Doreen's Whimsical Words

Whimsical Wednesday ~ The 5 W's of Life

2012-01-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

Today my sister posted this quote on our favourite forum and I thought of sharing them here...I have also made it into a bookmark which I will share with you.

The Five W's Of Life.

WHO you are is what makes you special.
Do not change for anyone.

WHAT lies ahead will always be a mystery.
Do not be afraid to wxplore.

WHEN life pushes you over, you push back harder.

WHERE there are choices to make, make the one you won't regret.

WHY things happen will never be certain.
Take it in stride and move forward.

Author Unknown.

WHO - WHAT - WHEN - WHERE - WHY

Whenever we usually use these five words it is to start a question but not this time...here each time there is a statement, a strong one without any doubt and each one with positive answers and with some good advice! Thanks for the inspiration Sue!

Click on the bookmark for a better image to copy : )

Whimsical Wednesday ~ A Bookmark for you!

2012-01-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

A friendship, an email,
some words of wisdom too,
A request turned into a bookmark ~
Here's what I made for you!

We get so many emails each day, some from family or friends, others just because they have us on their mailing list and others, well who knows? Some turn out to be really good reading material while others are too repetitive and although I try to read most of them, eventually most end up getting deleted. I got this one email this morning which I thought was really cute both because of the picture and the words that were so suited to be attached to the photo. I thought it was a good one to share. Only a few minutes passed before I got a 'Thank You' from Jan, an on-line friend who asked if I could make it into a bookmark as she wanted to pass them out to the Sunday school children. I thought it was a great idea! Here is what I came up with...I hope some of you who visit my blog can use this too...

And here it is as a multiple page for printing...

To copy click on the bookmark/s to open a new page for a better resolution.

Thanks Jan for requesting the bookmark!

Whimsical Wednesday ~ A.S.A.P.

2011-12-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

Do you know what day it is? Of course you do, and if you are also counting down to the big day ...December 25th and making up To Do Lists, getting your gift shopping done and planning a family dinner or at least a get-together, you will surely know what I am talking about when I say things need to be done ASAP.

We hurry through our day, trying to fit in always more than we ever can. We feel as if we are running out of time. Everything seems so important and we label everything as 'Priority'.

I'm sure most of us have received requests labelled ASAP. And yet how do we deal with all this rush? Do we really know how to choose what is important, what is priority and what do we do to slow down so that we know what we are doing...and why is it that it is always up to us to do things, and to do them ASAP?

I found this image while browsing through my files and thought what a great tag to add to my Whimsical Wednesdays especially at this hurried time of year.

So even before you get all flustered and tired, stop awhile and A.S.A.P.

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Kindness and Courage Tag

2011-11-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is a tag I made quite a while ago for a friend who had requested it.
I think the words of Adam Lindsay Gordon are so true to what we go through
sometimes in our daily lives.
I hope this quote tag will uplift your spirit and make you smile.

May God bless your kindness and give you the courage you need.

Whimsical Wednesday ~Light a Candle~

2011-10-26T02:32:00.000-07:00

Light a candle in the day,
Though wordless it has lots to say,
Burn a candle in the night
Let it shine out strong and bright.
Watch a candle flicker and dance...
Uplifting your spirit, your mood enhance.
Doreen Scerri © 2011

According to Wikipedia, A candle is a solid block or cylinder of wax with an embedded wick which is lit to provide light, and sometimes heat.
I think it is much more than that!

We burn candles for many reasons, for light, for ambiance,
for remembrance, for therapy, and as a symbol of peace
and eternity and during many celebrations and festivities.
A Candle burning on a window sill is also a sign of solidarity.
The mere action of lighting a candle gives us a feeling of calm.
The history of candles goes back a long way, way back to
the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) when the Chinese made them
from whale fat. Candle making however was developed
independently in many countries throughout history.

Although it is also often written that the first candles were
developed by the Ancient Egyptians who used rushlights, or
torches, made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in molten
tallow, the rushlights had no wick like a candle. The Romans
are credited with developing the wick candle, using it to aid
travellers at dark, and lighting homes and places of worship
at night.

At one time candles were also used for time keeping. They
were instrumental in indicating predetermined periods of time.
King Alfred the Great (c. 849 - 899) used graduated candles
also known as candle-clocks to divide up his day into equal
periods of study and prayer, royal duties, and rest. These
candle clocks had lines around the side to show the passing
of each hour. Later, 24-hour candles were invented based on
the same concept. During the Sung Dynasty in China (960–1279)
calibrated candles and sticks of incense measured time.
Calibrated candles were first used in England for time keeping
in 870.

