Tag Archives: Life

Thoughts

Things to ponder...., , , , , , , ,

I recently started a new project, as I felt my mindset had slipped out of some traditional thought patterns. I pulled a gratitude journal from the bookshelf as I decided I needed to get back into the habit of practicing gratitude. 

Each writing offers a two-page spread, with the first page having some thoughts to ponder, some scripture reminders, and the subsequent page is for writing and a brief prayer for ending the session. 

My writing will remain private, but I wanted to share the thoughts to ponder from one day. Day five, to be more precise. 

Some of the truths I’ve known for years, yet somehow, allowed these truths to escape from personal practices. Sometimes we all need reminders.

Yet I was fascinated by the idea that one’s mind actually expands based upon our focus. I liked the examples they used and could see experiences from my past to support the statement. 

The world we currently live in bombards us with information designed to grab our minds and cause us to be fearful or distrusting of others. Allowing such thoughts to occupy my mind creates the possibility for a stream of emotions and actions which I don’t want to be used to describe me. I can accomplish an alternative outcome with how I choose to think. When I ponder all I have to be grateful for, or the beauty surrounding me, I will become more optimistic and content. The prospect of becoming more optimistic and content is exciting; which should cause increased happiness, increased health and more fun for those I interact with. 

So, I have started the “100 Days of Grace & Gratitude.”

What thoughts will you choose?

Spring Thoughts

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy, Things to ponder...., , , , , ,
Cut before the snow

Daffodils make me smile and remind me another season is coming. This piece was first published in Clouds, Dreams and Fantasy Copyright © 2023. (available on Amazon).
I seldom date my pieces. However, the spring of 2020 was the beginning of the Covid Pandemic and all the changes it brought to the world.

Happy Spring! Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Between Life and Death

Spring 2020
by Linda L. Flynn

I cut my first 
bunch of daffodils 
before Easter. 

It snowed during the night. 
The blooms left for later 
bent under the weight.
Buds not yet open 
succumbed to the 
morning snow.

My bunch of daffodils 
in the living room 
brought sunshine and the promise 
of spring to come.
I’ve enjoyed this 
bundle of blooms. 
I’ve watched 
the petals on these beautiful blooms 
first become paper thin. 
Still beautiful, 
but the truth 
of their fragility 
is now evident.

A few more days 
and the edges of those paper blooms 
are dry and wrinkled, 
some have turned a darker color, 
others just became more fragile. 

How like us.
We bud and bloom, 
bringing sunshine and promise 
to those around us. 
Our lives bring beauty to some. 
Like these blossoms, 
we don’t even recognize 
the gradual process 
of becoming more fragile. 
Our bones are
more brittle, 
muscle strength 
steadily disappears, 
our skin becomes 
more translucent, 
and our hair thins. 

Like my daffodils, 
we often fail 
to recognize 
these changes until 
something happens. 

Last night brought one 
of those happenings. 
I feel like 
I should howl 
and be in dissent.
Today, I’m weary and wonder, 
what is this time all about?

Returning

Light Hearted Living..., , , , ,

March was a whirlwind.

Weather changes
Time adjustments
Traveling adventures
House projects
Some quiet downtime

Midwest adventures.
Just a few photos…

Orchids and fun

Celebrating 95 years around the sun. Still looking good!

Traveling is fun, but so is returning home.

Last night we went to the theatre to see Tartuffe. 

It has been years since I’ve seen a Moliere play.

What a treat!
I’d forgotten how timeless his work is.

Kudos to North Coast Repertory Theatre for doing such outstanding work with this masterpiece.

