Good Friday

This is a poem I wrote more than a few years ago. It was in response to encountering the homeless while in Washington DC.

Good Friday

I. Intersections

As you stretch out fingers for coins,

I notice maps to places only

dreams have been. There is

distance in your eyes.

Clink, clink of quarters into cups.

And I deny you.

II. Georgetown

Crippled bodies uphold walls

where mutual funds pay for mochas

and books on poverty.

Eyes avert dilapidated lives,

bitter reminders all backs can

support brick and mortar.

Resting with change from step-ahead,

step-around, step-aside strangers.

And I deny you.

III. Union Station

Agent Orange glazes your eyes and ideas.

You tell me stories of jungles and war.

Do you know I have no knowledge of war?

And when you ask I will say no?

Ransom for peaceful sleep.

And I deny you.

IV. Sunrise

In the distance, I hear the rooster crow.

Am I your modern-day disciple?

Eyes lifted to see eyes, ear tuned to ear

I will not be Peter anymore.

Tea Swap

For the last two months I have subscribed to a Paperbella service(http://www.paperbellastudio.com/) Basically, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday you get different project ideas along with directions. This month they offered a swap. You sign-up, are assigned a partner, and then you send them a package of theme related items. Either bought or homemade. The theme for this swap was either tea or queen related.

I receive the neatest mosaic and as well as beautiful tea cards/tea recipe cards and teacup earrings from Kelly at http://www.teacupmosaics.blogspot.com/ (see below)
I love getting mail, and what more fun than getting package full of neat goodies. I want to "swap" again!

Scrap Happy

Over the last year I started making homemade cards. I don't really know how it started, but before I knew it I had a full basket at Hobby Lobby and signed up for card making classes. What began as cards making, soon turned to paper crafts, and from that to scrap booking. I always said I would never scrapbook. Yeah, I know never say never.

I've come to enjoy the hands-on tactile experience. There is something about getting my hands messy, picking paper colors and embellishments that I love. I have been a writer for years, but have stumbled upon a dry spell and I think the whole craft experience has filled that creative vacuum. I've always been a fan of paper, stationary, good pens, and fun office supplies. The scrapbook/paper craft world is like office supplies on steroids. On top off all the scrap booking, and paper craft options there is a blog to go with each. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading and being inspired by these most talented artists. As soon as I learn to add a blog roll thingy, I will link to the blogs I read.

And if you find yourself needing a creative fix, please check out Scrapbooks From the Heart in OKC. Here's their website; www.scrapbooksfromtheheartokc.com It is run by Jennifer Wells, and they offer great classes, great supplies, and lots of friendly faces.