Ramblings of an Old, Romantic Soul

I truly believe there is not one soul who cannot, who is not, affected by what transpired in Connecticut yesterday.  Words seem so shallow, hollow.  But below is my humble attempt to honor those who were killed. Children’s laughter rang through the halls, then silence ~ eternal sleep Families now torn asunder, forever ~ sorrow too deep Twenty-six souls heavenly bound, tears for them ~ the angels weep     @ Kristina M. Hooper, 12/15/12    

I actually started listening to Christmas carols again...and on the way to work the other day, I thought about writing a poem using the titles of some of my favorite Christmas songs.  I love the more christian, traditional songs.  Of course, I couldn't fit every song in the poem, but below is what I created using a few (song titles are capitalized). Sing Sweetly Unto Thee Silent Night, Oh Holy Night, the angels’ voices ring; O Come All Ye Faithful ones to worship new born king. Little Town of Bethlehem, to you a child is born; Ah, What Child is This, sleeping so humble and low born. Now, Do You Hear What I Hear throughout the endless night; Hark! The Herald Angels’ Sing His praises they recite. As With Gladness Men of Old, rejoice! be full of joy; He Smiles Within His Cradle, Mary’s kingly boy. @ Kristina M. Hooper, 12/12/12

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've posted anything to this blog.  Actually, have done very little writing in the past 8-9 months.  But my Mom was here visiting not long ago and she encouraged me to start writing again.  So, Mom, this is for you. Christmas time is here again.  When I was younger, Christmas was such a special time of year ~ loved everything about the season.  As I have aged, a certain sadness comes over me, and the season is a difficult one for me.  Of course, I am missing Daddy and thinking of him quite a bit.  And I am trying to focus on what this season is all about.  Christ and his birth, and his love for each of us.  Since we've been in Florida, we've wanted to do an outdoor manger scene.  For the past three years, we could not find a manger set.  A couple of months ago, our neighbor gifted us with a set - someone from her American Legion was getting rid a set and our neighbor remembered we were looking for one.  So...this year, we have o

I read a poem yesterday by a fellow poet and was inspired by a line from her poem...‘You left my heart with little or no care, but I still see you everywhere’.  The inspiration led me to to write the following: Still Everywhere I wander where we used to walk as lovers, hand in hand; remembering each little touch, upon my heart, a brand. I see you everywhere I go, I feel your spirit near; your voice a whisper in the wind, tickling my ear. And yet you left me, all alone, oblivious, I’m sure; to all my pain, my memories, the hurt I still endure. So little was your love for me, such truth is hard to bear; and yet, it seems I can’t let go, I see you everywhere. @Kristina M. Hooper, 2/17/12 For more wonderful poetry, check out poetsforintegrity.org.    

Every morning, as I am drinking my coffee, I send an email to my Mom (see the halo firmly planted above my head, glowing!).  This morning, I didn't have much to say, but I did have a thought, which I must say, I think is quite profound: "God is good in every way, is He not?  He showers us with blessings every day, but sometimes we are too caught up with mundane things to notice...may we open our eyes to see the many blessings before us this day!" How many blessing do we miss along the way because we are stressed, angry, or hurt? Or just too busy with life to stop and smell the roses?  Each day is a precious gift from God.  Each moment has something to touch our spirit, to speak to us, if we just stop and open ourselves to see and hear. Let go of the things that don't matter.  Take a moment to feel His presence, to discover His little blessings, given freely to us each and every day. Just more ramblings from an old, romantic soul...

ago, today, the world lost a remarkable man while heaven gained a beautiful soul.  I miss you so much, Dad. I am told that the first year is the hardest, that it does get easier, and I am hoping that is the case.  My life is a little less sunnier without you here, my smile not quite as genuine...strange as it may sound, life just is not the same without you and I still find it hard to believe you are gone. I know you are up there, loving us, praying for us daily.  And I know your prayers are working miracles; you are still taking care of your family, and guiding us, just as you always did. As I write this, my eyes turn to the clock and I realize the time...little did we know, one year ago at this very minute, that you only had 5 more minutes of life in your body.  And I sometimes wonder why you chose to leave us, alone.  You waited till Albert left the room, then decided to move onward to your heavenly home.  I suppose one day I will be able to ask you face to face...but every da