I Am Grateful-November 18, 2012

When I hear music,

I am grateful for Handel’s Messiah.

When I hear children laughing,

I am grateful for Sesame Street.

When I am hungry,

I am grateful for Sprouts Market.

When I am tired,

I am grateful for clean sheets.

When I am sorrowful,

I am grateful for 2 Nephi 8:11.

When I am happy,

I am grateful for my children.

When I am filled with the spirit,

I am grateful for Jesus Christ.

What are you grateful for?

It's write a novel month and I'm 16,000 words into my next novel. It's a middle grade adventure Science Fiction about a boy (Darwin) and the Alien that shows up in his kitchen.  The alien has a special power--but you'd never guess what it is...If you'd like to try to figure it out--here are some hints.

It's something we all do--

Usually several hours after we eat.

It's embarrassing for most of us--

but perfectly natural.

It's untapped energy--

and sometimes, well, usually, smells bad!

What special power does this Alien have that will change Darwin's world?  Post your guesses!

Feelings.....

I hope I don't depress anyone with these few poems I threw on the page. A mother's love is eternal and strong, but sometimes not understood by those she loves most. It is through a child's own growth and child bearing that they learn the true depth of parental love--I hope.

Unsettled--

My head and heart are unsettled

like a newborn infant lying in the ICU

wanting the warmth of human skin

and wishing for love unfettered by regretted words.

I long for your eyes telling me you love me

though I am imperfect,

frazzled

and demanding,

I have hope

one day we will

be one again.

Truth 

I said what I felt and it was rejected

like poison in the stomach,

thrown up and despised

like excrement.

But it was my truth

and to me

it was like a fire

in the midst of a snow storm

lighting a path

to home.

 Stars 

My feelings stay unfelt

like stars dying at the edge of the universe,

lost and forgotten,

until,

 burning their way

to the ground

they are extinguished.

Poetry of Affirmation

Despite life's imminent and boundless trials and challenges, we can hold true to our beliefs and inner feelings. It is through honoring these feelings that we become self-empowered. I think that's why I write--it just feels good and makes me feel better about myself. Here's my poem to my mom....

Your courage stands solidly

on a lifelong built foundation

that withstands all weather.

Though rain storms of opposition,

floods of emotional turmoil,

and hurricanes of frustration

rage incessantly,

you face them

with dignity and peaceful resolve.

Share your poem with me...

Sandra

Committment

I have lately thought much on the word commitment and what it implies. With a little bit of life experience behind me I see how my early commitments to my faith, family and pursuit of enriching my talents is beginning to pay off. I treasure my experiences in learning, especially writing and composing music. It is through the dedicated practice of my art that I have begun to experience more joy in my creating. This joy also inspires me to keep learning and developing my skills. I just recently finished my second book and I take great pride in the fact that I did finish them. Of course I'm doing the editing, synopsis compilation and working on query letters. It does seem that the process never ends. But isn't that true with most things in life that are of great worth?  They are processes, not destinations. I've always used the analogy of a train track to explain to my own children that we are on a track, a path, in life. We may get off at various stations and stay there for a while, like high school, or missions, or college or child raising, but our final destination is not determined yet. It's not until we get all the way down the track that we will see where we will end up. And so I advise them to choose their "stops" along the way very carefully. It's true of all of our life pursuits that if our destination is eternal glory, then the 'stops' along the way will guide us and strengthen us in our journey. For me, the pursuit of refining my creative and artistic abilities comes with many choices. I feel so grateful to be able to use my talents to promote things that are good and worthy.
I have begun posting my Character Counts songs on my website, www.sandrahendrickson.com and teaching them to the students at school. My novels will always be about overcoming adversity and triumphing through virtuous acts, and so will my music. I know my destination and right now I'm enjoying the creative 'stop' I'm at right now....but alas, I also need to sleep. Good night.
Sandra

Writing and Editing

Now that I have finished 2 books, I am in the process of editing. I also learned that many publishers require a synopsis of the book. That is the reason for my silence the last two months. I humbly apologize! The good news is that I can now say I have written a book!  