Today, most candles are made from paraffin. Candles can also
be made from beeswax, soy, other plant waxes, and tallow
(a by-product of beef-fat rendering).

Now that you know a little more about candles,
relax from your daily grind and light a candle.
Enjoy its delicate motion and soft light.
You can also light a cyber candle by clicking on
the Light a Candle icon above.

Ideas for gifts: Candles, candle holders, candlesticks, candle sets,
incense sets, or an ornamental candle snuffer which will make
a unique gift for the impeccable hostess.

Pictures are from shared folders

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Cozy Corner

2011-10-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here I am back to Whimsical Wednesdays after taking a break of a few weeks right after starting this series...firstly after my dear father-in-law passed away and then when my sister Sue was here on holiday!

Thinking back on when I started this series, I spoke about the change of season and how fall has taken over. Since then we have had a couple of storms and the temperatures have gone down considerably although we are still feeling quite hot whenever it's a sunny day.

Picture from Wanna in El Paso

At this time of year I just love to switch on lampshades! Don't you just enjoy the warm glow of the soft light emitting from under the shade? I have my favourite chair where I can sit and read or meditate or curl up in a soft blanket and just relax and dream.

Image from Cozy Little Quilts

We all need 'our' own space and I'm sure you all have that special little nook or corner where you feel you can unwind with a good book after a day's work. If not, try and find a cozy place in your home where you can curl up and relax. It will be your very own special sanctuary, that special comfortable place you can retire to and let yourself go deep into your book or just sit and meditate next to a warm lamplight. And don't forget to keep that soft blanket close by to cuddle in when temperatures drop. You can also light a scented candle to add ambiance as well as to provide an added comforting touch. Place a basket close by where you can keep your books, magazines, extra candles, candlesticks and other favourite things. I'm sure you will find it very theraputic and relaxing.

Image from Drop Dead Cute

And if you have children or grandchildren you can encourage your little ones to have that 'special place of their own'.
You'll be as thrilled as they are!

***

In Memory of my dear Father-in-Law, Saviour

2011-10-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

My dear FIL passed away suddenly this week to eternal life at the venerable age of 90.

I'd like to dedicate a saying in his memory which I think fits him beautifully:

When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) U.S. poet.

The beautiful memories he left behind will surely light our paths and that of many who were fortunate enough to have met him.
May he rest in peace.

Dear Dad you live on in our memory and hearts.

I am very sorry I was not here yesterday to add my Wednesday post.
Please let's make it a date for next week, God willing.

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Summer closes its doors ~

2011-09-28T01:07:00.000-07:00

As summer closes its doors, I open mine to welcome fall. Although in Malta the change is either sudden or subtle, nevertheless I have been longing for cooler days, when the crisp air fills me with that little bit of extra energy that I lacked throughout the hot season. I guess I still feel that back-to-school excitement when I used to long for the feel and smell
of new textbooks, meeting my friends and settling into the everyday routine of a somewhat quieter season. In Malta I miss the magical colours of fall that are such a wonderful part of the Canadian scene I cherished but I still try to bring the autumn colours indoors in a fun and warm way which will provide a feast for the eyes and warmth to our spirit.

Start celebrating fall right now with these heart-warming ideas for decorating your home...

The picture above is from shared files

Decorate with Fruit and nuts (especially red and yellow apples, bananas and
bright yellow oranges). Place a bowl of fruit on a table, in the hallway, in fact
anywhere where you think they will add colour. Let them be a reminder of
how important fruit is to our diet and within easy reach, you can enjoy them
more often. Add some nuts among the fruit or add another bowl with different
nuts and a nutcracker for a more stylish and functional display.

Add Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds Place these randomly in a basket
or container for a splash of orange and brown autumn colours. Replace when
you use some of these in your cooking to keep your arrangement looking fresh.

Wreaths What better way to greet your guests (and yourself when you return
home) than with a seasonal wreath, it does not have to be anything elaborate.
You can use anything from fresh grapevine leaves to dried flowers to twine
around a basic wreath or make your own with potpourri (see link below).
You could also make one using artificial flowers, twigs and colourful autumn ribbons.

Check here for this lovely wreath idea on my sister Sue's Blog.

Click here for more ideas...

