WestBow Blog

The publisher of Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II asked me to write a blog for their site yesterday.  This is what commenced:

Life Is a Garden Party is a book about gardening, yes, but in actuality it's a 3-in1: 1.) a gardening observation 2.) with a spiritual application and supporting scriptures 3.) in rhyme. Each story has two poems so you could say it's a two-for-the-price-of-one or buy-one-get-one-free. A real bargain in today's world.

One summer I was visiting with a neighbor who was nearing 80 (now he's looking on 90). He said something that transposed in my mind as from dawn to dusk. That phrase was stuck in my head for a few days. Being the 4^th of July and having a bit of sun poisoning, I sat outside to write it down. “From Dawn to Dusk” was the first poem I wrote. I soon had a small, used notebook full of poems.

That July was too hot and humid to work in the yard so I sat in front of the fan transferring what was handwritten to the computer where it morphed into an observation with an application without any forethought. My brain would not shut off. I got up early, stayed up late, wrote in the middle of the night but then couldn't read what I had written in the morning. The title came to me one day when I was coming in from the garden.

I told a friend I was writing. She gave me her second-hand computer giving me the ability to have internet access, etc. I looked into publishing. Another friend gave me a book about print-on-demand publishing. God provided the resources to publish one Christmas and the next day a print-on-demand publishing company called. God's perfect timing - one step at a time.

The entire writing experience has been a gift from God. I had been diagnosed with an illness in 1990 that left me with brain fog, making it difficult to form a sentence. When I started writing, it came out in rhyme. Being a writer/author wasn't something planned. Writing has been healing, taking all my broken pieces and making a whole. Romans 8:28

I had researched publishers for a writer friend. At that time WestBow caught my attention. I wrote the information on a little scrap piece of paper which was stored under the keyboard for a few years. When I needed another print-on-demand publisher, WestBow was contacted first. WestBow is very expedient and favorably priced. I do recommend to future authors that it's advantageous to purchase a package that contains marketing, providing greater sales opportunities.

Life Is a Garden Party is a family read. Many of the stories are written as a riddle. An example of one of my gardening observations/spiritual applications pertains to my compost pile. As the compost pile will consume any vegetation, I call it “garbage mouth”. The spiritual application is “let your conversation be filled with grace” vs. garbage. One goal is to teach others to see God's principles taught in the Bible through their surroundings.

Through this journey I have learned that many people believe in the Creator but not in the Savior. My prayer is that spiritual children result. The blog states which countries have accessed my blog. Countries I have never heard of. May Jesus Christ be praised. I have also “met” people with like faith who are now spiritual mentors. Thank you, Lord. Love hearing from my readers. Their inflection is usually deeper than what I'm able to convey. As all of life is a learning experience, Life Is a Garden Party is growing my faith as well, often calling to mind God's faithfulness.

Blessings,

Judy Janowski

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Hibernation

Winter, seemingly a time of hibernation,

but actually it's a time for rejuvenation.

It's a time of incubation

for most of plant creation

when in collaboration

with the winter season

plant life begins quiet preparation

for a new season of anticipation

continuing generation after generation

as miraculously planned from the beginning of creation.

It's not necessarily a time of relaxation

but an edifying season of fortification

for bulbs and plants begin their restoration

in earth's protected womb where unification

of temperature fluctuation

and frozen precipitation

will end in excitement and joyous exclamation

after a long-awaited-for anticipation.

There'll be a gleeful celebration,

an uncontainable jubilation,

causing one's soul much elation

when with joyful admiration

and heart-felt adoration

this period of silent hibernation

finally gives birth, always bringing inspiration.

A miracle springs forth, an utter fascination.

After this time of hibernation

there'll be a two-fold flirtation

for flowering bulbs and plants attract humans

and bees happily begin pollination,

an affirmation

that this season

of hibernation

is now in cessation.

After the flowers put on their show, you'll note a multiplication

of springtime bulbs or flowering plants increasing their population.

In the plant world it's called naturalization,

a reproduction, a propagation.

Upon investigation

you'll find an accumulation

coming to the realization

that it's time for a division.

So after listening to the weather station,

to ensure a period of no precipitation

you'll prepare another location

for the over-population 

of bulbs or plants needing division -

or maybe you'll share with relation

and gardening friends whose inclination, or perhaps fixation,

is to make accommodation for your accumulation.

After digging in preparation

you'll be ready for hibernation -

a much needed vacation -

for the gardening vocation

causes unwanted activation

of aches and pains in concentration.

