I Picture You Painting
I picture you painting
in new colors now
your brush hesitating
on blues and browns.
________________
I picture you drawing
your family closer
like a shawl for warmth
when the fire gets low.
_________________
I picture you always
with your smile
outstretched like
a lily at Easter, like
a bird in happy flight.
I wrote that in an email to Kim the other day.
Kim, better known in the blogging world as “Talon,” has been my faithful buddy since my very first weeks of this blog, over 3 years ago now.
She is truly a lily that cheers, and a sweet bird flitting about our hearts.
One of the very best people I know.
Kim’s mom recently died unexpectedly, and my thoughts are with her. I can’t imagine how she feels.
I miss her beautiful poetry / photography posts and uplifting comments.
Hopefully one day her heart will feel up to blogging again.
With love to Kim, now and always.
– Jannie
xoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxxoxoxo
Credits for the 3 paintings… Bottom, Middle, Top
On 20 October 2011 at 5:48 pm ayala said,
So sad about Kim’s mom. My prayers are with her. Thank you, Jannie.
On 20 October 2011 at 7:23 pm ed pilolla said,
a touching poem. she must be a special person to inspire those words.
On 20 October 2011 at 7:35 pm Pat Hatt said,
A really heartfelt piece, wonderfully done.
On 20 October 2011 at 7:48 pm Daisy said,
This is a lovely poem for your friend, Jannie. Sorry to hear about her mother’s death.
On 20 October 2011 at 8:17 pm Linda said,
I, too, miss her delightful posts and wonderful photographs. I miss seeing Stripey and the flowers and critters she captures so beautifully. She inspires me with both her words and her thoughtful comments. I hope her heart finds peace. A lovely poem for a lovely person.
On 20 October 2011 at 8:22 pm Lance said,
…sending love and comfort to Kim and her family…
And, Jannie, what touching words you have written here…
On 20 October 2011 at 8:30 pm Jannie said,
Thank you all very much for your words, support and kindness towards Kim. She is a really special lady.
xoxoxo
On 21 October 2011 at 9:04 am suzen said,
Hi Jannie! Beautiful post – my heart goes out to Kim even though I don’t “know” her. The paintings are awesome. I paint too, not as much as I used to, but these are inspiring me to pick up those brushes again.
Hugs
Susan
On 21 October 2011 at 11:54 am Lynn said,
I know dear Kim will love this lovely tribute to her. xo
On 21 October 2011 at 12:12 pm Aimee said,
What a nice post for a blogging pal. It really is its own little community. Thinking of Kim in her time of sorrow.
On 21 October 2011 at 1:17 pm Jannie said,
Thank you so much, Dear Ayala. You are always so kind and sweet. Sorry I’ve not been over lately, but you are in my heart as I spend more time on songwriting than blogging.
Ed — Kim was one of the first gals I lured back over here, and she has been a true, true wonderful friend. Just one of those people who gets in our heart forever.
Thank you Dear Pat Hatt. Kim is a fellow Canuck, you know. Yep, an Ontario poet and photographer.
Thank you Dear Daisy, I imagine you too know what it feels like to paint with new colors, with your dear mom gone recently too. God bless you too, my dear.
Yes, she does all that and more, Dear Linda. She has that magic touch for photos. Early on in my blogging career I wrote something in a postabout loving “Jos Louis” cakes we get in Canada. And she mailed me a pack of them!!!!! That’s just the kind of person she is.
Thank you dearest kind Lance. And I think I’ve seen Talon a time or two over on your blog? She’s a really good friend with Lynn. I hope you are wel today, Lance. But something tells me you are. Whatever your day brings, you make sure it unfolds with good things. Like Lynn! And Talon.
Suzen! Yes, I could just dive into those paintings and romp around for hours. A couple of them I actually cropped a bit to fit the way I like the proportions in my pix. I hope you DO paint again soon. And will show us the results of your inspiration!! Will you, please? Kim paints too.
Thanks, Dear Lynn, I hope she will. xoxo
Thanks Dear Aimee, I feel a real family here too. And YOU are a very important part of it for me. Your words are kind and appreciated.
xooxoxoxo
On 21 October 2011 at 7:07 pm G-Man said,
Just like a Blonde Maritimer…
With your title this was exactly 55 WORDS!!
But did you play or visit?
NOOOoooooooooooooooo…..
Talon is a Daisey, she certainly deserves a poem from you!!
It was beautiful….:P
On 22 October 2011 at 3:17 am Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. losing a parent unexpectedly is terrible and I feel for Kim/Talon – I love the paint colours .. great shades and mixes … That’s a lovely poem to send a friend at this time .. and a fantastic tribute to a wonderful blogger nursing a huge loss in her life. Gorgeous words – with many thoughts Hilary
On 22 October 2011 at 10:23 am Jannie said,
Hi Dear G-Man, I did think of making this a 55, then changed my mind. But guess what????? I’ll have a real barn-raiser for you NEXT week!! And I may even get the Yahtzee!!!!! You rock. Go Blue!! Go Michigan!! Go Harleys!!! Go Tim Hortons!! Go steak and potatoes!!!!