I hope you enjoyed my very first Whimsical Wednesday,
I will share some more ideas and thoughts next week.

Take care.

L**k out for Whimsical Wednesday (starting tomorrow)

2011-09-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

I find that I am not posting as much as I'd intended when I first started this blog. Sooo I am going to start something new here and hope to continue as long as I can with this project.
Some of you probably have heard of Wordless Wednesday in which the post is usually a picture with only a few or no words at all, letting the picture say it all. Now for me that is a little impossible, you see I love words and once I start there's no stopping me. I have chosen Wednesday to be the day in which I will post regularly with whatever whim takes my fancy...it could be a recipe, a quote, a discussion, a poem, an idea shared... AND I am calling it Whimsical Wednesday, so I hope you'll check in every Wednesday to take a l**k : )

Shells of the Sea

2011-08-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

Shells of the sea
All unique, one of a kind,
Shells from an ocean
I've always loved to find,
Shells in wet sand,
Shells on the shore,
One shell on my palm
Makes me long for more...
The Master's masterpiece:
Golden treasures from the sea,
Each one so beautiful,
A Jewel to me!
Doreen Scerri © 2011

I wrote the above poem after looking at my sister Sue's Weekend Shadows pictures on her blog
which inspired me and brought back memories of my
childhood days looking for seashells together by the seashore. Thanks sis!

Staples and Rubber Bands and ...

2011-06-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of your shoes give up on you when you are walking far from home? One of my summer slip ons did just that this morning as I was walking towards home after finishing some errands! One of the front straps came loose and that is not funny...well at that moment it wasn't! My mind went to top gear and, as I looked around me, realised I was in front of a tool shop, I wished it was a shoe repair store but beggars can't be choosers. So hopping on one foot, I entered this store to the amusement of the shop assistant. I was glad there were no other customers at that moment. As I explained my predicament in a few words, I asked if he could use a stapler to staple the strap back in place. Sooner than I have been writing this, he put in a couple of staples and I was back on the road walking very slowly and carefully as the shoe did not feel quite right : (

I managed to walk quite a few metres, even crossed the road safely...at the pace I was walking everyone must have thought I had hurt my foot... AND soon, yes you've guessed it, the strap came loose again and I plodded on as I knew I was close to a stationer. I had already figured out that if it had to come to this, an rubber band would do the trick better. As I explained my situation to the owner behind the counter, he handed me a few rubber bands and I put all three around my slip on to secure it in place. Thanking my second rescurer of the day, I left the store knowing I was closer to home and that the bands would work better than the staples had. Unfortunately I did not take the staples out and although they stuck in place they did feel uncomfortable.

I met my daughter further up the road and we went into a department store where a few days before I had seen a nice pair of shoes which I decided not to buy at that moment...BUT now was a different story AND they were still on sale AND yes you've guessed again...

Isn't it amazing how an unfortunate turn of events can help you make a decision that will make your day : ))

The Storm

2011-05-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

I know we're in spring and getting closer to summer but I love to think of rainy days when the warmer weather sets in, it kind of gives me a lift to think the hot weather won't last forever! You can tell I prefer winter : )

I wrote this poem after the last rainfall a few weeks ago...

The Storm

Thunder's growling
In the skies above,
Lightning joins in
Like a hand in glove,
A spectacle to look at,
What a display...
Rain has now
Come out to play!
What is first a pitter patter
Is soon a downpour,
When I look at the heavens
I'm sure there'll be more...
One great sheet of sky
Flashes with lightning;
I hear crashing thunder,
It's all quite so frightening!
Yet as I watch and marvel
At such a wondrous sight
From this side of the door
I enjoyed the storm tonight!
Doreen Scerri © 2011

St.Joseph Poem/Prayer Bookmark

2011-05-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the poem/prayer on a bookmark as my sister suggested.
I hope some of you can use it.

Click here to copy

St. Joseph's Feast and International Workers' Day

2011-05-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Dear St. Joseph,

As you taught Jesus,
the tricks of your trade
and showed Him all
the lovely things you made,
As you taught Him
your know-how in using His tools
and carefully led Him
to obey safety rules,
You must have been so creative
teaching Him all you knew
as from a Babe
into a man he grew.
We now humbly ask your protection
as all of us you guide,
that following your example
we, as workers worldwide,
Offer our daily work
as you did through your life
in faith and with vision
and especially in strife.
May all our efforts
one day reap a reward
for Work becomes worship
When done for the Lord.
Doreen Scerri © 2011

I wrote the above poem after being inspired by today's feast which incidentally is also the Feast of our Parish church since we honour St.Joseph as our Patron Saint.
I would also like to thank my sister Sue for sharing the quote For work becomes worship
When done for the Lord which is by an Unknown Author whom I thank as it also fit beautifully as a closure to my poem.