But oh, the joy, the elation, the appreciation

of surprise flowers after winter's hibernation.

Earth's rebirth - rejuvenation

giving God glorification!

* * * * *

Everyone's so excited for spring

to finally, at last, to begin.

There's an excitement in the air

as days turn sunny and fair,

then bees return

when flowers bloom.

Each year we see rebirth take place in the earthly realm,

there is also rebirth in the spiritual kingdom.

Rebirth or spiritual birth as in salvation,

Jesus forgiving our sins offering redemption.

A free gift when Jesus paid the way

upon Calvary's cross on Good Friday.

Jesus redeemed us - He paid the way.

Sin's penalty was satisfied that day.

Yes, it was for you Jesus died

on that cross with His arms open wide.

Arms outstretched in everlasting love

as if enveloping us with a hug.

And it was for you Jesus arose again

ensuring everlasting life would begin

the day you confess in your heart

then rebirth will give you a new start.

Each spring brings rebirth or earth's revitalization.

Spiritual rebirth is conversion bringing salvation.

I will send you rain in its season,

and the ground will yield its crops

and the trees of the field their fruit.

Leviticus 26:4

He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:14

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,

but because of his mercy.

He saved us through the washing or rebirth

and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

whom he poured out on us generously

through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that, having been justified by his grace,

we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Alas!

Because it's National Poetry Month and because it's snowing today, this 23rd day of April...

At last, at last,
winter is past.
When winter is past
it's springtime - at last!

There's a red or blue flash
from songbirds doing the dash
who joyfully sing with each task,
el'naturale, not in a vocal class.

Colorful spring bulbs pop up in mass
causing happy smiles to be cast.
Bees return at last.
Don't touch or you'll sass!

There's much to do when winter is past.
Each year we long for spring to come fast.
Soon we'll be busy with spring tasks
as warmer days come to pass.

Time to open the window sash
and spring clean the window's glass.
Then shine the front door's brass
door knocker when going past.

Earlier each morning the glow of the new day's sunrise is cast
as gardeners stretch and determine to complete each day's tasks.
Later each evening disappearing sunsets paint a rosy repast,
while lullabies are sung by songbirds as dusky twilight is cast.

Yes, spring is here at last
as temperatures warm up fast.
Some can't wait to go fishing for bass
or maybe just spar with their mast.

Happily, we see greening of the grass.
Soon we'll need to buy lawnmower gas.
We forget about dandelions amassed
until more return each year, despite last year's task.

Everyone's glad to see winter has passed.
Especially us who garden in mass.
Rather a garden lad or lass,
we're so happy winter has passed.

Spring is here...at last
until a surprise blast
of arctic air is cast
upon this country vast...

and lasts and lasts and lasts.
Will this winter ever pass?
We're aghast!
Alas!  Alas!

* * * * *

Shakespeare wrote, "Parting is such sweet sorrow,"
but not when winter continues to burrow.
We long for spring after months of snow.
Spring can't come too soon, we often crow.

It seems that the birds' radar was off
for their return signaled spring's takeoff.
Perhaps their song woke up the crocus
and even bees who gleefully buzz.

Then surprisingly more snow....
and it's too cold to melt the snow.
Will winter ever be past?
When will spring come, at last?

Yet spring is an unknown
as our days are unknown.
We don't know what tomorrow will bring.
Hopefully joy and not suffering.

We seem to long for what we don't have
always hoping for the best life has.
Our focus is on the temporal
instead of on the eternal.

It's what's done for eternity that lasts.
So when you come to an impasse
this question you should ask:
will my faith live on and last?

Hebrews 11 talks about faith that lasts.
Faith that generations could not unmask.
Faith that continues to hold fast
irregardless of what comes to pass.

See!  The winter is past.
Song of Songs 2:11

The length of our days is seventy years -
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10

Faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Read Hebrews 11.

Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law
that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you:
to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways,
to obey his commands, to hold fast to him
and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.
Joshua 22:5

But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God,
as you have until now.
Joshua 23:8

Picture from Spring 2012.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Hotels

Someone is heard getting ready to go to sleep.
The night air is filled with a chorus of chirps and tweets.
A songfest echoes through the evergreen trees
as twitters answer or maybe flirts tease.

After the winter, long and cold,
a welcome singsong unfolds
before their bedtime
this March eve'ntime.

