Word of the Week: Snow

Walk on a Winter's Day



Chilled to the bone, the frosty sheer air.
Winter again unrelenting, inevitably here.
The stillness of a new untouched morning,
Still ours alone to share.

The trees, a wonderland of beauty,
Boughs lush with white diamonds,
Dreamlike, in a haze of soft gray sky.
A picture,well-worth a thousand words.

Bundled and mittened, we walk on….
Determined, sure-footed,facing the elements.
Brave against the chill.
Your hand in mine, snug and secure.
The cold less bitter,because you are near.

Step after step,we trudge the brilliant white mile.
Smug in our solitude with nothing to fear.
With chocolate and kisses, waiting in the warmth.
To welcome us home again; so glad you are near.

GHH




Growing up on the Canadian Prairies, we spent many a day out in the snow. And snow it did; sometimes with "drifts" reaching as high as the roof of the house!

Blizzards, stay-at-home snow days,ice forts,skating rink in the backyard, snowball "fights", walking in the deep snow, frost on the trees.....lovely, cherished memories.

 I love the snow!


I hope there is plenty where we are, this Christmas.
 

"The snow: a blanket of diamonds in the winter sun."


I wrote this description many years ago. I still love the image it conjures up. :<)


 

Link to the original post at My Poetic Path, with a tribute to my dear brother Wendell.

 He was a December baby. I miss him so much. Even more so, this time of year. Hugs to you dear Wendell.

This poem was not written for him specifically, but I think he would have enjoyed it.

A Telemarketing Tale and Honoring Our Veterans

Sometimes, it IS worthwhile, listening for a minute or two when a telemarketer calls.

That happened to me this past week. I was busy on the computer typing away, when the phone rang. Rather than letting it click over to our answering machine, I decided to pick up. A young man on the other end of the line proceeded to tell me about the Memory Project an initiative to preserve the history of our veterans for school children across Canada. Apparently, this is something that is being dropped as regular curriculum in many of our provinces.

This nationwide bilingual project will create a record of Canada’s participation in the Second World War as seen through the eyes of thousands of veterans. The Memory Project will provide every living Second World War veteran with the opportunity to share their memories through oral interviews and digitized artifacts and memorabilia. These stories and artifacts will be available on this site for teachers, students and the general public.

I was so happy to hear about this initiative. How does the saying go... "if we ignore our history, we are destined to re-live it" .

I don't think we can ever do enough for the veterans of all the wars. And yet these are the people who are often forgotten or not recognized for their sacrifices and contributions after they return from their military duties. It is gratifying to know that there are still individuals and  organizations working to change that before it's too late. Not only are veterans going out to visit school children as part of this program, there is also an interactive online option where veterans can tell their stories from home and in turn they will be shared via the Internet.

So, not only did I learn about this wonderful program that touched on a subject that I hold near and dear to my heart.It also proved that sometimes, telemarketers can be worth listening to! :<) 

I guess we can learn from the most unexpected sources at times.

Welcoming June's Arrival with Lilacs and Sweet Memories

                            

               

Lilacs are one of my all-time favorite flowers.

 I love everything about them. The beautiful pastel shades of mauve,creamy white,pink.. The  tiny, perfectly shaped petals, the unforgettable and unmistakable, glorious fragrance.

And best of all for me, the sweet memories they bring to mind of being a little girl and enjoying the lilacs coming into bloom, in early summer.

We had two lovely lilac trees in our yard, that burst into soft mauve blooms about this time each year. Then my mom filling the house with vases of these beauties.  I remember it like it was yesterday.

                 
And speaking of yesterday, I was given a bouquet of mauve lilacs to enjoy and I am savoring their fragrance as it wafts through our home. They can't bottle this kind of scent perfection!

What is your favorite flower that brings good memories to mind? Do share!


PS: Here are some new posts at my other blogs that you might also enjoy:

At: My Real Life Reviews: Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream 

At: My Poetic Path: A Tanka Moment, Summer Wishes and Winter Dreams

At: Veggies, Yarns & Tails: A Favorite Summertime Pasta Recipe