Where I'm From (a new version)

I am from a tiny house in the middle of America-woods, corn fields, county roads, a feeling of safety and quiet nights

from 4 sons: Benjamin, James, Alec and Barrett. They love Jesus, a good challenge, laughter, hard work; they are compassionate, funny, 2 are great husbands, one a good daddy; they love each other and they love their dad and mom

I'm from a house filled with inexpensive objects; things found at garage sales, Goodwill, handmade, or handed down. Almost everything here touches my heart, tells a story, or simply brings joy

I'm from hiking on holidays, playing games as a family, merciless teasing, long talks late into the night, lots of laughter and frequently confounding the 5 men in my life

I'm from "wash your hands", "business before pleasure", "here's a chore if you're bored", "go outside if you're going to do that!"

I'm from the bible is absolute truth, God is real and very present in our lives, He will complete what He's started in you

from a tender-hearted husband-he's patient, self-sacrificing, and spoils me rotten

I'm from biscochitos, my mom's takes-all-day-to-make spaghetti sauce, homemade apple butter and a to-die-for apple pie

I'm from long grey lonely winters, renewing spring, hot humid summers, and soul filling fall

from playing with houseplants, blue jeans, wandering the woods, writing, good books, laughter and caring for my family

I'm from being a wife, a momma, a teacher and a friend to our sons; becoming a mother-in-law, a grandma and an emptying nester

from a house full of noise to wondering what's next

I am from a tiny house in the middle of America

March

First a howling blizzard woke us
Then the rain came down to soak us,
And now before the eye can focus-
Crocus.
Lilja Rogers

Where I'm From

I am from sawdust under my dad's table-saw,

from Tang, and frozen pot pies.

I am from a quaint place called Sunnybrook Lodge:

the crick, tiny rental apartments, and wet snow falling on my hair as I wander at night.

I am from the mountains,

the pine trees,

wildflowers, and elk.

From ma's mostachioli & homemade bread,

pride and independence,

from Richters and Rinellas and 3 big brothers.

I'm from the people who have an answer for everything,

this too shall pass, and don't freeze your gee gee.

I'm from be careful how you pray, you might get what you ask for

and God helps those that help themselves.

I'm from Chicago, proud Italians

and stubborn Germans.

I'm from chocolate and gin & tonic,

a dad who liked to hunt and fish, fish and hunt,

and a mom who pushed on despite everything.

Her treasures were her children and grandchildren,

now scattered between heaven and earth. Her

family was priceless.