Happy Mother's Day - Three Haiku Poems

Purple/Pink Zinnia by Phyllis Wheeler

Happiest Mother's Day wishes, dear friends! I hope you enjoy these little haiku poems I wrote in honor of mothers everywhere.

I praise God for the great mothers in my life, my own beloved Mom, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, Grandma, Great Grandmas, Sisters in Law and Sisters of the Heart. They show love and grace in so many ways and I love them dearly. I miss those who've gone on to be with the Lord but they have left their wonderful legacy of love on my heart and in my life and I am thankful for the time I did have with them.

Mother's Day Haiku I

A mother's love is

our strongest earthly bond and

no one loves us more.

Mother's Day Haiku II

God, please bless my Mom

even more abundantly

than she has blessed me.

Mother's Day Haiku III

Thank you, dear mother,

for all your sacrifices

and boundless, deep love.

May God bless you and the mothers in your life and may He comfort those for whom Mother's Day is a painful time.

Related posts:
Mother's Day wishes: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day-wishes.html
Mother's Day 2013: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/05/happy-mothers-day.html
Mother and Baby Howler Monkey: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/08/baby-howler-monkey-photos-for-wild.html

Happy Spring Haiku Poems and 12 Celebration Ideas

Spring blossom photo by Phyllis Wheeler, March 2014

Happy first day of spring! While I am thankful for each day God blesses me with, this is a very special one to me and my plant-loving mother. The first day of spring is something we enjoy celebrating and I hope this post will make you feel like celebrating too!

Happy Spring Haiku 1

Celebrating spring -

it's my favorite season -

filled with hope and love.

Happy Spring Haiku 2

Spring brings fresh flowers,

Easter, sunshine, warmth, freedom,

renewal and joy.

While I am spending more time praying for a loved one undergoing cancer surgery today, I am still taking time celebrate spring and thought I'd share a few ideas on how you can join me if you like.

1. Get outside and enjoy nature
2. Plant some seeds (I planted two more flats today!)
3. Dance
4. Sing
5. Go for a walk
6. Make a new beginning
7. Have a happy spring party
8. Create something (art, photograph, poem, anything)
9. Enjoy a special meal with fresh ingredients
10. Plant a tree 
11. Wear something that reminds you of spring (I'm wearing flower earrings)
12. Do something that makes your heart sing

There are many ways to celebrate spring. How will you celebrate? I'd love to hear about it!

May God bless you this spring and always!

Related posts:
Daffodil, pansy & cyclamen photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/03/daffodil-pansy-and-cyclamen-flower.html
Happy spring poem and flower photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-spring-poem-crocus-and-pansy.html
Happy spring floral photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/03/happy-spring-floral-photos-this-week-in.html
Happy March haiku poem: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/03/happy-march-haiku.html

Peaceful Pond Trail Photos & Haiku Poem

Peaceful Pond Trail With Fall Foliage

My husband and I were blessed with a short walk on the "Peaceful Pond Trail" at Patapsco Valley State Park on a recent autumn day. There was rain and drizzle on and off and we had the trail completely to ourselves, except for the wildlife. We spotted many birds, including at least one cardinal, bluejay and titmouse as well as squirrels and a chipmunk. There was something swimming in the pond but we couldn't tell if it was a large fish, turtle or something else. It was truly a peaceful and enjoyable walk and it inspired me to write this little haiku poem.

Peaceful Pond Trail Haiku

A short wooded hike

loops around a peaceful pond

with fall foliage

Peaceful Pond Trail Scenery photo by Ben Wheeler, used with permission

 My husband took the scenic photo above. I like the different shades of green and the curly vine.

I took the photo above at the far edge of the pond. I thought the different fall foliage colors and shapes of the leaves were interesting.

The birds enjoyed this red berried bush but wouldn't stay still long enough to be included in the photograph (my pictures were taken with a point and shoot camera which has a significant delay but is convenient and fits in my pocket).

I hope you enjoyed my mini tour of the Peaceful Pond Trail. May God bless and keep you!

