Went for a cruise on the maiden ship Titanic,

A wonderful ship everyone said would be epic

I was not scared because it was unsinkable

To be in fear would for me be unthinkable

Wanted to sail far away to another land

Where my life, I think could be quite grand

Unpacking my suitcase in a luxurious liner

This is the one yacht that could not be finer.  

Passengers enjoyed dinner, dancing, and other entertainments.

All the days of the trip they would enjoy the embellishments

I heard that people like Astor, Guggenheim Straus, Thayer and Gordon

Would be on this ship including Stead, Fulrelle, Gibson and Morgan

On April 14, 1912 I was that evening returning to my room

Walking down the corridor I heard a deafening boom

Went to find an RMS crew member

When I was told on deck to assemble

He handed me a life jacket just in case

And to get in the lifeboat because there was space

Passengers were lowered down by the crew

The first little boat had just a few

A man started quickly paddling our tiny boat

Once far away he stopped and we would just float

Everyone watched as we heard screaming, crying and yelling

Amongst the chaos we heard music and saw the flares flying

  In the early hours of April 15, the ship’s lights flickered out and then went straight up vertical

We all heard the moans of the iron and watched it break in half and it sank uncontrollable

From quite a distance I saw an ocean of people

Out in the middle of the sea, no one felt hopeful

Soon there was no sound

As we all looked around

Shivering crying and wondering

If we are going to live or die pondering

published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy
To many this has always been an unsolved Mystery

JFK was shot in Dallas, Texas on the 22 of November
We are still mourning him, and will always remember

Abraham Zapruder had no idea what he'd be filming
Would be under scrutiny by the public for viewing

Some said the shots came from the grassy knoll
Where they came from no one will ever know

Jackie Kennedy in terrible shock, crawled out onto the limousine
She could not recall doing this, when the Secret Service Intervened

Walter Cronkite reported this shocking news to us in tears
And in all his years of work, he will forever be revered

Jackie in her blood stained suit stood beside Lyndon B. Johnson
When he took the oath of office to be next president of our nation

Oswald told the world that he was a patsy
Jack Ruby shooting him on TV was ghastly

Life Magazine chronicled the events
Filling each page with all JFK contents

To this day there still are reenactments and movies
And everyone like me still feels this is newsworthy

Published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper Nov. 2024

Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved

One of the last big hurrahs before school starts and the summer ends.
Having to say goodbye (or trade) to one season for the next

Vacations in the U.S. started becoming popular when the trains were invented and people thought
they could travel faster by train.

Vacations aren't what they used to be; they have become an industry
Planning vacations is quite the chore these days
lots of decisions to, where do you want to go
North, south, East or west.

Stay in the country or fly overseas?

Do you want to take a plane, train, bus or car?

where do you want to stay in a B & B, cottage
hotel, motel or in a tent out in the woods.

What kinds of foods do you want to eat, is it a working vacation, educational vacation, skiing, hiking, exercising?
Do you own a time share, or a vacation home in another state?

Do you want to see sights on your own or follow an itinerary?

Making plans for a vacation today is quite tiring. Too much to think about, it's like writing a dissertation.

Used to be, you made a decision to go by car someplace, and you just called many months ahead for reservations, and usually stayed at a Holiday Inn.

Or just hop in the car and ride on route 66, where you got your kicks, driving slowly and really seeing the countryside along the way.

My grandma would celebrate, but only on Friday nights, when every member of the family sat at the table and drank an ice-cold coke. She called that a celebration and referred to it as a "WINGDING" Life was much simpler back then, and many times I wish I could go back to that more precious time.

Me, I choose to staycation, and look at things online, check out books and watch movies. It seems safer and less tiring to me. There is always something to do in your own city, like Crawfordsville, Indiana. Crawfordsville, Indiana (has a lot to offer) offers many fun things to do, wonderful places to eat with savory foods, and cute, locally owned places to shop for that perfect gift or souvenir, museums and lots of history.

You should enjoy your own back yard.  But I have always been the one to choose the route less traveled. I like staying home. There is no place like home. I think vacations are overrated, and you come back more tired and more stressed out than before you left.

