Thoughts from Within

JOY IN THE KITCHEN One Christmas when I was six, I received a small boxed cake mix. The box said it was enough for two, But there were ten members in our family, my parents both knew. So I sat on the couch confused for awhile, Until my Dad brought in a gift that made me smile. An easy bake oven-it looked so real, It even had a Betty Crocker seal. I jumped for joy at this new toy, I could not wait to bake, My brothers came in and asked what I was going to make. I showed them the tiny boxes and said they were for me and a friend, But what do we get? How about us? The boy’s whining would not end. They soon gave up and walked away and played with their brand new toys, The living room floor was covered with fine gifts for all five boys. I called my friend to come and see my neat surprise, I wanted to show her my oven and see her great big eyes. Virginia came from across the street, She took one look and said “That is really neat” After church we began to bake, We were going to try the chocolate cake. The pans were tiny and the mix so small, One bite for each of us and that was all. The easy bake oven was a fun thing to do, That very Christmas my interest in baking grew. Now I still like to bake-I share my treats with others, I still make birthday cakes for all my sisters and brothers. I now have a beautiful kitchen with all I need for baking, All my family always asks what am I making? I never tell them ‘til I’m done, I play the guessing game. Without that long ago gift, my life would not be the same. I now bake for my husband’s office, friends, family and more, Someday I’d like to open up a bakery type store. ૐ ABUNDANCE We learn by our trials, they leave their mark, We must heal the wounds or stay in the dark. We want to exude happiness and wonderful health, Plus a dose of peace and a hint of wealth. Just look around-we all have so much, A kiss, a caress, a lover’s touch. We have lovely kitties who love to play, They entertain us most every day. God and the universe sees that we have enough, We are taken care of even when times are tough. God looks down and meets our needs, He helps all of us thrive and succeed. ૐ DANCING CHEEK TO CHEEK The lights are all low, The music plays real slow. It is time to dance to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, This music is romantic the orchestra makes. I hug my dear one oh so tight, And look into his eyes-it feels so right. Swaying and holding each other close, Listening to the musicians playing the violin the most. We close our eyes and appreciate each other, I recall when my Dad danced with my mother. Soft music, a warm embrace and a slow dance, All these things are pure romance. Hearts beating a little fast, Our love affair is sure to last. Dancing can make for a lovely time, To add to the pleasure, have a glass of wine. The music is ending-the time is near, I whisper to my loved one, I love you dear. He can see in my eyes the spark of delight. We may have to take up dancing every night! ૐ A RAINY DAY Some times of year we get lots of rain, If it is steady and heavy it swells the city’s drains. You need to watch the puddles-don’t’ ever drive too fast, We never know how long these heavy showers will last. We notice the day may look gloomy, the sun not seen, But in a few days after rain, yards will turn green. We like to build a fire when it is very damp, We used to get warmed by a fire every time we camped. The rain is getting heavier, you can hear it pitter pat, We gather around the glass door and try to comfort cats. The rain comes down, we sit and listen, The rain drops make all of nature glisten. We look out the window and what do we see, But small hail pellets; how could this be? The weathermen sometimes cannot really see, Hail in our area was not supposed to be. The hail melts quickly, no damage done. Now we are all ready to have some fun. We get coffee and scones and sit by our fireplace, We keep the TV weather on just in case. For lunch we will have soup and crackers-that is all we need, Then its time for an afghan and a cozy place to read. After our meals the kitties feel sleepy and so do we, The thunder and lightening woke us up at three. We make herbal tea and head to our cozy bed, Why don’t we read a bit my husband kindly said. At the foot of the bed all the kitties know their spot, We pour a little more tea from our lovely teapot. We both have great books that we’ve just begun to start, The authors are very good, their books a work of art. More thunder and drizzle-another rainstorm is on its way, We’ve heard of lives ruined by tornadoes; for them we begin to pray. Back to the reading, but sleep is calling our name, The kitties are already asleep, eat then sleep is their greatest game. Dark clouds overhead makes our room dark too, We hear the rain hit the window, the wind really blew. Our eyes are heavy-our books can wait, Rainy day comfort is oh so great. ૐ BIRTHDAY PARTIES Birthday parties as kids were so very neat. You’d get an invitation, a really cool treat. I asked my Mom can we get a gift, She said tomorrow after my shift. Now the trip to the toy shop never got old, I’d see anything Disney and I was sold. We picked out a Minnie Mouse stuffed toy-cute we agreed, My Mom was very nice, she’d also buy a toy for me. We’d get pretty paper and a matching bow, My Mom would wrap it perfectly I would always know. Finally the day of the party would come around, I was so excited I could hardly sit down. We arrived at the party a little bit early, There were boys there running and acting squirrelly. Soon the house was full of kid’s laughter and talk, The games were all outside so outdoors we’d walk. The table had streamers and big balloons, It looked so pretty, we’d sit there soon. We played tag, pin the tail on the donkey and red rover too, The entire party was left in charge of Aunt Sue. We ran to the table, the treats were all there, The boys pushed and shoved, they did not care. After the delicious sweets had been served, We sang Happy Birthday like the birthday girl deserved. We ate our cake and ice cream and were ready for gifts, I’m sure opening presents would give all a lift. So many nice toys, games and girlie things as well, The party was soon over I could tell. A fun time for all and great memories too, We did not leave before thanking Aunt Sue. ૐ THE PERILS OF GARDENING This time of year the weather can really change, We all want it to stay in the 70 to 80 range. It is cool out now, no heat soon we pray, The sun is hiding, more rain is on the way. Spring is a special time of year, When Mother Nature gets in high gear. Flowers bloom, trees leaf and grass all green of course, All this happens with the help of a universal force. We planted daisies, petunias and a lily as well, When they’ll bloom we just can never tell. We tried growing herbs, the seeds wouldn’t sprout, Our edible garden didn’t work, we threw them all out. We buy more plants it is hit or miss we’ve found, Sometimes they wilt before we get them in the ground. Gardening takes a talent, you either have it or you don’t, You try to grow seeds in the ground, but sprout they just won’t. Gardening is good for the soul, it is always said, It is lots of work I’ve also read. One day we may leave the big city and have a farm, We may move to the country and find a house with charm. If the soil is fertile we’ll give gardening one last try there, If nothing grows in that soil then I just won’t care. To conclude fresh grown food is always the best, Try the farmer’s market my dear husband suggests. ૐ