Family – Woman Warrior

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What’s Your Summer Story?

Posted on July 27, 2026 by deannagreensandgardenart

I joined a summer book club called Summer Art Club. I found the group through Substack. A small group of creatives meet together for an hour on Sunday evening via Zoom for a 12-week journey. We are reading The Artist’s Rule by Christine Valters Paintner. It’s about nurturing your creative soul with monastic wisdom. Thus far I really enjoyed the chapter that covers the sacred rhythms and the seven traditional praying hours for creative renewal. I love the nuggets of pure gold in this book as well as the sharing with this group of women.

“I want to live my life in healing rhythms that honor the limits of my body, the pleasures of rest, and the delights of play.” ~ Christine Valters Paintner

As I look out the atelier’s front window, I see the fat little hummingbirds make repeat returns to the two front yard feeders for more sugar water. My husband is trying to keep up with these hungry hummers. The children’s book Little Green by Keith Baker explains the repetitive nature of these little birds. In Missouri the ruby-throated hummingbirds come to us late spring and fatten up over the warmer months before leaving us in October. Their homes are in the warmer climates. Migration with the warm weather is in their nature, part of their story.

What’s your summer story? Are you zipping along with your days minding your own business, attending to your job duties, family matters, vacation, or your health? Are you in status quo or planning for or making a big change in your life? Me, well, two or three mornings a week I am zipping along with culinary work at the local senior centers closest to my home. With my writing I take on new contests, challenges, and projects. These fill my afternoons and some evenings. One of my recipes is featured in the July issue eMerge Magazine. A poem of mine is the 2nd place winner in a contest with the local writers’ group, Saturday Writers. I am writing short articles for The Hope*Writers magazine.

Family is a part of my husband and I’s everyday life in one fashion or another. A long weekend vacation is in the plans for late August. After these steamy humid days, the destination will need to be for someplace cooler. I am hoping to get to a lake soon, even though it will not be my favorite place which is Island Lake in Minnesota. We keep hoping to return to this northern haven from my childhood. Meantime, my kinky hair gets clipped up off my neck, and sundresses and thongs are my summer attire.

In regard to my health, I am trying to make positive changes. Eating healthier with loads of vegetables. I have been lacking regular cardio exercise for some time. I get weightlifting in with the heavy commercial pans filled with food enough for 100 – 130 people. I do stretches with an online program. But when I was at my healthiest in my adult years, I went swimming at least two days a week. This was 15 – 18 years ago. So, I have returned to the pool this month. I aim to keep this part of my weekly routine at least two days a week until the end of time, my time that is. I cannot afford not to. I only have this life to live. I am praying for long healthy days and years ahead.

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Elementary Existence

Posted on June 29, 2026 by deannagreensandgardenart

What are the elements, those items that are the basics for your life? What are the things you think you need to survive? What is it you cannot live without? I ask myself these questions as I live and breathe in this present moment. The obvious such as food, water, shelter, and clothing come to mind. But during this quiet time, I tune in to how I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I have substance because of our Creator. Our God is Who I cannot live without. His words, mercy, grace, and love I cannot live without. I thank my Father God for His loving Son, our Jesus who stood in the gap and said, “take me”. I am His daughter but have sinned. Jesus’ blood saved me from eternal separation from our God. And I thank my Father God for the Holy Spirit who continues to guide me through the written and spoken word daily. Hopefully, I am a better person today than I was yesterday. As I look to my future those same elements: our Father God, our Savior Jesus, and our guiding Holy Spirit and their gifts of words, mercy, grace, and love still remain for eternity. These are for your life as well. We can live in an elementary existence, simplicity with our God.