The journey has been alot like my new athletic endeavor...swimming. I began a masters class this summer having not swam much since I was 14 years old.  The learning curve, as in the writing process, has been uphill, or should I say, deep!   

Swimming is like writing. I have to get away from everything else in order to do it, I have to practice several times a week, it takes persistence and patience, and lastly, it is extremely rewarding. 

I am a big believer in the concept that exercising the body also invigorates the mind. That's probably why I employ movement activities in my classes at school. The mind and body connection is a powerful learning tool. 

So, I will be busy swimming and writing over the next few weeks...what are your plans?

TRIBULATION and GRATITUDE

I'm working on a new album of songs that express my feelings about life. I was rewriting a song that I had begun in 2003 about tribulations and how the road is sometimes difficult, but if we keep believing we can get through it. I wrote at the top of the page, "9 years of tribulation" 2003-2012. One of the methods I have found useful to use when I'm discouraged is to say "Thank you Dear Lord, for ......" A random thought entered my head and all of the sudden I burst out laughing (even though I am alone in the house :)) as I said; "Thank you Dear Lord for only 9 years and not 40 like the Israelites!"  It put some perspective on my life. There's been so many good things, great things, amazing things that our family has worked through and blessings we've received. I am grateful for it all, for the love that has grown out of our tough times. An Attitude of Gratitude really works. Now back to writing!

Post Triathlon

On May 5th I conquered the Bike and Run legs of a sprint triathlon. My dear friend, Cindy, completed the swim. We finished in exactly 2 hours. Although that may seem like a long time for you-it was pretty fast for me. The heat really got to me during the run and I thought I was going to be a lot slower than two years ago-but I actually improved by 4 mins. in both legs. It took me a while to recover, but after all was totally worth it. I began training for the swim section three weeks ago. I have set a goal to complete the whole thing by myself. That last sentence kind of sounds like a three year old "by myself". I guess that's why I love doing this stuff. It makes me feel young, put's a bounce in my step, reminds me of my mortality and keeps me humble. Off to swim!

SUMMER THOUGHTS

Peace comes through the quiet obedience to Gods commandments. We can only experience true joy when we live by the spirit. It is not through our accomplishments or acquisitions that we are satisfied, it is through our commitment to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our example is our testimony of our happiness and peace.

Peace

A whispered prompting

On bended knees

Followed through

With loving hands

A sincere heart,

Smiles

Tears

Hugs-

Blesses

And uplifts

The weary, worn and lost

With Gods love.

ANWA Founder & Friends: How To Outline Your Novel Part 4

ANWA Founder & Friends: How To Outline Your Novel Part 4

Oh How Time Flies

too busy to write
too tired each night
but hope is in sight
if i hold on real tight
i might get life right

i know this is trite
but schools out in four nights
after triathlon I was outta sight
I'm saying goodnight


work in progress
feel free to fix it
sandra

Last Day Blues

Id love to post the poem I wrote today,
but time has really slipped away.
i have the poem here on my pad
but i can't paste it in-yes, I'm mad.
I'm going to bed before i cry
tomorrow I'll give it
another try.

thanks to all who read my thoughts. . .
who knows what May will bring?
Sandra

A Poem from my mom. . .

My poem "for the day" for you. 
 
You were there for me
your understanding
and kindness
touched my heart
　
Love, mom

Request for a "Cat" poem. . .

MY SISTER LOVED CATS

my sister loved cats

at first

I didn’t understand

why she cried

when her cat

became ill

or did not return home

at night

I didn’t understand

how

she could love

an animal so much

but now

I think I understand

now

that she is gone

and I ache from

head to toe

I know

why

love hurts

Her birthday is this week...

dedicated to Barbara Ann Johnstone Royer

5-3-1962 to 1-30-2012

April 27 "Ladybug" (a day late :()

LADYBUG

Verse 1

Little round beetle with black dots on red,

You eat the aphids in my flower bed.

Little round beetle so cute and so small,

You’re just a ladybug after all.

Ladybug, I want you to know,

Ladybug, I love you so!

