Story endings, story beginnings

Our Christmas tree, 2009

Dismantling Christmas.  Ugh.

It’s a time of the year I dread.  Gone are the Christmas carols, the parties, the heady visions of dancing sugar plums.  The mysteries of the presents have been revealed, and it’s time to take down the tree.

Intentionally or coincidentally, my daughters are most often busy when this time arrives.  Alone, I bravely ascend the stairs to our “Christmas room” with the storage boxes.

I prefer working with Christmas music.  This year, my selections were “Cast in Bronze: The Bells of Christmas” (Frank DellaPenna) and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” I bought the bell CD after hearing this amazing music in the clear summer air and mountains at the Renaissance Festival, so it brought cheer to the dreary chore.

The Rudolph CD features children’s voices and reminds me of the many concerts and shows we attended, hearing our daughters sing when they were younger. These songs made me smile.

Halfway through this task, it occurred to me that I was not dismantling Christmas. In reality, I was placing the ornaments carefully and lovingly into their storage containers, tying the light cords neatly, all in preparation of *next* Christmas.  Come December, 2010, the “future me” will appreciate the “present me”for all the love and thoughtfulness I invested in storing everything so, come that distant December night when the whole family gathers with egg nog and Christmas songs to decorate the tree, it will be a pleasant, uncomplicated experience.

I wasn’t dismantling.  I was actually preparing for Christmas.

Life is amazing.  Just when we think we’re ending, we’re beginning.

This is a good story idea to add to my file.

Wishing you a new year of fresh story ideas and happy beginnings.

Father’s Day poem to my father

To all dads: Happy Father's Day

He can be your father, your grandfather, your uncle, your adopted father, or an older brother.  He’s so many things to us – coach, lifesaver, homework helper, all-round fan and supporter.  As Father’s Day approaches, we may recall the grey hairs we gave him, and the strange detours we may have taken in the past and how he tried to help us in spite of ourselves.  The older we get the wiser he seems.

In honor of Father’s Day, I wrote this poem for all fathers who love their children and give the world its greatest gift … the future.

Please feel free to put my poem to the paper of your choice for a Father’s Day or Birthday card for him.

In return, if you get a chance to read either of my novels, I would be honored. You can find them on amazon.com, at your local library and on eBay.  –Janet

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
by Janet Lane

Being a dad is more than a day
More than a thank-you or annual display
Your laughter and caring, adventure and humor
So giving, befitting the honor of father

I couldn’t be more proud of the  man
Who guides my life and our happy clan
You’re my buddy, my hero, and may I suggest
When it comes to dads, you’re the best of the best!

Father’s day poem to my husband

A poem to John on Father's Day

He’s so many things to your children – coach, lifesaver, homework helper, all-round fan and supporter.

In honor of Father’s Day, I wrote this poem for my husband, John, and for all fathers who love their children and give the world its greatest gift … the future.

Please feel free to put my poem to the paper of your choice for a Father’s Day or Birthday card for him.

In return, please leave a comment below and, if you get a chance to read either of my novels, I would be honored. You can find them on amazon.com, at your local library and occasionally on eBay.  –Janet

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
by Janet Lane

Being a dad is more than a day
More than a thank-you or annual display
Your laughter and caring, adventure and humor
So giving, befitting the honor of father

I couldn’t have picked a better man
To travel through life with our crazy clan
You’re my husband, my hero, and may I suggest
A wonderful father — the best of the best!

Birthday poem for mother-in-law

I posted a Mother’s Day poem in May and have been overwhelmed with the response – thousands of people have downloaded my poem for their Mother’s Day greeting cards.

In answer to requests for a birthday poem for beloved mothers-in-law, I made some small adjustments to my Mother’s Day poem. It’s now a birthday poem and I’m pleased to share it with you.

I adore my mother-in-law, Dot, so it was a pleasure to sit back and reflect on the many wonderful memories we’ve shared. With the spirit and energy of beagles, she and I have tracked garage sales, mall sales and auctions. We’ve savored our bargains, compared recipes, cooked together, danced together, laughed and cried together. Dot even helped me plan one of my book signings in Florida, and I was able to meet her wonderful Woman’s Club friends.

Please feel free to put my poem to the paper of your choice for a birthday card for her.

In return, if you get a chance to read either of my novels, I would be honored. You can find them on amazon.com, at your local library and on eBay.  –Janet

With Love to My Mother-in-Law

by Janet Lane

A visit by phone to share the news

An e-mail you send to inform and amuse

A leisurely visit with coffee or tea

A richly amusing shopping spree

We share so much, I’m ever so thankful

To find a soul sister so warm, so delightful

My marriage brought a huge dividend

Wonderful you, who became my friend

On this special date I would never miss

My chance to send this joyful wish

A bounty of love is sent your way

With a hearty wish for a Happy Birthday!

