Tuesday, December 28, 2021

The White Feather


After my husband's death, the physical and emotional pain I suffered opened a hole in my heart to see and feel things on a deeper level. I found myself noticing strange and subtle occurrences. 

While I sat at a stoplight, a white feather descended from nowhere and landed on my windshield. I jumped out of my car and was determined to grab the white feather and hold it in my hand. Another day, while walking in the park, I sat on the bench I shared with my husband, birdwatching. A little bird came and perched next to me and stared at me. I carefully examined the bird as it moved its head back and forth. It was as if the bird was talking to me. I believed it was my husband sending me a sign from heaven. Though I thought I was going crazy, I was not. Then again, maybe I was. Another time I felt blue and decided I would use what energy I had to dress and go to my favorite restaurant to have lunch. I drove to the restaurant sat in the parking lot, afraid to go in and sit alone. But, somehow, I summoned the courage to walk through the doors alone. I sat near a window, and the table had a beautiful floral centerpiece. As the waiter took my order, I felt something hit my ankle. When the waiter left, I slowly bent over, and there was a nickel near my ankle. I picked it up and smiled. I knew then it was my husband telling me I would be OK.

There are signs everywhere. We need to learn to stop our busy brains and acknowledge the signs our loved ones are sending us. I have become a witness to seeing and acknowledging these signs on my life journey. It has made my faith stronger and resilient. I remember my mother saying, "seek adventure everywhere you go, but remember, you must see and feel with your heart to experience it." Most of us just exist daily. Some of us have not learned to leave our baggage behind, and it has become a security blanket that holds us down. Some are blind and unable to visualize the world differently because they were trained only to see in front of them. I will never allow myself to root in one place, the world is so big, and there are so many adventures waiting for me.

It's been three years since my husband's death, and I have learned to love every part of myself, the quirky side, birdwatcher, wildflower pod picker, nature lover, and writer. I also have learned to be patient with myself, go to a restaurant, movie, and park alone. Take my country drives and picnics every Sunday as I did with my husband. Though he is gone, he will always have a special place in my heart. Whenever I think of my husband, I know he will send me a sign from above to guide and protect me because he is my angel in heaven.

To read more of Poppy's short stories, click on the link below. 

https://www.amazon.com/Poppy-Dodson/e/B09NJGV325?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1639416095&sr=1-5



Thursday, December 23, 2021

Friday’s Quote – a Gift

Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

Deep down inside, we know that the best gifts don't come from a catalog or shopping mall. They don't come in brightly colored packages or fancy envelopes, and they're not hiding in a closet for you to open on Christmas morning. They come when we look at each other, REALLY look at each other, and say:

"You mean a lot to me, or I'm glad you are part of my life." It is a gift that will never go out of style or be forgotten or returned for a different size.
A gift like that can make someone's day or change someone's life.

        -    Ron Atchison





Merry Christmas






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Tuesday, December 21, 2021

THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

 Welcome to Poppy's Blog!

Today I will be reading a story published January 11, 2011, Reader's Digest - CANADA.

THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

Once Upon a time, there lived at the North Pole, a young reindeer named Rudolph. He was a lively, happy reindeer and loved playing in the snow. But one day, the other reindeer noticed that he had a large, bright red nose, and they teased him about it without mercy.

Rudolph was sad because it was Christmas Eve, and he was afraid that he would never be chosen to pull Santa's sleigh because of his shiny nose. He visited Santa and the elf, who were getting all the presents ready. Santa and the Elf were always kind to Rudolph and never mentioned his funny nose.

At last, Santa boomed, elf, I must go. Let's load up the presents.

When all was ready, Santa asked, where are my 8 reindeer? I need Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen's strength to pull my sleigh. Then Santa looked around and noticed how foggy the night had become. He worried that he would not be able to see his way. Suddenly, he noticed Rudolph with his bright red nose, and then he had a very bright idea! "Rudolph," he cried, I want YOU with your shiny nose to light the way from my sleigh tonight!"

All the reindeer made way for Rudolph. Everybody loved him and said what a
special reindeer he was from then on.  They never teased Rudolph.  Rudolph would always be Santa's first choice every Christmas Eve.

Let me end with this quote – The magic of Christmas never ends, and the best gifts are Family and Friends.




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Friday, December 17, 2021

Twas the Night Before Christmas

 Welcome to Poppy’s Blog!

Since the holidays are upon us, I will be reading Christmas Stories my mother read to me as a child.  Let us spread the Holiday Cheer!

Here is a little history of the story I will read today. Enjoy!

Twas, the Night Before Christmas, was first published in 1823 as “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” in the Troy Sentinel, later attributed to Clement C. Moore and renamed. 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care and hope that Saint Nicholas would soon be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. Went out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the newly fallen snow gave a luster of mid-day two objects below. 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. More rapid than eagles his courses they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!



But I heard him exclaim, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!





Monday, December 13, 2021

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

 Welcome to Poppy’s Blog!

Today I will be reading a short version of Dr. Seuss’s 1957 children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  

Every who down in Whoville liked Christmas. But the Grinch who lived on top of Whoville DID NOT. He hated Christmas the whole Christmas season. Now, please do not ask why, and no one quite knows the reason why! It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. It could be his head was not screwed on exactly right.

But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, whatever the reason, his heart, or his shoes, he stood there on Christmas Eve hating the Who’s.  Staring down from his cave with the sour, Grinchy frown at the warm lighted windows below in their town.  For he knew every Who down in Whoville beneath was busy hanging a hollywho wreath and their stockings, he snarled with a sneer, Tomorrow is Christmas! It is practically here!


Yes, tomorrow all the Who boys and girls will wake up bright and early and run to their toys.  Then all the noise.  All the noise, noise, and noise.  He then got an idea an awful idea.  The Grinch got a wonderful AWFUL IDEA!  I know just what to do about Christmas. He made a Santa Claus hat and coat. He laughed in his throat.  With this coat and hat, I look like Saint Nicholas.  He made a sleigh, and all he needed was a reindeer.  If I cannot find a reindeer, I'll make one instead. He named the dog Max and made a big horn on top of his head. 

He went to Whoville, and he came back with lots of packages, boxes, and bags. And in Whoville, it was not sad it was HAPPY VERY HAPPY. Then what do you know? The Grinches heartbeat three sizes that day. He brought the toys back and the feast's food, and he himself carved the roast beast. The Grinch enjoyed Christmas and the wonderful Christmas Season.



Let me end with this note - What if Christmas Perhaps Means a little bit more.......



Merry Christmas








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Sunday, December 12, 2021

Exciting News!

Today, Poppy published her first story on Kindle ebook short reads.  


WHERE AM I - Written by Poppy Dodson

This story is shared through the eyes of a woman whose husband died. One evening she falls into a deep sleep, and her husband appears.  He reassures her she is not going crazy and says she has a special talent to share with the world and must go home.  She looks at him, confused, and he disappears.  She awakes in an ambulance, where she flatlined.  As time moves on, she realizes a piece of her is gone, and grief has tucked itself into a special place within her heart where she will carry it forever.



Poppy looks forward to reading your comments.  Make sure to click the "Follow" button, so you don't miss any of my new releases.  Cheers to exciting times.

Poppy