Verse 2

Little round beetle keep your eggs safe,

And they’ll turn white in just five short days.

Little round beetle changing within,

You’re just a ladybug with new skin.

Ladybug, I want you to know,

I never ever want you to go!

I love your spots and the way that they glow.

Ladybug I love you so!

Little round beetle with black dots on red,

You eat the aphids in my flower bed.

Little red beetle so cute and so small

You’re just a ladybug after all.

You’re just a ladybug after all.

Rhymes That Teach Something We Need to Remember

Earlier this year at the Elementary School where I work, I helped put together an Arizona Day Celebration. It included an assembly with music program by the Third Graders, an ensemble of guitars, cellos, violas, bass and percussion with piano and a guest speaker. We also organized a whole day of activities for the students that centered on the Five C's-Citrus, Cattle, Cotton, Copper, Climate-whereby the state of Arizona is known best for. It worked well as all students could remember it and now know the 5 C's!!!

Citrus, Cattle, Climate, Cotton, Copper,
These are the five C's that represent our state.
Citrus, Cattle, Climate, Cotton, Copper,
These are the five C's that make our state great!

If you've ever tried to diet, (and who hasn't?) Then you know that the Five C's in dieting are:

Candy, Cola, Cookies, Cake, ChipsThese are the five C's we lick on our lips.Candy, Cola, Cookies, Cake, ChipsThese are the five C's that stick to our hips.

Feel free to add some more lines, or change mine....have some fun with this one!

Love-April 26

love is a strange beast

unconscious

unfettered

and uncluttered

when newly

sealed

then

after even just hours

bad breath

dirty laundry

unshaven roughness

wakens the heart

to reality;

love takes hard work

WHAT BUNKO MEANS TO ME...

Bunko isn’t really my game,

in fact, I think it’s rather lame.

You can’t win by smarts, you can’t win by speed,

It’s rolling the dice that let’s you succeed.

So what is the point of playing you ask?

It’s to laugh, be with friends, and avoid nasty tasks.

No, no to simply play is not a shame

 No, no, you just play for the fun of the game.

Dedicated to the fine staff at SPE!

April 24, THE DAY OF A TEACHER

Well, I hope no one minds me setting it straight in this poem-but it's that time of year, and I just needed to reflect on my feelings.  This poem of course is just my thoughts for the day and needs reworking..but you get the idea.

THE DAY OF A TEACHER... 

I gave myself a present today

wrapping up all the things

I didn’t say,

didn’t do,

didn’t think about,

like

the scowls I wanted to make when I was mad,

or the words I wanted to say, when I was displeased,

or the hand motions I wanted to make when I wanted everyone to go away!

No,

I retained control,

complemented instead of criticizing,
smiled instead of frowning.

I created a centered place

where I kept those things

hidden.

I wonder which side of me God will judge?

Will he consider how I showed strength of character?

Or patient persistence?

Or maintained my composure when it was least expected?

He was the greatest teacher of all,

perfect

as I am not.

So, I put these things away

knowing I did my best

I gave my all,

knowing that I too

will receive His gift

and willingly give him mine.

"The Rock" Continued.....April 23

You'll need to read yesterday's blog to get what's going on here....

Your birthday is special for mom and me too.

It’s so very special because we love you.

Then Sam asked his dad if they’d see any rocks.

And Sam’s dad said, yes, why there’ll be quite a lot.

Then Sam’s eyes grew big and he shouted “Hooray!”

I want to collect some cool rocks on the way.

“If the rock’s are too big, if the rock’s are too small,

Remember that you’ll have to carry them all.”

Then Sam grabbed his backpack and said I’m with you,

 And I’ll do whatever you want me to do.

The dad said okay, son, are we set to go?

The son said, Okay dad, I hope you walk slow.

I’m still just a kid and I might have to stop.

But I’ll follow you dad all the way to the top.

Tune in tomorrow for some more anapestic tetrameter rhyming!

April 22-Experiment with Anapestic Tetrameter

So, I worked on this poem a long time ago-2009 and I've gone back to it several times. Today I did some major editing. I'll be posting my work here. I'd love to get some feedback on it, or even some new lines for those of you who dare!

