"Writings of Poetry"
by Judi Pearl PulaskiListed here are the poems written.... If you would like to read any of them, just e-mail
me at raccoonridge@artlover.com and I will send it to you!
Poetry Index
** denotes poems published1. Story of Judi Pearl 50. Questions of a little boy 148. The Winter Epidemic
2. What’s in a name? 51. A Painting......is ** 149. The Blues
3. Jug Creek School 52. Stranger in the mirror 150. My Friend Debbie do-right
4. Dark & Scary life 53. A guardian angel 151. Just Live for Today
5. Child’s summer day 54. Kickapoo Valley Trip 152. Oh What a Life
6. Cracks on the ceiling **Editors Choice Award 153. Story of Billy & Teri
55. The gift of life 154. About the Homeless
7. Let’s go up north 56. Sing God’s song 155. Friday Dates
8. Don’t speak for me! 57. What about heaven 156. A Poem for Arn & Ellen
9. He’s all I’ve got! 58. Hug & a kiss 157. Final Entry
10. Good old days 59. Chance meeting 158. The Season of Winter
11. Life in Hay Valley 60. Special find 159 Look up to the sky
12. Noahie’s Place 61. Treasure of my soul 160. Blessings from Above
13. Sibling Rivalry 62. Grandma’s attic** 161. Wednesday's News
14. A memory for Ed 63. The doctor’s appointment 162. Turn it over to Him
15. Our first party 64. 80 years old and holding 163. But by the Grace of God
16. Family feud 65. Beautiful wealth 164. Ask the Nurse First!
17. First love lost 66. Inner beauty 165. Take time to listen
18. The plan 67. Poem for Heather 166. When Wade was a kid
19. He left me! 68. Gary’s poem 167. The best of the best
20. My son Wade 69. Vickie’s poem 168. Gifts to be treasured
21. Mack truck incidents 70. A tribute to Janet
22. My Special Brother Arn 71. Farewell my friend
23. Mamma’s poem 72. My friend Betty
24. A poem for my big sister 73. Tears from the heart
25. Her name is Joni 74. Memory box in my heart
26. Little girl lost 75. Winding country road
27. Who the heck is Olivia 76. The love of a dog
28. My grandma Pearl 77. Time
29. My husband Jim 78. It’s Springtime
30. Pulaski’s Lounge 79. Fall....is the season **"Editor's Choice Award"
31. What have I done all my life 80. Early Winter day
32. Pulaski family 81. Dog days of summer
33. About Adrian 82. Love....how do we find it? **
34. Life choices 83. Fly Hummingbirds Fly
35. Shades of Gray 84. It’s raining
36. Journey of a child 85. Mother’s day
37. Sticks & Stones 86. Memorial day
38. Life turned upside down ** 87. Tornado Warning!
39. Why am I here? 88. The Olde covered bridge **
40. For the good times 89. 4th of July
41. Hurt....moving on 90. Salute to Father’s Day
42. Life with a kidney transplant 91. Seal with a kiss
43. Ode to a sick china painter 92. Oh....how I loved Elvis
44. Friendships.....then & now 93. Flood gates of heaven
45. Men VS. Women 94. You and Me
46. A day in the life....** 95. Life is a circle
47. The Painting Teacher 96. Remember me with love
48. Painting class 97. My special dad
49. Brother-in-law’s wife 98. The Promise Land
99. After the love 100. Seeds of Romance
101. Painting Student 102. Each day is a gift
103. Going for treats! 104. Feels good to be home
105. Marcia, Sam, Mary & Doug 106. I wish I would have!
107. John Luking 108. Christmas is a Season
109. Carl & Cindy 110. John & Sue's Visit
111 Passion & Love ** 112 Grandma & Grandpa
113. When I can get to it! 114 My Dream
115. A Cold day in July 116. My friend Linda
117. Cowgirl Jody 118. Bono's poem
119. Inspiration 120. Sisters
121. Games of the 1950's 122. One of those days
123. Sleepless Night 124. Family Order
125. Cousins 126. Another Birthday
127. My Pastor 128. Doctor Says
129. For Angie 130. My house
131. Here we go again! 132. Jim's day
133. Morning 134. Happy Birthday Aunt Hazle
135. Sleepless nights to tomorrow 136. Work in progress
137. The boat sank 137. Heritage Day at Beckman Mill
138. Heritage Day at Beckman Mill 139. How it was for me
140. My father-in-law Paul 141. Fall...once again
142. Yet...another day is dawning 143. Yesterday's tomorrow
144. Pals Kay and Judy 145 Pals Kay & Judy
146.My friend Marianne 147. Thanksgiving DayThe following poems are being published by
The International Society of PoetsSleepless Nights to tomorrow
My eyes popped open - sat up in bed.
