Martin, Mary, & the Moon

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Linking with Poets & Storytellers for Writers' Pantry #23

We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.

  ~Ben Sweetland

True words linger like memories of the moon

washing out doubt's shadow

giving hope a lit stage

for there are those that listen

and those that speak

poets that spark fires

and heroes that live by a brighter light

their tracks in the snow lead the way

and if you watch the moon

it follows too

brilliant light flows wide and long

and true words always linger

like memories of the moon

as imprints upon our heart.

This is dedicated to Marin Luther King Jr, Mary Oliver, and so many that are boldly inspiring change in this world.  They are the ones who enlighten and move others with a brilliant light that lasts many lifetimes to come.

©Carrie Van Horn 2020

Beautiful Free Bird



"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."  ~Epictetus

Linking with lovely Emily at Imperfect Prose.

Life with all its struggles and frustrations has a way of weighing us down, like mud from a landslide knocking us to the ground motionless in a stagnant place.  Then it becomes difficult to see ahead or even move forward from there.  I have found myself wallowing in this condition more times than I care to admit.

A while back I was there once again, stuck in a mound of self pity, facing another situation uncertain what direction to go next.  As I wondered why life always seems to be so hard, out of the blue something amazing happened.

Being an avid blogger, I occasionally receive random e-mails from people that I do not know.  Usually, commenting on my blog, or asking questions, but on this day it was something different.  I opened an e-mail from a young lady with a story that could move any heart from complacency to inspiration.

Her name is Rubi, and during her junior year in High School, she was in a devastating car accident.  The vehicle she was riding in hit a guardrail, flipped 3 times, and she was ejected out the window.  Both her back and shoulders were fractured, and her neck broken.  Now she is paralyzed from the chest down.  Her trunk control is very weak, and using her hands is difficult.  She can barely make a fist.  All the things that we do and take for granted everyday are a struggle for Rubi, yet like a beautiful free bird that always sees the horizon, she never looses site of hope.  She has been improving with therapy, but it is her artistic jewelry making that has strengthened her hands and her beautiful heart. 
She creates a lovely array of leather beaded wrap bracelets, and they are amazing.  Making the jewelry is a wonderful outlet for her to express herself.  You can take a look at her Etsy site for yourself.  You will not be dissapointed, I know I was not. 

Yes, life with all its struggles and hardships can weigh us down, like a heavy shroud we can barely see through, yet there are glimmers of inspiration that can penetrate the barriers that we undertake in our lives.  People like Rubi whose life is a message of inspiration and hope, like a carrier pigeon in flight.  I hear her beautiful message loud and clear, and I want to share it with the world.  We can choose to be defeated in our adversity or we can rise above it and defy the odds and statistics of this world.  We all have problems to deal with in our daily lives, some are more massive than others, yes, but we also each have hope that can carry us through.  Just ask Rubi, she knows this hope and holds it close with all the strength in her heart.

Meet Rubi and her beloved dog Koco.


These are my favorites!

Rubi site is called Beautiful Free Bird.


In The Pink

Thank you Ninotaziz for giving me this wonderful award.  I truly love your blog, and I am honored to recieve this award from you!

Accepting the Pink  Award does not end here.  There are a few wonderful rules to accepting the award

and they are as follows:

1.  Thank and link back to the person that gave you the award.

2.  Share 7 things about your self.

3.  Pass the award to 9 fellow bloggers that inspire you.

4.  Let them know about the award. :-)

Once again I want to thank you Ninotaziz for awarding me the Pink Award.  You have such a giving spirit that shows in your wonderful gift of writing.  I feel blessed and honored to have met you here.

These are 7 things about me:

1.  I am blessed to work at a local library, but I am too busy to read. :-)

2.  My greatest lessons in life have been learned the HARD way.

3.  Being a Grandmother has expanded my whole view on love.

4.  My favourite word is HOPE.

5.  I eat like a man, but gain weight like a woman.

6.  Even Hallmark commercials can make me cry like a baby.

7.  The most wonderful teachers of my life have been my children.

These are my nine Pink Award bloggers:

I'm Just Saying... Sheri the words of your life are always an inspiration to me, and your friendship is a blessing indeed.

The Poetry of Alaurilee Alaurilee your poetry is so full of hope and dear to the heart I knew I had come across a precious jewel when I found your blog.

Underneath His Wrapping Ruth your blog is always an inspiration to me.  Your faith in God and daily life are truly an example to others.  I feel I have grown from the experience of being your friend here.

Signed...bkm bkm your passion for life and writing is so evident in your blog.  Your creativity inspires me.

Sweeter Poetry  Dulce your blog is so very beautiful to me.  It conveys such a wonderful sensuous style, and love abounds at your blog.   Your talent is truly brave, lovely, and inspiring.

The Chololate Chip Waffle Terresa your poetry is apsolutely amazing.  I am never disappointed when I visit your blog.  Each and every morsel that you dish out is truly nourishment to the soul.

LiveLaughLove Niecy your blog is filled with the love of God, and your posts are always a blessing to others.

Skylover Kerry every poem that you write shines with the light of your love of nature.  All your poetry is filled with beautiful imagery and truly an inspiration.

The Blowing Branches Patty your prose are always captivating, and your blog is beautifully put together.  I always enjoy visiting it and seeing what new story you have to tell.


Thank you all for inspiring me, and Ninotaziz I am grateful for your wonderful spirit of giving. Thank you. :-)