"The Rock"

Oh today Sam woke early, so early it seemed,

The sky was still lit up with glowing moon beams.

He stretched and he yawned and he scratched his red head.

“It’s my birthday today!” and he jumped off the bed.

Sam shed his pajamas and pulled on some jeans.

He threw on a shirt the bright shade of slime green.

He slipped on his shoes, tied the laces just right.

‘Cause when you go hiking they need to be tight.

His Mom had made pancakes, his favorite meal.

So Sam ran downstairs with a cheer and a squeal.

Then dad broke out singing and stomping a beat.

Today is your birthday, you’re in for a treat.

I’m taking you hiking Mt. Lemon today.

We’ll climb and we’ll talk and explore on the way.

“I think it’s the best birthday I’ve ever had,

‘Cause I’m going hiking, today with you, Dad.”

Then mom hugged her son and they all clapped their hands

This birthday is special it’s really quite grand.

Anapestic Tetrameter

Made famous by Doctor Seuss

Employs a scansion pattern of four sets of unstressed, unstressed, stressed (sometimes eliminating the first unstressed beat)

x

x

/

x

x

/

x

x

/

x

x

/

April 21-"After Enduring is Over" continued....

April 20

We danced and danced to clear our minds

rejuvenate

get out of the grind.

We sang and played all through the night

inspiring

our dreams to take flight.

April 21, 2012

We reminisced and we rejoiced

crying

over trials, wrong choices

We prayed and prayed for our sins

forgiving

others so we'd be forgiven

April 20 "After Enduring is Over"

We danced and danced to clear our minds

rejuvenate

get out of the grind.

We sang and played all through the night

inspiring

our dreams to take flight.

"The Weather's Changed" April 19

The weathers changed

with sad regret

From springing breeze

To sweaty sweat.

From head to toe

I can’t forget

I’m never dry

but wetty wet.

I’ll pack my sweaters

and jetty jet

to colder realms 

with no fretty frets

And treasure days

with petty pets

and breakfast in

my beddy bed.

Don’t be jealous

or upset yet,

I’ll be dead

‘nigh this dream

I getty get.

Although it's a day late, I felt like it was worth posting.  Just a little commenting on the rising temperatures in the valley.

Sandra

April 17 REPETITION

to the right
to the right
to the right
to the right
to the left
to the left
to the left
to the left
if you've figured out this song
you know it goes on and on.
but i'm the one who's danced all day
and now i want it to go away.

April 17 "Triathlon Workout"

April 17^th

The triathlon date

looms ahead

the impending competition

weighing on my mind

as I step up on the treadmill

water in hand

my legs cry

no more, no more

I stretch and carry on

today’s workout

one step at a time

forcing my feet forward

walking, stretching

jogging, stretching

running, stretching,

only three miles,

 I am tired

Dear Friend and I out in the desert....keep smiling!

Revision of 'BIRTH' April 16, 2012

Birth

Inside my swelling belly,

Tied to my heart,

Love grew.

Stretched skin itched

Shielding my hope,

in eternal dreams.

Cramps like thunder

Broke life’s water,

Birth flowed.

Lying on my belly

Severed creation

breathed solo.

Oops! April 13th poem I forgot to post it......

April 13, 2012

I didn’t know today

was supposed to be unlucky

in fact, it was quite fine

I sang and danced a “Dynamite” song

with words changed

to motivate kids

to do their best

on their AIMS test

April 15

Sandra Lee Hendrickson

April 15, 2012

Sweet peace comes

like a rainbow

shining colors of

light and mercy

Sweet peace comes

On knees

bent by trials

Sanctified through sacrifice

Sweet peace comes

Simply in a prayer

Sure of faith

Supernal in hope

Sweet peace comes

as a sincere embrace

lingering sweetly

as the scent of a rose

Sweet peace comes

As a whisper

Testifying

God is love

Sweet peace comes

smiling

on innocent children’s lips

who know God is love

Sweet peace comes

after suffering

like a rainstorm

over a forest fire

Sweet peace comes

singing

hymns of joy,

sorrow and truth

Feelings

feelings
kept inside
bottled up like grandmas cherries
soon
 sour
then burst bubbles of
nasty
 vinegary
 red
rotten
juice
staining
 the white linen Thanksgiving tablecloth
bleached
clean
then pressed
and dressed
with fine china and crystal
vases of daisies
silver and
baskets of rolls
surrounded by
family
friends
and forgiven

