Like everyone, I've found this to be a week of challenge. It is difficult to watch the news, yet I feel as if I'm betraying the memory of those lost if I don't pay attention. I want to make change, yet am unsure what to do that will help. I have written elected officials, I have signed petitions, I am trying. Many have posted beautiful messages on Facebook. I am part of a community who rails at these tragic events. I am hopeful. I found a quote from J R R Tolkien that meant goodness to me, and because of a mail surprise yesterday, it means more.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see
such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what
to do with the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of
the Ring
As many of you know, Tabatha Yeatts creates a poem swap each summer and during the winter holidays. In my mailbox yesterday lay a bulky package hiding among the recent onslaught of election brochures. Yes, it's starting! In that package was my first poem gift, this from dear Carol Varsalona, a long-time blogger friend. She creates beauty digitally, and used some of my photos shared on Facebook from my recent trip to Captiva Island to create a bookmark, poem included! It is a treasure, the poem that grabs all those memories and puts them beautifully into something I will see every time I read. Thank you Carol for this special gift. You do great things in the time given to you!
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| The gifts inside a folder: the perfect ocean-blue necklace and the bookmark with the poem. |
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| We did fly this kite one morning. The bottom pic is of my two grand-girls (7 and nearly 5) burying their cousin Carter (14). His head is under the hat! |
Here is the poem again to be sure you can read it.
Capturing Captiva
Across the castles of the
mind, float sand-blown
memories, capturing
summerscapes of
sun-drenched days
and sea-breeze nights-
kites soaring into cloud-
prepped skies, hearts
connecting, scrapbook
thoughts surfacing.
Carol Varsalona
May you all find peace in poetry during this hard time.
I love this bookmark! What a special memory of what sounds like a special week!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. It is a special poem/bookmark for sure!
DeleteWhat a beautiful gift! Thanks for sharing it. And hugs to you in these troubled times xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally.
DeleteWow! What a thoughtful swap! Poetic comfort, just when you need it.
ReplyDeleteYes, a lovely surprise.
DeleteWhat a wonderful necklace and bookmark. Wow. I love them, and they are inspiring me to think about my shoebox of old picture. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour idea is terrific, Brenda, would make thoughtful gifts for loved ones, wouldn't they.
DeleteThese poem swaps sound like so much fun. Always a pleasure to see what people have received.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a wonderful idea that Tabatha started.
DeleteSpecial memories like these are a form of solace when we're struggling. Your post reminds me of the end of Wordsworth's "Daffodils"
ReplyDelete"For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;"
Thanks, Laura, more good words! I found the week so challenging to try to do something right, for everyone, but also for gay friends who are scared.
DeleteLinda, I am so happy that in a troubled time my thoughts bring you back to peaceful moments in your life. Capturing Captiva was meant for you to linger in the warmth of family memories. Thank you for being my forever friend and appreciating what I sent you.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, Carol. It was a joyful gift that means much this week.
DeleteWhat a beautiful and thoughtful gift! Also like the Tolkien quote. Thanks for a post offering both hope and comfort.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Jama. The gift came at a perfect time!
DeleteWhat a beautiful gift and especially at this time when we need reminders of good.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a wonderful gift. Thanks, Margaret.
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth.
DeleteLinda, your post is is heartfelt and heart lifting. I hope your time in Captiva is as lovely as your poem. I used your Tolkien quote in my Celebration Post for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteLove that you are liking that Tolkien quote. I do too, obviously. Thanks Bernadette! It was a terrific time at the beach!
DeleteCarol's poem beautifully captures the joy of your family's trip to Captiva. Thank you, Linda, for using "...the time that is given us" to always brighten the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Catherine. I have a magnet that says "be kind/no exceptions" and I believe through and through.
DeleteThank you, Linda for sharing peace and hope - Carol's gift is so lovely. JRR has a way with words, doesn't he? =)
ReplyDeleteYes, when I found the quote I almost couldn't stop reading. Maybe time to read The Hobbit or one of the others again? Thanks, Bridget.
DeleteBeautiful poem created by Carol. Thanks for your hopeful words during another time of sadness. And the Tolkien quote along with your resolve and the actions you've taken are perfect for this week. Thanks of sharing the things we can DO at times like this.
ReplyDeleteFOR sharing
DeleteThank you, Ramona, I am trying to "do", but still feel quite as if nothing is enough. I won't stop though.
DeleteWhat a balm to your heart on this difficult week! Love Carol's poem and digital creation, plus all the thought and attention that went into it. I love the care that criss-crosses the earth each Poetry Friday! (That Tolkien quote is perfect for our times!)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Violet, Poetry Friday is indeed beautifully supportive.
Delete