Poem: Atmospheres

When the atmosphere around a person’s words is pure oxygen

 I listen better.

When there is a wonderful sphere of white noise

    I focus my thoughts and write.

When the fragrance of a forest propels me forward

    I enter heaven.

When the song of a bird trills at dark dawn

    I dance.

When you thrill my heart

   I rest in the palm of your hand.

Old Couples Not Talking At Restaurants

When Rick and I were first married, building our house in the mountains, and working two full time jobs with three kids...occasionally we would get to go to Denver, drop the kids at their grandparents' and go to lunch together. These rare times were full of conversation and catch-up.

There would always be an old couple sitting at a table in any restaurant. I would notice them because they would NOT be talking. I would tell Rick something like "we will never be like that. We will always have something to talk about. We will love each other. We will care about each other. We will enjoy being together." 

Well, we have now become that old couple, and quite often we will sit at a restaurant and NOT talk. I have come to realize there is a precious intimacy in being so content and confident in your person that language can be silent and still joyful. But this kind of knowing comes after many years of living together. 

Life is so funny; such a paradox; and loves to laugh at our folly. Be joyful!

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Poem: Butter Cookie

Butter Cookie

Let me be:

As tasty as second-day chili

Sweet and soft as a homemade butter cookie

Tender as aged meat

Giving as one who has little yet so much.

I want to “be:”

Slow enough to catch my memories

Quick enough to chase my grandkids

Deep enough to truly love

High enough to truly see.

Vintage. Old soul. Seer. Lover.

Help me embrace these parts of me.

That I may truly enjoy life

And the gift of my years.

(Acrylic painting by Chris Tracy)

Poem: Dancer

Dancer

Her light was so bright

She carried joy like a breeze

That whispered soft

Of better days to come.

Build or Be? - Part 2

You have done all you can do. You’ve taken the classes, you’ve put yourself out there; you’ve become who you want to be and nothing seems to be happening. No calls; no job offers; no money; no place to work.

The Bible says when you have done all you can do then stand and wait. Wait on the Lord. He put His dreams in us and partners with us to make them happen. The timing is always right. In the meantime, enjoy what you love. Work where you can. Stay open. Listen for His prompts. 

God’s promises to you are solid and true. There are so many verses I could write here for you but I feel like you need to grab your Bible and do an internet search on verses He brings to your mind. I’d use key words like God, dreams, promises, grace, provision, and protection. 

“Learn to live inside the grace of one day.” - Paul Young - Author of The Shack

Confession: I write these things for me, too. In the writing, my courage is strengthened and my belief deepens.

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Build or Be? Take off. Part 1

You’ve taken all the classes. Read all the books. Even gotten certified in something or have a degree on a diploma on your wall. Yet you feel unqualified; like you have to take more classes and learn much more.

I was that way. It took years to believe I was a writer even though I was a reporter for a newspaper and had a journalism degree.

When I finally decided to start calling myself a writer. It was hard. But I had to become what I already was.

When will the right time be for you?

Are you going to keep building it or begin living it?

If not now when?

If not you, who?

Is it time to step out and just be and do your dream?

I will answer for you. "Yes, it's time!" Have fun!

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“Is This Enough?”

I was walking through the woods, mist in the warm Texas air, and was thinking how beautiful it was and how thankful I felt to be walking at this moment. It was 25 degrees cooler than it had been the past sweltering week. I was reveling in it and so was Daisy. Suddenly a voice spoke in my imagination saying: “if this is all you had; right now; forever…if your dreams don’t happen and your hopes aren’t realized…is this enough?”

I knew it was Papa God talking to me. I looked at the ducks swimming in the Pecan Bayou and the trees drooping heavy over the path and felt the warmth on my cheeks and the true joy in my heart. I did not hesitate.

“Yes!” I answered. “This is definitely enough.” 

Then I began to sing to Daisy one of my favorite songs. (Attached here.)

“Poems and Prayers and Promises” by John Denver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuP1kMRyKOY

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Still This Little Girl

This is me! My bike is decorated for the Fourth of July with crepe paper streamers and a 48-star flag.

I was called Kiki. I grew up in this home on Lake Bluff Boulevard in Shorewood, Wisconsin. It was the house my grandpa purchased new in 1926 and where my mom and my aunt grew up and where their young mom tragically succumbed to spinal meningitis .

This picture was taken within 10 years of my dad fighting in World War II. The Korean War, the Cold War, and the polio epidemic were all happening at the time this picture was taken. Sonic booms were normal. The threat of nuclear war was imminent. These were threats this little girl was thankfully oblivious to.

Soon we would get our first television. After it rained, my little brother and I would play with sticks in the sidewalk cracks and make mud pies. Summers were spent at Atwater Beach where my mom and I loved to find colorful smooth stones washed up by the waves of Lake Michigan.

My grandma lived downtown and took the bus to visit us on weekends. My grandpa lived two blocks away.

At the age of 3, my family was my world. Now, at 72, my family is still my world.

I keep this little picture on my desk to remind me of who I am. I'm still this little one - full of dreams and play and hope and imagination.  If I could speak to her from 2023, I would tell her:

• Keep looking forward.
• You will fail and mess up, but you will be ok.
• Never stop learning.
• Be thankful.
• Life goes by fast. Embrace every moment.
• Be kind.
• Don't be afraid to be who you are.
• You are special.
• You have never been alone.
• You are greatly loved.
• You are brave and strong.
• Follow your heart.
• Stand for what you believe.
• You are a gentle, quiet warrior.
• You will have adventures.
• Dream big and bigger.
• God already knows you.

Check my website for information about my books and blogs and life. www.christinetracy.com