to work through the struggle. 

I may have sunk into the depths of the muddy water over this matter but I know that this is not where I want to stay. As I searched the internet for positive thoughts, I found this wonderful quote by Maya Angelou that has steered me in the right direction.

Tonight, I decided to celebrate the curve balls in life, rather than feel defeated, using positivity and faith as my lifelines. Reflection and writing seem to be ways for me to rise above the funk. Tomorrow morning starts a new day of hope!

It's time to Celebrate This Week with Ruth Ayres, so I use this post as a guiding piece for a new day. 

Poetry Friday on The Variety of Words to Craft a Poem

When the editor of O (the Oprah Magazine) asked Maya Angelou on how to write a poem she replied, “Like a pianist runs her fingers over the keys, I’ll search my mind for what to say." Maya Angelou was a gifted and prolific writer who continues to inspire me to refine every thought I craft. Her words remind me that our fingers are the tools of a voice that calls us to compose. Some days there is a snippet of inspiration to move the spirit. Other days there is the constant revision of words churning and being refined and then there are the days when words don't hit the right note. 

Read Elinor Wylie's thoughts on the many varieties of crafted words.

Pretty Words by Elinor Wylie

Poets make pets of pretty, docile words:
I love smooth words, like gold-enamelled fish
Which circle slowly with a silken swish,
And tender ones, like downy-feathred birds:
Words shy and dappled, deep-eyed deer in herds,
Come to my hand, and playful if I wish,
Or purring softly at a silver dish,
Blue Persian kittens fed on cream and curds.

I love bright words, words up and singing early;
Words that are luminous in the dark, and sing;
Warm lazy words, white cattle under trees;
I love words opalescent, cool, and pearly,
Like midsummer moths, and honied words like bees,
Gilded and sticky, with a little sting.

Elinor Wylie Enjoy crafting thoughts this season in hopes of finding fall on a bright autumn day.  I added a new poem about finding fall. It can be viewed here. Comments are welcomed. Each Friday, different poets open their sites to host a variety of writers who celebrate the love of poetry. This week's Poetry Friday is hosted by Tricia Stohr-Hunt. Please stroll over to Tricia's site, The Miss Rumphius Effect.

Summer Draws to a Close

When the editor of O Magazine asked Maya Angelou on how to write a poem she replied, "Like a pianist runs her fingers over the keys, I'll search my mind for what to say." Of course, Maya Angelou was a gifted poet so the task may have been an easier one for this esteemed woman of wisdom.  With this in mind, I have spent several days allowing words to swirl in motion about the summer of 2014 and its offerings.

End of August days wrapped in sunshine 

unfold for one last look at summer:

   its unencumbered moments,

   relaxed feelings,

   passion-driven opportunities,

   and joyous family outings.

I linger in this end of season day
watching parent and child mark their steps
on a stretch of blue weaving.  
Hand in hand discussing life
they bid the beach good night. 

Then, I sit in the stillness of solitude

reflecting on summer's offerings.
Bright, clear hues paint possibilities.
Ocean's roar sparks creativity.
Sun's abundance recharges spirits.
Possibilities surface as the day draws to a close.

I savor these last few days of summer. May you do the same. 

Join the fun of reading other Poetry Friday offerings at Check It Out. Jone MacCulloch is the host this week.