As I hear the sweet voice of my four year-old grandson, Bennett, saying “Dee Dee, Could I have one more of your chocolates?” while opening my refrigerator door to find them, I smile. I find myself thinking that I hope he will always remember Dee Dee’s sweet chocolate kisses, as I always remember the taste and smell of my Grandmother’s Dublin bottled Dr. Pepper, positioned neatly in her pantry (where my refrigerator now stands), awaiting our arrival from Illinois every summer. The distinctive taste of Dr. Pepper, neither seen nor experienced in the northern states. Memories are etched in our minds forever.
Covid-19, 2020
My eyes have never seen a stranger time than this. The spreading of a virus around the world, resulting in death, illness, fear, quarantine for some, and isolation for those at risk. My art journal has always been my favorite way of expressing my feelings. I found this beautiful image in the magazine #Daphnesdiary and was inspired to do the following: I used texture modeling paste, watercolor, and clear gesso on the background. In the end, it doesn’t show very much. The image was too large, which resulted in me cutting off her boots. It seemed fitting to our current times to place them by the door. John Prine died yesterday due to complications of Covid-19, as have thousands of others. The line down her face appears like tears, representing these times of sadness.
TK’s RECIPE’s for One: Warm Spinach, Asparagus Salad over Brown Rice
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 Red Onion
1 1/2 T Coconut Oil
1 cup fresh mushrooms
1 tsp sea salt
1 cup sliced zucchini or cucumber
1 cup fresh asparagus snapped into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1/1/2 T Apple Cider Vinegar
1 T Olive Oil
3 cups fresh Spinach
1/2 cup feta cheese or goat cheese
1 cup brown rice
DIRECTIONS:
Cook brown rice in sauce pan for 25-30 minutes.
Saute sliced red onion 5 minutes until clear in color in frying pan.
Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini (or cucumbers), fresh asparagus pieces and sea salt.
Add 1 1/2 T Apple Cider Vinegar.
Saute another 8 minutes.
Turn off heat and add 1T Olive Oil.
Keep on low heat until brown rice is finished.
Put 3 cups of fresh spinach in a large bowl.
Pour warm vegetables over spinach and add feta cheese and pepper.
Plate brown rice and salad.
ENJOY!!! This recipe makes enough for 3 meals.
Cross Creek- Amazon Prime
” We cannot live without the Earth or apart from it, and something is shriveled in a man’s heart when he turns away from it and concerns himself only with the affairs of men”
” Madness is only a variety of mental nonconformity and we are all individualists here.”
“I have become a part of Cross Creek. I was more than a writer. I was a wife, a friend, a part of the earth. Who owns Cross Creek? The red-birds, I think, more than I, for they will have their nests even in the face of delinquent mortgages..It seems to me that the Earth may be borrowed, but not bought. It may be used, but not owned. It gives itself in response to love and tenderness, offers its seasonal flowering and fruiting. But we are not tenants and not possessors, lovers, and not masters. Cross Creek belongs to the wind and the rain; to the sun and seasons; to the cosmic secrecy of seed; and, beyond all, to time.”
“We were bred of our Earth before we were bred of our mothers. Once born we can live without mother or father, or any other kin, or any friend, or any human love. We cannot live without the Earth or apart from it, and something is shriveled in a man’s heart when he turns away from it and concerns himself only with the affairs of men.”
“Good is what helps us or at least does not hinder. “Evil” is whatever harms us or interferes with us, according to our own selfish standards.”
“Sift each of us through tghe great sieve of circumstance and you have a residue, great or small as the case may be, that is the man or the woman.”
The rosad goes west out of the village, past open pine woods and gallberry flats. An eagles’ nest is a ragged cluster of sticks in a tall tree, and one of the eagles is usually black and silver against the sky. The other pewrches near the nest, hunched and proud, like a griffon. There is no magic here excelpt the eagles. Yet the four miles to the Creek are stirring, like the bleak, portentous beginning of a good tale. The road curves
sharply, the vegetation thickens, and around the bend amasses into dense hammock. The hammock breaks, is pushed back on either side of the road, and set down in its brooding heart is the oreange grove. Any grove or any wood is a fine thin g to see. But
Cross Creek-Amazon Prime
“Good Friends Shouldn’t Keep Apart” – Ellie in Cross Creek
More than true.
