Still there’s a slice of ice encasing the marsh as glass; stiff, sharp becomes a screen protecting you from prey. Visions of rich, dense duck weed and brown, earthy tuffs of marsh grass huddle waiting for cloudless sky. But morning chill tells another story of early spring.
Buried deep you rest. With scent of spring playing games of hide and seek; you find no aroma of wild rose only unscented seeds from brown, barefaced bundled of reeds and cat-tails spinning, dancing atop silvery layer of ice; your roof-top sky light. Your throaty call echoes beneath; stiff in the icy entrapment.
Yet, this is your woodland nest here life and death linger in stiff pools of decaying waters rich with microscopic bacteria; so minuscule even your bulgy protruding eyes unable to find them. Your passion overriding all, your mission drives you forward as your need to seek a mate becomes all; this is why you were created and it consumes your very existence.
A warning, when the ice melts cranes and geese are waiting to have you as a tasty meal. Sing quickly, call out rhythmic chips, chatter and chants; for somewhere she waits past all still danger to dance awhile as it has been written in the book of “Spring Peepers Logs of Love”; for now the image in ice is only you!
These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
Pre-order your ebook copy of Beatrice today! Release date is set for April 9. Beatrice is the 4th book in The Apron Strings Book Series Readers Group (this link will take you to our group). Once there you will find wonderful posts regarding the time period between 1920-2020, 11 sweet stories, by 11 different authors, covering 11 decades. The third book Priscilla will be available on March 15. Happy reading ☺️.
The Redwing
Pilot of my pond’s prosperity returned to sternly protect crazy cattail marsh; red-winged guides, no leaf unturned.
Resident of wetlands where insects perch, a wealth of chatter in mushy, mucky marsh; a serene sheltered stead, a type of church.
Model of formal wearing, jet black coat attracting ladies in drab brown brittle marsh your scarlet feather flash, gigolo afloat.
Consumer of winged delights of butterflies, delicate damselflies scattered in marsh and conscientious chaser of dragonflies.
Singer of wetland, your call classic sound calling, ever calling in my cattail marsh songs of ‘conk-la-ree’ is secretly found.
My redwings have once again returned! What’s in your backyard?
NOTE: This was something new I learned regarding the male redwing blackbird…
they defend territories in which as many as 15 females (mainly brown) establish nesting areas.
Most male territories contain about 5 females.
Females mate mostly with the male in whose territory they live, but will also mate with other males.
In 1950, Beatrice would have been preparing for the season of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting before the celebration of Easter. That year Easter Sunday was on April 9, which is the day (this year) that my book “Beatrice” will be released. As we start our own Easter season, I would like to share some Polish traditions and recipes reflecting Beatrice’s traditions as we approach my release date.
For this week, we will take a look at Ash Wednesday. It is named after the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of faithful (usually by a priest) as a reminder of human mortality and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, many Lutherans and Methodists.
In 1950, Ash Wednesday occurred on February 22. Beatrice would have contemplated what type of fast she would attempt during the season of Lent. Having gotten comfortable in her mama’s kitchen, I doubt she would sacrificed her sweets. Sweets are commonly put aside until Easter Sunday for many who decide to fast.
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is a Polish celebration called Paczki Tuesday or Strove Tuesday. This Polish tradition is one in which many indulge in eating fried doughnuts (paczki) filled with jams, custards or other sweet surprises. Strove Tuesday can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Paczki is pronounced, PUNCH-kee or POONCH-key or POOCH-key, and is a round Polish doughnut filled with fruit and then coated in sugar or icing. The dough is richer than the typical American filled doughnut. The most traditional Polish filling is one of dates. Beatrice uses dates in many of her recipes. Dates were used in savory and sweet dishes.
Mr. Rewolinski, the local Polish baker, is known in Beatrice’s world of 1950 as the the best paczki maker in their community. If you were able to visit his shop what favorite paczki would you purchase? Could you eat only one?