Too soon to start to build a nest home,
will these tweeters spend the night alone?
Or will they huddle together to keep warm
huffing out their feathers as insulation?

Will they roost in the boughs of the evergreens?
Will birds flock together and form a team?
Will their hotel be rent free
offering charity?

What will they do?  Where will they go
for tomorrow morning there will be snow?
Do birds have a 6th sense
as winter does commence?

For sure a silence will descend
for tomorrow no songs will be sung
as new snow quietly falls
and piles over all.

Do these song birds know
there's going to be snow?
Are they putting on a show
before more snow is sowed?

Tonight their chirps and tweets are enjoyed,
reminding me of the Walton's John Boy
and his clan as they retired for the night -
good night Jim Bob, good night Erin, good night.

* * * * *

One morning last summer when I was walking
I disturbed a hotel of birds sleeping.
Out of the small bush a large flock of birds
into the early morning atmosphere soared.

They must have huddled close together
there in that small bush as nighttime gathered
for they were too numerous to count
when that morning they flew out and about.

They left their hidden place of shelter
flying into the wild blue yonder
to do what they do best -
to sing songs of request.

David once made a request
to be like a dove at rest
but he also came to realize in his stress
it would be God who would hear and save him from distress.

Yes, the Lord is on your side,
whatever does betide.
You need not fear
for God is near.

Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest -
I would flee far away and stay in the desert;
I would hurry to my place of shelter,
far from the tempest and storm...
But I call to God, and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
He ransoms me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
Psalm 55:6-8, 16-18

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

April - National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month

Perfect time to order any of these in time for Mother's Day.

Suggested Reading:

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I & II by by Judy Janowski

Samples at:  http://lifeisagardenparty.blogspot.com 

Coffee With Jesus and A Second Cup with Jesus by Lucinda Berry Hill

poems by Linda Palmer (check out facebook)

Not poetry, but a woman's devotional:

For Sanity's Sake by Lisa S. Arnold

Check any of these facebook accounts for how to order.

Garden Band

On a sunny day
the band comes out to play.
Who joins the garden band?
Come.  See.  You'll be a fan.

This morning the band is heard warming up.
Look.  It's the bees in the borage.  Yep!
Come listen.  It's free.
They never sound off key.

Then a loud hum joins in.
Look quick.  It's hummingbird wings.
He's a welcome addition
as he stops to audition.

He's directed to the string section
where there's lots of buzzing action.
Someone imitates a violin
and there's the twang of banjo strings.

Another new member sits in the woodwind section
where everyone harmonizes in collaboration.
There are piccolo chirps
imitating a flute.

Tweets
so sweet
that humans take note
of the song being wrote.

Tunes from oboes, saxophones,
clarinets and trombones
are heard in this symphony
sung by visiting birds and bees.

A mocking bird joins the garden band.
His song is heard throughout the land.
He imitates trumpets, tubas, french horns
for mocking birds fool from the day they were born.

Soon the bandleader will point
then a key note clamors on point.
Who is it that joins the band?
It's the crickets.  A lively clan.

They sit in the percussion section
strumming louder for attention.
Rhymatic they strum
having so much fun.

Now a soloist joins the orchestra.
Who is it that clang clangs loudly just for show?
It's the caw caw of a crow.
He has the loudest voice, you know.

The garden band has many members.
They practice from April through October
then many members go on tour
as in October southward they soar.

Take time to listen to the free concert today
for soon the band members will be on their way
to entertain the senior citizens
in the Floridian winter homes.

* * * * *

When God's Word states "make a joyful noise unto the Lord,"
someone literally took God at His word - it's the birds.
But God's Word was written for you and I.
Are the songs we sing joyful or filled with why?
Do we daily thank and praise God with joyful hearts
or do we doubt God's faithfulness as each day starts?

Our words are our recorded music.
Words like wonderful, fantastic,
glorious, blessed, glad.
The opposite of mad,
cursing, fighting,
back-biting.

What do you want to be known for?
Encouraging through your words and more.
Or will the legacy you make
leave behind only heartache?
Make music in your heart.  Shout for joy.
Everyone around you will enjoy.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the lord with the harp,
wit the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn -
shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
Psalm 98:4-5

What she done (said)
will also be told in memory of her.
Matthew 26:13

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon, B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Plantings

Yesterday's surprise of the day:  snow peas growing in the vegetable garden.

Now transplanted so hopefully the uninvited guests don't find them.  

Also planted spinach and lettuce seeds today.