Christmas Traditions

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Traditions
Just the word evokes many thoughts
Different for each of us
Impact of these thoughts is equally dissimilar
Some individuals become melancholy
Others upbeat and joyful

The word suggests something one can count on
Yet in truth, traditions reflect change

My granny baked an abundant assortment of cookies
Enjoyed by all, with each of us having our favorites
I took my favorite and ensured it was made every year
Thus, my children were introduced to my favorite for the Christmas season
Then their children delighted in these same little delicate sweets

Each of these children have carried some traditions from my home to their own
Adding new twists and turns creating something unique for their families

No littles at my house for the holidays
Yet these little green trees still get pulled from the oven to be enjoyed by others
An adult grandchild, with children of her own
Requested her gift be a box of these cookies for her family

I smile
How my granny would be honored to know
These little gems she so readily baked 
Are still being enjoyed five generations later

A tradition continues.

In Between

Light Hearted Living..., , , , , ,

The Beginning

Dinner in Milwaukee

Stage set for five days of non-stop activity.

Trip was planned around a family wedding.

Sister provided our resting location.

Visited with as many family and friends as time allowed.

Good times and memories abounded.

Last sight in Milwaukee

The Ending

Truth…

Things to ponder...., , , ,

…about friends

I’ve found myself often thinking of friends and recognize how much I appreciate them.

Friends, you are a blessing to me.

I saw this posted on a board at an art gallery. There was no name associated with it. The words ring true in my life, and I hope they will in yours as well.

Coming Later This Year (2)…

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy, , , ,

Rewrite… Due to an incorrect setting when publishing. My error.

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy is my creative by-product developed during Covid-19. The Pandemic created a unique time in global history and affected each of us differently. No matter how our personal lives were affected, life continued. Babies were born, people were married, people got sick, people died, people continued to experience the full scope of life, but often without the support of others. Like you, my life was impacted.

Technology allowed many to connect in new ways. Creatives became my circle and my imagination ran wild. This collection of work includes short stories, short shorts and poetry—much teased out by other writer friends.

Look for this book as a tool to set your imagination free as you allow the tales contained within to affect you.

Creatives influence one another. Plan to let this book impact you.

Available Later This Year…

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy, , , ,

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Bloom

Clouds, Dreams & Fantasy, Things to ponder...., , , , , ,

As seeds lay under the soil until condition are right,
so my next work has been slowly preparing to unfurl.

My first blog post for January, I said:

with a clean slate
and a grateful heart
I have a new start

I decided to end 2022 closing a chapter I’ve referred to as my Pandemic writing. Previously, I’ve shared little about Covid or its effect on me, in my writings. Mostly due to recognizing each of us went through this time in our history, yet each dealt with the Pandemic individually. Life continued, but in uncharted ways. Births, deaths, weddings, illness, moves, loneliness, fears and uncertainties still happened. There was no correct way to process the last couple of years. Because the impact resides within each of us, we all have a story to tell. 

My story is a collection of writings, short stories, short shorts, and some poetry. Covid opened the door for me to connect with other writers from around the world. Some groups offered writing prompts, others met via Zoom or on Facebook. It was a time to draw deep into my feelings and thoughts. Sometimes I was surprised at what rose to the surface. 

The time has come to allow these writings to become part of my works. Currently, much of my time is dedicated to completing this project. 

Title to be disclosed later.

How did living through the Pandemic effect you? Please share your responses in the comments. There are no incorrect responses, only your experience.

Can You Relate?

Things to ponder...., , , , ,

The words below jumped off the page as I read them.

Do you get social media fatigue at the end of the year?

I wanted to scream YES. It’s the Holiday season and the thought of Christmas conjures up cheerful and pleasant feelings which radiate throughout my being. Most are personal. Those feelings don’t translate well to social media.

Are you laughing, or agreeing?

There’s this tug, which pulls me in conflicting directions.

  • I want to be creative
  • Many tasks are tied to traditions I continue to maintain
  • There is always something to be done
  • Thoughts of snuggling on the couch to enjoy the moment are tantalizing

I released a book in late October. I should market said book. There is another I should format for publication.

Somehow, all these aspects of life swirl together, creating my here and now.

The Christmas season of 2022.

To you, those who follow my blog—may you find moments to enjoy whatever makes this season special to you.