Related posts:
Secret gazebo: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/05/secret-gazebo-photos-haikus-short-poems.html
Osprey hike: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/07/osprey-photos-and-haiku-poem.html
Azalea walk: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/azalea-walk-photos.html
Korea: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/09/korea-through-pams-eyes-photo-tour.html

Baby Tigers Playing In Snow: Photos & Haiku Poem

It took multiple attempts but we finally got to see the National Zoo's tiger cubs playing in the snow. They were so feisty and cute that it was worth the effort. My husband and I were sharing and swapping cameras so I'm not sure which photos are his and which are mine but they're all posted with his kind blessing.

 The baby tigers love chasing each other around this big tree trunk and throughout their habitat.

I think they look fuzzier in the winter and that just adds to their cuteness, even when they're putting all their strength into their playful activities.

Apparently tiger cubs make great wrestlers too. The baby tigers have grown since I last saw them but they're still little bundles of energy and lots of fun to watch.

Here's the haiku poem I wrote in honor of the cute tiger babies playing in the snow:

Playful tiger cubs-

fuzzy yet ferocious blurs-

romp in the fresh snow.

 

May God bless the tigers, their keepers and may He bless you too!

 

Related posts:

Baby tiger video & haiku: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/11/cute-baby-tiger-videos-haiku-poem.html

Sunlit tiger cub photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/11/sunlit-tiger-cub-cuteness-photos.html

Cute baby tigers playing: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/11/cute-tiger-cubs-playing-photos.html

Snow Bird Photos and Haiku Poem

We have bird feeders up all year but the birds especially seem to appreciate them when there's snow on the ground. I feel blessed with every bird sighting and that makes for a lot of blessings. The variety of beautiful birds feasting in the snow even inspired me to write this little poem:

Snow Bird Haiku 

Cardinals, finches

titmice, wrens and more flock

to feeders in snow.

 I love the red and puffiness of this pretty finch.

 This bright red cardinal kept his eye on me as I took photos.

This beautiful bird moved around so quickly it took quite a few tries to get a decent shot. I love the little seed sticking out from his beak.

The birds were so hungry they even shared feeders (as you can see with these four yellow finches). It was fun to watch them jockey for position.

God sure is amazing! I'm thankful He created so many beautiful birds for us to enjoy. Imagine how much greater heaven will be! May God bless you and keep you!

Related posts:
Cute green bird: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/cute-green-bird-video-drives-my-cats.html
Red cardinal feeds baby: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/09/red-cardinal-feeds-baby-movie-clip.html
Yellow finch feeding: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/08/yellow-finch-feeding-on-black-eyed.html
Fish grabbing bird: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/fish-grabbing-bird-photos.html
Osprey photos and haiku poem: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/07/osprey-photos-and-haiku-poem.html

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Green Orchid Photos and Haiku Poems

Irish Blessing Plaque: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2017

Happy St. Patrick's Day and floral Friday! The plaque in the photo above has this Irish blessing:

"May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

The rains fall gently upon your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of His hand"

This plaque hangs, year round, in our bedroom. I am a wee bit Irish, after all.

Green Orchid "cymbodium goeringii" : Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2017

I thought green orchids would be perfect for this St. Patrick's day post. The photos were taken at the U.S. National Arboretum in their Bonsai Museum. It's a great place to visit, any time of the year.

Green orchids rising: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2017

Back to St. Patrick's day. While praying and walking today, God gave me these two haiku poems.

St. Patrick's Day Haiku Poem I:

Saint Patrick was real!

He spread the gospel message

and loved our Lord God!

St. Patrick's Day Haiku Poem II:
He used shamrock leaves

to explain the Trinity:

Father, Son, Spirit.

Saint Patrick was a devoted Christian and I'm glad to celebrate his life by wearing green but I think loving God and serving others honor him best. 

Green orchids in pretty pot: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2017

The photo above is an overview of the green "cymbodium goeringii" orchids in their pretty pot. When I first saw the pot, I thought it was a pot of grass! But when I looked more closely I could see the orchid flowers.