These vegetables along with potatoes are cool weather vegetables.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Happy Planting!

Stroll

Today on my daily neighborhood stroll
I saw papa and mama cardinal.
Gathering up twigs there were
working side-by-side together.

Love is in the air
this day sunny and fair
as evidenced by bird's mating calls.
Soon pairs will build nests in treetops tall.

I heard robin redbreast's happy chirp
and saw dandelions spring up from the earth.
Two sure sings that spring has returned
as the sun warms the earth this morn.

This morning's bright sun
encouraged blossoms
on daffodils in bud
and flowering trees to bud.

Flowers beckon bees to return
each bright sunny spring morn.
Earth hums along with the bees
as each birth is a sight to see.

The grass is turning green.
Leafing out trees are seen.
There's music in the air
from thankful bird pairs.

Spring fever takes place
as garden beds are graced.
A time of rebirth on planet earth
heard each day in singing birds song of mirth.

I thought, ahh, spring is here, it's arrived at last,
then I saw a jack rabbit run away fast.
Just as quickly, spring will be over -
as swift as rabbits chow down clover.

* * * * *

Seasons come and seasons go
just as fast for us, you know.
Life us just a breath, a vapor,
then all too soon it's over.

No man knows the day or the hour
when his last breath on earth is borrowed.
Only God who ordained our days on earth
from conception, to birth, then one day death.

A day that comes to pass
for everyone, at last.
A day of great sadness
but also gladness...

that is, if one knows where they're going to.
If heaven, then those on earth are glad too.
For heaven means they'll be together again
provided their loved ones have been born again.

You can know where you'll be going when you die?
Don't leave your loved ones wondering as they cry.
You and your loved ones can have the assurance
that you're going to heaven, with confidence.

A prayer of faith
is all it takes.
Believe
then receive.

Believe that God sent His Son Jesus
to earth as a once-for-all sacrifice
on the cross for your sins.
Now you are born again.

What is your life?
You are a mist that appears for a little while
and then vanishes.
James 4:14

In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10

The Spirit of God has made me;
the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4

He who created the heavens
and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth
and all the comes out of it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it.
Isaiah 42:5

The God who made the world and everything in it
is the Lord of heaven and earth...
he himself gives all men life and breath
and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men,
that they should inhabit the whole earth;
and he determined the times set for them
and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him
and perhaps reach out for him and find him,
though he is not far from each one of us.
For in him we live and move and have our being.
As some of your own poets have said,
'We are his offspring.'
Acts 17:24-28

No man knows when his hour will come.
Ecclesiastes 9:12

You also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at an hour
when you do not expect him.
Luke 12:40

If you confess with your mouth,
"Jesus is Lord,"
and believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

Order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

via WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

Order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

via Amazon or B&N.

April is National Poetry Month

and

Mother's Day is in less than a month.

Consider ordering

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

from WestBow Press.

Sunny Days/Rainy Days

Last week sapphire blue skies
and the bright sun in the sky
made one feel like accomplishing something
after the long, cold winter doldrums.

This week heavy-laden gray skies
as the sun seemingly hides
making one feel like sleeping,
accomplishing nothing.

Last week a heavy blanket of snow on the garden,
though the bright sun was most encouraging.
This week melted snow makes the appearing garden sodden
and the heavy-laden sky disheartening.

We focus on the here and now
versus the end of the rainbow
for after the rain passes through
we're given a delightful new view.

The here and now with its difficulties
versus next week's celebratory party.
Instead of looking ahead,
we live with doldrums and dread.

Rainy days
do give way
to sunny days
again one day.

Sunny days each spring filled with an array of blooming flowers:
crocus', daffodils, tulips in a rainbow of colors,
though it's only after the rain
that these flowers bloom again.

Those rainy days are needed, you see,
for they work miracles for all to see
just as our difficulties mature us to be
the compassionate people we were meant to be.

* * * * *

A friend, 90 something, told me
she used to always have a positive disposition,
but now with declining health
she feels she's developed a negative disposition.

She can no longer go
where she used to go.
Her knees no longer support her
so she now shuffles with a walker.

She has to rely on others
and feels like she's a bother.
It takes too much energy to explain,
so she often suffers silently in pain.

She feels the sun will never return,
lost days for which she now mourns,
as she combats these days of rain
not knowing how many days remain.

She's not at all afraid of the end
for she knows exactly where she will end.
She's on the express train
that ends up in heaven.