Dearest Hilary — another best person I know. Thanks for popping in. I am Sooooo happy with my music this week, thus I’ve not been hopping about the blogs very much this week. “Love Will Be The Answer” has come along great the past 2 days. So excted! Yes, and you know Talon, and can vouch for her being a very very special gal. She and Lynn were among my very first commenters.
Now… off to the bath, then take 2 kids to 2 carnivals, luckily with Kalyani, else I’d probably lose my mind.
xoxooxoxoxoxoxoxo
On 22 October 2011 at 12:01 pm secret agent woman said,
Oh, that’s sad.
But I like the poem and dream-like paintings.
On 22 October 2011 at 12:08 pm Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. the thought’s made me lose my mind! Way too much energy needed for that .. Hardwick, BB and I need to rest a lot now .. cheers for now. Enjoy the carnivals .. I’m sure the kids will and you and Kalyani will have fun watching .. Hilary
On 22 October 2011 at 7:23 pm Jannie said,
Thanks Dearest Secret Agent Woman, who are continuedly kind. Yes, I sooooo wish I had that first painting in my home. Maybe I could paint soemthing similar? Will never know until I try.
Hope there are not too many typos inthis. I’ve not go tmy glasses on…
Dearest hilary — well, both carnivals over and highly successful tho Kelly lost her costume at the lattter. But I’ll chekc lost and found next week. I am very happy relaxing here now whilst Kelly is at her openplay night at gymnastics from 6:30 to 11:00. She’ll sleep good tonight!!!. And Jim and I will have a lovely night at home alone. reminds me, I ought to pop a botttle of wine in the freezer. So I DID muster the energy!! A big day, but mostly behind us. I wonder how rife with typos this is. The keyboard is all fuzzy and I can barely see the monitor Luckily that 1 class of typoing in high school showed me wehre to put my fingers. Now typing with my eues cloesed!!!
xoxoxooxoxoxo
On 23 October 2011 at 2:40 am Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. I sure hope you and Jim are having the sleep of honey and nectar now .. sounds like a very busy time – well done and then Kelly had her gym play for 4 1/2 hours – she’ll be sleeping all today too … sleepie tight .. quite a few mizztakoes .. but we’ll 4giv dem toez .. bye bye .. Hilree
On 23 October 2011 at 7:13 am G said,
A wonderful tribute to Kim. She does bring that unique perspective to the blogging world that is very refreshing.
On 23 October 2011 at 1:10 pm Jannie said,
Darling Hils. Yep. Survived yesterday. Slept with honey and nectar. Woke, drank coffee. Enjoyed church. bacon frying. Then out again later for Kelly and Erika to play — which will be the 9th leg of the journey this weekend. Luckily I can have all tomorrow to tweak my 2 new tunes. And tonight I will relax. Spectacles on now.
Dearest G! Hi!!!!!! Yes, Kim is one of the most uplifting, wonderful peeps I’ve even known. Always has a good work to say. Always cheerful and cheering. Wondering if I’llever meet her one day? And you? Probably!! On my first World Tour.
xooxoxoxo
On 24 October 2011 at 8:29 am Dr. J said,
I heard someone I have met and respect talking recently on CNN about how facing a serious illness strengthened him and he believed it was an important thing in his life. I don’t know. There is so much sadness in the world. Sometimes it is just overwhelming as I try to make sense of it all. Perhaps poetry is a good way.
On 24 October 2011 at 1:37 pm Jannie said,
Hey, Dr. J! Poetry is good for anything that ails. And I think anything that brings joy too. And yes, I do think we find our strength much of the time via adversity, sometimes sadness can bring out more love in us, and make us cherish what is precious.
Thanks so much for popping by. I know I still have the rest of your post to read about the girl bleeding post-op on your guitar… looking forward to getting back over to you. I’m just about out of Songwriting Intensive Land now. Going into studio tonight, and expect to lay down the rough drafts for songs 11 and 12. The titles are “Love Will Be The Answer” and “Would It Be Okay.” Happy about that. See you later!!!!!!
xoxooxoxoxoo
On 24 October 2011 at 1:51 pm Kim said,
It’s so hard to lose a parent! Poor Kim – I’ll keep her in my thoughts.
I love the pictures in this post.
On 24 October 2011 at 6:42 pm Jannie Funster said,
Thanks Kim, to another Kim.
I was looking at these 3 pix again, posted in the order I like them. Somehow the 3rd reminds me of Florida.
Hope you are well and enjoying your two young cuties.
xooxo
On 24 October 2011 at 6:56 pm brian said,
kim is a very special person…i always enjoyed my visits to her place…and hers to mine…and emails passed…she is cool.
really nice painting to jannie….
On 24 October 2011 at 8:19 pm Manicddaily said,
Sounds like you are lucky to have Kim for a friend and that she is lucky to have you. Very lovely. K.
On 24 October 2011 at 8:20 pm Manicddaily said,
Jannie, my comment wasn’t taking or duplicating. Just wanting to say that it’s a lovely poem. Sounds like you are both very lucky friends. K.
