Christmas Wondering

Three little girls snuggle in jammies

Wondering what delights await them

At Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Do they hear what I hear, and

See what I see?

Night turns into day.

Wind swishes through the trees

The Christmas tree lights up the room and

Hot cocoa sweetens the morning.

All is well as three little girls

Unwrap presents under the tree,

Sing along with their new microphones,

Let small balls roll down slides,

and a Santa Workshop is created.

I watch their frolicking fun,

Feel the love that warms the house.

Will they remember this holiday

Wrapped in tissue paper, kisses,

And the beloved 1940's manger?

These moments captured in photos

Will be savored as Jingle Bells and laughter

Flow through Grandma and Grandpa's house.

🎄

Post-Christmas Slice of Life

@CVarsalona, New Year's Eve 2024

Quick Write Poem 

Digital Image created in Collageable and Fotojet

Happy New Year to the worldwide reflective writers

of Two Writing Teachers.

#YouAreHerePoetry

As summer rolls on, so does nature's changeable weather patterns. Meteorologists consistently offer news that challenges our patience. What is the best time for a relaxing family vacation before school doors open? We wonder and plan but the weather reports are not always accurate. 

I was intrigued by The Inkling's challenge for the first Friday of August. Host Catherine Flynn presented an invitation for everyone to join the 2024 Poet Laureate, Ada Limón’s Poet Laureate project, “You Are Here.” You can read more about the project on The Library of Congress website. The prompt asked that poets and non-poets respond to the question that asks, "What would you write in response to the landscape around you"? 

I Am Here

In the steamy "dog days" of August,

Summer salutes life with

golden streams of morning bliss.

⭣

Here, I find the historical presence of Cape May, NJ,

esteemed as the oldest seaside resort in America-

my place to pause and relax.

⭣

I find solace in the imperfect weather

where a billowy, marshmallow

pattern transforms the sky.

⭣

Droplets descend.

Nature shifts her perspective as

sunlight peeks through clouds.

⭣

Land and sea rest.

Choice opens a pathway

under nature's canopy.

⭣

I am here at the shore   

renewed by sunshine and sprinkles.

Summer welcomes nature's joy. 

⭣

At each pause, I savor the

artistic presence of vivid sights

when nature meets shore.

⭣

©CVarsalona, 2024, image poem series

The above poem is highlighted with picturesque photos of the Cape May Jersey Shore and my thoughts on the marvelous landscapes that recently surrounded me during my family's beach vacation.

This summer has been a series of medical ups and downs that did not provide enough space for me to join Two Writing Teachers for Tuesday's Slice of Life. Today, I am delighted to write alongside educator friends.

Good Morning World!

This year, summer floats on heated air with temperatures rising to 100 degrees. Weather is the topic of many discussions. I join in but rather reflect on finding positivity in nature's offerings.

A couple of months ago, I wished that I could enjoy earth's blooming spring days but I was filled with worry. I stood alone in a hospital room wishing to see the bright colors of my gardens. From the end of April to June, I spent recuperating at home. I feel ready now to open doors and discover new views to admire and be grateful for during this season. 

Trees sway in fairy-like movements among the stilled flowers aching for water. Gray clouds slip between houses as the breeze slows down. I open the door knowing that the peace of an early summer day is ready to greet me. I may be tired and not able to walk as far as before but each step discovers a new view to admire and have gratitude for life.

©CVarsalona, 2024

Summer's Morning Door

a simple decorative entry

opens each day with ease
what one sees depends on these

nature's summer gifts of sky and grounds
moments for life pauses and sweet sounds
gratitude glides from my lips
©CVarsalona, 2024, cherita

Look, Listen, and Fill Your Heart with Joy
as you watch Gratitude to Nature.

 I happily joinTwo Writing Teachers,
a meeting place for a world of reflective writers,
after many months of not writing alongside friends.


Over the past months, I've used my blog to recount my journey.