Murder mystery dinner made fun birthday surprise

A murder mystery dinner made John's birthday a fun event in the mountains, with friends

I planned a surprise birthday party this past weekend for my husband, John, at Brook Forest Inn, a glorious inn drenched in mountain sunshine and rich with history.  The theme: Lords and Ladies, a nice nod to our wedding at Colorado’s Renaissance Festival in Larkspur almost 24 years ago.

Linda, our master planner, created a devious, twisting plot, and we were joined by some close friends who caught the spirit and came dressed for medieval fun.

Who was the murderer?  The victim, Lord Littledagger, could not speak the name.  Death tends to limit one that way.  The Gypsies were mischievous, devious and … assassinous?  Duchess Mora of More concealed much in her purse, and the Countess of Cleavage, did she have secrets stored in her plunging neckline?  There were many moments of mystery, confusion and hilarity as we toured the inn, gathering clues and daggers.

Historic Brook Forest Inn is set in a lush mountain forest not far from Denver

The Inn, a romantic Victorian bed and breakfast, dates back to 1913 and is set in the midst of a lush forest not far from Denver. The lobby, bar, dining and guest rooms are all beautifully decorated, reflecting lacy Victorian opulence and charm.

The romantic in me would love to rent one of the captivating suites for a summer getaway.  The writer in me would enjoy hosting my critique partners for an inspirational weekend writing retreat, taking full advantage of all those outdoor decks and benches.

The mischievous Gypsies stole all the daggers and potion

The mother in me thinks this would be a great place for a wedding for one of our daughters.  Above all, the wife in me is delighted to have found such an entertaining way to surprise my husband on his special day.

Learn more about the murder mystery dinners at http://www.thebrookforestinn.com

Mother’s Day Poem for Mother-in-law

Is your mother-in-law a gem? My poem may be perfect for you, and for for her.

I posted a Mother’s Day poem yesterday, and I’ve received requests for a mother-in-law Mother’s Day poem.  I adore my mother-in-law, Dot, so it was a pleasure to sit back and reflect on the many wonderful memories we’ve shared since I first met her. With the spirit and energy of beagles, she and I have tracked garage sales, mall sales and auctions. We’ve savored our bargains, compared recipes, cooked together, danced together, laughed and cried together.  Dot even helped me plan one of my book signings in Florida, and I was able to meet her wonderful Woman’s Club friends.

If you’re like me and are fortunate enough to have a beloved mother-in-law, please feel free to put my poem to the paper of your choice for a Mother’s Day card this year.

To Dot and to all moms – Happy Mother’s Day!

I have fabulous memories like this one, when my mother-in-law, Dot, helped me plan a book signing in Florida.

With Love to My Mother-in-Law
by Janet Lane

A visit by phone to share the news
An e-mail you send to inform and amuse
A leisurely visit with coffee or tea
A richly amusing shopping spree
We share so much, I’m ever so thankful
To find a soul sister so warm, so delightful
My marriage brought a huge dividend
Wonderful you, who became my friend
So on this day made for mothers’ bliss
I send my thanks, a hug and a kiss
For all the joys you’ve sent my way
I wish you a happy Mother’s Day!

Did you like this poem?  Will you use it on a card to your mother-in-law?  What do you love about her?  Feel free to share by clicking on the “o comments” or “comments” line below.

My Mother’s Day Poem

She can be your mother, your grandmother, your aunt, your adopted mother, or an older sister.  She’s so many things to us – nurturer, lecturer, coach, lifesaver, homework helper.  As Mother’s Day approaches, we may recall specific tantrums we threw, arrows of anger we shot, directly or indirectly, at her.  We may recall the strange detours we took in the past and how she tried to help us in spite of our resistance.  The older we get the wiser she seems.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I wrote this poem for my mother, Mary, and my mother-in-law, Dot, and for all moms who love their children and give the world its greatest gift … the future.

To Mary and Dot - Happy Mother's Day

A symbol of love is the rose
They say
Its petals so lovely and fragrant
Kissed by the dew, a dozen
Or few
Their colors resplendent and vibrant
I hold in my pocket of dreams
And days
Mementos of childhood cheer
Your gestures of love that strengthened
My heart
And carried me through the years
So on this occasion of
Family love
I offer this poem, like a blossom
In thanks for the band-aids and smiles
And hugs
All mother’s gifts, golden and wholesome.
…. Janet Lane

Happy Mother’s Day!