Welcome to Fern Valley

Here in central Alberta prime farm country,my husband Martin and I work together raising beef cattle and Appaloosa horses. Fern valley appaloosas have long been known for their quality of temperament conformation and color.I have recently rediscovered a love of writing and have published 2 collections of poetry. "Telling Tails" and Tails Trails and Campfire stories" . I look forward to a future spreading my wings as an author and as a horse woman .

Tuesday 15 December 2015

Another round of "messin with the music! " some pics, and the poem I couldn't write. in not exactly that order

Thank you to all who posted, emailed and send condolences. Your support means so much .I know mom will rest easy with my big yellow dog, knowing I have such wonderful friends.
The service for mom was lovely, with remembrances form her grandchildren and my sister Heather read the eulogy. Thank you to all of the many who joined in celebrating the life of this great lady.

Together we wrote the eulogy, I had hoped I would find the words to write a poem for mom, but maybe it was too soon, or too close. I felt badly that I couldn't write one for her service, then finally (with support and caring from family ) realised it would happen when it was meant to , or maybe not at all. And that is fine too . Mom knew I loved her and still do, and I did in my way write poems for and about her in the past, just just have to know us to see where they are.
This did come to me the other day,not quite what I had thought I would write, but what I was in that moment compelled to write. Is it the Poem I couldn't write? I don't know , it is the one I did write  for now
I took your picture off the wall
 as though you were never here,
 at all.
Yet I close my eyes and see your face
Ever present in this place
I took the picture down you see
Because it made me cry
In the next moment 
My heart begged me to know why
I wanted for a time
 to hide from my tears
I thought if I couldn't see you
 I could forget all those years
The lessons laughter love and 
time
the memories that are just mine

 I thought if I could forget
 I could let go of the pain
But then only emptiness would remain
I hung your picture on the wall today
There it will always stay 
I remember the love,

I let the tears fall.
And I hung your picture on the wall

But , as mom would say, "moving right along, here are a few photos of the last while here.
Henry has taken up the torch and joined in on the Fern Valley Duelling/Dancing  doggie show










As you can see , after a long mild fall, Winter has arrived.Still not terribly cold but definitely winter now 




 Frosty and cold enough for hats

Speaking of hats, 
I had kept on of granddad Blain's harris Tweed hats, it was a bit big, but it reminded me of him and smelled like his pipe tobacco of all things so I kept it and wore it from time to time.

Well before brendan left to go back to school after moms service, we were talking and he had tried on my dad's cap, it looked great on him but was too small.
Well much as i wanted to keep it, I figured Brendan might like it and it really didn't fit me so...



He wears it well don't you think? 




Well Christmas is fast approaching , and some other exciting news, that I want to keep under my hat for just a few more days, so I will leave you with this for now;
another run at messing with the music, not a funny twist on an old favorite this time, but a twist all the same 
Have yourself a special little Christmas
But let your love shine bright
someday too our trials will be made more light
Have yourself a  special little Christmas
Take the time that day

To show that prayer and faith are
 What will truly light your way
Celebrate like the olden days
Cherish special ways once more
Bless those who are not near to us
Yet dear to us ever more
Take the time no matter what the weather
Spend some time together
In the here and now.
And have yourself that very special little Christmas now

Stay safe and warm my friends




7 comments:

Crystal said...

That poem about your Mom is just perfect.
And glad henry is filling in, Skeeter needs to have a dancing partner :)

Country Gal said...

Lovely photos and poem ! Sorry for your losses ! WOW ! lots of snow there we are still green and temps are about 10C with rain here in southwestern Ontario strange though we usually have snow and cold like that by now . Thanks for sharing , have a good weekend !

Unknown said...

Like it or not, our lives keep moving forward. You will find blessings along the way. Our hearts never stop missing those who have left us, we just find solace in those who are still with us.

C-ingspots said...

Ah Sherry, life does indeed go on...I wish I could tell you that time will heal your wounds from loss, but it doesn't. You just learn to live with the way things are now. There are always new memories to make, so many reasons to smile and laugh, ways to help others which always feels good. Your crazy dogs' antics made me smile - losing Winston was so sad, but he had a good, long life didn't he? He was loved, and now Skeeter and Henry will carry on. As we all must. Loved the poems, both very nice. Thanks for the well wishes and Merry Christmas to you and Martin too!

kden said...

The poem for your Mom was lovely. I'm sure you will be writing more in the future as your emotions move on. Henry doesn't seem to let that leg of his slow him down one bit! We got quite a bit of snow last night so it's time to get out and grab that shovel :)

Ami said...

It was a lovely poem and I thought you expressed what is in your heart so well. I was happy to see all the photos. I've missed seeing your pics. Amazing how we'll Henry does without all four legs. I wouldn't even have known from the pictures .

aurora said...

Ohhh Sherry (no, I'm not breaking out in song) I am so sorry for your losses. Plural. I've been MIA in bloggerland and had no idea. Your poem is very heartfelt. Take time to process & do whatever feels right. Hugs!!