Cross Creek- Amazon Prime
My feelings watching this beautiful movie:
“It is never too late to fix things, unless
you wait too long.”
TMG 10/13/2019
I Will Remember You
Autumn Gratitude
Consistently, Nature provides gifts, as Autumn breezes blow whispers of change all around us. The Nandina berries turn to orange, Virginia creeper crawls over rocks in crimson splendor, shades of yellow hint from beneath green, tattered leaves against the rich, blue skies, Red Buds shimmer their golden branches in the sunlight, and owls shatter the silence of darkness, shouting their hoots across the creek beds. Change is upon us but covers our land with a cloak of beauty. Our Blessings these Fall mornings are abundant if we are still and watch the metamorphosis unfold.
TK’s Marinara Spaghetti Squash
This recipe is absolutely delicious, healthy and very filling. If you are blessed with fresh herbs in your fall garden, the aromas will tempt everyone who enters your home.
INGREDIENTS:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Two sprigs fresh thyme, stripped
Four medium fresh basil leaves, chopped
One spaghetti squash (Slice off ends, cut vertically in standing position, deseed, rub olive oil inside each half, turn upside down on foiled baking sheet and cook 40 minutes at 400 degrees).
1 pound turkey sausage, sliced and cut in half
One yellow onion, chopped
Two cloves garlic, minced
11/2 bottles of Organic Marinara Sauce
1 14-ounce can artichokes, chopped
1 pint Roma or cherry tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
Fresh or shredded Parmesan cheese
Sea salt to taste
Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: *Prepare spaghetti squash and cook in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. *In skillet, brown turkey sausage in olive oil. *Add chopped onion and saute 5 minutes. *Add minced garlic and saute approximately 30 seconds
*Pour in Marinara sauce. *Add fresh herbs *Add chopped artichokes *Add Roma tomatoes *Stir in sea salt and pepper to taste *Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. *String spaghetti, place into bowls and top with marinara sauce mixture. *Top with fresh or shredded parmesan cheese.
Enjoy every bite!
JOURNEY TO ISRAEL: AUTHENTICATING STORIES THROUGH ARCHEOLOGY & FAITH-DAY #2
We began our tour with Educational Opportunities and Guide Tsippi Segal, on the road from Tel Aviv to Jaffa. Jaffa was Israel’s natural port during the time of the Old Testament. According to the story, Peter resided in Jaffa when the other disciples sent for advice on whether or not Cornelius, a Gentile, could join the Jewish Jesus movement. Peter said yes, and history continued to be set (i.e. Acts 10). Jonah was reported to set sail from Jaffa, as well.
We strolled above the ancient port and shoreline of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, amidst the historic structures. We could see people swimming and surfing in the clear, blue-green waters of the Mediterranean from our lookout at the “Gateway to the East”.
I roamed over to the Wishing Bridge, admiring the detailed mosaic sign of welcome. 
The Gate to the Ancient World
Tsippi introduced us to a Salt plant, that of course smelled and tasted extremely salty. 
We entered St. Peter’s Church (currently 19th Century-originally 17th Century) One of the most unique sculptor’s was of the tree.
St. Peter’s is an old Franciscan Church, located in Old Jaffa. The church was built to commemorate the visit and miracle of St. Peter in Jaffa. The New Testament records several of St Peter the Apostle’s deeds, which took place in Jaffa: the raising of Tabitha, the seamstress; Peter’s stay at the house of Simon the Tanner, and the vision of the sheet let down from heaven.
“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
The vision of Peter, Acts 10, 15
It was from here that Peter journeyed up the coast to Caesarea, where he told about Jesus as requested by Cornelius. Cornelius became the first convert from paganism to be welcomed into the Church.
We proceeded to Emmaus and broke bread outdoors within the ruins of the Byzantine church at Emmaus-Nicopolis, which is adjacent to the monastery of Latrun. The site lies on the bright green plain of Sheilah on the route leading from the Mediterranean to Jerusalem. This was our first visit to an old excavation site–very quiet and serene. The light hit the bread placed on the altar at just the moment I took the picture. This was the place Jesus broke the bread.
The vegetation around Emmaus was very interesting, including blooming almond nut trees and an occasional anemone. Tsippi told us to look throughout Israel for groups of wildflowers, including the anenones, referred to as “the lillies of the field”.
