winter . . .

rain, snow, wind . . .

lavender blooming . . .
fields of arum lilies . . .
green green grass . . .
foggy mountains . . .

warm clothes . . .
black and grey
with spots of colour

healthy appetites
children playing
laughter . . .

life is good

Women's day Flowers

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night,
and said a lot of cruel things
that really hurt me.
I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things
he said, because he sent me
flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day.
Last night, he threw me into a wall
and started to choke me,
it seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn’t believe it was real.
I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.
I know he was sorry because he sent me
flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day.
Last night, he beat me up again,
and it was much worse than all the other times.
If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of my kids?
I’m afraid of him and scared to leave.
But I know he must be sorry because he sent me
flowers today.

I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day.
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night he finally killed me.
He beat me to death.
If only I had gathered enough courage
and strength to leave him, I would not have
gotten flowers today.

- Author unknown - (exerpt from a book soon to be published by Griffel Media)


Today, being Women's day in our country, I was touched by this poem ripped from the heart of a woman speaking for others of her kind. In a sense I find it apt to share this poem on this day.

book and garden winter wonders

Bed time is reading time. We have just finished Alice in Wonderland. During this numeral reading adventures Lize and I take turns in turning the pages, reading in turn. Through this reading pleasure around bed time Lize's English reading skills are being honed without her even noticing it. Next on the menu is Ann Frank's Diary from not quite such a wonderland.

From a winter's garden springs delightful surprises such as this orchid supreme. Just the stuff to warm a winter heart!