Welcome to my porch! Come on up and sit down with me a while. You can join me in the swing or have a seat in one of the rockers. There's lemonade and Granny's Tea Cakes on the little round table by the screen door. Pour yourself a glass, take some tea cakes, and let's visit awhile.

I've reached that stage of life where I reminisce a lot about my childhood and young adult years. Some of my best memories are of the porch swing at the little house my dad and his brother built with their own hands about five children before me. We moved from that house when I was twelve, but there were other swings and other porches to enjoy. I've been encouraged to create a daily journal--I guess it's all the rage these days. Goodness knows, I do love to talk, so I guess this might be a good thing. I can't tell you just what you may find here on any given day. You know how it is when you're on the porch. A lot depends on the weather. I can tell you this. I plan for it to be a fun place to visit, because I'm in the mood for some fun!

Thanks, Jace, for stopping by and sitting on the front porch with me. That was a big part of my growing up as you might have guessed. I shelled many dishpans full of peas in the porch swing. It took some getting used to when I had to start shelling peas in a bowl as an adult. Shelling peas in a bowl is just wrong. They need to make dishpans just for shelling peas.

Maybe next time we'll talk about my first TV addiction.

Whoo Hoo, Pat. Love the anedotes. I've got many written down in journals all over my room. Was planning to collate and edit and all those things so my kids would have some idea who I really was ... uh, am (since I hope to do this while I still breathe). Keep 'em coming.

Jace

Hmmm, this is like the old Batman show from the 60's with Adam West that said "Stay tuned ...." Good thing I have you favorited.

Waiting ... waiting ....

Thanks for reminding me of one my favorite hymns too. I used to sing it loudly. God bless you, Pat. I appreciate your prayer.

“Though I felt completely foolish for posting them for everyone to see, I crawled out on that limb and did it.” Methinks this statement defines you in many ways. GOOD FOR YOU, Pat!

The “double nonet”: That’s a new one on me. The last two lines mirror the first two. That is so appropriate for the message in this poem. And of course the form is striking and quite beautiful. I LIKE it!

Here’s a little poem of mine whose form is also pretty, though it doesn’t hold to a technical form.
"A Christmas Tree" 

“The darkness of the great unknown”: how frightening is that! Yep, I’ve stepped out there from time to time. And you’re exactly right. How comforting to know that the great God of the universe can see out there in front of us…and has a plan. Thanks for this one, Pat.

Bob

I remember this one. It is so moving. I appreciate it you sharing it so I could read it again.

I really like both quotes, but the AA one is particularly compelling.

I love that quote because it's so true.

Thumbs up for color and design, Pat! And kudos to you for this very thoughtful and helpful entry. You reminded me again of what I know so well…EVERYone has his or her own battle; and everyone can use a bit of compassion and understanding from the rest of us! Your transparency about one of your own battles is also refreshing and helpful. My older brother has a story very much like yours…also regarding an adopted child. Thank you for sharing!

Bob