Polish, Purpose and Pride

 Yesterday I pulled out the ugly, corroded silver dishware from my china hutch: a plate and large serving tray from my husband’s mother and a gravy boat and saucer from my mother.  Horribly tarnished and gray, they weren’t much to look at. And although I’ve always known that there is something more, deep underneath the tarnished layer of nasty, sadly, I’ve never used any of them.

Of course, it’s understandable that we haven’t used the silver from my mother-in-law. It was passed down to my husband only a few months ago when his mother died. But the gravy boat, on the other hand, the one that’s been in my family for four generations, the one that was passed down to me by my mother ten years ago when she died, should have had more attention by now. I’ve never used it. Ever. It’s just sat there on a shelf in the hutch.

 

As I pulled out these prized, yet dull and stained dishes, I reached for the silver polish too.  I mean, they deserve it, especially this year. The dishes deserve to be more than just a tarnished thing of the past. I sat on my back deck, clouds overhead. I reached for a rag, scooped up some polish and began to work on one piece at a time, one corner at a time, and one detail at a time. I paid special attention to the areas that had been neglected for so long. Little by little, I could see what began to reveal itself as my reflection. And as the sun began to break through the clouds, my reflection became clearer and the brilliance of something special began to show itself. It shined with a clarity that I hadn’t imagined. It was beautiful. The kind of Beautiful that has purpose and pride.

 

So as the New Year’s season comes upon us and the thought of revisions and revival arise, I’m reminded that those stories from the past that look ugly and tarnished, may very well need some extra polish and scrubbing, especially in those areas of fine detail. And who knows, perhaps something stunning will emerge with purpose and pride, just as the fine silver dishes will tonight as they present the most sparkly Christmas Eve dinner ever.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy revising to you all.

 

 

*Cheers*

Fifteen Word Poetry and Happy Independence Day!

I found a fun blogger who challenged her readers to write a poem in fifteen words or less.  Of course, I couldn't pass up a challenge to write poetry. We were given a photo of a bunch of bicycles hanging in a garage (in the shape of a rainbow) and asked to use it as inspiration... And seeing how it's Independence Day tomorrow I wrote this...

In the land of rainbows
Cycles broke free,
Leaving masters behind,
Claiming their own decree.


Go to Laura Salas's blog if you'd like to play too.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY EVERYONE!!!

Happy "COME INTO EXISTENCE" Year!

Inspiration often comes from the simplicity of things we so frequently overlook...

I looked up a definition today and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word NEW as, “having recently come into existence.” Then it hit me... “come into existence”... YES!

My daughter and I saw The Princess and the Frog this week and I adore the message. Dream, work hard, and never forget what’s really important, which is sharing your life with those you love. As the song goes, “I’m almost there...” I’m almost there and I’m ready to come into existence!

As many of us aspiring debut authors continue our hard work to accomplish our dream of publication, we dream of coming into existence. The birth of our career... The launching of a new journey... The break through into the next dimension as a writer...

Happy 2010 to you all and whether you are a new writer, a writer taking your career to a new level, or have dreams unassociated with writing endeavors, I wish a happy “coming into existence” to us all. Here’s to a year full of overcoming the fear of failure and change. Here’s to a year saturated with...

DREAMS,

HARD WORK,

and FRIENDSHIP.

(Photos by Malik Ml Williams, Chausinho, and Wis Doc at www.flickr.com)

True Freedom and the Power of Words

As we approach Independence Day this weekend, I’ve thought much about my blog’s upcoming post and historical report on our holiday. My notes include the date of our birth as a free nation, July 4, 1776. I planned to link my readers to a copy of the Declaration of Independence as a source of reflection and study. And, as usual, I searched Flicker.com for some great photos.

Then I began to think deeper. I couldn't help but be reminded of all that is happening in Iran. The suppression of voices echoes through my mind and I’m thankful mostly right now for my freedom to speak.

Words are power. They equip the speaker to encourage, defend, calm, motivate, and move their audience. One speaker with an encouraging word is more powerful than a thousand people in silence.

Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the coarse of history through his words spoken from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the freedom march on August 28, 1963. That moment in history when he delivered that famous speech titled, “I Have a Dream” was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement. A Congressman, John Lewis, said “Dr. King had the power, the ability and the capacity to transform those steps on the Lincoln Memorial into a modern day pulpit. By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations.”

