In the twentieth century, the practice of cryonics (preserving dead bodies for a future ‘resurrection’) came into being. Though dismissed by many as a pseudo-science, others have clung to its hope by having their own or loved one’s body go through the preservation procedure. According to my Google search, there are at least four cryonic … Continue reading How to Live Forever
It has always been true that the world has a way of catching us off guard. Many of us like to think we have our life in control. Especially if we were fortunate enough to be born into a comfortable middle-class family, we have been taught to work hard and life will reward you. Pestilence, … Continue reading Sabbatical Series: A Poem of Hope (Words of a Friend)
When we feel our gut rumbling, most of us—if we are fortunate enough to have a full pantry—respond by getting something to eat! And when our throat feels parched, we instinctively reach for a drink. But do we recognize hunger and thirst of the soul? Does your spirit just feel like something is missing and … Continue reading Satisfying Hunger and Thirst
Fairy tales would lead us to believe concerning love relationships that everyone lives "happily ever after." Sometimes those relationships entered into during youth do last a lifetime. Other times, death or difficulties intervene and unions and marriages are cut short. Today I'm sharing with you a poem I wrote for my brother as he found love again … Continue reading Love Found Again (poem)
A few months ago I moved from the house where my late husband and I raised our three children, a modest three-bedroom house in the suburbs. He died young of colon cancer at the age of 52. So, he did not live long enough to hear the cheerful noise of grandchildren filling the rooms of … Continue reading Nuggets of Gold
"The Hole in My Heart" by Connie Carlisle Polley The hole in my heart will never be filled Yet someday will be not so deep, not so fresh. Someday my body’s shivering deep chill With returning embrace and kiss will be met. So I’ll not lose hope even though I weep. Goodness will help me … Continue reading The Hole in My Heart
I remember being exposed to the importance of taking part in the American voting process even as a young child. I only knew that there were two sides from which an adult could make a choice and they were called Democrats or Republicans. As a youngster, I didn’t know anything about party platforms or politics. … Continue reading Taking Sides in a Voting Dilemma
I want to share with you a poem I wrote for my oldest grandchild when he was about ten. I printed it, put it in a frame and presented it to him as an extra Christmas Eve gift. I’m sure whatever else I gave him—and this was before any of the other grandchildren were born—seemed … Continue reading Ode to Stephen
A few months ago I moved from the house where my late husband and I raised our three children, a modest three-bedroom house in the suburbs. He died young of colon cancer at the age of 52. So, he did not live long enough to hear the cheerful noise of grandchildren filling the rooms of … Continue reading Nuggets of Gold (new poem)
Voters will soon go to their polling sites and in some places they may have to stand in line for an appreciable amount of time. They are willing to wait in order to exercise their right to elect persons they feel will represent their concerns on health care, jobs, immigration, crime and more. Many will … Continue reading A Laughable Limerick: Voting Dilemma
Where do we turn when there is violence all around us? Where do we run to feel safe when there are those who relish shattering the safety of our schools, the sanctuary of our places of worship, and the normalcy of our marketplaces? Run to family and friends and console one another with compassionate words … Continue reading A Poem of Hope: Words of a Friend
I recently lost a cousin who was my age. We both married fairly young, pursued middle class careers, raised children in suburban homes, and later lovingly invited grandchildren into our lives. Her death has caused me to reflect on what I have accomplished thus far in my life and what my future goals are. The … Continue reading Poem on the Transient Nature of Life, “The Silence of a Tomb”
I recently was talking with a lady who found out I go by the name “Nonny” with my grandchildren and that I share some of my reflections on life on “Nonny’s Blog.” “That’s so interesting that you use the name “Nonny,” she said. How did you come to be called “Nonny”? I told her I … Continue reading Another Nonny!
A number of years ago while I was still teaching in the classroom, I told a colleague of mine I was looking for a new family doctor and asked if she would recommend her physician. "Oh, yes," she said. "Dr. Bakula Sheth is my G.P. I'm sure you would like her. She takes time to … Continue reading Doctor, Doctor, I’ve Been Thinking . . .
Astronauts reach for the planets. Movie stars aim for the Oscars, and the Golden Globe Awards. Politicians stump for votes. Teachers have a loftier goal--they touch tomorrow, or in other words, they touch the future through their influence on students in their classrooms. Some years ago I walked into a school hallway and saw in … Continue reading Touching Tomorrow
In times of turmoil around us--hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, mass flooding, unparalleled fires--and within us--sickness, disease, death, accidents, addiction, poverty, crime--many individuals cry out, "Where is God?" Particularly anguished are families who lose innocent children. This is not a new question. And I'm sure I don't have new answers. I certainly will not have answers … Continue reading Where Are You?
I had the good fortune of coming from a large extended family when I was growing up. There were so many aunts and uncles and lots of cousins--so numerous that I'd have to stop and count to give you exact numbers! And, on my Mom's side of the family, we all lived within close proximity. … Continue reading Here’s To Happy Trails
Keeping pace in a crowded race / With plans laid out for my stride, / I saw off the path a wounded heart / And I almost passed it by. / Yet while others ran on, I walked alone / Not knowing what price I’d pay / For walking a road never taken before / But with love, I looked for a way...
In my family when we had pets they were always dogs. The first dog I remember had a shiny black coat and dark, dark eyes. He was actually my grandmother's, but since we lived with her from time to time, by extension he belonged to us all. His name was Sparky, and my older brother … Continue reading The Passing of General
Over the years I have sung in a number of church choirs. In fact, Wednesday evening rehearsal, Sunday morning warm-up/choral leadership of worship, and participation in seasonal musical cantatas are a part of my DNA. As such, I have been under the leadership of numerous music directors. Here's a poem of appreciation I wrote for … Continue reading Opus Just Begun / Still More Work To Come
Teens and cars: one of the biggest things that Moms worry about. Even those teens who have been driving a year or two still give us Moms pause. We know the adolescent brain doesn't measure potentially dangerous situations the way we do. My following poem, A MOM'S PRAYERS, still brings a shiver to my spine … Continue reading A Mom’s Prayers
Fairy tales would lead us to believe concerning relationships that everyone lives "happily ever after." Many times that is true. Other times, death or difficulties intervene and marriages are cut short. I'm sharing with you a poem I wrote for a dear family member as he found love again after his wife of many years … Continue reading Love Found
I always remember singing, even as a small child. Voices lifted in song and musical instruments being played were a part of who we were as a family. I became a member of my church choir at the age of fourteen, and continued to sing in various sanctuary choirs for over fifty years. A few … Continue reading Gone to Sing in the Master’s Choir
No matter your spiritual, philosophical, or political persuasion, I think we can agree that our erratically beating hearts yearn to be filled with an inner calmness--one that might spill over into a mindful peace in our hectic daily lives, and a workable peace for our very divided world. So I welcome you with the English … Continue reading A Greeting of Peace
Depression comes to us all at different times in our lives. For some, the despondency is so severe that thoughts of taking one's own life become a real possibility. Suicidal thoughts and actions occur to all ages and come to individuals of all socioeconomic strata. As we look from the outside upon those whom we … Continue reading Sunrise Hope . . .
A few years ago I wrote a short poem as a note of condolence to my physician who was mourning the unexpected passing of her friend's young adult son. I sympathized with her as I realized the grief of life's end can be especially wrenching when hearts ache over a young life cut short. She … Continue reading Your Life’s Song
This is a poem of reflection, as I share feelings of sadness with all those who have ever suffered a broken relationship, especially one of many years. One for me, one for you; It will never be the same, Dividing up the spoils of life As though it were a game. One for me, one … Continue reading One for Me, One for You
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