For the above picture I give credit to this page which is about St.Joseph the Worker

A Valentine Rose ~

2011-02-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

A Valentine Rose reminds me of my dear Mother

who was always a blessing to us and who showed us so much love.

Here's a poem in her memory

5-5-1928 ~ 12-1-2011

A single rose,
A special rose,
Unique, unlike any other,
A token of love,
Of blessings from above,
~ Rose ~

the name of my precious Mother.

Doreen © 2011

Thanks Mum for always being there for us,

thanks for the memories you and Dad gave us,

memories we shall always cherish...

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

2010-10-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

I just about caught this rainbow before it faded away...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You can see where it ends, just behind the Sanctuary dedicated to

the Assumption (Nativity of Our Lady/Tal-Herba) which was built

in 1610 in an area where an old church had existed even before the

1565 siege. In 1673 it was closed to public worship, then used as a

sacristy for the newly built church.

In the 1770's its altar, with the facade around the altar piece,

were covered in marble while a few years,

later it was dedicated by Bishop Labini on the 23rd March 1783.
Sometime before 1644, while retaining this small Marian shrine,

another church, dedicated to the Nativity of our Lady,

was built in front of its main entrance.
Today hardly anything remains of the 1610 church.

The image of Our Lady was crowned on the 7th August 1910.

Later, in 1849, it was declared a public oratory.
Again the church was enlarged on a cruciform plan during the 1920s.

Quite a Pot of Gold

that never seems to run out of Blessings!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My Tooth Adventure!

2010-10-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Are you afraid of the dentist? I know it's not anyone's favourite place for sure BUT I am always so scared to go, even for a cleaning! I have changed quite a few dentists too! This was my latest adventure with having to go to the dentist, this time to have an extraction, my very first too and I think I did very well considering...read about it here in my FUN verses. I am so glad it's over but really, I feel so confident now I am ready to schedule my next cleaning appointment with confidence. God bless my new dentist!

My wisdom tooth was throbbing

Too often and too much,

I tried to ease the pain

With a gentle soothing touch.

It did ease off for a little while

Then was back in full force,

So painkillers had to step in

And they did help lots of course.

Into the third day it persisted

So ice packs were applied

But the pain intensified

And I almost cried!

Since the dentist's clinic

Is not my favourite place,

I had to pluck up courage

'Twas something I had to face!

I made an appointment

And was soon sitting in 'the chair'

A new dentist, a new clinic...

For me that was quite a dare.

He said it had to come out...

'What? Now? Oh gosh!' said I,

'Relax, sit back,' the dentist said,

I thought that I would die!

Efficiently he reassured me

And had the area frozen soon.

The discomfort was quite minimal

To the situation I did attune.

I might have winced a little

But the job he did so well

My tooth was out in a jiffy

To my pain I bid farewell!

I was so happy and quite thrilled

When I got up to leave;

With happy smiles and heartfelt thanks

I left in disbelief.

Why had I feared dentists?

Was my reaction overdone?

Maybe not, but I know for sure

For me this dentist is the one!

A Fall Bookmark for You

2010-10-05T02:50:00.000-07:00

I love Autumn, yes I know I have probably mentioned it before.

The feeling of earth going to sleep and the time to prepare for another

lovely season inspires me.

I was playing a word game recently with my on-line friends

on a craft forum I visit and we came up with such meaningful words

that when put together depict a fantastic picture of fall.

I thought 'Why not put them on a bookmark?'

So I got to work and designed this bookmark to share here with you all.

Here it is, hope you like it and can make good use of it too : )

Every season with all the wonderful changes,

we realise we have so much to be

thankful for ~ maybe this would make a nice token

to give out at Thanksgiving!

Enjoy!

The Hand of God

2010-10-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I were on the rooftop

not quite an hour ago to get our laundry down

and I commented on how lovely the clouds were.

My daughter was quick to say that they could very well be

my next subject to write about, 'about how the hand of God paints the skies'.

I don't think I need write a poem, she wrote it herself for me,

I just took the pictures.