HOW TO MAKE DATE FILLING The Date Filling
8 ounces pitted dates, chopped
1/3 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoons flour
1 cups water
To Prepare the Filling
Chop the dates with a sharp knife or kitchen shears and place in the bowl of a food processor. Add one tablespoon of flour to help keep the dates from sticking to the blades of the chopper.
Place the chopped dates and flour (from the food processor) in a 2-quart saucepan. Add the sugar and water, stir to combine.
Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook until thick, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Refrigerator your filling. Can be used as a jam.
Happy Strove Tuesday 1950 style!
I hope you can join me in this Community Event coming on March 8th. I will have a book table available for those purchasing locally at this event. My recently released book “Abigail’s 40 Days will be available. One dollar from each book sale will go to Operation Christmas Child shoe box shipping. Meet the author, and Alexis Ann inspiration to the “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” series, as we support OCC shoe boxes going around the world!
The Second Book in the Apron Strings Series released in February (available on Amazon)
Here are three of my five grandsons ice fishing in northern Wisconsin just a few weeks ago. After having weather in the 50’s, and 68 yesterday, the lake are beginning to open up. There are Sandhill Cranes, Canadian Geese and a few Redwing Blackbirds in my marsh. We are thrilled with a preview to a Wisconsin spring, but know there’s more winter in store for us. This morning it’s dropping down to 15! I think I’ll make some hot chocolate.
Winter Sunset
Trees stood still as the sky whispered.; shadowy silhouettes salute fading day.
Even roots buried under layers of snow, deep in frozen earth, aware of the Creator.
Trees stood still under a blazing sky. As if on fire, the heaven declares day’s farewell.
Shall our thanks be tucked in layers of worldly wares, or praises to God?
Trees stood still knowing day is done, straight and steady, seen from sky above.
P. Wolf
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalms 19:1
Available on Amazon
That time has finally come. Seven decades have passed in the wink of an eye. What join I’ve had in serving the Lord Jesus for 42 years! It takes my breath away. Each of you are special in the sight of God.
I’m stuck inside today missing all the outside activities because I have the flu. To make the best of my circumstances I decided to undertake the challenge of this weeks prompt of “Inside, Out” over at “Project Quilting”.
I included some sewing techniques for this challenge from the prompt: rough edges of the fabric on the bottom of the umbrella. Rough edges are most often sewn on the inside of a quilt piece. There is some surging on the girl’s raincoat. Again an element usually seen on the inside of a project.
The little girl has her toes inside of her rain boots which have little hearts on to reflect Valentine’s Day just around the corner. She is also inside her umbrella protected from the rain. Yet, she is outside in the rain. Those viewing this quilt piece will notice that there’s an inside window pane looking outside.
Fun project when one is stuck inside watching life go by outside 💕
I’m so excited about this “5 Star Review”! Release date is this Friday, February 9th, and a tribute to my mom (1916-2000, her date of birth) who urged me to slow down and smell the roses. That is where my creativity, as a writer, began.
Miss you, Mama.
Readers’ Favorite Review
“Driven by emotionally charged scenes, Abigail’s 40 Days is a moving story that held my attention from the first page. Abigail is a wonderfully crafted character whom many readers will love. Her struggles with faith, loss, and grief and the lessons she discovers on her journey are still relevant and practical today. Wolf manages to bring scriptures to life and explore a familiar time in history in new and fascinating ways. Other characters are engaging and offer answers to Abigail’s questions while supporting her during her mission. Abigail’s 40 Days by Patti Wolf is a realistic and hopeful portrait of faith, healing, and growth amidst chaos. From its captivating start to its rewarding ending, the novel is a great and inspiring read.”
Winter Sunset
Trees stood still as the sky whispered.; shadowy silhouettes salute fading day.
Even roots buried under layers of snow, deep in frozen earth, aware of the Creator.
Trees stood still under a blazing sky. As if on fire, the heaven declares day’s farewell.
Shall our thanks be tucked in layers of worldly wares, or praises to God?
Trees stood still knowing day is done, straight and steady, seen from sky above.
P. Wolf
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalms 19:1
Welcome February
I hear the chatter of train wheels upon a wooden distant track, moaning in the morning light.
