Big Tent Poetry: List poem

Forever Young--Naturally, or not?

by Laurie Kolp

Good Morning!
Hurry up…
Anti-puff eye roller
Cucumber, teabags, witch hazel (Oh, my)
Advanced Revita Lift-- night and day
Oatmeal, honey, lemon, yogurt (Key Lime pie?)
Wrinkle De-Crease Collagen Filler
Egg whites and coconut oil (Virgin)
Sunscreen, SPF- (infinity)
Hats-- baseball, straw, Panama, Stetson (Howdy Pardner!)
Surgery-- tummy tuck, Gastro-bypass, boob job?
Exercise, water, fruits and vegetables (Hoot, Hoot)
Loreal hair color to hide the gray
Oils-- mustard seed, jojoba, castor, ginger, sesame
Pony tails, scarves and Donald Trump (not) comb overs, too
Rapunzel’s golden hair? (Tangled remedy, of course)
Clean living, acceptance, attitude (Amen)
Slow down…
Good Night!


Big Tent Poetry's prompt this week was to write a list poem.  I hope you enjoyed mine.  Thanks for visiting... please come again.  Oh, and I would love to have you follow me.  ~Laurie

Happy New Year!   

Poetic Asides' Wednesday prompt: Last Chance

Who Wants to be a Vegetable?

by Laurie Kolp

Flip a coin, heads or tails?

Roll five matching die.

Fan a flush or full house.

Throw a Leaning Jowler in the sty.

But never take a chance on life--

Things may go either way.

Over-cooked vegetables are soggy,

Except in Russian Roulette.

Recap of Christmas Day

5:30 a.m.- My eyes fly open and I am ready to go.  I hear Katie, Andrew and Nicholas chatting in the boy's room.  They know they have to wait there until either 6:00, or until we come and get them.  I wake Pete up without a problem (sometimes he can be hard to awaken).  We get the coffee going and try to prepare for the upcoming chaos. 

5:55 a.m.- Pete and I find the kids all piled in Andrew's twin bed waiting patiently and whispering sweet nothings (a gift in and of itself).  Before we rush out to see what Santa brought, we say Happy Birthday to Jesus and wish everyone Merry Christmas.

6:30 a.m.- The presents are all opened and appreciated, the living room is a mess and I am in the kitchen sneaking Christmas cookies with my second cup of coffee.  Pete lights a fire in the fireplace on this beautiful cold morning.

8:30 a.m.- Breakfast has been cooked and eaten, Katie is snuggled on the couch reading a new book, and Andrew checks out the new X-box Kinect while Nicholas and Pete complete a racecar Lego model.  Freshly ground Starbucks is brewing and all is peaceful on the home front.

10:00 a.m.- One of the two ping-pong balls from the new tabletop ping pong set has been smashed, the remote control helicopter has broken (luckily Pete was able to fix it) and tears have been shed after a dart gun Nerf bullet landed in a cheek from an arm's length distance.  Sigh... more chocolate.

11:00 a.m.- We are like a classroom full of ADHD kids bouncing from one activity to the other- trying to find out how the Kindle works, playing, reading, chewing gum from Santa (spitting it out and then trying different flavors), making messes with new board games and tiptoeing through open spaces while the dogs wonder around aimlessly, confused by all the fuss.

11:30 a.m.- I suddenly remember I need to cook an asparagus dish by 12:30.  Quick reference to allrecipes.com because I do not feel like going all elaborate with what I had intended to make.  I find an interesting idea, make my own adjustments and add my personal touches.  Luckily, it turned out great!

12:30 p.m.- It is time to go to my sister's house for Christmas dinner.  I quickly ice the birthday cake for Jesus Katie and I baked on Christmas Eve, gather the rolls and asparagus, while Pete corrals the kids together.

 1:00 p.m.- We are happily sharing Christmas cheer with everyone.  The turkey needs to cook longer, so we visit, play the piano and goof off taking pictures.  The kids play basketball outside with their grown cousins whom they do not get to see very often anymore, and are so well-behaved while they wait to eat.

2:30- Everyone joins in prayer and feasts on the delicious turkey dinner.  Conversation is flowing and everyone is getting along.  It is truly a wonderful experience.

4:30- We are back home watching Despicable Me (a Christmas present).  Everyone is tired and full.  We kiss under the mistletoe, love on each other and settle in for the evening.

