Poetry

I believe that much of life is filled with poetry.

We are so often unaware of it and those who do not fancy themselves to be romantics are certainly not intentionally seeking it. The pure, simple truth remains however, that the beauty of poetry is in the essence of Life.

What exactly is poetry?

Here is a literal definition:

~ the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken for exciting pleasure, imaginative, or elevated thoughts.

~ literary work in metrical form; verse.

~ prose with poetic qualities.

~ poetic qualities however manifested.

That very last quality is what strikes a resounding cord with me.
This is when poetry transitions from the realm of being a noun into a verb.
Poetry in motion, so to speak. The continual rhythm of Life.

When you begin to see poetry in this way, you will find that your soul has its own definition and that it may even ebb and flow with the seasons of your life and your individual journey. As the depth of our character becomes richer and more textured throughout our years, we step into an unseen cadence. The better we know the poetry of our own self, the more we recognize that of the world beyond us... lying just at our fingertips like a magical fairyland.

Observe your fellow sojourners in this land of the living.
The young mother with a newborn babe at her breast ...
tell me that is not pure poetry.
The hard belly laugh of a child who's doubled over with delight
and can't catch his breath from it all.
The very elderly with their crowning glory of grey hair
and faces that are softened so sweetly by time.
I could go on and on...
When we begin to shift our focus from the negative to the positive; the ugly to the beautiful, it really does make a difference. Not only does it change our immediate response and reaction to those around us but, over time, it transforms us at the very core of our being and enables us to walk more in the Spirit and less in the Flesh. In the Spirit we find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22,23). I don't know about you, but personally, I would so much rather have all of these things in my life than the harsh and hateful things the world has to offer. But here's the thing. I want to be sure that I'm not just on the receiving end of this big beautiful basket full of fruit. I want to know that I am handing it out in my day to day life as well.
So not only do we see poetry all around us if we take the time to really look and we find it within ourselves as our character becomes more fruitful, but I believe it pours out of us in creative and imaginative ways of individual expression.

Poetry can be found in the things we choose to do.

For me it's so often expressed within the hushed gliding of stitches from one smooth needle to the next, creating a melody that my hands know by heart; row after row of stitches falling from the end of a hook forming a new song. Every single person has something beautiful and unique to offer. We really should operate from a place of love and respect.

The World so often serves up a steady diet of Hate by the fistful. Therefore we must make it our life's mission to live from a place of sweet poetry whose birthplace is pure love. Love that comes from on High and is offered with open hands to our fellow man. Love that "seeks not its own" (1 Corinthians 13:5) and expects no reciprocity for what is freely given. The World would teach us to be
 self seeking but if we listen closely to the poetry of our souls, we will find that place where God has formed us to prefer others first. It is there, I truly do believe, in the soft hidden layers that lie deep within us, just waiting to be set free and put into motion. Unconditional, perpetual motion.

"Love is patient and kind;
it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited;
it is never rude or selfish;
it does not take offense, and is not resentful.
Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth;
it is always ready to excuse, to trust,
to hope and to endure whatever comes.
Love does not come to an end."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Quiet Waters

"The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

For His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23

Because sometimes we just need to be reminded who's really in control.

The Secret

October, with all it's bright color and swirling activity, seems to have left like the steam rolling off my cup of tea. I have been steadily working away on my book full of custom orders that now runs into February, while trying to prepare for my upcoming Christmas Tea & Sale on Saturday, December 3rd.

My blog break, however, was unintentional. In the midst of everything I have once again been battling a Rheumatoid/Asthmatic Bronchitis flare that has brought along another sinus infection and broken rib from coughing. I am slowly working towards recovery as I give myself breathing treatments every four hours along with other medications, a host of natural remedies and, of course, drink lots of my lovely hot tea. Every cloud has its silver lining, I truly do believe. I have lived long enough for God to teach  me this. So here's the silver lining in all of this ...

I have had time to accomplish a whole lot of knitting that had to be done. I've had deadlines and they've been met. Even when I feel my worst and would rather lie in bed, I can't because it makes my breathing worse and my body stiffer so....

I sit up and keep on Knitting.

And in the end my work gets finished and my customers are happy. But honestly, it's about so much more than just that. Not only do I still feel that I have been productive and my day has had purpose to it, but that yarn running through my fingers is a lifeline. It keeps me connected to the outside world. Due to the fact that the bulk of my knitting is for a customer there is a lot of communication that goes into an order before the first stitch is ever made. So much of my customer base is local, therefore I have the added bonus of a nice visit when they come to pick up their item.

When they have time I put on the kettle and we share a pot of tea.

Also while I knit I do many things like pray and go through precious memories in my mind and make decisions. Although my body is in a fragile place again at the moment, my heart and soul are doing well and the knitting, the tea and the company are really all I need. I am content. I am so thankful that my hands know their way with the fiber... the stitches.

Speaking of company, I also enjoyed a wonderful, long awaited, five day visit with a much loved cousin from out of state. She and I have always been very bonded to one another, like sisters. When she comes I want her to stay forever. This time she brought her little granddaughter, Kennedy, along. What a truly precious child she is too. She was so excited to help me feed my Mama Squirrel, Tallulah.

There have also been times of pure joy with my own grandchildren.

Life is beautiful and full and we find ourselves in the midst of November already. Time keeps it's own pace as we know but it does seem as though it was only Summer yesterday. I see the passing of time as these little ones grow. Such a bittersweet and glorious thing to behold. From a grandmother's perspective I now know how quickly it all happens. I guess what I really want to say here is though my body has it's weaknesses, my heart is so full of love and happiness, joy, contentment and thankfulness.

I will continue to take just a short blog break for one more week and then I plan to be back with my regular blogging schedule. I have so much to show and tell with all of the work I have finished. I also have some "tea talk" I want to introduce for those who are interested. I hope to catch up with all of the wonderful happenings in your lives as well.

Until then may you all have a Blessed November.

"Not that I speak from want,

for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

I know how to get along with humble means and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13