ISRAEL JOURNEY: STORIES AUTHENTICATED THROUGH ARCHEOLOGY & FAITH-DAY #1
Our ten-day journey through Israel (February 12-22, 2018) accompanied by Israeli Jewish guide, Tsippi Segal, began with our arrival in the vibrant, modern city of Tel Aviv. Our journey exposed my limited knowledge of this ancient, historical land of Israel, surprising me with its multi-cultural and religiously diverse population, its stone beauty, agricultural opportunities, tels of archeological excavations revealing complex layers of civilizations, rugged and mountainous borders of the Dead Sea, brief moments in time captured at the Sea of Galilee, visibility of Jordan, Syria, Golan Heights and the Mediterranean Sea from Israeli borders, and of course, the historical evidence of the story of Christ drawing millions of visitors from all over the world to this land.
Kicking Procrastination!
Since I seem to be experiencing many new seasons in my life at this time, I decided to turn a new page. I am currently taking a course entitled Uninstalling Procrastination (an online course by Shelby-LittleCoffeeFox). I have been very interested in her story describing how she was able to turn around her life goals and experiences by studying and successfully diminishing the role of procrastination in her life. I was particularly struck by Shelby suggesting that putting things off only creates constant feelings of impending doom for us and increases our stress and anxiety about tasks that are expected to be accomplished by a certain date. I have always been a person who demonstrates great spurts of working effectively and efficiently on tasks and projects, for a specified period of time. However, I have been known to justify procrastinating on certain “not-so-loved” tasks to the point of increasing my stress levels and ending up ultimately completing the tasks under immense deadline pressures. Shelby’s course is very worthwhile and I discovered that I am not too old to change my habits. After completing Module I of the course, I woke up this morning and accomplished four necessary errand/tasks prior to 11:00 a.m. I rewarded myself with a trip to an antique store open house, followed by attending to two bill challenges I needed to take care of immediately. A productive, successful day spurred on by Shelby’s course. Thank you, Shelby. I am eager to learn more!
International Widow’s Day
I have always had an aversion to the word “widow” based on my previous experiences-associated with “the black widow” or other evil, poisonous associations. But, today, I was taken by an article suddenly appearing for my viewing from CNN, regarding stories expressed today by various “widows” throughout the world, regarding what it means to experience this sudden or forced entrance into the world of “widowry”.
I never had any desire of any sort to be a member of this group. I empathized frequently with friends, neighbors, etc. who were suddenly thrown into this distant group. But, I had never envisioned myself as an actual member.
I read the stories today with great interest. Though each of these ladies’ circumstances were so very different from mine, I did engage in a certain camaraderie with this group of women, who had never planned on partaking of this adventure, and had never envisioned life without their spouses (in my case, the absence of my best friend and partner of my soul).
I was blessed with six months to prepare for Billy’s death, though the unknown of the details of the arrival of “death” throughout those months, resulted in mental anguish and much turmoil, inhibiting our supposed preparation for that dreaded event.
In reading each of the stories of these “hero women” in this article, I realized the blessings of family in my situation, occurring in stark contrast to many of the painful, judgmental experiences of these women within their own cultures across the world. Some of these women experienced cruelty, rejection, and/or humiliation from family members, as a result of becoming a widow. This circumstance appears unimaginable in our culture, but it was a recurrent theme within the stories of the other women throughout the world. Unfortunately, many of us shared the themes of death and cancer in common. But, the reactions of cultural bias painted the darkest contrast in our situations.
I am thankful, that in my situation, I was graced with the enveloping of love from extended family members throughout our difficult journey of illness, comforting me still. However, this article has made me realize the importance and relevance of our reaching out to expand, understand, and assist women throughout the world, regardless of their circumstance, to successfully survive the frightening phenomenon of suddenly being a “widow”.
Therefore, I am attempting to change my perspective on being considered a part of this “widow” group. I find myself, now, being quite proud to join their ranks, being able to say “I was Loved so deeply” by my spouse and my family, and I am now aware of the circumstances of cultural change within the concept of “widow”, that all of us need to address in the future.
Why Didn’t I Know?
For months, you knew you were dying
Why didn’t I know?
For weeks, we were told “eventually, this cancer will kill you”, “You will die from this cancer”.
