Lesson 15756- The definition of Guffaw

The absolute best thing happened to me yesterday.

I had to go up north for a few meetings that took a wee bit longer than I had anticipated. I decided to stop in a restaurant on the way home for lunch. Because it was just me, they sat me in an area that only had tabletops for two people.

I dug into my purse, got my notebook and pen out and I started writing down things from the meetings that I wanted to capture.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an elderly couple get up from their seats to leave. Both were as old as the hills. The husband helped his wife put on her red coat. They took tiny careful steps, the woman bent over in the way that time tends to destroy youth’s posture. Both held hands as they maneuvered around the tables. They appeared so very fragile.

As they passed my table, the woman who was using a cane put her free hand on my upper arm.

I figured that she might need a little extra support, so I didn’t flinch or remove my arm, instead I looked at her and smiled. Sure, go ahead and lean on me is what I thought, take my arm if you need it.

She bent toward me. “Do you want to hear a joke?” she asked.

I was a little surprised, but I’m always up for a joke. “Sure, I’d love to hear one.”  I replied.

She put her head close to mine. “How do you tell one end of a worm from the other?”

“I don’t know,” I said. “How do you tell one end of a worm from the other?”

She looked into my eyes. “You put it in a bowl of flour and wait for it to fart.”

It’s actually a good thing I didn’t have any food in my mouth, because the word “guffaw” was invented for just this kind of situation.

I guffawed.

The woman backed up and continued shuffling out the restaurant, holding hands reveling in the knowledge I’d be laughing well after she and her husband had left the restaurant.

 

 

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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at Wendy@SimpleThrift.com

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Lesson 1575 – Ok, so I’m a fan of poetry

 

Epigrams 2016

Epigrams 2017

Majordomo (2016)

By James Burns

 

James Burns, a friend and co-writer, recently sent me three of his poetry books. I’m going to put this right here – I’m not a big fan of poetry, much of it flies over my head and I get frustrated because I don’t “get it.”

But that’s not the case with James’ poetry. He plays with words, he gets in and then gets out, and he expertly leads you to a conclusion that often takes your breath away. All of his poems deliver a powerful, truthful punch. Take this one:

#15

Poems are slices

Of my soul

Thinly cut

And ready to digest

Epigrams 2017 – Burns

 

The imagery is compelling. I get it. I know what he’s talking about. I can relate.

I feel it.

And that’s the power of poetry, to write in thoughts and images just as clearly as if you were using full paragraphs.

When reading each of James’ books, I find myself taking notes, marking some of the pages, telling myself that I need to share this with my daughter who loves poetry.

She should read this, I think.

She really should.

 

#6

If I prune my beliefs

And change who I am

Bend and twist my soul

As if I were the maker’s bonsai tree

If I give way to your will

What then becomes of me?

Majordomo – Burns

 

Perhaps it’s time to stop saying that I’m not a fan of poetry and begin saying that I’m a fan of James’ poetry.

Because I am.
I truly am.

 

Note – all of James Burns’ poetry collections are available on Amazon (links on each title above) and are very reasonable. If you want to try poetry or if you already love poetry, I suggest you give them a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it. 

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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at Wendy@SimpleThrift.com

Also, join me on Facebook to find out more about the flock (children and chickens) and see some pretty funny chicken jokes, photos of tiny houses, and even a recipe or two.

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Lesson 1565 – A Mother’s Prayer

 

A Mother’s Prayer

Wendy E. N. Thomas 

It is time.

Anxious to join the world, the little chick unfolds her wings

Uncoils her body

Stretches her legs

“Take care, take care,” cautions mama bird

 

Feathers not yet fully matured  holding only future promises

The chick steps on the edge of the nest and looks at the precariousness before her

You’ve got this.

A deep breath

A leap of absolute faith

Exploding from the nest flying, falling, tumbling to the ground

Momentarily discouraged by the inability to fly like the others

A bruised feather

“Take care, take care,” encourages mama

 

She quickly flies to the chick’s side

Teaches her to hide from the hawks

How to find shelter

This is what you eat

 

The chick regains balance

She begins to feel solid

Worthy

Confident

Awkwardly, she hop-flies to the nearest tree branch.

And looks out upon the world that is now hers

She’s got this.

 

“Take care, take care,” prays the mama

 

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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at Wendy@SimpleThrift.com

Also, join me on Facebook to find out more about the flock (children and chickens) and see some pretty funny chicken jokes, photos of tiny houses, and even a recipe or two.

Like what you read here? Consider subscribing to this blog so that you’ll never miss a post. And feel free to share with those who may need a little chicken love.