Thanks Chelle : )

In Thankful Praise

2010-09-29T01:50:00.000-07:00

Opening our eyes is a miracle

Hearing the alarm is too,

Lord may I always give you Thanks

My whole day through.

For the cereal in my bowl

Or hot buttered toast,

For hands that helped to make them

And for our lovely Sunday roast.

For our children's smiles

Their ups and downs,

Our failures, our successes,

Our grins and frowns.

For the sun that wraps us

In its warm embrace,

For the rain that refreshes

Our tired face.

For flowers and fields

That colour our world,

For birds' tweet and twitter

Above the traffic din heard.

For a true friend's gesture

Or a good deed done

May I truly be thankful

When the day is done!

May we rise above ourselves

In thankful praise so true,

You're always there to guide us

Our world goes round because of

.....You!

Welcome Fall

2010-09-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

On our Mediterranean island we do not witness the fantastic display of the leaves changing colour with the season changing from summer to fall. But here we do have other signs that sing to our senses. After the hot, humid and stifling summers I always long for autumn (fall) and when the first signs are seen, felt and enjoyed, I always hope the season is here to stay since summer seems to try and linger through this season right into the first part of our winter!

No leaves are falling
No magnificant change of colours
But I can feel a certain lull in the air:
the change is coming...
With a pitter patter of rain
Coming down my window pane,
The unmistakable scent of the first downpour
Refreshes the stifled summer air
As it turns slightly chilly,
Bidding the season farewell,
Refreshing my soul
Giving me hope that summer is fading away.
Welcome fall ~ please stay!

Doreen Scerri © 2010

A Tribute to Dad On Father's Day

2010-06-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

So many days I think of you...

So many days we spent

So many hours happily

With no thought of sorrow

or of the morrow,

just having plain fun,

enjoying moments of laughter

and making sweet memories as

you watched me walk, then run!

Days turned to years,

so many...

and yet each is so special still,

for Dad you did your part and

so much more,

and your role you did fulfill.

I thank you for the memories

for sharing the smiles and tears too

For Dear Dad I have to say

There are not many quite like You!

~Doreen~

Father's Day 2010

Message in Haiku ~ Earth Day 22nd April, 2010

2010-04-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Sea, air, water, land...

Earth day two thousand and ten -

Have you done your part?

Click on the Earth Day 2010 logo for the official Earth Day Campaign.

Scroll down the page to Discussions for information on a chance to win $1,000

More Haiku...

2010-04-21T02:32:00.000-07:00

Morning has broken

Light filters through the shutters:

Good morning Jesus.

Image from shared files

Thoughts in Haiku

2010-04-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

As Lava erupts from the volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier,
I think in Haiku (this is my very first Haiku)...

Volcano erupts
Monster ash cloud moves south east -
Passengers stranded.

Pictures are from my shared files

Today I lit a candle

2010-04-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today I bid farewell to Connie, a lovely person,
a sweet acquaintance and a dear neighbour.
In her memory I lit a candle and wrote this poem which I share here...

Today I lit a candle
For someone I hardly knew,
From what I've learned today of her
She was one of a chosen few.
With her kind and gentle smile,
A silent wave, a nod,
With a quiet disposition,
She was a virtuous woman of God.

I'd have loved to have known you better
Yet your silence and example says all,
It seems you were so well prepared
And always ready for your call.
In your memory I light this candle
That we may never be apart
For in your passing to eternal life,
Your light will shine within our heart.

~Doreen Scerri~

If you click on the candle above, you will be taken to a lovely site where you can light your own candle and spend some quiet time.

Sweet Inspiration

2010-03-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

I dream...and imagine,

A little every day...

Of what I'd like to do,

And then slowly but surely

Work towards making it all come true!

A picture, a bird, a word, a tree,

All inspiring, all free,

A poem, a painting, sweet music to my ears,

Caress my mind's eye,

Calming my fears...

Whenever I least expect it,

There it is for me to see...

I try and grab the moment ~

It's been left there just for me!

Doreen Scerri ©

2010-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much my sweet friend I LOVE PINK for this lovely friendly award.

This is my very first award on this blog and I accept it happily!

I have not been accepting awards on my other blog recently due to the time it takes me to post awards and contact my blogging friends who, it seems,

have the same problem as I have.

Since I have not posted here in a while I will try and connect via this award with this friendly thought...

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.

-Unknown-

Rules to accept this award are...