On 24 October 2011 at 8:44 pm Alice Audrey said,
Poor Talon!
On 25 October 2011 at 6:51 am sheila said,
Oh how sad for Kim. My best to her and her family. The blues and browns paintings are incredible. Love these!
On 25 October 2011 at 7:15 am Ravenblack said,
A wonderful poem for a good friend. I hope your friend is comforted when she reads your poem.
Thanks for sharing those interesting paintings too.
On 25 October 2011 at 8:24 am leslie said,
this made me cry. you painted a really beautiful picture with your words (and i love every one of the paintings you chose to illustrate it with.) you have a heart of compassion, and i’m sure your friend is warmed by this gift of empathy and love during her time of sorrows.
On 25 October 2011 at 9:10 am Jannie said,
Hey Bri, yes she really is a special special person, as you well know — one of the One Shot originals! Really a cool person, as you say. And fun too. And talented!
ManicDaily, my dear. Sorry about my comments box rejecting you — but only temporarily, thank the heavens! Glad you made it through. I am very lucky yes to know her. I lured her over here very early, like within the first couple months of starting this blog, and she’s come over most faithfully since. I really like her a LOT!!
Yes, Dear Alice Audrey, it’s very sad. That Kim’s mom passed so unexpectedly has made me appreciate my own mom so much more. In fact, for the past couple weeks instead of calling her once a week, I call about every day. And why not?!!
Hey, Dear Sheila!!!! Been thinking of you and how I’d like to order some more of your Amazing Soaps. Yeah, those paintings are amazing. I’d like to try to paaint something in the first one. And the second — I have no idea how the artist got that effect!
Hi Dear RavenBlack. Thank you. She was very effusive in her emails that the poem, and this post touched her very deeply. She’s SUCH a nice lady. Thank YOU for all your kind and appreciated words.
Dearest Leslie. Hi again!! Ahh, it makes me cry to hear you cried. So glad my words touched you. I’m not even sure — but I hope to — if I’ll ever meet Kim, but I consider her one of my best friends. And I bet you will become so too, if we blog long enough to get to know each other well enough.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
On 25 October 2011 at 1:48 pm Dr. J said,
I’m so glad you liked Poppy Seed! I’ve been singing it for days now
You’re the best!
On 25 October 2011 at 2:00 pm Patricia of Patricias Wisdom said,
I have just been thinking about KIM so much these days and sending her cards in the mail…loss of mother, especially when it is a surprise event, it just so difficult
I am sure she will be back with her exquisite words and art
Lovely post Jannie, Thank you
On 25 October 2011 at 2:20 pm Jannie said,
Ahhhhhhh, thanks Dr. J. Yes, I have listened to it twice now. I want to give Jane a big hug. She seems so awesome!!!!!! YOU are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for popping back in.
Ahhh, Dearest Patricia. Ahhhh, she must LOVE your cards. I sent her one on a dragonfly notelet, and she was so pleased as her mom loved dragonflies, and even had a brooch of one. Well, she is a born writer, photographer and artist, so hopefully she will once again be ready to share. As I’ve shared above, I’ve been calling Mom almost every day for the past few weeks, instead of my usual once a week. A living, healthy, wonderful mother is a true, true, true gift indeed!! I am glad you liked this post, my dear dear.
xoxooxxooxoxoxoxxoxo
On 27 October 2011 at 1:28 am SnaggleTooth said,
I really miss her blog presence too! Amazingly talented in poetry, story-telling, n photography, as well as so kind, helpful, n enlightening in her comments on other blogs- No one else can replace her! Browns n blues so appropriate!
Looks like water color with an ontop application of liquid for effect…
On 27 October 2011 at 9:57 am Jannie said,
Snag. I know!! I miss her presence too. She is a one-off very very special unique friend, as you know. You, me and Lynn have known her about the longest in the blogosphere. Irreplaceable, is correct. I realize now how much I took her beautiful visits and posts for granted.
xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
On 27 October 2011 at 10:07 pm Margaret said,
I picture you drawing
your family closer
like a shawl for warmth
when the fire gets low.
You OUTDID yourself here. A lovely post for a lovely friend.
On 27 October 2011 at 10:28 pm Jannie said,
Ahhhh, thanks Margaret. Talon has 2 sons, a daughter, and a wonderful hubby. It must be a bewildering time for them. I think it just rose up from my heart, that stanza. She sure is special — like YOU!
xoxoxoxo
On 27 October 2011 at 10:32 pm Margaret said,
Jannie – you know how to warm a person through and through!
I picture you at a southern “ball” with all the young men swarming around you and your sweet talkin’ ways (and only because you are the real deal, purely genuine sweetness 
goodnight. (and the 2nd glass of wine was very relaxing! )
On 29 October 2011 at 3:54 pm Jannie said,
Why, dear darlin’ Margaret! You warm my heart even further.
Oh yes, so many many young ball courters do I have to fend off. Why, it’s so tirin’!! But I perservere for my poetic art
xooxoxo