8:30- The kids are getting ready for bed.  We count our blessings and review the day.  When asked what their favorite part of the day was, it was unanimous- playing basketball with their cousins.  PRICELESS!

Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Yes, you can call me old-fashioned; I still like to wrap presents.  I love the beautiful paper and find the mindless chore of cutting, folding and taping quite calming.  I can swish all my problems and worries under the bed while I wrap gifts.  My creative juices flow as I decorate the presents with curled ribbon and fancy bows.  Christmas, birthday, anniversary, or whatever the occasion, you will probably get a wrapped gift from moi.  Of course, I always throw in a few gift bags to spice things up; but for the most part, I rap, er, wrap.

Sometimes when the kids attend a party, our present stands alone as the only one not bagged, kind of like the unique individuals we want them to become.  In ten years, kids will probably look at wrapping paper and say, "What's that?"  You know, like records and cassette tapes; things of the past. 

Yesterday Pete and the boys ventured out to Hobby Lobby (they were working on their Pinewood Derby cars).  Of course, the lines were very long as last-minute shoppers rushed around in a needless frenzy.  While they waited, the boys noticed a lady in front of them with dozens of gift bags in varying sizes.  A conversation began and the lady confessed that because she had left all her wrapping to the last minute, she was going to use gift bags instead of paper.

"I hate doing that," she said, "but sometimes life is just too busy."

So my question to YOU is: Do you prefer wrapping presents or gift bagging them?

My wish for YOU is to find the power to S-L-O-W down and enjoy the moment, the beauty of the season.  Gift bag or paper, it is what's on the inside that counts anyway.  Merry Christmas!

Big Tent Poetry Prompt: Wordle

Christmas Tree Wreckage

by Laurie Kolp

Movement failed Mignon as she watched

the fourteen-foot Christmas tree

topple from vaulted ceiling

to marble tiled floor

like a trapeze artist

in a poor performance.

A decoupage of broken lamps

and shattered glass,

cracked branches and pine needles

immersed in rubbles of red, green and gold

smashed presents and broken ornaments

filled the majestic room

mere hours before

the guests were to arrive.

The North Pole Christmas train

continued its circuitous route

through the wreckage

belting Christmas carols

and chiming bells

as the engine’s slight headlight

shone brightly in the dark.

“I’m going to squeeze the life out of you!”

Jim heard the hoarse words

vanish into smoky air,

and like a disloyal soldier

swift ropes fail to capture,

he played possum

in the basement of his mind.
*

Big Tent Poetry's weekly prompt was a wordle- Use as many of these words in a poem: swift, immerse, topple, disloyal, squeeze, hoarse, vanish, ropes, slight, engine, basement, performance.  I can proudly say I was able to use all of them.

PA prompt- December 22

Poetic Asides' Wednesday prompt is to write a poem about something or someone dreadful.

The Twelve Dreadful Things of Christmas

by Laurie Kolp

Dispersed animosity at family gatherings,

whispers and gossip overheard in the hall,

distasteful presents regifted each Christmas,

the same colored sweater two sizes too small,

store-bought food in homemade disguises,

green bean casserole and fruitcake (gag me!),

Aunt Ida’s drunk antics, slurred innuendos,

runny noses and coughs airborne for free,

feeling as stuffed as Tom Turkey at noon,

sugar highs like seesaws unsteady and weak,

hills that tumble when stomachs rumble,

flabby thighs that jiggle and squeak.

Prompt: Favorite words

Blessings

by Laurie Kolp

Love is blood

flowing within,

the powerhouse of life

we need to begin.

Acceptance

the essence

of a mind serene,

antibodies we need

to keep our lives clean.

Forgiveness

the core

that beats throughout

a heart content

bold and stout.

Without these virtues

life turns limp and stale,

so love, accept, forgive

and blessings will trail.

Shepherd girl in a hectic world

When Katie was in preschool, she played the innkeeper's wife in the Christmas play.  She was so precious.  I remember how she spoke her one line so loud and clear.  The teachers said nobody had ever spoken so concise and with such confidence.  The other participants were well-behaved and all agog in wide-eyed excitement, too.  It was a positive experience for both young and old.

Fast forward seven years.

Katie had another opportunity to participate in a Christmas tradition- our church's live nativity scene.  This time she was a shepherd girl.  The junior-high experience was quite a contrast to the preschool play.  One kid told her mom she hated her in front of everyone, while another stood against the wall pouting after what had obviously been a mom/daughter spat before their late arrival.

