PICKLE SANTA
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
His hat is much taller than he, but that doesn’t bother him,
And though his suit is mottled green, he still has a natural grin,
I call this Santa my pickle, because of his shape and size,
But that doesn’t mean that he’s pickled, he’s just alarmed and surprised,
His nose is red and cheeks aglow, his eyes are alert and bright,
He’s ready for action and fun and won’t sleep a wink tonight.
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JALAPENO SANTA
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
This wooden Santa is quite short, but doesn’t lack in width,
His chiseled head is round enough to live up to the myth,
He resembles a hot pepper, he’s even shaped like one,
If I didn’t know much better, he might cook in the sun,
Still cherry cheeks and big blue eyes, bring joy to those he sees,
But he’s too round to stand alone, because he has no knees,
This Santa Claus is just a bust, but make us laugh he will,
Positioned there upon the wall or on a window sill,
It doesn’t matter where he lives, or that he makes no sound,
Once hidden in a plastic crate, at last he has been found.
MY SANTA COLLECTION
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATH BOECHER©
I’m featuring some of Paul’s wood carvings. They’ve been labors of love for several Christmases. I thought I’d lost them when we moved, but they were buried in a box hidden in the corner of the garage. I’m happy to display them at Christmas because of their uniqueness and beauty.
Carved from a piece of fallen oak, hewn from a healthy tree,
This once forgotten piece of wood, has now become set free,
He really is quite tall and thin, He doesn’t fit the mold,
The thing that makes him seem quite right, is that he’s growing old,
He bravely stands in the corner, surveying with closed eyes,
I wonder what he’d say to us, it would be a surprise,
If suddenly he spoke and said, “Merry Christmas to all,”
I think I’d pass out if he did, if he answered my call,
But he just stands and says nothing, his eyes remain closed tight,
He’s simply a piece of old wood, and only speaks at night.
TELL ME A STORY
The Christmas or “holiday” season is upon us. The Grinch, Santa Claus, Frosty, the Snowman and countless other characters have already been dancing across our TV screens. In fact, only a couple days ago, social media slammed “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” for being racist. The cartoon’s only black character is seated alone on one side of the table. Isn’t it funny how things can get so twisted up and turned around, to suit one’s opinion or political correctness. It’s time to get over it!
With that in mind, I plan to spend this week reviewing some of the classic Christmas stories – “A Christmas Carol,” “The Gift of the Magi,”” The Little Drummer Boy,” “Christmas Story” and “The Night Before Christmas.” I believe this is the perfect time to share stories that indicate unselfishness, love, peace and wisdom. Even in the most current “Christmas Story,” we will see how all these elements fit together to point to the greatest story ever told – the incarnation of the Lord, Jesus, Christ – and what His birth meant and still means to a sin filled world.
Instead of plopping your children down in front of a screen of any sort, put them on your lap and tell them these stories. Your voice will stir their imaginations and they can form their own pictures in their mind. Being close with your child will bring an added dose of love and contentment for both of you. Somehow, the creative imagination of our young people has been diminished over time. So much of what we know and learn has been done for us and placed in a cloud somewhere for everyone to grab hold of. Imagination gets lost in the process.
Grab some hot chocolate and cookies – snuggle close to your children – share the beauty of these stories – let them know the true meaning of Christmas and let their creative side bloom.
GIVE THANKS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!
ART BY PAUL BOECHER©
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
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A TIME FOR HOMECOMING
For the past week and a few days, I’ve been sharing most of my time with my dog, Gage. Each of us handles our loneliness in different ways. He becomes depressed and doesn’t eat when the master is gone. I, on the other hand, have gone off my diet and consumed great quantities. It’s a good thing the loneliness will end soon.
When I’m by myself, I tend to do a lot of internalizing. I talk to myself, when I don’t talk to Gage. I talk to God a lot, because I seem to forget to do that enough when I’m busy. I think about things I should be doing to prepare for the holidays – money to be spent, when there isn’t much – putting up decorations, etc. Busy work which will occupy the hours and keep me from feeling lonely. It is a time of contemplation and regrouping – a time that is good for each of us.
