We've been enduring a series of winter storms here in Bear Lake Valley. The snow banks are growing by leaps and bounds---we're already up to about 3 & 1/2 feet on the level. (That's mountain valley talk for the accumulation of snow in our front yards.) I understand the snow level is pretty impressive up the local canyons. I'll be seeing that for myself later this morning when my husband and I travel to Logan.

In honor of the joys of snowy weather, I figured I would post a poem I wrote a few years ago---after surviving a rather nasty fall. Enjoy and happy winter everyone. ;)

Ode to Ice

Oh, miracle of winter, twinkling as gems,
Glowing crystal wonderment from which much beauty stems.
The crowning glory of frigid moments, diamonds seem to glitter,
Lurking ‘neath the gentle snow, your frostiness is bitter.

You demand respect, though none is given, until most unaware,
Someone dares to mar your presence and slips upon the stair.
Oh, agony and painful times as feet fly through the air,
Vocabulary in your honor, uttered on the stair.

Oh, thing of beauty, I have sinned, upon you I did tread,
Excuse my trespass I implore, your ecstacy went to my head.
And to my back, and to my leg, and to my derriere and arm.
Oh, grievous penalties inflicted for causing you such harm.

Now bandaged, casted, scared for life, I confess it was my fault,
Let me show my penitence with this offering of salt!
Oh, miracle of winter, as you quietly slip away,
Know you have my eternal respect, and get thee hence I pray.

Cheri J. Crane

(1991)

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, the picture I posted with this morning's blog is one I snapped about a month ago up one of our local canyons. In the summer months, this tiny waterfall can be seen up Montpelier Canyon. In the winter, it becomes an icy cascade, a beautiful tribute to winter.

Resolute

Time for something on the lighter side. The picture above is a little diabetic humor. Sometimes we diabetics (I'm a Type 1) have to laugh at scary things like life. It boosts our morale. And in keeping with that train of thought, here is a brand new poem, hot off the presses. (I hope it makes sense.)

Resolute

It’s January season
I survived the holidays
But now I have a reason
To feel some strong dismays.

It’s time for resolutions
I can’t even remember last year’s vows
I’m pondering solutions
That won’t lift local brows.

"It’s tradition!" is the war-cry
"Get yourself in gear!"
I feel like I’m on stand-by
About to get booted in the rear.

"I resolve to never worry!"
Oops, I already blew that goal
Making resolutions in a hurry
Took care of that loophole.

"I promise to lose weight!"
"To only eat healthy food.
"I won’t tempt an ugly fate
"I’ll strive to be so good!"

Does it count if I ate naughty treats
To celebrate New Year’s Day?
Or late-night snacks or sugary cheats
I met along the way?

What if I promise to never swear
Even if I’m in great pain—
Oh, yeah, I already kicked a chair,
It caused me to profane.

There’s always good old exercise
Working out to tone some flab,
Or getting enough rest to make me wise
And perhaps not such a crab.

Both of those take effort
Both take strength of will
Maybe I’m not such a sport
I think you know the drill.

Inspiration arrives at last
I resolve to dutifully prepare
Next year’s goal forecast
When I’m sure I just might care.

Cheri J. Crane
January 2008

The Light on the Hill

Hi all. Sorry I haven't posted for a while---the holidays were crazy. I'm sure you can relate. Among other fun things, most of our family was privileged to attend the Rexburg Temple open house. (Son # 3 is currently in Canada serving a mission) I thought I would share a couple of the pictures that were taken that night. The first one is a picture of our family standing near this beautiful building. The second is a picture I took a few minutes later when we drove around to the front of the temple. Below is a poem I wrote commemorating the occasion.

The Light on the Hill

A beacon of peace
In a troubled day
A light in the darkness
Revealing a way
To survive the turmoil
The strife of life’s fray
Offering hope
With its calming array.

This lighthouse is calling
Sounding alarm
Pointing the way
To steer clear of harm
Providing shelter
Safe and warm
Eternity beckons
When ships disarm.

Calming love
Abounds inside
Only felt
When stripped of pride
Soft answers serve
To inspire, guide
This light on the hill
Can turn life’s tide.

Cheri J. Crane
January 7, 2007

I've Been Tagged =)

Good heavens, stay out of cyberspace for a few days and see what happens. It would appear that I've been tagged by Candace Salima (See: http://www.candacesalima.blogspot.com/ scroll down to the blog that appeared on December 25, 2007)

Here are the rules as I understand them:

Rules of the Tagging Thingy:

1) Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

2) Share 7 facts about yourself.

3) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.

4) Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Alrighty then---I think I've adequately tackled rule number 1.

Here's rule number 2---Seven facts about Moi:

1. I am the oldest of four children. (This fact is helpfully pointed out at numerous family gatherings by my beloved siblings. See picture above for a look at the four of us during one of our "gigs.")

2. I once milked a herd of dairy goats. =) No, really. The greatest squirt fights of my life took place in a small barn where my brother and I made the milking chore fun by squirting each other repeatedly. (As I recall, my aim was deadly, much to my brother's dismay) My father---a pharmacist---had picked up on the fact that there was a tremendous need for goat's milk for babies who were allergic to formula. And since we lived on an acreage in the country at the time, and both of my parents thought it would be a way to keep my siblings and I occupied---we bought 6 dairy goats and began quite the adventure.

3. I caught a baseball during an all important 4th of July baseball game, effectively snagging the championship win for my team. I also broke the smallest finger of that hand since I happened to use the wrong hand to catch the ball (I caught it with my right hand instead of with the gloved left hand . . . story of my life but I digress) but I was so elated over actually catching that pop fly, I didn't notice I was wounded until after the cheering died down.

4. I play the guitar and piano by ear. At times this proves difficult since I'm only 5' 2". (A little musician humor) But seriously, I did indeed teach myself to play the guitar at the tender age of 12. I endured several years of piano lessons, but it took everyone a while to catch on that I would imitate the songs my teacher(s) played instead of playing the notes on the pretty paper. My piano teachers all threw their hands in the air, not realizing I was gifted, not mentally challenged. Again, story of my life. =) [See picture above to see my beloved guitar. I might mention that this was our first official paid gig. We had been asked to entertain at a Veteran's banquet. It was unfortunate that one of our numbers happened to be "Blowin' in the Wind." I had no idea it was an anti-war song until my father pointed it out to me later. Sigh . . .)

5. I graduated from BYU-Idaho back when it was known as Ricks College. I was an English major intent on becoming a high school teacher. My original goals were to teach English, French, and drama. Then I tried out for a silly musical entitled, "L'il Abner," and all plans changed. (See the blog written on by moi December 14th)

6. I am the proud mother of 3 sons, and one fantastic daughter-in-law. (Yes, Derek, you're back in good standing. ;) Just don't tell your father he isn't gorgeous.) [For that last statement to make sense, you'll have to click on the link to the best husband in the world competition available in the blog that appeared here on December 14th)

7. I am currently serving as the YW president of our ward. This keeps me humble, busy, worried, grey, did I mention worried?

Okay, there are 7 facts about myself. Now to tag seven random people. I think I'll start with my son Derek: http://0001-1001-1000-0100.blogspot.com/; my cousin, RaNae: http://rickandranaeroberts.blogspot.com/ ; Shellie of http://little-but-loud.blogspot.com/ (See, I reward people greatly for posting on my blog. ;) Actually, I'm desperate for seven blogsites to add here and one must admit, this was a random choice. Sorry Shellie. But in way of good news, I love your blogsite. Way cool. Be sure to check it out everyone. Let's see . . . only four to go . . . hmmm . . . Anne of http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/ (Sorry Anne . . . again, I'm desperate here.) Stephanie of http://www.sixldswriters.blogspot.com/ fame who is a really nice person and also a YW president, and Kerry, also of http://www.sixldswriters.blogspot.com/ who will probably never speak to me again for picking her . . . sigh . . . one more . . . Betsy of Alabama featured at this link: http://www.betsybrannongreen.net/ I know, this isn't a blogsite, but Betsy is a cool person and I tagged her randomly, so I think it should still count. =)

Bye for now,

Cheri

The Message

Yesterday I posted a light-hearted set of lyrics with regard to reindeer and Santa. Today I've decided to post something on the serious side. As the celebrated birth of our Savior draws near, we tend to reflect more on His life, and all that it means in our own.

Earlier this morning, as I continued working on a special gift for a relative, I came across a poem I had written several years ago. It was based on a dream I experienced one night. When I awoke, the images from that dream were fresh in my mind, and I tried to capture what had been impressed in the words of this poem.

It is my hope that this Christmas season, we'll hold the Savior close in our hearts, and share that eternal love with those around us.

Merry Christmas!

The Message

The scene—chaotic, the atmosphere tense,
Everyone seemed filled with fear and suspense.
The moment was coming, preparations began,
For the Honored Guest, the Son of man.