The 6th, 7th and 8th graders had to pose for an hour outside the church.  Katie and another shepherd girl remained quiet as told, but talking, gum chewing, baby Jesus passing, giggles and who-knows-what-else could be observed by this keen parent (and others, too).  Here are some comments I heard from attendants:

"I have never seen such unhappy faces up there."

"I don't think they made gum back then."

"Is this it?"

Well ~duh~ with prepubescent teens, YES!  Unfortunately, they are not in preschool anymore. 

Considering only a handful of volunteers showed up and some of the kids were not too thrilled to be there, I think they did pretty well.  I commend them for taking time out of their busy schedules to sit still and share the joy of Jesus' birth.  After all, without Him, there would be no Christmas.

Seasons Greetings 2010

by Laurie Kolp

Life is like a merry-go-round at the zoo

A year in review can be like that, too

Sometimes it spins fast, sometimes slow

So step right on and watch the Kolps go

Pete flew through the year working real hard

New projects he started for the shipyard

I freelanced and authored a bevy of work

Published a bit, typed like a clerk

School always comes first, the kids do well

Swirling with honors at June’s final bell

Katie danced, sung and acted in New York for a while

Then jumped to middle school with a smile

Andrew karate-chopped his way to green belt

Camped with the scouts, grew big and svelte

Nicholas flattered every person he met

Placed on the swim team, all summer stayed wet

We turned around and it was Christmas again

The year had been fun and a memorable spin

MERRY CHRISTMAS

&

Happy New Year

Addendum to "What makes my kids unique: Nicholas"

Yesterday, Pete went to get Nicholas from his class after Andrew's Christmas party.  A cute little girl runs up to Pete and excitedly taps him on the arm.

"Hey Nicholas' dad, is it true Nicholas becomes a werewolf at night?"  She asked with big, curious eyes.

To which Nicholas' dad answered, "Sometimes."

The girl walked slowly back to her desk.

That's just like Nicholas.

Quirky morning banter

Conversation at breakfast this morning:

Nicholas asked, "How long does it take to get through college?"

"It depends on what your major is," said Andrew.

"Usually around four years if you go full-time, but if you have to work sometimes it takes longer," I said.  I was not about to bring up the fact that college can take longer if you are having too much fun.

"Well, I want to go so I can get the best job in the world."

"What would that be?" Katie asked.

"Working at McDonald's," Nicholas answered proudly.

"Oh my gosh, Nicholas!  That's not the best job," Andrew corrected.

At the same time, Katie said, "Nicholas, you don't have to go to college to work at McDonald's."

Nicholas defended himself, "But I could get all the happy meals and toys I want, AND free french fries whenever I want!"

Not in California, I thought.

"Maybe you can work there during high school.  It could be your very first job," I said with a smile.

The conversation was like a little commercial; quick and to the point.  Then it was time to get ready for the last day of school before the Christmas holidays. 

**********

Pete had gone to work before we woke up this morning, so I took the kids to school.  On the way, I called my mom to say 'Good Morning' because we usually talk around eight.  My dad has been feeling bad, so I asked her how he was doing.  Then I asked my mom if he was playing golf today.  (My dad usually plays golf four or five times a week now that he is retired.  When he is not playing golf, he is practicing at the driving range).  Mom said he was not playing today, which meant he REALLY felt like crud. 

When I got off the phone, Nicholas was the first one to speak.

"Is Papa playing golf today?"

"Not today," I answered.

"That's weird," said Katie.

 "Yeah, because he is always playing golf," Nicholas said.

"Well, he's not feeling up to PAR right now," I said, oblivious to the pun; but my sharp kids picked up on it.  They burst out in laughter.

"Up to PAR... that's clever, Mom," Andrew pointed out.

I decided to keep it a secret that what I said was unintentional and smiled.

I am so ready to have my children home with me for two weeks!

Prompt: Birds

The Beauty of Christmas Eve

by Laurie Kolp

Pitter-pat, pitter-pat

The rush of prancing steps

Resounds through the house

As giddy children dressed for bed

Prepare for Santa Claus  

A splay of homemade sugar cookies

Mouth-watering sand tarts

Placed lovingly before the fireplace

Outside, snow-covered evergreens

Decorate winter’s mural

Wet pine aroma amid burning cedar

Drifts through the frigid night air

Red splashes in white

A male and female cardinal

Sit majestically and wait

Their heads turned, eyes fixed

Upon the beauty of Christmas Eve