In the deep mid-winter | 3 Haikus
by Elouise
buzzing ears open
for business this frigid day
listening to nothing
wind howls
through cracked walls
a baby cries
travelers
missing in action
full stop
Real Winter. We haven’t had it here in Eastern Pennsylvania for several years. Now it seems to be making up for lost time.
This morning I set things up to make a big pot of spiced red lentil soup. I also used my SAD ‘happy light’ to help with my mood. Best of all, I decided not to race out early this morning (with D driving) for a blood draw before 9am.
Not a bad beginning to what promises to be a gusty, sun-shiny day, with the temperature plummeting tonight. Not many birds were out for their early morning suet feast.
Beginning this week, I’ll see three of my doctors, one a week, to find out what my blood tests, MRI, and other tests to my feet and legs are adding up to.
In the meantime, I’m finding out when my feet don’t hurt. It’s all about music! Playing the piano instantly takes my mind off the pain. So does walking in the house or working in the kitchen with my new headphones, listening to direct-feed music, babbling brooks and birds, or anything else remotely musical. Thanks to our daughter and her husband for the birthday headphones.
Best of all, I have no pain when I’m sitting at my computer writing poetry or posts for you.
Until next time, I’m still
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 10 January 2022
Photo found at houstonchronicle.com
Telling the Truth 
Always good to hear, pain being siphoned away by the bliss of music, earth sounds, and your always beautiful poetry. ❤️
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Thank you, dear Kim! I’m smiling as I write this–I just found your comment in my spam folder! Smiling probably isn’t the best thing to do, but it did make me smile–and grateful I could yet again rescue one of your comments from a horrible ending! As for the connection between pain and music, I’m dumbfounded at how much difference it makes. And grateful. 🙂
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Any healing is a beautiful thing. So glad you found me. I’m finding with my posts on WP, it’s a strange new world🙀hugs and 💗 love.
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Oh…I didn’t know you were back at it! I just took a look to see what you’re doing on WP. You’re right about the strange new world. Yikes! And hugs galore. 🙂
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Hey friend, trying my darnedest to try to post regularly in between writing the latest, work, and my life studies…it does feel good and familiar to the soul💗
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Dear Elouise,
I loved hearing about the spicy red lentil stew! I have a bountiful supply of red and green lentils (from Helga) and need to do something with them. I have one recipe I like, but would love to have another (hint, hint)!
I also was very happy to hear about the musical means of grace concerning your feet – how wonderful that music should be not only a consolation, but an encouragement to you!
When I had both feet with fractured long bones, the only time they were pain free was in my figure skates, which cradled and held them firmly in place. I could stroke around the ice with joy, and I learned how to jump at just the right moment, because when I lifted up with my left foot, I hit the sore place and yow-wee, did I jump! Ever since the surgery, that place has been numb, so I get the same benefit of knowing when to jump (or spin), without the pain…life is weirdly beneficial at times…
My hope is that whatever the test results, you will receive release from the pain, and peace in bodily form.
With hope, gratitude, and chilly fingers!
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Hi, Debbie!
Yes! I’ll send you a copy of this recipe. I can smell it cooking away right now–the longer it cooks, the better it tastes. I don’t think it would work with green lentils, though. I’ll send it along via email.
I’m stunned by your comments about ice-skating. There’s so much I/we don’t know about pain and how our bodies find ways to relieve at least some of it, some of the time.
I miss being at church in person. Actually, I miss seeing my friends, even at a distance. And I’m beyond grateful for online services available 24/7!
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It’s that kind of cold, sunny, snow covered day here in northern Mn. I am staying in as my family fear me falling on the slick outside. It is nice to sip some warm tea and enjoy the outside from the inside.
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What a comforting way to spend a cold/sunny/snowy day! Good for your family for watching out for you. Warm tea is the best, along with a good window. Blessings of warmth and rest, Betty. 🙂
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Our weather is a mix these days. two days ago it was close to 40C (100F) and tomorrow it is expected to be 20C (68F).
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Hi, John. This sounds like a roller-coaster. Today we’re having the coldest day in several years. It’s sunny and dry, so the ice and remaining light snow are slowly disappearing. I pray all is well with you and your family in this strange New Year.
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I finally worked out how to sort out my settings and sorted them, so I can leave comments and feedback! Woohoo!!
Thanks for this post. (It’s not like ‘real’ winter here, though it is, of course… I’ve had the heating off all day, and it looks like the rest of the week will be positively balmy. Is this a new record?)
Bless you!
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Hi, Fran! Thanks for the great news about your website. I wish I could say we had a balmy day over here. Actually, it did warm up significantly, but that was just a teaser for the next roller coaster. I think about you often–especially when I’m feeling down about my health. Your Happiness Counts book is phenomenal–short, to the point memos from a woman who knows whereof she speaks! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Elouise! 😀 Yes, I could do with some extra happiness here, so my wordpress re-connectivity is a real boost. Seeing posts from all my friends from whom I haven’t heard a peep in ages! Happiness Matters, indeed.
Bless you.
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🥰🎶🙏🏻💜💕
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