There truly are benefits to being alone. You have complete control of the remote. You can eat whatever and whenever you feel the need to. You can wear your PJs and no makeup all day if you like. You can get some of those tasks done that often interrupt of invade another’s space. You can do some deep cleaning, paint a wall, find a project.
But there is nothing like having conversations – actual face to face connection with those you love. This past week has included some of that, but when I come home, its to a lonely, empty space, devoid of another human being.
When it comes right down to it, I don’t like being alone. I start to think what it would be like to be completely alone. I start to imagine my life without my spouse and family, my church family and theatre community. The thought of loss creeps into my thinking. It turns quickly to depression and that’s when I need to talk to God.
God is always with us, even when we’re alone. Think of these times as an opportunity to reconnect with the One who created you – the One who shaped your life and has it all mapped out for you – the One who has assured you of a future in eternity with a perfect body and life.
When my husband returns, there will be lots of talks about the hunt, the guys and their conversations, his connection to that place which draws him each year. The silence of my aloneness will end. Joy will fill my heart again and I will be glad for his company. The stillness of alone time is good for a while, but it soon becomes old. We need each other.
There is a time for all things, as Solomon so wisely states. Each moment has a purpose to it. Everything is in God’s hands and He is the director who pulls it all together. Trust in His plans for your life, and embrace the together times with as much gusto as the alone times.
SATURDAY SILLINESS
These are my Friday funnies for Julie and Wally. I got all mixed up as to what day it was yesterday!
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IN THE WEEDS
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Camouflaged right in the forefront, hidden there among the weeds,
Obscured from anyone’s vision, his countenance supercedes,
The morsels of remaining corn, become his holiday feast,
But no one sees that he is there, no animal, man or beast,
He blends right into the landscape, except the red on his head,
Safe for today as he nibbles, tomorrow he may be dead.
THANKSGIVING #3, 2018
For the past few years I’ve been sharing in the Thanksgiving feast of my youngest daughter’s extended family. Her mother in law hosts this gathering each year and puts on a spread you wouldn’t believe. There is so much food and lovely desserts – enough to feed an army – which is basically what this family becomes, with children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The house is modest in size, but there is a buzz of togetherness that can’t be matched anywhere else.
I love going there each year. It reminds me of my childhood Thanksgivings, shared with relatives. My parents both came from large families. This family pitches in by getting the food on the table and still manages to tease each other while enjoying each others’ company. Everyone also brings a side dish to share, but the bulk of the meal falls on the shoulders of the matriarch. Her son and my daughter have been married for several years now, but I’m still discovering new things about this wonderful group of people – mostly their zest for life and commitment to each other.
Not having any brothers, I had no idea what it would be like to be the only female in the house of seven. The biggest problem my dad had, was making sure the seat was down on the toilet when he left the bathroom. The rest of the time, he just stayed clear of us.
The pandemonium is delightful. Each one vying for attention resulting in chaos, yet within it a quiet order to all of it. The women in this family are dedicated to Black Friday shopping. While waiting to eat, each has a catalog section from the newspaper for every store in town. They look for the best buys, write down their wish list items and just before the stores open, they are ready to go. Needless to say, I don’t join in this part of the tradition.
The Thanksgiving feast put another dent in my slowly fading fast diet, but I am still resolved to continue. The rest of my day was spent with my dog, Gage and the movie, “The Greatest Showman.” There’s something about that movie which just screams family and hat’s what Thanksgiving #3 was all about – family. I’m so blessed to be included in three wonderful families – my own, my church and my extended family. It was a good day.
GOD NEVER LETS GO
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Our lives are like a thin, frayed thread,
Our thoughts are filled with fear and dread,
The tines of life like wildfire spread,
We even wish that we were dead,
Yet God would not release His hold,
He held us tightly in the fold,
To teach us to be strong and bold,
He never let His love grow cold,
He will not let us go.
His roots run deep, His hold is strong,
He keeps us where we now belong,
He turns us right when we do wrong,
His Word is like a lovely song,
He pulls us out of danger’s way,
He gives us light in each dark day,
He leads us back when we would stray,
He even teaches us to pray,
He will not let us go.
FAMILY REUNIONS
Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings – time when people travel great distances to be with those they grew up with, disagreed with, competed with. A Hallmark moment if ever there was one. How many times have you gone through the process of preparing a wonderful meal, making sure your house is Pinterest Perfect. Your guest room looks like a fancy hotel room, complete with mints on the bed and room service on demand. Well, maybe not quite that extreme.