You wanted to fight for “the more”
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
“Eventually” gave me hope, always——-“not yet”
For weeks, I gathered my hope dreams and clung to every word the doctors and nurses said, that suggested in any minute way that you were getting better-“improving”- another flash of hope in my mind
I heard that word rarely-just a word heard one day, and the next day-
GONE
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
For days, your sweet, thoughtful words became fewer. I wanted to keep talking, keep living, keep ignoring the approaching storm. Stupid questions rattled you: “How are you feeling today?” “What hurts?” “What’s wrong?” Pushing you-pushing you-urging you to rally
That elusive hope of fixing things again, kept returning for me
Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Hope.
Let’s go back:
- to porch sitting under yellow glow
- rock waterfall sounds with silent koi weaving
- long political banter (please, no, but I yearn for experiencing that again with you now)
- waltzing with you to the sweet accordion melody in the Presidential gardens of Spain
- listening to your glorious Spanish float off of your tongue
- loving your deep kisses and daily greetings
- laughing with you as we conversed with our many pets
- loving you forever and always.
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
For one week, you played and made faces with grandson, Bennett, sitting with you on your bed. He smiled and laughed with you. Bennett was your hope, your goal – being Bennett’s “Au-dad” was everything you always wanted in this life
That day, Hope filled my air Then-encouraging words from doctor
“no evidence of cancer spreading”
One day
Wednesday
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
Thursday, you stopped communicating with us, your eyes lost and hazy
Where did you go?
We waited for hope words from your doctor
In the hallway, I get “He’s dying. I can’t fix him.”
I react. How can that be?
Yesterday, so encouraging. Did you do a new test?
How do you know?
“He’s dying”
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
Friday, you slowly departed further from us.
We waited; we questioned; we reacted; we soothed each other-loving family
No greater love from a family-for you
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
What difference would it have made had I known? We would have lived our “more” – loved more deeply.
More love, more family times, more talks, more moonlit walks, more dailies, more travelling, more love, more forever.
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
Friday, your 6-month journey with us ended, with your beloved family surrounding you
You fought; you loved; you rallied
You did all of this for Bennett and family and all of the “more”
We loved you deeply and we love you still
You knew you were dying.
Why didn’t I know?
Terry Grosvenor June 22, 2017
LIFE CHANGES IN BUT, A MOMENT
37 years
37 abundant moments
37 pauses and reflections of enduring love
37 enriched memories-two, as one
EVERGREEN
Enlightened
Discussions of wisdom and truth
Togetherness
Boys pure and delightful; creations of wonder
Family; four together; never to be separated
Always one for all and all for one
Love conquers all
Love endures
Love seemingly gone in a flash, but etched in our minds and hearts forever.
Love eternal
Terry Grosvenor May 15, 2017
Sitting By My Love
My love,
No longer adorned with gentle, green bells ringing in the arrival of brandy-cherry roses, draped merrily in tiers of fern, amidst vibrant orange lillies, trumpeting the soul’s rising.
The soft peace of fragrant white roses now masked by raked-over soil and muted grass, too fast his beauty erased.
No color
Silence
Only the swirling breeze returns the memory of his touch to my tear-worn face.
Faint Spanish guitar dances beside me, as
I lay a small bouquet of daisies sent from a long-ago friend,
On the yellowed grass
While repeating words of love to him, as
The last lovely guitar chord is strummed,
Visions of floating waltzes drift off in the distance.
Terry Grosvenor May 2, 2017
Missing Billy
Sorrow enfolds me
Weaving within and around my heart
Encapsulating my soul
In Silence
Terry Grosvenor April 14, 2017
Watercolor World
What do you do on a depressing day, when everything appears dark and gloomy? Answer: Watercolor Away. Today, I had a little time to play around with my Kuretaki Japanese watercolors, resulting in 12 “Thank you” cards to begin my 2017 365 Cards Project. I experimented with several interesting techniques, which I plan to use again in the future. Maybe it is not too late to get some of my delinquent sentiments mailed to friends and family, who have helped us through some very difficult times. Once again, the cards are much prettier in “real time”. Watercoloring definitely perked me up a bit.
For the Love of Golf
Granddad, Brett, Bennett, Leanna & Granty K enjoying the Brookhaven Driving Range
Our World
Child of the Rock Garden 