Patchy fog, rolls in across the land. A few stray geese honk their way south; they are unaware that it’s February 1.
Crows craw, craw, craw in chilled air while traffic somewhere whizzes by. It’s here I find myself wondering
at a golden early sunrise atop tree curious, will this be an early spring? But I am cautious, I know better!
Soon 70 years of mid winters will pass, snows will fall again, geese will hide; but the sun will continue rising earlier…
This week, I’d like you to be inspired by the myriad places a bird calls “home.” As always, this can be interpreted many ways: birdhouses, nests, birdcages, and trees could all apply – and you may take this theme anywhere else your imagination roams! If you can explain the connection
Winter Birdhouse
My Narnia World
It’s been snowing in Wisconsin on and off all week, but since this morning we’ve gotten about 8 inches with another 5-6 inches! In light of our snow day I was inspired to add a bit of winter to my project.
Today at d’Verse, Dora shared with us the angst some poets experience when looking at the blank page. She asked us to write our poem using an animal metaphor for how words are expressed on a blank page. I chose the wren.
I liked her quote from Annie Proulx which said:
“You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page.”
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
There are so many things in our daily lives which are difficult to wait for. Talk to God today and let Him know what is bothering you. God hears the prayers of those who love Him.
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
What do you love? Can God be included in the things you love?
Is what makes you who you are, the part that will be left after the body decays, focused on growing spiritual? Can you read just one verse from the Bible a day and think about what God is saying?
Are you weary? Do you know what foods nourish your body? Do you take care of the flesh God has given to you? Try taking a walk and talk with God.
Just one day to get to love God better💕
“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17
Winter’s Song
Down dark dewing lane, as December settles like the down of a thistle, a misty moon lurks low playing shadow games on latticed bare branches.
A whisper of winter’s snows stirs in stranger places far from my path. In inky starlit, twinkling night; a distant muffled cry calls barely audible.
I stop, pull my knit hat atop my head upwards listening to night sounds; waiting for what I image, hoping there’s no foolery about this tepid evening.
Minutes melt to seconds and then; a return uttered hoot crisp, clear, cutting and now closer to my waiting ears, I smile.
It’s a true love song of two Great Horned Owls longing to mate high in the tallest pine; soon pale and plain eggs will huddle in frothy feathers.
P. Wolf
“The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes Leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills.”
Song of Solomon 2:8
A brown barn stands still, as ancient, yearning years pass; in wild winter woods.
P. Wolf
A Flickering Flame
Wood smoke lingers in frigid air, it kindles the senses, warms my soul strolling chilled country road fare.
Chickadees softly huddled in trees; warming themself as wisps of clouds vail winter morn’s bitter breeze.
Yet, I ponder days so long gone of many misty memories made from rising eternal, early dawns.
Did warm bonfires flicker and fill; smoke stirring the senses of Magi who wearily traveled down hills?
Did blazing fires dance long, as Shepherds kept a watch before angelic being’s song?
Did kindled fires fill crowded streets of Bethlehem that night before the world could bow;
to new born King in manger bed who humbled Himself that day, as the ancient prophecies said.
I ponder that first Christmas day did they know a babe would be… the Savior who slept in holy hay?
Still… smoke seeps in frigid air, stirs the senses, warms my soul; as I saunter slowly in prayer.
P. Wolf
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11
Moon against an evening sky strolls down mysterious memory lanes, hand n’ hand lingering silhouettes echos too many seasons of goodbyes. Those long gone, yet some to come hearts whisper waiting window panes. Hush… no need to shed a tear or cry; ‘tis life, death and misty moon phasing just once again in an open evening sky.
P. Wolf
“The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10
A Pre-Christmas Family Tradition
GINGERBREAD DAY
This is a perfect stocking stuffer to be added to someone’s quiet reading time. Not only is there seasonal poetry, but daily Scripture to feed the soul!
Poetry Book with Scripture
Tears
I hear the rain cry like a child, against sodden earth yearning, hoping, waiting for something fresh and new, not brittle debris.