Metaphor Exploration

Poem for the Day

April 12, 2012

I am feeling

Tired as sand

Exhausted as old bread

Burnt out as a spurned lover

Frazzled as a hairdo gone wrong

Deflated as a fired Chief Executive Officer

Fried as an over micro waved hotdog

Irritable as a hungry baby

I am going to sleep

Why My House Needs Cleaning April 10

I'm in big trouble living in my Creative bubble
'cause writing and making music is all work and no play.
BUT while notes abound and words go round,
I've no time for cleaning today.
And,
Though I'll try to keep up with this poetry stuff
The dust is blinding my way.
No,I won't give up, nor even shut up.
I've still got lots to say.

Hope you smile at this one:-)

African Animal Chant/Poem Day 8

African Animal Chant/Poem

Sandra Lee Hendrickson

Let’s go to Africa

where elephants stomp,

Zebra’s run and rhino’s clomp.

Let’s go to Africa

where antelope’s play,

Gorillas munch and ostrich’s sway.

 

Let’s go to Africa

where chimpanzee’s swing,

Penguins dance and cuckoo’s sing.

Let’s go to Africa

where hummingbirds hum,

Parrots talk and gorillas drum.

Sunny Day

How could you not go outside today
and sit in the sun
and let yesterday's rainstorm
 melt away,
or let the golden rays warm
 your tired muscles,
or soak your skin
 in vitamin D?
 Smile up at God
and thank Him for the chance to be alive.

Poem 5 1st Grade Program

sweet children sang
silly
songs
i wrote
about
sagaro cactuses
gila monsters
monsoon rains
scorpions
and
suntans
while
cheering parents
applauded
their stars
and laughed
on cue
as first graders told
knock knock jokes;
 what's a coyotes favorite holiday?

April 4th Poem

My feelings 

tumble and scatter like marbles 

spreading across linoleum

where they stop

and sleep

underneath the sofa

lost and forgotten

until summertime when I remember 

my dreams,

my desires,

and where I misplaced

my marbles.

So, can you relate to this poem?

Can you recognize the three meanings in the poem?

Poetry Day 3 "

Hello,
Here's a funny one for you;
When my house is sparkling clean,
I feel as smart as a queen.

So, how do you feel?

Stephanie Says So: National Poetry Month - Let's Write 30 Poems in 30 Days

Stephanie Says So: National Poetry Month - Let's Write 30 Poems in 30 DaysSandra Hendrickson- Music Website

WRITING FOR FUN

I've been offered the challenge of writing a poem a day for the next thirty days. Want to join me?  If you send me your poems, I will post them on this blog.  Let's see how many poems we can write.
The first challenge comes from Stephanie Abney and our ANWA writing group. She states: "A couplet is a two-lined verse. Both lines rhyme and usually have a rhythm to them. Try expressing your complete thought in two mid-sized poetic lines. The last words should rhyme. It can be spiritual or silly-couplets are great to write for children or with children. You can also string a bunch of couplets together to create a longer poem, but for our first day, try a one 2-line couplet.  'Writing this little assignment, puts my nose out of alignment'." http://stephaniesaysso.blogspot.com/2012/04/national-poetry-month-lets-write-30.html


And so I'm taking the challenge; Here goes!