“It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” ~ Matthew 4:4 MSG

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These Holy Days

Posted on March 31, 2026 by deannagreensandgardenart

My new experiences the past two weeks included a visit to a Jewish synagogue, being among a group of interfaith sisters over a lovely kosher brunch. Other faiths were represented also. An encouragement to read sacred scripture came from the rabbi. So much of the Holy Week traditions in the Christian faith are rooted in the Jewish faith. Yes, how we differ, but oh how much we are alike. We women need each other. We people need each other.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ~ Psalm 22:1

On Palm Sunday, our priest exhorts us all to read Psalm 22 this Holy Week. Then later, on Sunday I read a Substack post about Psalm 22 that includes a descriptive poem reaching the heart. Take a gander at The Rabbit Room at rabbitroompoetry@substack.com. Soulful words. I see this Bible reading timeline for this Holy Week on social media. Old and New Testament scriptures point to Jesus, His death and resurrection. Do you believe He died for you? More, do you believe He has risen and gives that new life to you? This Holy Week I pray you believe with your heart that Jesus is your Savior. Nothing else and no one else can do this for you. You can be born again!

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Almost Here

Posted on March 17, 2026 by deannagreensandgardenart

It is almost here! Spring! The spring equinox is three days away! It is the day we have equal time of sunlight and night. The cold front that came in on Sunday was winter’s last “ha-ha”, or we hope anyway. The songbirds have been busy preparing their nests. Hopefully, any eggs laid have been kept warm during this dip in temperatures. Our daffodils came and went. We await the pops of color and fragrance with the red buds, cherry blossoms, and tulips in our backyard. We await rebirth and babes.

“Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” ~ Luke 12:27 NIV

Last week my husband and I steeled away from work and home. While traveling to southern Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas the flowering trees such as plum and red buds showed off their colors in the woods. My preoccupation with God’s magnificent craftmanship and restrained screen time, words ran through my mind. The words eventually came out in this poem I wrote.

Spring’s Early Attire

The naked woods are preparing

to be dressed in their finest.

From the earth sprouting green buds,

then lavenders giving passionate kisses.

Soon sunshine yellow is feathered

around buttons on long emerald wands.

Pure white blossoms flutter

soft hallelujahs in the spring breeze.

Lacey veils and green sheaths contrast,

coverlets complete each other.

The periwinkle is gently whispered,

the pinks layered in chiffon ruffles.

Clusters of mauve popping in the trees

like wedding bouquets the branches hold.

Austere reds, oranges, and purples

some scalloped edges, others spray black.

The spectacular fashion show stages

in textured colors for the warming season.

Anna Marie Gall ~ March 2026

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Truth Be Told

Posted on December 29, 2025December 30, 2025 by deannagreensandgardenart

The year 2025 goes down in my journal as a seesaw year. Up with the birth of my great-grandson and the completion of my memoir, but down with my physical health and the loss of loved ones. This up and down effected my emotional and spiritual vitality throughout the year. Last year I wrote a series of haikus for a writing challenge and entitled the mini book Balancing the Seesaw. One haiku I capsulated with these words … “Joy for the moment, casting all cares aside, swinging to the heights.” True joy isn’t just for a moment. I learned much as I had more to surrender to, look at the truth and embrace it, and glean wisdom from on high. Health has been my main challenge, and the death of friends and another family member was just about too much. Yet God showed Himself faithful as always. I have worked through this difficult year gaining strength in many areas of my life. Emotions can sometimes deceive. The Holy Spirit continues to guide me and those I love like my daughters, Rachel and Elisabeth. Step by step, day by day. Grace abounds.

Pain speaks loudly when the body isn’t functioning as it should. I had to listen to my body. In March began a string of many medical tests, x-rays, and exams. I have lumbar and cervical discs misaligned as well as arthritis found in almost every joint x-rayed thus far. For years we believed I had osteoarthritis but this autumn the pain source was diagnosed as the autoimmune type of arthritis, rheumatoid (RA). I am one of the rare ones whose blood tests do not show RA, but the x-rays and MRIs showed plenty of arthritic damage. Physical therapy and medications have me continuing to work in the kitchen of the local senior center, but with limited hours. I will cut back my hours even more starting in January. The medical reports referred to my hands as “deformed”. Through the years my hands have faithfully served me and my efforts to serve others. These appendages just cannot do what they once could. At first the truth was heart-wrenching, but I am working through the reality daily.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” ~ Nehemiah 8:10