I need slices of sunlight smothered against crevices and curves of dirt; knowing, wondering if all will renew. I go to the perfect place, the Garden.
It’s there I’ll sign in great relief against today’s fearful destruction; smiling and rejoicing for all will be wholesome once again, recreated.
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” Isaiah 65:17
Providence
Gone is day’s sunshine, as night settles to cold earth yet somewhere shines on.
I’m reading the book “Providence” with my son. This quote spoke to my heart. I hope it touches yours! Enjoy today’s sunshine!
“Every morning God paints a different sunrise. He never gets tired of doing it again and again. But then it struck me. No, He never stops doing it. The sun is always rising somewhere in the world.”
John Piper’s words from his book “Providence”
Update on the series Apron Strings
A scene from my book, Beatrice to be released in April
The door to the Bakery Shop was opened as Beatrice walked by. The aroma of yeast mingled with confectionery delights made her appetite grow.
“Good evening, Beatrice. You look lovely this fall evening.”
Beatrice blushed, as her dark brown curls bobbed up and down. “Mr. Rewolinski, you are too kind. I don’t feel lovely. After a day of haircuts, hair dying and hair permanents I feel like deflated yeast.”
“No manicures?” A deep titter rose up from his thick chest. “Beauticians are worth their weight in gold, according to my wife.”
“The only gold I will see is the sun rising tomorrow morning.” Beatrice smiled and gave a quick wave farewell.
“Come by on your way to work,” shouted Mr. Rewolinski. “I will have fresh Paczki for you and the girls you work with. Would you like lemon or raspberry filled Paczki?”
Beatrice turned and took a step closer towards Mr. Rewolinski, “That is so sweet of you.” She raised three fingers. “How about giving us three of each?”
“Sounds good to me, I will see you in the morning.” He shook the flour from his apron. Then turning back into the shop, he closed the door behind him. The little doorbell rang with a sigh. It was the end of another demanding day.
The Series: Apron Strings
A Babe
…the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Luke 2:6-7
Stillness seeped through my heart, the night they said the cattle lowed, but I did not hear the animal’s sounds; my own heart’s music was a rhapsody of great joy mingled with anticipation.
Joseph said the moment He arrived not a sound was heard in the cave, a make-shift sable, where an empty manger stood awaiting my Son’s arrival; tears flooded my hot cheeks.
Within seconds He lay in my arms, a son, just like the angle told me. A nation had waited for Him for so long. Yet, in this very moment He was just my newborn and in need of nurturing.
He had my undivided attention, my Son, who one day I would share with a multitude of others; that would call on His name. He would be their Savior. For now, this Child is mine alone.
Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures
These little chapter books, for ages 6-10, would make lovely stocking stuffers for your children.
“Stormy Seas” is a story of high adventure in Alexis’s backyard. She travels the high seas with Paul on his missionary journeys and her little brother tags along. Alexis makes everyday life a biblical adventure.
“Seriously a Splash” takes Alexis in the belly of a BIG fish with Jonah as she deals with disappointment and anger. There’s summer fun to enjoy, but will her cousins include her?
“Let Them Rise” deals with loss in her family. As fall arrives, Alexis learns only God can heal grief. Despite sorrow, Alexis embraces autumn as she recalls stories from the Bible where people are healed.
All books available on Amazon
I Am the Light Series
3 Year Celebration for “Jemi’s Noble Quest”
The days of Creation described in ways one would never have dreamed of. “Jemi’s Noble Quest” is where my journey began. It is my first published book written over a ten year period. This month I’m celebrating its three year release!
Scenes were inspired from some creative artists and a little imagination. Most authors would love to rewrite their first published book. By God’s grace my writing has come a long way from Jemi’s story. However, “Jemi’s Noble Quest” will always be my favorite story. I hope you enjoy it!
“A story about love and trust in GOD. The writer shares her trust and belief in GOD with a story of an innocent girl approaching adulthood. Reinforcing that belief doesn’t mean easy but without belief life and burdens are unbearable.”
