Be Not Idle

When I attended a writer’s workshop last week, one assignment was a sort of salvage-yard poetry. We were SUPPOSED to take phrases from our own failed stories and poetry, then make something new.

But I’m terrible at following directions when it comes to writing (even God’s), so of course I used James Healy’s failed poetry.  Yes, Ireland’s Greatest Living Poet offered, among re-posts of his greatest hits, three that didn’t work. I was stunned.

I posted my homage at his blog, and since he didn’t curse me and threaten me with barristers, banisters, or barristas (the great horrors of modern life), I thought I’d post it here as well:

Love in a Post-Christian World
(An homage to James Healy, from his three unfinished poems.)

A fire is dying
upon the bare
shadows
above the ashes.
All the myth
in rome in lyons and in paris
even so in gaigue na manaigh
is dying.
A curse
is there
if you want it.

-Jean M. Balconi (the greatest living poetess in her own house – but only because she owns no parrots)

“Pinch pennies, spend dollars!”

That was my maternal grandmother’s saying, my mother’s saying… and so on to me. They both could squeeze a nickel until it screamed. However, when it came to cars, furniture and things built to last – such as others in need – they didn’t mind spending a little more for something.

When my parents visited, my dad made me laugh by assuring me, “You know, you CAN spend money.” My comparison shopping at the hardware store was getting to him, I guess. And then my mother commented about the number of cleaning products under my sink. (I have two of everything because I brought home my school supplies.)

So am I hoarder? Is my frugality crossing the line into being miserly? If I own very little, does that mean I’m living simply? Continue Reading »

A little survey brought to you by Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings (see sidebar). As summer draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect and renew. Instead of a lengthy essay, like the ones you did back in school, fill in a short answer to each question.

A book that I read and would recommend to others
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.

A project you completed
Watersealing the deck AND refinishing the diningroom table.

A project you intended to complete but you did not
Repainting bathroom.

A great outing you had with friends
Lunch and errand-running with Michele, my former college roomie! It was a completely feminine day, with visits to a shoeshop and fabric store.

A song that you found yourself frequently singing
“Come-onna My House” An advertisement featured this catchy Rosemary Clooney number and it got stuck into my head… all summer.

A new food/drink discovery
Sugar dill pickles, a wonderful treat at the Lake Huron Retreat House, which the cooks shared. What you do is get a gallon of store-bought dills, cut them into quarters, put them back in the jar, and add 2 cups sugar. Shake and flip the jar end-over-end every day for about 7 days. They end up sweet but still crisp.

A new purchase
A dining table with a hidden leaf and two drop-leaves. It opens to 6 feet, but folds down to a chair’s width. And it cost $71, including tax – which meant I could afford to re-upholster two chairs.

A new attitude you adopted about something or someone
When someone asks me a personal question, I’m going to ask, “Why do you want to know?”

A favorite trip you took
The weekend with cousin Jill. On one day we attended a family reunion, then took a ride to Roger City to see the largest limestone quarry in operation – Grand Canyon of quarries! The next day we toured the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, rambled through historic Fishtown, and relaxed with other relatives in Frankfort. Vineyards to beaches, sun to storm.

A favorite movie, show, or concert you attended
I watched Avatar: The Last Airbender when my nieces and nephews visited for a little over a week. I’d forgotten just how good it was.

A favor or act of kindness someone did for you
My friend/art teacher/professional landscaper Carolyn brought over “leftovers” from her recent garden purge. She planted a brand-new garden for me, plus transplanted some of my plants in a way that made more sense. I now have daylilies, different hostas, and OREGANO!!

An accomplishment of any kind
I went through ever single closet, drawer, and cupboard in the house on a two-month “Big Purge” of stuff and memories.

What will you miss most about summer?
Waking with birdsong and morning light, not the alarm clock.

What are three things you are looking forward to this fall?
1) Finishing the requirements to renew my teaching certificate.
2) Teaching only my favorite subject, not English for Burned-Out Seniors
3) Having a new back door with A KEY! (Much more convenient than going to the front door.)