The truth be told I am still learning to be the owner of my own joy. Over the years many hobbies have been a source of joy to me, most requiring the use of my hands. Sewing, crafting, gardening, cooking, and then writing in my more recent years. While at the Clarksville Writers’ Conference the keynote speaker and author, Margaret Renkl shared, ” I refuse to quell this joy.” She encouraged the listener, “learn to pay attention by writing, painting, drawing.” My writing has become so essential to my everyday living. I have become attentive to what others would call “small matters.” My writing will continue, if need be, through voice-activated writing. Over the years, history has shown people with severe deprivation still find joy. It is a mindset. My mind is set on “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” I find joy and will continue to find joy despite it all by the grace of God.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8

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What About Today?

Posted on March 21, 2025 by deannagreensandgardenart

Life moves along. One happening leads to another. If I stop long enough, I can hear my breathe and feel my heart ticking. This is what today is. The first day of spring I notice the green leaves budding on the dogwood bush and the neighbor’s cherry tree starting to show pink buds. The fragrance will be heavenly very soon with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The dogwood trees will be soon after. For today, it feels wonderful to slow down.

I attended a couple of birthday parties these past few days, as well as attended another funeral. Happy celebrations for my 90-year-old father-in-law as well as for our 2-year-old grandson. Another birthday is coming very soon, the birth of my great-grandson. I anticipate a baby gift to be delivered this week, and I am excited to see this special stuffed bunny. As life is, as probably for you as well, we experience a mixed bag of emotions on any given day. I am saddened to know a loved one my age has unexpectantly passed on. Not too long ago it was my brother, but this time a kind friend. Death is so finite here on earth, but there is a promise of eternal life through Jesus.

When all is said and done, I thank our God for the life He gives. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to give praise to God. Today I live and have my being. This song comes to mind and I sing the lyrics written by Randy Sparks, which have been sung by many including John Denver.

“Today while the blossoms still cling to the vine, I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine. A million tomorrows shall all pass away, ere I forget all the joy that is mine today.”

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The Grief

Posted on December 20, 2024 by deannagreensandgardenart

This day before the winter solstice is a cold blustery day. It is colder this afternoon than it was when I was up at 5am this morning. The forecast promises the winter solstice to be the same. The cold wind slaps my face and takes my breath away like the cold-hard fact that my brother is not here on earth any longer.

The grief of it all is too much some days. I went into my boss’ office the other day and had a “good cry”. Just days ago I wrote on my other blog a post about my 65-year-old brother’s untimely death, and how good will come of it. Today, I am thinking, why, God? What good comes from the death of a loved one? And if only Dean or I had been available to take Rick and Joan to the airport, so he wouldn’t have had to clean the snow off their car and have that heart incident the day they arrived back at Lambert Field.

I know I am bargaining now. I cannot reverse what has been done. The “if only” cannot change the outcome. Bargaining is one of the stages of grief. This online resource describes the 5 or 7 stages of grief. These are the basic five: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The seven stages expand on the five: shock/denial, pain/guilt, anger/bargaining, depression, the upward turn, reconstruction/working through, and acceptance/hope.

A friend of ours lost his son and two grandchildren in a fatal car accident on Tuesday. The pain these friends and their family are feeling must be incredibly deep. The wife and mother of the two children, I cannot even fathom where her heart is right now. All I can do is pray, “God, gracious Father, send your Holy Spirit to comfort. Bring each sorrow to a place where a healing salve gently massages the raw, open heart to receive Your Love, Your Words, Your Comfort.”

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

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A Season For Martha And For Mary

Posted on November 29, 2024 by deannagreensandgardenart

I am coming out of a very busy few weeks with St. Jude fundraiser and Asheville outreach projects. I finally am able to sit down and breathe deep breathes even though Thanksgiving brunch preparations started. Cooking for nine or ten family members seems easy compared to cooking for the hundred or double that many meal-on-wheels and seniors on any given day last week. I have a four-day weekend ahead of me. Nice.