Kittens love an unmade bed: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2017

Just in case you wondered what our kittens were doing on St. Patrick's day - they were relaxing. Every time I went to make the bed, a cat was on it. It's late afternoon and I still haven't made the bed,  but the day isn't over. But their kittenhood almost is - they will be a year old a week from today!

May God bless you and all you love!

How do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? 

Related posts:
My Favorite Funny Cat St. Patrick's Post: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/03/hilarious-happy-st-patricks-day-cat.html
More funny Irish cat photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/03/funny-st-patricks-day-photos-of-moose.html
Cute cats wearing the green: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/03/funny-st-patricks-day-cat-photos.html

Note:
This is not a sponsored or paid post. All opinions are my own.

Two New Year Haikus Inspired by God and Nature

Photograph by charmaineswart

Spiritual Happy New Year Haiku

A new year is here

Endless possibilities

Boundless grace from God.

Nature Inspired Happy New Year Haiku

A new year is here

Endless possibilities

Appear with the sun.

Wrote these haikus on New Year's day 2012. They're really the same haiku with different endings. I wanted my non Christian friends to be able to enjoy the haiku too so I wrote a second version for them.
I'm still wishing "happy New Year" to my friends that I haven't seen yet in 2012 but this will likely be my last time wishing you, dear reader, a happy New Year. Happiest New Year wishes from my heart to yours! May God bless you during this new year and always!

Happy Anniversary Wishes in the Form of Three Haikus

Image source: Morguefile.com's Pellinni

I was writing a dear couple friend's wedding anniversary card this morning and decided to make it more special by crafting a haiku (short poem with specific syllable counts for each line) for them. The other two are dedicated to couples everywhere. Good marriages are most certainly a cause for happiness.

Happy Anniversary Haiku I:
wishing both of you
"Happy Anniversary"
filled with bliss and joy!

Happy Anniversary Haiku II:
may your happiness
on your anniversary
be vibrant and bright.

Happy Anniversary Haiku III:
may God bless you two
on your anniversary
and may your love grow.


Notes: 
Originally published at Yahoo Voices on November 7, 2011. 
Photo updated 10.5.2019 due to defunct link of original photo.

Red, White and Blue Flowers and Haiku Poem for 9/11

Giant red zinnia flower: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2015

May God bless America and you too, dear friend.

It's September 11th and I don't feel right with my usual start to my floral Friday/this week in my Maryland garden post. But I do have a little haiku poem and some red, white and blue flower photos to share. Every day, I pray for our country and for God to thwart terrorists' plans. My heart aches for all those who lost loved ones in terrorist attacks. May God heal their hearts, comfort their pains and light their paths.

White zinnia in sunshine: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2015

Haiku Poem for September 11th

Nine one one... somber
day of reflection, mourning,
remembrance, prayer.

Blue salvia flowers: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2015

As heavy as my heart is, I still love flowers. And I'm thankful to have these red, white and blue ones to share with you.

Red salvia flowers: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2015

The red salvia just started blooming this week. Perfect timing.

Blueish Mexican bush sage: Copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2015

Someone mentioned how they like these "blue" Mexican bush sage flowers so I thought I'd include them here. Their petals are super soft, like pussy willows. I've loved them for a long time but this is the first year I've grown them.

Whatever is happening in your heart, mind and soul today, I pray that God will give you just what you need and bless you, America, and comfort all those who mourn.

Related posts:
National day of prayer: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/05/national-day-of-prayer-haikus-short.html
National Cathedral: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/04/national-cathedral-photos-and-good.html
Isaiah 40:31 prayer: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/isaiah-4031-prayer-for-you.html

RIP Tracey Sandefur

Beautiful Bunny Photo By Leele

Today I learned that my friend Tracey Sandefur, also known in the Castle Age gaming world as Bunny Gilgamesh, passed away from a heart attack. My heart aches for her family and friends and they have my deepest sympathy and will be in my prayers. 