Amazon Review
Free on Kindle Unlimited, affordable digital copy, in paperback or hardcover.
The King
Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east I and have come to worship Him.Matthew 2:2
Stars are twinkling tonight… dangling, hanging above a roadmap and shining hope; filtering out strange darkness.
Stars from eternities past dim in day, neon by night! Speak of such a grand sight.
Stars with a holy message, we know not their language. One star led and shone bright; it lit the way one holy night.
Stars from eternities past dim in day, neon by night! Speak of such a grand sight.
So graceful, grand a galaxy, as ages of time have passed. Yet, the Maker of stars did come one holy night as angles sang.
Stars from eternities past dim in day, neon by night! Speak of such a grand sight.
Several of the Apron String authors will be introducing their newsletters starting on November 19. The reason behind this is to further get to know each of us, while you are waiting for the first book to be released in January 2024. Thank you for dropping in. Stop by the other author’s sites to answer scavenger hunt questions from “The Apron Strings Readers” site off of Facebook. Have a great day!
October’s Recap
Seasons
I have always wonder at the season in the “North”. A quiet warmth arrives within me with each turning season. It’s like those feelings which linger days before a holiday comes. I sense a surge of excitement at what is to change. I am like a child on the eve of Christmas, sleepless in my bed. Yet, a sadness seeps steadily through my veins with the final farewell to a dear friend, the season leaving.
Those are the seasons in Wisconsin and other northern states where our clothes are shed four times a year. It’s a time of metamorphosis as the seasons fly away. I long to watch the leaves change, then fall to the moist earth and wait for the buds to once again return.
Welcome to Autumn of the North.
Farewell
Leaves blush a short farewell like a bride before her groom; embracing seasons final days.
Squirrels chatter and gather anxious to stretch the days, their legs and stored stockpiles.
Song birds have long vanished; fair weather-friends flown on. Yet, faithful chick-a-dee remains.
Pumpkins rots in nearby fields; once treasures gems of early fall now just shrinking, stale stench.
It’s the seasons I’m reminded of, as evening becomes an early veil above darkened earth once again.
“He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2:21-22
Beatrice Coming April 2024
First two cover revealsFirst Book in Apron Strings Second Book in Apron StringsThird Book in Apron Strings
Jerusalem
Israel’s 9/11
A half of century trials blooms into great suffering boys and girls dressed for war, living on the edge.
What aisle, then miles muddy boots shuffling; youth in strides of unrest- the young live to pledge.
Debris lay in littered piles, too many heart shuttering war spreads east to west; youth too young to fledge.
My son, Ryan, stayed in Israel this past summer. He traveled everywhere. The one thing he noticed was young people dressed in uniforms and holding assault rifles, youth 17-19 years of age. Pray for this nation as the loss of the next generation is threatened.
Poetry
FINAL CALL
Worship falls from lips of men as day settles like dazed dust. Comes forth silken strains of life; with heated hues once again. Whose soul shall He then entrust? The groom comes for waiting wife.
Yet still shadows twist and turn danger dangles over earth; grasps and tangles sinful mind. Righteous people pause, stand firm; now enters your end time’s worth. God does care, calls all mankind.
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42
2023 Poetry Collection
Available on Amazon
Pray for Israel
October Family Fun
The Promise
THE PROMISE
The red wing sings a final lullaby, as dampness fills the stilled air. Leaves fall gently to the ground, while a slice of silence is found.
My heart now taken back to spring; when opening buds were a new thing. Now the scattering of old leaves fall, color blazes as they whisper and call.
A solo spring peeper deeply groans. His mates have all left pond to roam; autumn lingers without a single care, while soon critter’s life will not spare.
The new snows are soon to coming, and too many shortened days ahead. It’s the changing of our annual guard; which whole heartedly I often dread.
Yet for today, I will solemnly linger, as final leaves take a graceful bow and colors illuminates the tinted sky; it’s today I feel autumn is still alive.
One day the world will be renewed. Eternal spring will come once again. It’s to God’s promises which I hold, as seasons transition and unfold.
“Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelations 21:5a
Patti Wolf 