1. Link to the person who gave it to you.

2. List 10 things that make you happy.

3. Pass it on to 10 happy bloggers

4. Notify the Nominees about this Happy Award.

10 Things that make me happy are...

*When I spend time with my family.

*When I write and when my writing makes people happy.

*When I craft and/or sell my crafts.

*My favourite music makes me happy.

*When my clothes fit well!

*I love taking pictures.

*Reading!

*When I find time to appreciate nature.

*Every time I find the energy to go walking.

*Whenever I see my family happy!

I would like to award this award to all my blogging friends who visit my blogs,

please pick up this award and post it on your blog.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

God's Miracle of Life

2010-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found yourself walking quietly in a field, a garden or the countryside? How soothing to have your thoughts clear, you feel refreshed and renewed. It is like you are rediscovering yourself and your special place in this world...you are alone and yet you are not. You feel God's presence and every significant detail around you is important...the leaves on the evergreens, the bare branches waiting their turn to be dressed with lovely foliage, the growing plants, old trunks reaching up to the sky...and among all of this you are re-born!

And if you cannot reach your own 'garden' space, you can still experience these special moments...just find a quiet chair, sofa, rocker, or your favourite reading corner, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, then imagine yourself walking along a quiet path among beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees, and experience God's miracle of life as you feel how important and special you are in His Garden of Love.

Doreen

Smile quote by Yours truly...

2010-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

These words came to my mind this past weekend and have resurfaced in my subconscious so I thought of sharing them here...

Let yourself smile before you say anything,
it might make all the difference in what you say and how you say it.

~Doreen~

Happy Birthday our sweet angel in heaven

2010-01-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

January 13th was the 25th Birthday of our first born, whom we will never forget, our Matthew, our sweet angel in heaven. Here are a few verses I wrote to celebrate his life with his Creator, I know we will be reunited one day, until then dear son we know you look down on us and smile.

You're an angel in heaven

It seems you've always been:

Your life on earth ended

Quite before it did begin.

We have never stopped loving you

And think of you each day

How proud we would have been of you

Of what you'd have become today?

A teacher, a doctor,

a painter, who knows?

We sometimes wonder what it is

That you would have chose.

For three weeks we had you,

Three weeks we cherished you,

Held you, loved you

and prayed you'd make it through...

But God had other plans

Ones we knew nought about,

Your name was in His Book of Life,

Of that we had no doubt.

And now sweet child we think of you

As twenty-five years have passed awhile

As we send you Birthday Hugs in heaven

You look down on us and smile.

~ Mum and Dad ~

Thank God for all friends.....

2009-11-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Tree of Kindness

2009-11-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

gentle

Speak kindly

Think positively

Encourage others

Be there for them

React with understanding

Act with love and patience

Be in harmony with the universe

And at peace with the whole world.

Remembering Our Veterans

2009-11-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

This is a poem I wrote recently for an online friend who wanted to use the poem on bookmarks to give out as tokens at their Veterans Day Luncheon at their church.
I thought it would be appropriate to post it here today as we take a moment to remember the fine men and women who have given their time and sometimes their life to safeguard our peace and freedom.
Whether we call it Remembrance Day, Veterans Day or Poppy Day, this is a time to remember and honour Veterans and their families. May we never take our freedom or their service for granted.

Let us take a moment to remember
And salute your unselfish way
God bless you dear Veterans
Today and every day!
We thank you for our freedom ~
For our safety you secured
We thank you for your time away ~
Our liberty you bought.
In remembering all the men who died,
The battles fought, the tears we cried,
We honor and respect you,
And remember you with pride.
Saluting you as our heroes,
We feel so very blessed
And we really do admire you...
You're our nation's very best!
Doreen Scerri © 2009

And as I walked on, the trees greeted me...

2009-10-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Trees: Quotes, Poems, Proverbs, Maxims, Links Part I

God is the experience of looking at a tree and saying, "Ah!"

~Joseph Campbell~

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden,
but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.
~Minnie Aumonier~

As the trees look up to the heavens,
And nod with the morning dew,
Quietly they awaken
As they look down at me and you.

Let us lift our eyes with wonder,
Let us look up and see
The beauty of God's creation
With each and every tree.
~Doreen Scerri~

Dream~Create~Believe

2009-10-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

picture taken on one of my walks

Dream~Create~Believe

I found this saying on a site shared by my friend Bev ...

I was inspired by these three beautiful words that have so much energy

Dream a little dream
Dream on...
Your dream can become a reality.