When we’re hosting an event like this, we want everything to look wonderful – to taste delicious – to feel comfortable and enjoyable. Yet, most families have grown apart over time. If it isn’t because of relocation, the start of a new career or beginning of a new family. Whatever the case, families don’t get together as often as they used to.
I recall family reunions. There was potato salad, fried chicken, yummy desserts and homemade ice cream – all sitting in the hot sun, collecting bacteria of all sorts. There were also the relatives you didn’t know existed. Maybe some were visitors taking advantage of a free picnic. You were introduced to complete strangers and expected to instantly bond, because you were connected by blood.
What if your politics don’t match up? What if your interests are so far apart, there’s no hope of ever connecting with them? What if they were successful or what if they weren’t? What if you had different allegiances to a favored football team? Still there is that connection of BLOOD!
Family doesn’t only include the people we’re related to, but also those we share time with. Some of our relationships are even better than those established merely through blood.
Those we confide in,
Those we laugh with,
Those we emulate,
Those who make us feel good about ourselves,
Those we can trust and those who trust us,
Those who share our beliefs,
Those connected.
By the blood of Christ – precious blood, shed for the remission of our sins.
Our church family often becomes so much a part of us that they actually become a second family. That union comes from being part of a much greater body – The body of Christ.
We certainly can’t choose those in our family. We may have to put up with them just because they’re blood. Our genealogy and DNA may connect us physically, but the blood of Christ gathers us together as brothers and heirs of the Kingdom of God.
Give thanks for your family today, in spite of differences. Give thanks also for your friends in the faith, for they will continually build you up spiritually. Give thanks for the fellowship of the world – even when it seems to be on a path to destruction.
We’re all in this together.
Life can be tough at times, but when you’re part of God’s family, you know there’s a purpose for everything we face in life.
Give thanks unto the Lord,
For He is good,
And His mercy endures forever.
A NATURAL BRIDGE
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
We travel the highway of life, depending upon the road,
Some trails have been blazed before us, as others their burdens towed.
Yet there are still roads untraveled, paths filled with trials unknown,
A bridge that cannot be walked on, a trail we’d rather postpone,
The thorns that pierce through shoe leather, the vines that wrap round your feet,
Obstacles laid out before you, seem difficult to complete,
Your body is wracked with suffering, your mind is filled with fear,
Your thoughts of never getting there, the frightening sounds you hear,
The eternal trepidation, the everlasting distress,
Can nothing end this disaster, will no one hear your request,
There has to be a Redeemer, to rescue you from your plight,
Someone to lead you from your fears, and guide you through the night,
One who will be your natural bridge and lead you from certain death,
Your Savior is Christ, Jesus who gives you new life and breath,
Wrap your mind around this truth and He will help you get there,
Troubles may seem overwhelming and fear may paralyze,
But when you walk with God’s true Son, You’ll walk with wide, open eyes.
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THANKSGIVING, 2018 – #2
Yesterday, marked Thanksgiving number two of my holiday feasts of overindulgence. Our church holds an annual Potluck Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey, ham, and all the fabulous side dishes and desserts.
I picked the wrong time of year to be on a diet, but this is one of my own making and I can change the rules if I want to. When you’re an old lady, you can do that. I’ve been on a steady weight gain program for over ten years now. A few pounds turn into a larger size and soon your off to the plus sizes and eventually Omar, the tent maker.
About a month ago, I decided it was time to do something about my expanding waistline by giving up many of the carbs that had been a steady part of my diet – bread, donuts, potatoes, etc. It began to work as some of that old belly fat started to fall off – well it wasn’t a lot, but it was a step in the right direction. So then came November, the month of Thanksgiving for all our blessings, which happen to include excessive amounts of carbs.
Since my husband is in the north woods of Wisconsin, hunting the elusive white tail, I am on round two of Thanksgiving. I happen to love potlucks. Many folks look at a serving table filled with hot dishes and salads as a walking salmonella bar. So what if I get food poisoning? I might lose a pound or two more.
