don't rain on my parade... unless it means more daffodils.

i am grateful. for so many things. for friends that call me, family that supports me, faith that grounds me, rock wall that i can climb, legs and feet that allow me to get around, snacks, old curmudgeons that are adorable, bananas, orangutans,  music that makes me dance, words that make me think, color, stories that make me want to change, struggles that make me stronger, socks that keep my feet warm, daffodils, ...

the list continues in my heart... but really all i want to accomplish today is hope. my hope dies when my gratitude dies. but, when i do recognize my blessings, i am not afraid. in fact, i feel empowered.

and it makes me ready.

ready for anything.

so, with my heart full of gratitude and hope, my mind is at ease. my body willing to press on. willing myself to get up and make something beautiful.

Ode to a Sister Valentine friend

Ode to a sister friend

My sister’s dreams are bigger than Mt. timp
she might even someday save a baby shrimp.

I really admire how much she always cares
and I try to save her from being eaten by bears

When I need to make a good impression,
she gives me a lot of help with fashion.

And somehow she knows to send me a link
when I am on the verge of needing a shrink

She can never be beat when we rassle,
but that ticklish neck sure gives her a hassle.

And her hot-dog toes can grip
once they get you, they don’t slip.

Together we take the open road on our bikes
we sing about breaking free on our hikes

I always wish she were there when I pose like a plank
or when my references to gold pants draw a blank.

She does some wonderful things
and wears some pretty cool rings

I sure do love that sister of mine
even though she is not my valentine.

eat my shorts.

 

the 80's.

it is that magical era... full of color, eccentricity, radical movies, bodacious babes that sang hip music, and the hair.. oh, that hair...

aaron and i decided to proclaim this month "80s appreciation month" and i write this afternoon to salute those ten years that most of us seem to look back on with a smile on our faces.

first of all, barf bags, a word on 80s music. last weekend, i was inducted in to a silent music listening group. we meet, listen to a 20 minute mix in utter silence, and then share our feelings on the mix. (yes, this is by far the most hipster thing i could do with my time. and i love it.) as my induction to the group, i was asked to prepare a mix. aaron and i put one together in honor of 80s appreciation month. we tried to include the songs that you have for sure heard, but may not think of right off the bat as an 80s song. the mix was a radical hot success. as we listened, in complete silence, we snickered at the hokey lines and tapped out the heavy beat with our heads (fighting the urge to bust out a spastic running man right there in the living room). but inwardly, we thought and dissected the layers of the music. though it is often chided, some 80s music can be rather deep and artistic.



The Scorpions

   winds of change by the scorpions has amazing lyrics, very deep. it also has a pro-whistler doing an introduction. and, rapture by blondie is delightful with her mucky-muck choice of a "rap" section in the middle of the song. on the matter, all i have to say is, give that madonna cd a spin. close your eyes, and let the music seep on in. don't just dance the 80s, groove the 80s.

only the best...

movies. i freaking love 80s movies. they have this odd staged-ness about them. the set-up is always so straightforward and lays out exactly what the viewer should expect from the movie.  the characters are typically goofy, eccentric, or too cool. molly ringwald is like the poster child of 80s teenage angst. her hair, clothes, they all scream for attention and some sort of rebellion. and how could we forget ferris buhler? anyone... anyone.....? and how many of us have had the time of our lives like baby in dirty dancing? here, all i have to say is, i always feel good after watching an 80s movie. it is familiar, funny, and pretty freaky, babay.

there are way to many people i adore from the 80s.. so i won't even go there. instead, if you read this, please add your favorites about the 80s.. or your thoughts on why the 80s were such an exciting time... especially those of you who actually lived in the 80s.. tee hee hee..

and to the 80s.. may you be remembered as.. like.. totally.. awesome.

what i got for new years....

jenni how

a poem

by aaron wells

jenni style

mustard lays on a barken blanket

against auburn skies. a corduroy sheet,

you adorn a fleecy bed

amid a cloven sea.

pretty jenni

honey drips golden down stolid shoulders:

brassy rings surrounding elven

face and arab eyes; a phoenix

ignites a smelted heart to its boldest kelvin.

ambitious jenni

yours is a hawk's passion

to soar; to dive;

to seek the goal 

and capture prey alive.

jenni mind

yet, soaring heights and swooping bows

do not impede your view.

you check your wings, your course and scape;

thoughts are more than true

jenni move

you are strength.

jenni shoes and jenni legs

pad a sunny pavement

and dash beyond the sloven dregs.

jenni listen

i heard you listen silently beneath a sullen

moon. time was a distance between starts, between grass roots,

whose spiny limbs etched their memories into a clay cochlea--

their noiseless din bellowed you as flutes.

jenni goodness

you saw the first light of a new, white star.

upon its appearance

you followed on dusty toes,

all tributaries muddled in your trance.

jenni kindness

time is a woven, calico blanket; it is your gift;

you unroll it across a pallet,

upon which appears a help unmatched;

their gratitude is a heavy, falling mallet.

jenni affection

honey drips golden

across a thirsty tongue.

you wrap me in arms

of billowy down; i am young.

jenni mystery

mostly, you are a dream

whose particulars i cannot place

when waking. when waking comes

i gaze in awe at trails i cannot trace.

............i pretty much have the most adorable, amazing boyfriend ever. it is a happy new year indeed!