As Christians, we cannot have Martha without Mary, and vice versa, Mary without Martha. This is the pull for each of us. “Faith without works is dead.” Then there is the contrasting scripture. “She has chosen the better,” Jesus tells Martha after her complaint about Mary sitting at our Savior’s feet. I sit in the quiet before sunrise, before steps are heard from any other eleven family members (including the furry creatures) in the cottage and meditate. So much to be thankful for. God, You give me life. You give me Jesus. You give me the Holy Spirit. You give me love.

My Novena Rose Prayer
O Little Therese of the Child Jesus,
please pick for me a rose
from the heavenly gardens and
send it to me as a message of love.
O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God to grant the favors
I now place with confidence in your hands…
St. Therese, help me to always believe, as you did,
In God’s great love for me,
so that I might imitate your “Little Way” each day.
Amen.

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Need

Posted on October 6, 2024October 24, 2024 by deannagreensandgardenart

I had an odd feeling this week; it was kind of like a deja’ vu feeling. But instead of the feeling that I have been somewhere already, it is the feeling that I need to be someplace I have been before. And that need to be somewhere is now, or as soon as I am able. It is a place Dean and I had vacationed at for a 3-day stay while Airbnbing for a 9-day vacation through Tennessee and the Appalachians over 7 years ago. Asheville, North Carolina. We fell in love with the mountains and streams there. I felt a spiritual connection to its people. For my health, it is a locale we considered moving to for milder winters than the St. Louis area. God hasn’t moved us yet. We are needed here in St. Charles, Missouri as a help to our children and grandchildren.

"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them." 
~ 1 John 4:16 NLT

Asheville and surrounding counties are one of the hardest hit areas by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene over a week ago. Death and devastation for so many. Out of this disastrous storm follows stories of great loss, but also great humanity, sacrifice, love, God’s love seen through His people. The Appalachian people will have months and even years of recovery from this one. The need is calling us.

"Your Father knows what you need even before you ask." 
~ Matthew 6: 8 CEV

This week Dean and I looked over our calendar of commitments, and mid-November is the best time to get to Asheville for a weekend of hurricane relief service. We already booked a place to stay nearby where we stayed 7 years ago. We will keep our eyes peeled and ears open to hear God’s voice on the best organization to be involved with to provide assistance. I hope to be cooking meals. Dean wants to be loading and unloading supplies. We will see what the needs are of the people in Asheville when we get there. Meantime, we will gather bottles of water and toiletry items to take for one of the charitable organizations to distribute.

"In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words." 
~ Romans 8:26 CEV

Our God’s Holy Spirit is at work in us. It is with confidence that we can pray because God, Our Father knows what we and those we love need even before we do. The Holy Spirit prays for us. God loves us, so we can come to Him by the grace that He has given just when we need it.

"Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it." 
~ Hebrews 4:16 GNT

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What Am I Aiming For?

Posted on September 11, 2024September 12, 2024 by deannagreensandgardenart

My husband and I recently had a visit with a nephew, his lovely wife, and their adorable 3-month-old baby girl. Being with this young family brings us back three or four decades, when we each were up in the middle of night for diaper changes, feedings and then, trying to catch a few ZZZ’s during the baby’s daytime naps. Nothing compares to the joys of those cuddles in the rocking chair.

“There is a large measure of joy in ordinary moments ” ~ Susan Gale Wickes

I feel I rushed those moments that turned into years while looking for the next season and stages of life. Isn’t it living in the present moment that is most essential? Watching the birds feed and protect their young warms my heart. Time spent in nature with the trees, rivers, beach, and meadows of wildflowers calms any qualms. Writing poems and short stories keep me balanced along with reading Holy Scriptures and inspirational words.

The feeling of regret is uncomfortable; therefore, I have chosen to slow down a whole lot in this season of my life. With my partial retirement, I am shifting to a lower gear. I don’t want to stop discovering and living a full life. My energy is spent on worthy endeavors. Lifelong learning, embracing newness, intimacy with my relationships, thankfulness, and giving to others continue to be my aim. What do you aim for in this season of your life? If need be, start all over again.