I love variety, Church pot lucks usually offer a great deal of it. This feast was well planned. Someone was in charge of making the basics – turkey, dressing, ham and potatoes – while others brought the side dishes and desserts. Many times there will be 4 or 5 potato salads, a ton of green Jello with white marshmallows, lots of things you can’t really identify until it’s in your mouth. This pot luck had just the right amount of accoutrements. There were sweet potatoes, corn casserole, cranberry salads, apple dishes, things that just naturally scream disaster to any diet. The dessert table was no different. Creamed pies, pumpkin, lemon merengue, rosettes – it was a meal fit for a king.
So, as I originally said, I make the rules in this diet of mine. Yesterday there were no rules. I devoured to my heart’s content. I didn’t feel guilty, until I realized everything had landed on my waistline. I have a couple of days to prepare for the actual Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday. Then it’s on to December. Will this temptation never end?
FROZEN LANDSCAPE
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins he melts away,
He brings life from deep depression – cradling in his arms each day,
In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt. I bare it all,
He forgives and grants me healing. He is there to take the fall,
I know He will always catch His dear children.
Frozen landscapes soon are hidden. Only pastures green remain,
He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again,
No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now,
I’ve given him my one possession – it is my life I do endow,
Take me, oh Lord and use me to thaw frozen hearts,
And help them find your sweet caresses and gentle warmth.
LOONEY TOONS
I remember Saturday mornings being a time of watching cartoons. Occasionally, when there’s nothing on TV, I’ll tune in the Cartoon Network. In fact, on my wedding day, I spent the morning watching cartoons. Maybe it was like saying goodbye to my childhood and hello to responsibility.
Cartoons haven’t changed much over the years. There’s still the subliminal message of good vs. evil and good winning out. There’s still the foolish hero, trying to manipulate his way through life only to be met by the villain trying everything in his toolbox to avoid that from happening – usually something purchased from Acme or Ajax.
One thing I’ve noticed about cartoons is that they show the struggles man faces. Simple plot action like falling into a pit and trying to get out, or sitting under an apple tree while apples are thrown by a passing weirdo. Peoples’ misfortunes often have a way of making us laugh. Probably because they aren’t happening to us. The unexpected is also a ploy for reeling us in. Like the bomb that doesn’t explode when it should – the villain goes to check it out – next frame, villain with gun powder on his face. Miraculously his face is back to normal in the next scene.
A writer choses who the good guys and bad guys are in a story. The characters must be clearly defined and each have their own goal within that tale. We as the viewer or reader should be convinced that this character is real, even though he faces constant barriers. With conflict the hero can overcome obstacles to achieve his final destination and the villain can contrive plans to disrupt his journey. Cartoons are simply an exaggerated view of life with a contrived explosive devise from Ajax.
We walk through the same journey as we stumble through life. There are problems, bumps in the road, hiccups. With the brain God gave us, we muddle through these obstacles, but we don’t have to do it alone. God has promised to be with us every step of the way so we keep on trying. Even if a paint can falls off a ladder as we walk under it, He is there. Even when we experience job loss, difficult relationships, loss of a loved one or a plethora of other serious issues, we can count on God’s presence in our daily walk.
The devil is the villain. He puts traps out there for us to start thinking there’s a better way to get what we want. We start relying on ourselves and soon we get a pie in the face or fall flat on our faces. This isn’t the plan God has set for us. He wants everyone to come unto Him. He wants everyone in His heavenly realm. Those who trust in His promises will reach their goal and that’s no joke.
TO THE HUNT
ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Snow’s definitely in the forecast, the trees are bare of leaves,
The harvest has been harvested and they’ve brought in the sheaves,
Now is the time to hunt for deer, at least I have been told,
But when you hunt in Wisconsin, turkeys aren’t too bold,
They know the special holiday, with them the centerpiece,
Makes plans for Thanksgiving dinner, a day they’ll rest in peace,
So someone in charge decided, to hunt for deer instead,
They aim their guns at the white tails, or simply stay in bed,
Thanksgiving’s just like any day, when you are hunting deer,
But it sure would be quite special if my honey was right here,
I’ve actually grown used to it, Black Friday’s the next day,
I could probably spend a bundle, but in the house I’ll stay,
Enjoying the peace and quiet, just me, the dog, a book,
For one full week an empty house, and I don’t have to cook.
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