The Benefits of Writing and Drawing

Recently, I posted a link on the Five Stones Facebook page about the Rewards of Journaling. You can find it in the newsfeed history or go to the website: ScribbleSheets.com. In March of this year, I presented a workshop at the National Youth at Risk Conference on the need to help clients Tell Their Story. Putting the workshop together brought a newly fueled passion for encouraging people to write more, draw more, and look for unique ways to express the fullness of themselves — to tell their story. As a person and a counselor, I would echo that writing is good for the soul. Telling your story is one way to connect, heal, and process this amazing journey of life. As people, we connect through storytelling.

Since childhood I have written. Poetry is my go-to writing style. I like the challenge of describing a complex subject/issue in a succinct format. Writing poetry forces my pen to tighten and become word conscious. Through the years, it has also greatly increased my vocabulary and improved both my spelling and my sense of rhythm/cadence. Writing poetry has been good for me.

Each season and each year, I try to write a poem. This is a writing discipline I’ve practiced for some time. In doing so, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of each one, and I have seen my own life reflected in the measurement of seasonal time.  Typically, I share deep, more serious issues on the Blog. But, today, I decided to share the lighter. The fun. The whimsy that comes from playing around with words and looking for a way to describe experiences. I hope you enjoy. But, more importantly, I hope you write. I hope the following words inspire your own thoughts on Summer or any topic of your choosing.

Stay healthy. Invest in self care. Put your thoughts on paper. Share. Let the light that is within you shine bright though your pen.

Blessings,

Jo Crosby

Summer. 

You’re hot and sticky.

Tempting. Tantalizing

like hot pepper sauce;

This year, you’re sort of 2020 tricky!

Like sauce with a kick of ghost pepper. 

A glut of new normal.

Yet; you are here. You arrived right 

on time sporting bright colors. 

Deep green grass. Yellow sunflowers. 

Ripe red tomatoes. Long blue-sky days.

Purple blackberry stained hands. 

The dogs lounge on the porch for hours. 

You are sultry. 

You bring good things.

Summer blueberries. 

Blueberry anything: I love you the best!

Kites. Sand pails. Dance the Shag. Water Play.

Cricket concerts on a starry night. 

Popsicles. Boiled peanuts. Peach ice cream. 

Tank tops. Bottle rockets. Sandals all day. 

Team flip-flops forever. Vacation dreams.

Canoe. Paddle. Nap on a float. 

Hotdogs on the grill. Campfire rings. 

Everything feels warmed and heated. Even me. 

Summer, you are an amazing muggy mess. 

Your melody is part of God’s harmony.

Welcome. Bring your bounty. 

You come with blessings.

Sit. Swing. Sleep in the hammock. Stay awhile. 

Hang around. I’ve missed your fiery charm.

My heart’s been stolen. And, 

my Spring grin has turned into a sweaty smile.  

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11a