She's going to a mansion on the happy day express.
The letters on the engine spell J-E-S-U-S.
The guard calls "all for Jesus,"
she gladly answers YES!
She's going to a mansion on the happy day express.

There's room on this happy day express for you too.
Straightway to heaven, our home beyond the blue.
Decide today, yes or no,
before you hear the whistle blow.

There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents...
Luke 15:7

We know that if the earthly body we live in is destroyed,
we have a building from God,
an eternal house in heaven,
not built by human hands.
II Corinthians 5:1

Our citizenship is in heaven.
Philippians 3:20

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Thrills

Despite a noticeable chill
in the early morning air, still
there's much about that thrills
this first day of April.

Fat buds thrill on bobbing daffodils
surrounding yet-to-be-born yellow frills.
Warm, sunny days will
soon open their five gills.

Chirping birds trills thrill
from songbirds bills
as melodies spill
across the hills.

An a capella chirp at will.
Someone else sounds like a drill.
A refrain answered with a trill.
A chorus spills from someone's bill.

Before long the sun slips behind the hill.
Twilight descends as quiet silently spills
upon hidden nooks and rills
as chirps and trills become still.

Night again brings a chill
overlaying rills and hills
until,
until...

the new day's morning sun will
silently peek through window sills
while joyous trills
once again thrill.

Which awakens the day:  sunlight that spills
or the joyful chorus of songbirds trill
that every sunny morning thrills
welcoming the days of April?

* * * * *

April means "to open," signifying the beginning of spring
as when buds open and flowers appear each and every spring.
In my neck of the woods, snowdrops and crocus begin spring's dance,
then trumpeting daffodils and tulips's exclamation points enhance
after the spring rains green the grass
and songbirds return at long last.

Everyday there's something new
in my garden to view.
A welcome anticipation
after winter's long duration.
A joyous celebration awaits
as spring gloriously awakes.

Flowering bulbs buds open
eliciting smiles often.
Happiness graces
gardeners faces
as miracles daily unfold
like tangible gifts of gold.

Spring's rebirth
gives birth
to more than blooming flowers.
There's an unspoken power.
Anticipation
replaces depression.

Hope is restored
as angst is moored
replaced by a can-do attitude
improving everyone's dismal mood.
The advent of spring yearly giving birth
offers hope to everyone on earth.

For, lo, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
the flowers appear on the earth;
the time of the singing of birds has come.
Song of Solomon 2:11-12 (KJV)

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick;
but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12 (KJV)

Order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

at WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

Order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

at Amazon or B&N.

Birth

The earth
gives birth
each spring
as it springs
gradually when there's
sunshine warming the air
giving way
each new day
to singing birds and buzzing bees,
blooming flowers and green leaves -
a joy to see return
each and every morn,
as flowering trees scent the air
on those days sunny and fair
when pinks, purples, and whites
bring passersbys delight
joined by flowering fruit trees
filled with the sound of happy bees
though on days when rain rains
these blossoms also rain
down on the lawn
too soon gone
as this season never lasts long
attested to by the clock's dong.

Each spring the dormant grass greens up again
and lawn mowers are heard sputtering
in many neighborhoods daily
manicuring lawns quite neatly
though a bothersome sound
around and around
for the next six months,
which seems like too much,
unless there's a lack of rain
making vegetation look wane,
though dandelions reign supreme
punctuating yards of green
no matter how much rain
upon the earth came
for weeds grow despite rain -
yes, weeds are a pain -
making more weeding
from last year's seedlings
in each flower bed
which need to be edged
for spring brings with it much work to do
so now it's time to say adieu
as this needed break time is past
and more weeding awaits - alas!

* * * * *

Each new day brings the promise of birth
to someone or something on earth.
Anticipation excites with mirth,
rather it's humans, or earth giving birth.

Despite weed seeds giving birth
upon this planet earth,
birth is a time of jubilation.
A miracle in the making.

Birth, a miracle, from God the Creator.
Birth, when there's a new beginning in store.
Spiritual birth is a new beginning
which ends with a happy ending in heaven.

It's never too late to be born again,
to simply tell God you believe in His Son,
to have assurance that your sins are forgiven,
as well as guaranteeing a home in heaven.

I pray you have two birth days to celebrate.
Both physical and spiritual birth dates.
Simply believe
than receive.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ
is born of God.
I John 5:1

To all who received him,
to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II
go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I
go to Amazon or B&N.