Melancholy Military Friend

Today, this is the most important news I received:

David Michael Mosley

David lost his battle with cancer Tuesday morning.

He will always be with us.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

I knew Michael when he called himself Michael, not David. Michael and I were stationed at Edwards AFB in California together in 1981-1982. He was one of my closest friends.

For years, Michael was long lost to me...as were all my other Air Force friends. (Though I recently found Dwaylon Calhoun in L.A.)

Dwaylon knew Michael, too, but he did not approve of Michael's preferences. That was his choice and his loss.

I found Michael on Facebook a few months ago,
was elated,
and then deflated,
when Michael told me he was at the end of his life span.

Cancer had sneaked into him, ravaged him, waiting to withhold his final breath and kill him.

At this moment, I am sad for those he left behind. Those who have lived in his world since the last I saw him. I am sad for those who darkly mourn him now.

Me, I still envision him the clean cut, blond airman from Mississippi who befriended the small town girl from New Hampshire. In our own ways, at that point in time, we were two souls drifting in melancholy, military time, far from childhood homes, and rooted to a desert where our friendship grew amid the cacti.

He'd knock and barge into my room to play to me the new tape of some hot new band he liked: The Go-Gos; Joan Jett & The Blackhearts; David Bowie. I'd stay up all hours of the night on weekends and play billiards with Michael in the dorm's rec. room. Michael drove me to L.A. once and we climbed the desert hill up to the famous HOLLYWOOD sign. I have pictures in a old photo album.

Michael Mosely was a friend put in my life for a season and for a reason, but not for a lifetime. My loss.

(Photo: Michael Mosley on left with high school friend)

Ouch! EGG

Ouch!

 

One of our chickens has a sore butt!

We're thinking this is at least a 3-yoker!

We'll let you know when Ray fries it up in a pan!

 

The Farmers,

Lisa & Ray

 

 

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No Such Thing as Circumstance

Have you ever loved someone deeply and then lost them?

How did they get lost?

Did you lose them to heaven, or hell,

or did they disappear from your life to the unknown?

Did they go unexpectedly,

or did you hope they would fade away

and save you the trouble of instigating

their disappearance, whether fast or slow?

Have you ever despised someone deeply, lost them,

only to have them show back up in your life?

Did you purposely do all you could

to keep them hidden from you

and your current loved ones?

Did you think that by closing your eyes

you would summon the power

to make them stay out of your sight?

Did you think that closing your heart

would make them stay at bay...

...stay far, far away?

Making people stay away is not in your power.

Making people resurface is not in your power.

Making situations turn in your favor is not always

in your power. Sometimes you just have to let go.

You may take baby-steps with intention,

but you should know

there is no such thing as circumstance.

I believe

the Source

orchestrates

whom in your little life

comes and stays for how long;

and whom goes away for moments or unfathomable forever.

I have found that

wishing someone would come or go -- don't make it so!

Gardiner's Maze

HURRY SPRING!

BRING THE WARM SUN AND WARMER DAYS,
BRING THE FLOWERS HIDING IN A GARDINER'S MAZE.

HURRY SPRING,
I CANNOT HOLD MY BREATH MUCH LONGER,
YOU SEE,
FOR IF I BREATHE
I SHALL FIND
THE COLD AIR
WILL FREEZE MY MIND!

SPRING, PLEASE HURRY!
...RELAX, LISA, DON'T WORRY...

(Photo by Lisa (Allen) Kennard,
Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH)

Betty Boop in Heaven?

Betty Boop is scandalous! Look at her mini-skirt!

Clearly, she has no morals or scruples.
Her favorite expression is probably
"WHATEVER!" or
"GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!"

My alter-ego might be Betty Boop.
Look at my Blog!

I just wanna have fun, too,
however,
I have religious morals and scruples.
My favorite expression is
"I'LL PRAY FOR YOU." or
"PRAISE THE LORD."

Being a christian, I must remember
not to judge Ms. Betty Boop.
If she ever did me wrong,
I must forgive Ms. Betty Boop
so my Creator will forgive me.

My friend,
allow God to give YOU justice in your life,
and deal with the wrong-doer Himself.
Don't deny God's forgiveness and let your
trespassers take your joy from you, too.

Maybe I'll see Ms. Betty Boop in Heaven.
Maybe I'll see you?
It's not too late to redirect your course.
I'm happy to be your flight attendant!

(Photo by Lisa (Allen) Kennard)

Sun Bathe at Clean Windows

It doesn't happen often that I have a full day at home.
Today was one of those days.

Instead of sitting around, relaxing,
I decided to begin my spring-cleaning.
Even though spring isn't even near,
I took down all the curtains
and gave them a washing machine bath.
I used a steam-squeegee to wash
all the windows and mirrors
to remove the dirt, spots, and streaks.

I kept the windows open for a while,
airing out the house
until my husband questioned my intention,
fearing the heat-loss was not worth the clean-air.
(I totally disagreed, but put the windows back up.)

Now the windows are so clear one would
question the glasses' presence.
Now the closet door mirrors are so shiny
I can actually see my newly formed curves!

Spring may not be upon us yet,
but I declare to put a spring in my step,
and stand at the clean windows and sunbathe!

Mimicking a Mommy

Affixed to my wall
for all visitors to see,
is a sign that implies
loving kindness from me.

Hugs and kisses
and milk and cookies,
I offer free babysitting -
the offer is generous and befitting.

Never a mother,
only an auntie
but shining about my head
is a golden halo mimicking a mommy.

Hugs and kisses
and a kind word, two, or three,
eager to invest in children
who I can play with and bounce on my knee.

Never a mother
in the biological world of birth,
but as a compassionate love-filled friend
I'm sure the kids I love, understand my worth.

Ice Skates Hanging

Ice skates
hanging on the porch,
waiting for the wearer
to wear them.

Ice skates
hanging around,
recalling the feel of the blade
cutting into the ice,
twirling
with
grace.

Ice skates
hanging...
waiting...
recalling...
sadly
rusting.

(Photo by Lisa (Allen) Kennard)

Puke on my Arm

Lucky me,
I got to bottle feed
one of my new
great nieces...
She was a doll in my arms,
a joy in my heart,
and smelled of baby
as she puked on my arm!
Still...
I wouldn't
change one
moment of my joy
and
would do it again,
gladly!

Flip Flop Birthday Cake

My 8 year-old niece had a Luau birthday party today.
I made her cake(s)...flip flop sandals.
One chocolate and one Funfetti.
She wanted her guests to have a choice!
I was given strict instructions on how they should look.


I decorated them with neon blue butter-cream frosting,
flavored with a touch of peppermint.
I twisted blue and pink fondant for straps,
and sprinkled brown sugar for beach sand.
My mother, niece and I made roses that
I put around the outside of the pan
to mimic roses often found at the seaside.


Was a big hit!
I was pleased as punch!
This is my second decorating adventure this year!
Next cake...Mom's, in my new flat, tiered pan.

(Photo by Lisa (Allen) Kennard)