Copyright 2024
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published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

An awesome place at which you will want to stop
The town has many charming little posh shoppes

Come tour the town and the family-owned businesses
You will be quite glad that you drove the short distance

You will enjoy Greeks Pizzeria, and Brothers
Great places to dine where everyone gathers

They have Toney’s, Craw-Con and Just Because,
Bearded Comics, El Charro, & Prime to applause

There is never a dull moment in the alluring C’town
Everyday there is fun and something new to be found

Many events to choose, several times a year
Will continuously make you want to cheer

We’d love for you and family to come tour, visit and buy
Please come early, stay and play all day, now don't be shy!

Copyright 2024
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Published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Remembering the days of old, when father raked the leaves of

Golden, yellow, brown and orange

Jumping into the huge crisp pile, I tossed them all about

As my father raked them on top of me

I would creep out from under the pile laughing.

With leaves hanging on my hair and clothing

What a wonderful season. What a wonderful reason

Just to play in the leaves.

Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper
and book three of the IVY TECH Bloomington, Indiana literary magazine

July is often one of the warmest months, characterized by parades, fireworks, camping, family gatherings, and picnics.

Milligan Park in Crawfordsville, Indiana is a top choice for celebrations, offering a range of delightful amenities such as playgrounds, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, disc golf course, splash zone and much more!

A common saying related to the 4th of July in the musical Oklahoma is that "by the 4th of July, the corn should be as high as an elephant's eye." This adage signifies the farmers' benchmark for crop success at this point in the season.

'As we near the year's halfway mark,' it's worth noting that some individuals also partake in 'Christmas in July' festivities. This period is an excellent opportunity to shop and support family-owned businesses and find unique items in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

The concept of 'Christmas in July' can be traced back to North Carolina. The Real Story Behind Christmas In July Started In North Carolina (southernliving.com)


2024 copyright
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published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

For all your Christmas desires and necessities, Crawfordsville, Indiana boasts a variety of wonderful locally-owned businesses brimming with attractive merchandise.
Don't forget to support your local businesses this Christmas.

Christmas

I love all the preparation

For December celebration

The office and school parties

Gifts for those you can’t deny

Sending cards and buying wrapping paper

It’s all just to prevent jealousy and anger

Now to the family you'll agree it’s time

To pick up that tree and make it chime

With lights shining on branches and colorful wrapped packages under the tree

Don’t forget the Nativity scene and color wheel don’t you feel a bit of glee?

Great care is taken to wrap presents and decorate

All for the day when the relatives and family aggravate

Soon another year will be out of the way

And then the Christmas bills come to stay

Copyright 2024
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published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Oh, the month of love
When everyone sees red
and many love to see the
delicious chocolates in a
golden heart or velvet red box

Roses for your loved ones are blooming
everywhere and smell quite fragrant

Eating heart shaped sugar cookies
topped with lots of delicious icing.

Kids making valentines boxes to
receive valentines from their in

The traditional grade school party
at the end of the day is always
sure to please!

Shopping for the best Valentines
gifts and flowers are always found at
Crawfordsville, Indiana family-owned
shops that are sure to please everyone!

Copyright 2024
all rights reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Happy Valentines Day!

As summer comes to an end, we transition from light clothing to cozier, warmer wear. Labor Day presents the last chance to enjoy the mild warmth of summer's breeze. It's also a perfect occasion to visit Milligan Park for a day packed with entertainment.

Additionally, it's an excellent time to support local family-run stores in Crawfordsville, Indiana, by shopping for beautiful new additions to your autumn wardrobe.

Copyright 2024
all rights reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

As summer comes to an end, we transition from light clothing to cozier, warmer wear. Labor Day presents the last chance to enjoy the mild warmth of summer's breeze. It's also a perfect occasion to visit Milligan Park for a day packed with entertainment.

Additionally, it's an excellent time to support local family-run stores in Crawfordsville, Indiana, by shopping for beautiful new additions to your autumn wardrobe.

Copyright 2024
all rights reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

As summer comes to an end, we transition from light clothing to cozier, warmer wear. Labor Day presents the last chance to enjoy the mild warmth of summer's breeze. It's also a perfect occasion to visit Milligan Park for a day packed with entertainment.

Additionally, it's an excellent time to support local family-run stores in Crawfordsville, Indiana, by shopping for beautiful new additions to your autumn wardrobe.

