C.C. Farmer and Family

Dedicated to my 77 Pearl Street Writers Group. Jim’s brilliant plan.

Edited by Romy Shinn Piccolella

Special thanks toRomy Shinn Piccolella for sharing her editing skills. If there are any mistakes in this project, I claim them. It's not easy working with a creative, Asian drama watching, Kpop listening, square dancing, Farmer.

Copyright 2017 by Anne Bishop

Don’t Steal.

It is uncouth and not everyone looks good in orange.

Vinaigrette,

For too much sugar is bad.

Throw some sour in

with the sweet.

Now your life

will be complete.

“Woman is fine for her own satisfaction alone.

No man will admire her the more,

no woman will like her the better for it.”

Jane Austen

Robin

You remind me of a cheerful little robin,

Bobbing about in spring.

Ferocious in your diligence,

Never forgetting to sing.

Herd Turn

At the age of eight you stood on the hill, waved your arms and fiercely stood still. The cattle of ten were headed your way. Mother was frightened but not Uncle Jay. And there you were, my little girl, with a wave of your arms you turned the thundering herd. The animals turned back down the road, the way they were supposed to go. Leaving me wondering about how very much you have grown.

“Completely and perfectly

and incandescently happy”

Mrs. Darcy

Diaper Swiper

Diaper Swiper, you call the dog,

Although Ruger is his name.

Diaper Swiper is not an outlaw.

The sweet beagle is our friend’s claim.

But one day, the heist!

From your bottom he did swipe.

And you were never scared.

Running, giggling, laughing,

In pure delight.

Priorities

I wish my friend could come and play.

But I am an adult and have dishes to wash today.

Soon, all there is, is chores.

And friends are no more.

My Boy

Eyes that twinkle above a slightly crooked grin.

Never really revealing all the mischief you get in.

“To learn to read is to Light a Fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” Victor Hugo

Persist

When creativity fails.

When obstacles stand tall.

When your dreams set sail.

Persistence is the key.

Plug away every day.

Smile from your heart.

Smile even if you are torn apart.

One day at a time.

Unto the end.

Persist

Balance

A smile.

A tear.

Friendship fails. Friendship gains.

An apology.

A try to talk.

Equal compassion. Equal gains.

Missing them.

Missing us.

Life buried under Christian duty.

New friends found.

New friends loved.

Blessings revealed.

Old.

New.

See saw. See saw.

Gains.

Loss.

Balance.

“You were made Perfectly to be Loved,

and surely I have Loved You, in the idea of you,

my whole life long.”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Troubled my mind.

My youngest is full of detriment.

Prayers on my knees?

I neglect the basics.

Troubled my mind.

House needs to be cleaned.

Hoarding is a terrible sin.

It hurts relationships.

Troubled my mind.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins was read.

A chapter at a time.

With this, the family is fine.

Bringing peace to my troubled mind.

Apple, Pear, Pumpkin Pie

Apple, Pear, Pumpkin Pie.

Simple, complex, each flavor intensified.

Crusts made of lard because dough flakes.

Great for Apple, Pear, or Pumpkin Pie.

Flaky crusts adds to each unique taste.

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world

would go to pieces, I would still plant

my apple tree.” Martin Luther