Tables were laid out, row upon row,
Tempers were short if someone was slow.
"Hurry, hurry—there’s no time to waste,
"He could come any minute! We must make great haste!"

And so it continued, voices clamoring loud,
Tension was building throughout the crowd.
"It must be perfect!" was the theme of the day
No allowances were made for those in the way.

The sky grew dark, still no sign of The Guest,
Confusion was great—hadn’t they put forth their best?
Fingers were pointed, blame was heaped high,
‘Til no one could hear The Voice from the sky.

It came as a whisper—felt deep inside,
A sweet burning sensation, barred only by pride.
I looked all around—surely they’d heard,
The soft words that beckoned, but it was absurd!

The angry faces seemed quite unaware
Of the Honored Presence hovering there.
He softly called, His voice a whispered plea,
"Come, my children, wilt thou follow me?"

He repeated it thrice, yet none turned their head,
His voice drew away—contention thriving instead.
"Couldn’t you hear Him?" I shrieked as I ran,
"He was here! The Son of Man!"

"You drove Him away with your anger and pride!"
They just shook their heads and pushed me aside.
"Leave us alone, get out of the way!
"We have much to do to prepare for this day!"

Trembling I woke—it was only a dream,
Was the message real? That remains to be seen.
But as we prepare for His second appearance,
Let our hearts rule actions of perseverance.
For the message of love He longs to impart,
Can only touch those with an open heart.

Cheri J. Crane
1993

Bishop Got Run Over By a Reindeer

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, I've decided to share the lyrics to a version of a popular Christmas tune. (At least it was a few years ago.) If I remember right, we were putting together a tribute for our outgoing bishopric. The people in charge of this event wanted to keep the program light and they asked me to come up with a humorous ditty to "honor" the outgoing bishop.

So, I borrowed the music from "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," and tada, instant classic. =)

Enjoy, and keep a smile in your heart as the final days of the countdown to Christmas unfold. By the way, Santa's helpers in the picture posted above are two of my sons, Devin (green elf hat) and Kris (red Santa hat).

Bishop Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Chorus: Bishop got run over by a reindeer

Comin' home from the church house Christmas Eve

You may say there's no such thing as Santa

But as for we ward members, we believe.

1st verse: There had been a priesthood meetin'

Uncle Jack was sharin' wit

Suddenly there was a phone call

Bishop hastened to answer it.

Seems there was a tiny crisis

His wife, Susie, was stressfully sick,

She'd caught her hand deep in the chimney

Tryin' to clean it for St. Nick.

2nd verse: Bishop laughed till he was cryin'

At his wife who was forlorn

There were ashes on her features

And some say her dress was torn.

The neighbors thought it was exciting,

As they gathered 'round to see

The situation on the roof-top

Belonging to McBishop and Susie.

3rd verse: Bishop pulled himself together

Grabbed a ladder and commenced

To save his bride from her dilemma

Before she grew indignant and incensed.

He tugged---he pulled---he hollered

But it was to no avail

He tried hard not to snicker

As his wife began to wail.

4th verse: It got late and we were worried

We began to fret and doubt

So we called the fire station

To come pull poor Susie out.

They brought their trucks and ladders

We were all so darned impressed

But the rescue was a failure

And poor Susie remained stressed.

5th verse: Bishop had a revelation,

He asked us all to pray

For a tiny Christmas miracle

Hoping this would save the day.

In the air there was a tinkling

The sound of bells from overhead

It was Santa and his reindeer,

Flyin' by in his nice sled.

6th verse: Santa blinked at the commotion

He flew down for a closer peek

And poor Rudolph in his excitement

Caught poor Bishop in the beak.

Santa snapped his magic fingers,

Susie grinned, her hand was free,

She blew a kiss to Santa

As bishop flew into a tree.

7th verse: This tale has a happy ending

The firemen proved their worth

They rescued Bishop from the pine tree

Despite the snickerings and mirth.

Cheri J. Crane
December 1992

One More Picture =)

I decided to post one more picture since we're wandering down memory lane this week. This one was taken the night of our wedding reception. And yes, Kennon is wearing the ever popular powder blue tux. (Don't make fun. These items were in style during the early 80's---left overs from the 70's disco era). I chose a hat over a veil because I used to collect hats. It was a fun hobby until I ran out of room. ;) Now they're mainly used as costume material for varied occasions like play productions, etc.

We were married on May 1, 1982----and celebrated our 25th anniversary this past year. Here's to 25 more.

Au Revoir for now,

Cheri

P.S. If you still haven't voted, click on this link: http://candacesalima.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-husband-finalist-kennon-crane.html