Copyright 2024
all rights reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

June the popular month for weddings and other celebrations

It’s also the time for the Crawfordsville 50th Annual Strawberry Festival


Three days of fun, food, and entertainment

Which I’m quite sure will be an enchantment


With many delicious foods, and brilliant arts and crafts

Something for everyone to appreciate, it will be a blast


Antique Car and tractor shows to enjoy, for both the young and old

kids’ games and lots of live acts performing, will be a site to behold


Don’t miss these upcoming exciting days of summer celebration

It would be a shame to miss these wonderful days of jubilation


                                Friday June 14, 15, 16.


Copyright 2024
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published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Two happy little squirrel's playing near the curb
Driving by in my car I didn't want to disturb

They acted as if they wanted to cross
I slowed down and took a quick pause

First one crossed, and then another
And were happily once again together

Hope many others will want do the very same
Not watching out for animals would be a shame


Copyright 2022
All rights reserved
PUBLISHED IN 2024
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Time to cast off your bulky gear
of winter to prepare
for the timely arrival of Spring.

Nature is waking up
from its slumber
then soon the full Pink Moon
will illuminate.

Many like to clean away
the old fads of the year before,
readying to bring in the new.

The clocks have been set forward
and the lovely days
will eventually get longer.

Flowers and trees will quickly bloom
from the warm sun
along with cool and breezy showers.

Time for the kiddos
to splash around in puddles
in their rain coats and rain boots.

It’s also the time of year to shop
at the wonderful family-owned shoppes
at Crawfordsville.

For your best dressed looks,
and many beautiful fresh flowers
for the current season!

Published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper
Copyright
all rights reserved 2025

May, It’s quite an eventful thrilling time
For many it’s planning for the prom,
Choosing fashionable attire, and getting that new hair style
Receiving your graduation gown, class rings, and signing year books
Exchanging pictures and addresses of your college.
Clearing out your locker, some for the very last time
As you look back with pride and forward with ambition
It’s the end of an era, and start of a new journey
Congratulations to all the 2024 graduates!

copyright 2024, all rights reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Hanging out at the fishin’ pond I’d catch either blue gill or bass
Nearby was a huge field of bluebell flowers & Kentucky blue grass

In time for the 3 pm train I can hear in the distance the blaring whistle
Warning as it comes down the track, steaming past the purple thistle

Riding slowly by the conductors knew I’d be fishing, I’d hold up my fish, they’d open the window

And they’d say that’s a very nice fish Lynne, Can you catch one for me too, kiddo?

They knew me by name because they sometimes stop their train get off and say hello and come visit my grandparents on the farm.

They’d usually pause, get a plate of grandmas shuckie beans and cornbread, cobbler for a meal, after all quick break, was really no harm.

It was a great time for all of us when they would arrive on occasion
For the railroad men to stop by, it was for them, a little gratification

published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper 2024
all rights reserved.
Copyright

The Parades, the picnics, the family reunions and the fireworks
Celebration of the freedoms of our great country on all the networks

Time to shop at the family-owned businesses where you will find
Everything you need for every celebration, so you won’t fall behind

I love the flag of our stars and stripes of red, white and blue
I love being patriotic it’s the wonderful American thing to do

This is also a time when Americas’ newest citizens
Will take the oath of allegiance of their affections.

Copyright 2024
All rights reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

Sitting on my grandparent's porch in a swing, I see the pretty blue sky and the puffy clouds are mixing with gray, making it slate blue, and I begin to see the trees slowly sway

I hear the pounding of thunder, sounds like it's echoing through a steel tube and then I see a streak of blue lightening flash across the sky.

The rain starts coming down in buckets and hits the Tin roof making it sound like marbles are being tossed all about, and overflowing the gut are making deep puddles in the mud.

Copyright 2024
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published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper

August

The fair, a place for the community to come together at

harvest time and show off their best work

Everyone wants a chance to win those blue ribbons

A time to start preparing county fair entries

Baking the pies, cookies, breads and cakes

Sewing the dresses, blouses, pants and skirts,

Creating science projects and science experiments

Packing up the Rabbits, horses, pigs, and the other live stock

Showing off your farm equipment and entering baby  contests.

Walking through the buildings to see the local business

And the last night to enjoy the fair you could pay

A few bucks and ride every ride to your hearts content.

Copyright 2024
all rights reserved
published in the Crawfordsville, Indiana newspaper