SOL4/31: Dear Airline Passengers . . .

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 

to the March Slice of Life Story Challenge community.

Thanks to Stacey, Betsy, Beth, Kathleen, Deb, Melanie, and Lanny

 for hosting this meeting place each day in March

and for nurturing our writing lives.

Dear airline passengers

on last night's 7 pm flight 

from the east coast to the west coast,

When the precious 20 month old

arrived on your five hour flight,

I hope you didn't recoil

and remember past flights

with crying babies.

His parents meant well.

If you board a flight at 7 pm,

and the child generally

goes to sleep at 7:30, 

he should sleep for
most of the flight 

or at least some of it, right?

His mama posted this 

from the Seattle airport at 10:23 pm:

"Barely survived a brutal

late night flight to Seattle.

BUUUTTTT we're one step 

closer to our *kid free*

Hawaiian vacation!"

Sometimes his mama 

calls him a stinker.

But his grandma

calls him sweetheart!

NPM Day 15: The Letter M: Two Poets & Celebrate This Week

My book spine poem for NPM 2017:

She walks in beauty

A jar of tiny stars

Awakening the heart

Open the door

House of light 

Pass the poetry, please!

Each weekend I join a group of blogger friends to celebrate the week.  I have many celebrations this week.

I've made it halfway through National Poetry Month and my stroll through the alphabet continues.  Today's featured letter is M.

And of course, Eve Merriam comes to mind.  This is a favorite visual poster of Merriam's poem, "How to Eat a Poem" that a parent made for me more than a decade ago.  

Another "M" poet is Lilian Moore.  Her book, Mural on Second Avenue and Other City Poems, includes several favorite poems.  

• "To a Red Kite"
• "Forsythia Bush"
• "Rain Pools"
• "The Tree on the Corner"
• "Winter Dark"

If you've never explored this picture book of Moore's poetry, it's time to treat yourself.  

 Join us each weekend for Celebrate This Week with Ruth Ayres.

When we pause to celebrate, we find the joy.

 

   A week filled with moments to celebrate and remember.

While I was busy writing my daily posts, an important number passed me by.  I completed my 700th post when I saluted 
Irene Latham (for the letter I), poet extraordinaire,

on my Tuesday slice of life post.  

I received a free book from Irene.  Out of her abundant spirit, she offered one of her books of poetry free during NPM if you emailed her.  I did and she sent a book to me and one for a friend,

both inscribed.

Both sets of grandparents and friends

gathered in celebration for Jack's blessing

at church on Sunday. 

Jack went to his first story hour at

Island Books, our indie bookstore,

and even stayed awake the whole time.

Teddy officially began walking this week. 

He's a big fan of swinging too!

Love this springtime pic 

and Teddy's charming smile!

And in honor of Easter weekend, here's an acrostic I wrote for Spiritual Journey First Thursday earlier in the month.

Everlasting joy
As we praise the God who
So loved the world 
That He sent His son.
Every soul has cause to 
Rejoice!  He is risen!

-Ramona Behnke

Happy Spring!

Slice of Life: Loving the Moments with Teddy!

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 

to the Tuesday Slice of Life (SOL) community.

Thanks to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Beth, Kathleen, Deb, Lisa, and Melanie

                    for hosting this meeting place each Tuesday and nurturing our writing lives.


Time for another day of
cuddling sweet Teddy, 
kissing his soft forehead, 
nuzzling the down on his head,

absorbing baby molecules,
capturing precious expressions,
observing my son in this new role as Dad,
celebrating the love of his sweet Mama,
murmuring sweet endearments,
taking turns with Grandpa,
singing tender lullabies, 

nuzzling the down on his head, 
kissing his soft forehead,
cuddling sweet Teddy, 
time to plan my next trip.