Tracey and I have been Facebook friends for over a year and she has brought joy to my heart and been a faithful and fun Castle Age companion. We shared membership in CAMP (Castle Age's Most Prestigious) and supported the group (and therefore each other) daily. She made me smile and was one of those rare souls you could always count on. The world is poorer for having lost her and she will be sorely missed. Below you'll find a fantastic traditional poem by our mutual friend Joanne Lawson and two little haiku poems by me, all three in honor of Tracey. I hope her soul can feel the love of her 2,400+ friends. If you knew Tracey and would like to contribute a poem that you wrote, I'll be glad to consider publishing it. Just email me at lovejoypeas@gmail.com.

Farewell Poem from Joanne Lawson

 

Bunny you were bonny
And very very funny
You lived your life a bouncin’
And a hoppin’ round our pages

When anything needed clicking
Or a shoulder for to cry on
You were there to help your buddies
With your lovely bouncy bunny

We will miss you popping over
And your pics among the news reel
We will miss your kindred spirit
Among the group walls as we click them

Fly safely bouncing bunny
To the fields of love and plenty
Where your love will last forever
Among the pastures of the Blessed

And when we come to join you
We will sing of love rekindled
In the meanwhile dearest Tracey
Travel safely dear friend

-Written by Joanne Lawson and published with her permission

 Farewell Haiku I from Phyllis Wheeler

You touched many souls

Rest in peace dear Bunny G

Treasured in our hearts 

Farewell Haiku II from Phyllis Wheeler 

CAMP mate, loyal friend

Trusty battle companion

You are sorely missed 

Red Cardinal Feeds Baby (Movie Clip & Short Poem)

This morning my cat and I enjoyed watching a beautiful red cardinal feed its baby. The baby looks big but still opens its mouth for feeding like a tiny baby bird. The orange flowers you can see through the window our are tithonia (which I used to think were orange zinnias) I grew from seeds harvested from last year's plants. Isn't God's creation amazing!

Hope you enjoy this precious sight! I need to get a new camera as I've learned it's not possible to fix the spots on the sensor of this one but until I do, please excuse the spots.

Hungry Baby Cardinal Haiku Poem

Feed me! Feed me please!

Baby bird opens beak wide,

eats and begs for more. 

May God bless you!

Related posts:
Cute green bird: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/cute-green-bird-video-drives-my-cats.html
Cute cheetah cubs: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/07/cute-cheetah-cubs-and-wild-wednesdays.html
Osprey photos and haiku poem: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/07/osprey-photos-and-haiku-poem.html

Happy New Year Blessing, Update and Haiku Poems

This lovely New Year image was custom made for me by my dear friend,
graphic artist Jackie Peeler. You can see more of her work at http://designexcellence.me/

Happiest New Year wishes to you and yours! I pray that this year will bring you closer to our Lord, to those you love and to the goals you hold most dearly.

Happy New Year 2017 Haiku Poems

Happy New Year to

you and yours! I hope that you

have your best year yet! 

May you always feel

treasured, loved, blessed and sure of 

God's great love for you

I'm still praying for direction and for the first time in ages, have no concrete plan for the year ahead. Maybe that's what God is telling me. Be still and listen. Be more open to His spontaneous direction. I don't know for sure. But I do know He loves me and He loves you! May He bless you beyond your wildest dreams!

Related posts:
2015 New Year blessing: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/01/happy-new-year-free-gift-for-you.html
2014 New Year butterflies: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-new-year-blessings-butterflies.html
2013 New Year blessing: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-new-year-haiku-and-blessing.html
2012 New Year blessing: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/01/two-new-year-haikus-inspired-by-god-and.html
2011 New Year poems: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-years-prayer-haikus.html

A Lovely Winter Moment Haiku (Short Poem)

Image by JulesInKY

A Lovely Winter Moment Haiku Poem 

Lifting my head up

Clouded sunshine warms my face

As snowflakes dance by

This weekend while I was looking out a window I simultaneously felt the sun on my face and saw snowflakes flying by horizontally (it was windy). I guess there was just enough of a hole in the clouds for the sun to warm my face. It really was a lovely winter moment; like a kiss from God.

Have you had a lovely winter moment? I'd love to hear about it!

May the God of all peace bless you today!