I opened my heart at conference,
 to receive solace and reverence. (Sandra Lee Hendrickson 2012)


Yesterday I rode my bike in the sun,
and now my skin's a bit overdone. (Sandra Lee Hendrickson 2012)

March 19, 2012

Spring has sprung me right into countdown mode. With the bulk of the school year behind me, I can finally see through the fog. But I’m completely stuck in my tracks. What to do this summer? Ah, some of you might say; “sit by the pool, get a tan.” yeah right, with this skin coloring?  L While others may say; “take a trip” Ah, gas prices are going up, up, up! L Still, others may say, “catch up on your reading, relax.” Obviously they don’t know me, relax? huh? L My co-workers might say; “go to a conference, earn some credits, you may get to move you up on the payscale.” If I have a job next year, that might work. L Okay, yes, I’m a little grumpy thinking about the summer.  It’s probably just the hum drum routine of it all. I run at full speed during the school year and then shriek to a stop on May 25^th. But don’t worry. Until May 25^th I have plenty to keep me busy. Teach school, work on my book(s), write that song, and maybe a couple more, oh yeah, compete in a triathlon (bike and run), and lose 5 more lbs. Oh, and there’s the kids and grandkids squeezed in there, church assignments, and let’s not forget my sweet husband J.  Hmmm. What a tough life I have? I get to decide how to spend those precious eight weeks, that are only nine weeks away J.

I’m sure I’ll figure it out. J St. George, Utah March 2012

HOPE Changes HEARTS

February was a spiritually enlightening month for me and I feel that my heart has changed because of the experiences I had during that month. My dear sister Barbara passed on January 30^th. I will miss her!  We were kindred spirits in our beliefs and feelings concerning the importance of the gospel in our lives. We shared many conversations about the importance of making choices based on our spiritual commitment to Christ. My sister exemplified many Christ like traits through her service. Many lives were touched and changed, yes; she was a missionary of hope. Her courageous attitude towards her chronic illness and then cancer and final few days after a stroke was a testimony to me and those whom she loved to hold on, to have hope and to move forward in faith. I feel so blessed to have been her sister. I struggled during the days after her passing and could only visualize her in this life. I prayed for the Holy Ghost to bestow comfort to my grieving heart and to give me a picture of her in a happy state.  Shortly thereafter, I saw her dressed in white skipping with arms hooked in a row of women. Her long red curls bounced on her shoulders, her face shone and her body restored to perfect health as she sang praises to God.  My hope was renewed in the gospel plan, that I would see her again someday and sing with her too. My hope comforted me and I knew then that she was in a better place and I could let her go.

The week after the funeral I ran a 10k and made it all the way to the finish line without stopping. Something I haven’t done before.  I was able to hold my composure until the last quarter mile when the tears brimmed in my eyes. I deep breathed as I kept going until the finish line. My hope was tested because I had to have faith that I would be able to even run that day. Afterwards my hope was strengthened because I had met the challenge with success.

The next week was the big 100^th Arizona birthday celebration. I helped organize and produce a huge celebration at my ‘school’ including a music program and day long activities for the students. My hope was strengthened because of the kindness of my co-workers who knew that I was grieving. Their considerateness and kindness to me during that week boosted my spirits as we pulled all of the details together to make the program and classes a success.  

And then, believe it or not, I had the opportunity to teach at my first conference.  I attended the ANWA annual writer’s conference in Mesa, AZ and taught two classes on ‘Songwriting’.  I shared many of my songs, discussed how to get started and at the end shared a new song written especially for Barbara, entitled, “Life is Forever”.  My hope in my talents and my ability to share the spirit through them was greatly magnified.

Yes, it was hard. Yes, I’m tired. Yes, hope changed my heart. 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all of you still reading my blog.  I haven't kept this one up very well-but plan on doing better in 2012.  Now isn't that a trite statement?  I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that they will work out harder, eat healthier, be more nice, be more diligent, be more...everything!  But it's true, I'm a dreamer and I will always keep trying to be better.  I have grand plans this year. How about you?
I am going to play the violin again!  Yep, since my singing voice is unreliable, I thought I would give a couple of instruments a try.  Right now I'm going to pick the violin back up and hopefully this summer add the flute.  I'm very excited about learning a new instrument and hope to find some success.
My year started out wonderfully, one of the best holidays ever.  I had all of my family together for this Christmas.  The first time in a couple of years.  My own children, my parents and my mother in law were all here for the holidays.  I feel at peace...Omedoto!