King spoke words that gave vision. They inspired change. They evoked passion and faith. "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"

This speech, spoken by one man, made an impression on our country and United States history. Together with the participants of the march that day, pressure was put on the presidential administration to advance civil rights. Lyndon B. Johnson was able to get the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 passed, followed by the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Words are power. Words can change the course of history for millions. Words can change the course of history for one. The number of people listening is not what makes the words powerful. What makes the words powerful is the outcome from which is spoken. What is one life worth? What is one word worth?

As an American I celebrate my freedom to speak through the democratic process we call voting. As an individual I celebrate the liberty I hold every day as I live my life to its fullest, without hesitation and without restraint. As a writer I celebrate my freedom to write the words I so choose while simultaneously celebrating your freedom to read them.

I wish you all a happy fourth! Enjoy your day. Enjoy your freedom.

Sincerely,

Jenni B.

(photos by e-strategyblog.com, Malik ml Williams, Drew Myers, and B Tal on www.flickr.com)

Father's Day Fun

Coffee started Daddy’s Day.
The kids all passed out gifts.
They took turns watching Daddy, Awe,
then kissed his face in shifts.

We took a ride in Go Carts – VROOM!
A curvy, swervey chase.
Then all at once we saw a blur.
Yes, Daddy won the race.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL!!!

Jenni

(Photo by mynameisshara at www.flickr.com)

My Newest Favorite - CROCODADDY

I love it when I find a new favorite picture book! My four-year-old and I took a trip to our local Barnes and Noble yesterday and discovered Crocodaddy, written by Kim Norman and illustrated by David Walker.

As every good picture book should be, this is a perfect partnership between words and pictures. Crocodaddy is the kind of story that will bring grins and giggles to children and adults everywhere. I know this from first hand experience as I plopped down on the bookstore floor, my daughter jumped in my lap and we enjoyed our first Crocodaddy journey!

This adorable rhythmically rhyming picture book tells the tale of the kind of fun every child would love to have with Daddy... especially when he’s CROCODADDY.

Pick up your copy today, just in time for Father’s Day, at Barnes and Noble online or visit your local book store. And don’t forget to visit Kim Norman’s website to explore more of her delightful picture books.

Disclosure!

Dear Brian:
I apologize in advance for the Father’s Day gift spoiler. But then again, the REAL gift will be snuggling and reading with our baby croc.

Sincerely,

Jenni

Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Today Americans everywhere honor the fallen heroes

of American wars past and present.

As we take time to reflect on those who have sacrificed their lives for the service of our country, let us remember what Memorial Day is and why it is crucial to never forget what these heroes gave for our country.

Historically, Memorial Day dates back to the Civil War (1861-1865) when it was originally formed by liberated slaves calling it Decoration Day when they covered the tombs of fallen union soldiers with flowers. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor all American casualties of war or military action and renamed it Memorial Day.

I had the unforgettable honor of visiting our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. My cousin and her fiance, who were getting married that week, gave us an outstanding tour of many historical landmarks. One of the most impressive places we toured was the Arlington National Cemetery. There, thousands of known and unknown soldiers are buried and honored. As we observed the countless burial markers, the vast statement of sacrifice for our country overwhelmed me. A moment of silence fell as we contemplated the nameless soldiers honored at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Although fallen American soldiers are buried worldwide in marked and unmarked graves, Arlington National Cemetery brought to my mind the recognition of those who fought for liberty, freedom, and justice. Although their lives were lost, their nobility lives on through the survivors and civilians, and the liberty and justice they fought so courageously for.


I am encouraged to take a moment today and remember that Memorial Day is more than barbecues or a reason to visit with family and friends. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave everything for their country. For our country. For America, the land of the free.



Photos by BL1961, Rob Crowley, and Army.mil at http://www.flickr.com/

Francina: A Mother's Day Tribute

Francina Lee McLendon Tucker

On September 15, 1970, a very special woman, Francina Lee McLendon, became a mother. From the moment she laid eyes on her new bundle of joy, love was redefined. That day, she held me for the first time and started her journey of motherhood.

Through the trials, lessons, and mistakes, she learned that no bond was like that of a mother and her child. As an only child, I soaked up her affection and devotion day by day. She focused on teaching me to feel and express love, to have compassion and understanding for those around me, and to stand with strength for what I believe in with an unwavering independence. In fact, she was a fine example in each of those lessons.

