The night before Christmas! (Grandma K and Mum back in the day.)
‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through my place
(One bedroom apartment – a cute little space),
Not a creature was stirring – good thing in my rental;
Cuz if I had a mouse? I’d go totally mental!
Despite all the quiet, sleep still was in vain,
For something annoying kept nagging my brain!
I finally divined what was fueling my fear –
It was nearly the end of a whole ‘nother year!
So I gave up on sleep for my usual tack
Of reviewing the annum – casting my mad mind back.
Mum and Dad at a bygone Christmas in Florence, Oregon (with the obligatory jigsaw puzzle!).
The thread of my life? Well, it binds and unravels.
But I try to dwell less on travails than on travels!
I love taking trips – that’s when I feel my best;
And my journeys this year all took place in the West.
Though from Oregon six years ago we took leave,
We still had stuff stored up there yet to retrieve.
So I rented a van and cranked up lots of tunes
To take care of that chore ‘mongst the Oregon Dunes.
Oregon Coast at Florence.
Was touched that a dear friend asked me to come share
Shimmering Pinecrest Lake and the Lair of the Bear!
Pinecrest Lake.
Went to Cambria both with Mum and all alone,
Just to gaze at the sea and hear its soothing tone.
Big Sur coast north of Cambria.
Mum with a big mess of elephant seals!
Drove forth and drove back betwixt NoCal and SoCal
Trying to find for dear Mummy a new and close locale.
I thought it would bore just to traipse to and fro,
Then got treated to sights like the Grapevine with snow!
Snowy Grapevine.
Found Mum some new digs and so off we both rode;
Now my home and my heart are in just one zip code!
Mummy and me (ahem…) rather a long time ago!
Though sweet and important to think of the past,
I should look to the future and must rather fast!
I need resolutions – it’s custom and practice.
But the gumption to make ’em? I always, like, lack this…
I believe it is due to my eternal fate:
That I’m destined forever to procrastinate.
It’s no use to pester, remind or cajole,
And it’s not my fault, really – it’s just how I roll.
Nevertheless, it can no more be fought;
To the upcoming epoch, I ought to give thought.
Clear goals are a topic on which I must touch,
Listing what to accomplish and what not so much.
The one tidy spot in my whole apartment…
Alas, year to year, it’s a similar song –
My slate of missed goals is distinguished and long…
Like I’ve tried to improve on my housecleaning habits,
But clutter and mess breed in my home like rabbits.
My attempts to be neat, though profound prove half-hearted;
You can go and ask Mum – no wait, don’t get her started…
And I’ve tried to shed pounds but as ever I’ve whined –
Pens and socks I can lose, but the weight I just find…
Yeah, “resolving” I get, but of “listing” I’m less sure –
I want to improve but without undue pressure!
Plus, who knows what edicts will actually serve?
Cuz despite all my plans, life could throw me a curve.
As ever, “The Boys.”
Still, I shouldn’t be lazy and don’t want to hedge –
So for this coming year I will make this my pledge:
Not just to do good at some schedule’s behest,
But be kind in all things and at each do my best.
A tall order, I know – and, yes, aiming high;
But worth it, I think, to go give it a try.
To be thankful each day for the gifts I’ve been given,
And for the surprises that make life worth livin’!
Like being among y’all in the great Blogosphere,
Sharing likes and dislikes and the things we hold dear.
And my thanks to the readers who take precious time
For my good posts and bad posts – and some posts that rhyme.
To all who stop by, I wish joy and good cheer!
As for real resolutions? Well, maybe next year… 😉
Cheers!
TESSEROLOGY 
Wonderful! Such nice photos.
Thank you so much!
Clever! And what a cute baby. Also good to see your mum still rockin’ the cool shades and hairstyle.
Ha! Thanks! You’re very kind – and Mum will be pleased!
Great Christmas greeting, Amy. I love your pictures!
Love you,
Pastor Jack
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks very much – and our love back to you!
Cheers!
Back atcha!
That’s an impressive bit of verse, may your Christmas be merry and your blogosphere friendly.
Many thanks! And all good holiday and blogging wishes back to you!
Happy Christmas to all…
…and to all a good write! 😉
great poem:)
Bless you! 😃
I love love that top picture with the tinsel.
Thanks! Looks inviting, doesn’t it?!
lovely pictures and a very moving poem
Thank you very much!
I absolutely loved this, Amy. I’m smiling as I type. The past and present, the sweetness, the adventures. Your rhyming was fun and the pictures are precious. Wonderful post.
Wow, thanks so much for reading and for the very kind comments! So pleased to share my adventures with you!
Merry merry, to my favorite blogger!
Aw, bless you, Jon! And a very merry merry back to you and yours!
Aww, so sweet, and to you my talented friend. Hope you and Mum are enjoying the holiday season.
Aw, thanks, Ms. Christi! Having a nice time – hope you are too!
Clever, and such fun. The pictures took me back to the customs and fashions of Christmases past-especially lounging in the living room including the jigsaw puzzle and the boys decorating the tree.I remember camping in the woods by the lake in summer but that was Caliper Lake in northern Ontario near Sioux lookout. Glorious! I will still wish you a Merry Christmas as it is the season, and a Happy New Year!
Thanks so much! I love having those old pictures – and the memories! And sounds like I should visit Caliper Lake. And best wishes to you too for a happy holiday season! Thanks for reading!
I’m a little late here, but your seasonal poem really made me smile! Hope you enjoyed the holidays, and I’m having fun catching up with all your news at last. All the best for 2017! 😀
Thank you! And best New Year’s wishes to you and to the Beasties!
Cheers! I’m so looking forward to reading more of your traveller’s takes and memories this year!
[…] both prose and poetry with equal ease. Talk of travel and the attributes of life. Check out this poetry that takes you smoothly through experiences in life that you can empathize with. Then there are […]
Thank you so much for the kind words about my post – and I enjoy and look forward to reading more of YOUR words!