PS You can see more of my haikus here: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/search?q=haiku

Note: Poem written 2-17-13 by me (Phyllis Wheeler)

Osprey Photos and Haiku Poem

My husband and I enjoyed a walk in the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary today and we were thrilled to see an osprey family in their nest as well as the lone osprey (above) at the top of a tree. We were extra blessed in not getting rained on during our walk (it was pouring on and off on our drive to Jug Bay). God is good!

This osprey nest sighting inspired today's haiku poem. I hope you enjoy it and the photos!

Jug Bay Osprey Nest Haiku

Far in the distance

A moving, intriguing sight - 

A big osprey nest!

 

I borrowed my husband's camera to get this shot. I think he had a polarizing lens on so it made the colors more vivid. It was neat to see the osprey in the back spread its wings.

Hope you enjoyed my osprey photos and that you have a blessed 4th of July holiday! May God bless and keep you and those you love!

Related posts:
Eagle festival: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/03/eagle-festival-photos.html
Fishing bird: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/fish-grabbing-bird-photos.html
Jug Bay Wetland: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/01/jug-bay-wetland-photos.html
Yellow Finch Feeding: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/08/yellow-finch-feeding-on-black-eyed.html
Cat attracting bird video: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/cute-green-bird-video-drives-my-cats.html

Happy New Year Haiku and Blessing

Photo by Ronnieb

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! Here's a little haiku poem I wrote in honor of the occasion.

New Year Haiku

Happy New Year, friends!

May this be your best year yet,

filled with all that's good.

May God bless you, keep you, be with you in this new year and always. May you be filled with even more love, blessings and joy than you give to others. And, as I think an old Irish blessing goes, may your blessings be many and your troubles be few!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Haiku Poem

Here's a little haiku with big ideas inspired by a great man whose tireless efforts and timeless ideas changed our world and continue to live on today. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day from my heart to yours. May peace reign in our hearts and homes.

 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Haiku

He had a big dream

That we should all share today

Love - peace - harmony

May God bless Martin Luther King Jr.'s descendants and may He bless you too!

Related Posts:
Memorials and Cherry Blossoms: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/04/cherry-blossoms-and-national-monuments.html
Monuments and Cherry Blossoms: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/03/washington-dc-cherry-blossoms-and.html
New Year Blessing: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-new-year-blessings-butterflies.html

Note: Originally published here 

Cute Baby Tiger Videos & Haiku Poem

Baby Tiger (Cub) Copyright © by Phyllis Wheeler, 11/2013

Sumatran tiger cubs Bandar and Sukacita romped and played in their habitat in the National Zoo with their mom to the delight of a small crowd yesterday. They were out when we arrived around 10:15 am and went in around noon. I overheard one of the zoo volunteers telling another viewer that as long as their health and the Washington D.C. weather holds out the cubs should be out daily from around 10:00 am to soemtime between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. If you live within driving distance I think it's worth a trip to see these adorable baby tigers.

My husband liked the video above, of the baby tigers playing on stairs and then one rolling down and finally chasing after a leaf, best. I hope you like it too. You can hear the carousel music and a commentator from the crowd.

I thought this shorter clip of the baby tigers and their mom playing around the tree and then elsewhere in their habitat was fun too.

The tiger cubs are totally adorable. Once I have time to sort through our many regular pictures (the one at the top was a still shot taken from one of these two videos - my very first movie still shot too!) I plan another tiger baby post. Expect more in the future because I'm already asking my husband to plan another trip. They're irresistably cute and I love them already!

I wrote this haiku poem yesterday in tribute to the baby tigers' cuteness:

Cute Baby Tigers Haiku

Cute, furry and soft

Striped bundles of energy

Tiger cubs playing

 

May God bless these adorable little creatures and may He bless you too!

 

Related posts:

Baby cheetahs: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/07/cute-cheetah-cubs-and-wild-wednesdays.html

Baby bears: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/08/andean-bear-cubs-playing-and-eating.html

Baby monkey: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/08/baby-howler-monkey-photos-for-wild.html

Lion cub: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/search?q=lion+cub