As the days and years go by, I’m often reminded of her wisdom and simplistic way of looking at things. I remember calling her one day, early on in my journey of motherhood. I was overwhelmed with the simple task of cleaning my messy house. She told me to blot out the thought of “the house” and focus on just one room at a time. In fact, she said to focus on one corner and move around until the room was done. That was a lesson I’ve carried into many areas of my life. I do my best not to worry about the lot and stay focused on one task at a time. Of course, I’m still working on fine tuning that skill.

Francina’s journey as a mother became illuminated in a whole new light when her “baby had a baby,” as she would say. Grand-motherhood seemed to come natural to her. She did all the things that Noni’s should do; give the grandbabies candy and cookies when mom wasn’t looking; cuddle and read stories together; have spend-the-nights; and of course, the very important “fussing” over birthdays and Christmas.

Family time was important to her. I remember a conversation we had in the hospital a few days before we lost her to cancer. I thanked her for all those times she had the kids over so that Brian and I were able to spend time together alone. She simply explained how important it was to her that my marriage was nurtured. And of course, time with her grandkids was more special to her than words can say.

I’m honoring my mother this Mother’s Day with what she would want me to do most... I’m spending time with my precious family. After this post, I’ll change clothes and we’ll go on a family bike ride. Then we’ll eat together and laugh together. As I wake in the morning, I’ll sip my coffee and eat my much anticipated breakfast in bed. I’ll relax and contemplate the meaning of motherhood and remember what Mother’s Day is all about for me...

It’s about honoring my mother by loving my kids openly, passionately, and simplistically, the way she did so well... the way every mother should.

The History of our Mother's Day

In 1912 Anna Jarvis created our first Mother's Day and marked the second Sunday in May as a day for celebrating in the United States. Anna was adamant about where the apostrophe was placed, stressing that this holiday was created to honor your own mother (singular posessive), not mothers in general.



Soon, Mother's Day became one of the most commercially successful occations in the U.S. and this infuriated Anne. She was completely opposed to the giving of commercial greeting cards. She called them a sign of being too lazy to write a personal letter. She spent her inheritance, all her financial worth, and the rest of her life fighting the commercialization of this very special day of honoring your mother.

As a mommy, I know there is no comparison between a hand written note or picture and a card printed by the card industry with a name at the bottom. Never take for granted the blessing of having your mother in your life. Appreciate her. Make her feel special. Thank her. And above all, love her every day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Photos by: aussiegall, yorkshiregeek, and spisharam - Away

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Have you ever asked, "What is Cinco de Mayo, anyway?" If you have, this is for you...

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army fought the French in the Battle of Puebla. Mexico owed a debt to the French and refused to pay. The French showed up in Mexico and tried to force payment. Even though the Mexican army was greatly outnumbered, they won the battle.

About a year later, France returned to Mexico and took over leadership. By 1866, the French were under pressure from the United States, and ultimately withdrew from Mexico.

A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican celebration of independence. Mexico actually celebrates her independence on September 16th, which is the most important holiday celebrated in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo is an optional holiday celebrated by many in Mexico, but not all. The United States celebrate it to honor not only our neighbor, Mexico, but all those Americans who take pride in their Mexican heritage.

However you view the holiday and whether you celebrate it or not, I wish you a happy May fifth and Cinco de Mayo, wherever you may be.

Sincerely,

Jenni B.

Photos by: jorge alg, spotted on flickr, and sirhowardlee

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all! I spent New Year's Eve at home with my beautiful family. We played games, talked, and watched funny videos on You Tube. We laughed our way into birth of 2009. In fact, we were having so much fun that we didn't realize we had missed the count-down. My 8 year old daughter came to me at about 12:10 and asked if we could do the count-down together. Of course, I couldn't resist her youthful innocent excitement. So we did the count-down just as if it were really 10 seconds before midnight. I followed her lead as she sweetly yelled, "Happy New Year!" and we hugged and laughed some more.

Then the next morning it hit me! We had set the perfect precedent for our new year; laughter. With so much seriousness in the air lately, it is wonderful to remember what makes the world go 'round! Sharing happiness with the people I love most is a an invaluable treasure.

Here's to much happiness and laughter for you in the New Year and always!

Sincerely,
Jenni

P.S. At the bottom of this page, I've posted one of the videos that my kids are still laughing about.