Create, for you are an artist:
We all have hidden talents
If only we dream and believe...

Believe, yes believe...
listen to your inner voice,
Believe...
for all things are possible when you believe.
~Doreen Scerri~

These words have also reminded me of the lovely words by St.Francis...

"Start by doing what's necessary;

then do what's possible;

and suddenly you are doing the impossible"

St.Francis of Assisi

Wordless Wednesday...Wonderful World of flowers

2009-10-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Pictures taken by

Walking ... with a camera

2009-10-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I went out walking again today, even earlier than yesterday!

And this time I took my camera with me... people smiled as they saw me take pictures of flowers. I wondered what they were thinking!

The air was fresher this morning and there was a particular crispness to it. I love the autumn freshness on my face as I walk into its welcoming arms.

I cleared my mind and as I walked on, I prayed...for my family, my friends, my on-line friends and particularly those who have asked for prayers. I thought of those who have no one to pray for them.

I found so many flowers, trees and foliage I wanted to capture on camera and I must have taken at least twenty pictures. I will try and share some with you each day this week.

On my way I met a relative who incidentally I had not met in several years and he told me he too had just started walking again. I saw several other 'walkers', people cleaning their front patio, watering their gardens, others leaving for work...and on I walked, with each step feeling more energized.

Before I knew it, I had done my usual route and decided to increase it a little so I walked through a couple of side streets until I came to our Chapel. There and then I decided to enter and spent a few minutes in silence in thanks and praise for this lovely morning walk.

I walked

I prayed

My thoughts I weighed,

I walked

I gazed

Some words I phrased.

I walked

I dreamed

Oh delicious time!

My heart in flight...

at this autumn beauty

so sublime.

Doreen Scerri

Monday's Musings ~ Walking

2009-10-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

I love taking this route on my walks.

I took these pictures earlier this year - notice the

quaint archway at the corner of this street

Finally I have started walking again, that is walking as an excercise. Several times I wonder why I don't do this simple yet so effective way of exercising every day. I tend to blame the weather or a bad back and keep postponing my walks.
Walking gives me time to relax, to unwind and maybe even clear my mind so I can think better. Doctors have been telling us for years that walking for at least 30 minutes every day will help to keep us fit and healthy besides reducing our risk of so many different diseases and conditions - definitely a great piece of advice and one way of keeping healthy which costs nothing but the benefits of which pay great dividends. It makes one wonder why there are not many who listen and act for their own benefit. Anyway I will not go into that here. I'd like to focus on the uplifting effect this stress-reducing activity has on me.
Every time I head out on my route which is always pretty much the same except for some side streets, I love noticing aspects of the locality and its people, their habits and environment. When I went out this morning I went on my usual trail which takes me away from the main gas-emission polluted roads and trafficky areas to the more tranquil parts of our neighbouring town. On the way there I passed through different side streets, noticing the various scents and smells, unfortunately not always pleasant with the morning garbage bags that had been put out and with the early morning dew having settled on the wet night pavements as well as on the parked cars. The results produced quite a nauseating effect on my nostrils but I tried not to focus on it while trying to envision its outcome rather on the humid streets waiting patiently to be dried by the yet rising sun. My initial slow pace slowly developed into a brisk walk and soon I was out of this zone.
As, one step after another, my feet took me further out towards the houses with gardens and trees, the air naturally cleared and I enjoyed the freshness and even the faint scent of the fall scrubs and flowers. Although on our island we don't get the colourful display of trees shedding their rust and golden leaves, we can enjoy the spring-like bountiful array of foliage and flowers especially after the first rains. As I walked on I wished I had my camera with me. Some of the gardens were a feast to the eye. Again I wondered why I had not gotten back to walking before now and decided that I'd rather give myself the challenge to keep this up rather than looking back and trying to forgive myself!
As I came to my favourite area, I realised that the side of the street I was walking on was in total shade while the last time I had walked here some time in the summer, I was trying to look for some shade! Yes now I remember that had been another reason why I had stopped walking...the heat waves, did I say reason, maybe so, but maybe that was an excuse too!
So, early this morning from my doorstep and back to my doorstep I am pleased to say I have stepped out with a new challenge. Now here I am back home thoroughtly envigorated and happy to have taken the plunge. My aim is to go out two to three times a week and hopefully build that up to a daily routine ~ that is my new adventure for tomorrow! Won't you join me and take up the challenge too?

What poetry is to me...

2009-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00