Looked at the clock to read what it said.
Early night of day is what I see.
Can't sleep again....so typical of me.I refuse to waste my life by lying there.
Must write a poem or create a painting I can share.
Clean the house, read a book or meditate.
Just keep busy and don't procrastinate.Life is meant for living, enjoying and giving.
Can't give in to waste, want or sniveling.
Put an effort in every move I make.
There will be passion and determination in each step I take.Seems most days are busy and nights are so long.
Must always take time to sing a happy song.
Takes my mind off all the pain and sorrow.
Helps me get from sleepless nights to tomorrow!Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Yet....another day is dawning!
Eyes look to heaven for inspiration and peace
Time is a blessing to be embraced while we sleep.
Either busy or sleeping ...time ticks away.
Don’t waste a minute of what is left in a day!Time can be your enemy or your friend.
Time is all we have left as life comes to an end.
We have walked our miles and driven the road.
Worked for our supper and carried the load.Time takes a tole on a tired sick soul.
It wears a body down when it feels less than whole.
The pages of a calendar get ripped off each day,
We do what we can ....then take time to pray.Thank God for this gift we wake up to each morning.
Time is still ticking and a great day is dawning.
Yet another day to fill with our talents and abilities.
Enjoy this time with gratitude and humility.
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 10-14-00
Yesterday’s Tomorrow
When I awoke, today was yesterday’s tomorrow.
My heart was broken I felt such sorrow..
You left me alone with my feelings so blue
I felt so consumed by my love for you.Each day is the beginning of another chapter
of a life full of time spent aware of the hereafter.
Keeping busy to fulfill all of my obligations.
helps to keep away lifes little frustrations.The hours fly by till the day has gone.
My mind is still working but I stretch with a yawn.
It is time to sleep and let my body recharge.
Pushing the limit has been way too hard!Today is a gift of yesterday.
It must be lived and loved throughout the day.
Our sorrow and sadness is always short lived.
Look forward to tomorrow as a gift God gives.
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
October 24, 2,000Passion & Love
Have you ever had a love that hurts?
You fear you'll fail to make it work.
No matter what you try to do,
you worry his love for you isn't true...His face....his voice is always there
wherever you look it is everywhere.
You know your love is so deep with passion -
your breath is shallow, while your color is ashen.A fear washes over when you think of a night
lived without the man who put light back in your life.
Each day life is better lived with us
accepting each moment given with love.The time when it is just the two of us
we hole each other, speak of love and trust.
The fear will fade and comfort set in.
This is the place where and love begin.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2000 Judith Pulaski
A Day in the life......
The morning comes with a blast of light.
A rooster crows while the birds take flight.
Sounds of cow bells echo through crisp green grass
while a horse makes a turn as it runs so fast.The smell of fresh brewed coffee lingers in the air.
Sounds of dogs barking to remind you they are there.
A yawn, a stretch and time to get dressed.
A days work is on a schedule that is hard pressed.Work all day except to break for lunch.
Work load is full and sometimes too much.
Some days weather is hot and other time cold.
Feels like time flies and I am too fast getting old!We stare into the soft blue sky
sniffing the air and watching the birds fly.
The crimson sun goes down in the west
as we take a breath before it is time to rest.Never go to bed without a hug and a kiss
to your loved ones in the house that you share with.
Be sure to say your prayers to God above,
then tell your family they are the ones that you love....Judith Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2,000 Judith PulaskiLIFE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
(This was written about my son after a painful divorce)
Life turned upside down one summer day.
“Love doesn’t live here anymore” she would say.
My heart was broke, my spirit shattered
but life must go on as tho nothing mattered.
Along came a girl with hair full of curls.
She was sweet, spunky, beautiful and moved in a twirl!
All of a sudden the sun began to shine
The clouds went away and she became mine.
Her name is Heather but I call her Curly Sue
That’s because I love her and I know just what to do.
I will hug her and kiss her and take away her fear
and the day will come we will count some years.
Then it will be time to plan out our life
and that will be the time to make her my wife.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2000 Judith PulaskiA Painting......is
(Since I am an artist, painting is my life and ever on my mind)A picture in my mind has beauty to behold
On a canvas or porcelain an image appears so bold.
As the brush wisps across the surface the colors stick,
Leaving a soft glow of a base for the next color mix.Some days the painting becomes a landscape
Other days it may be flowers, fruit or luscious grapes.
Country scenes are a favorite subject of mine to paint.
Portraits of the Victorian period is fun with the ladies who faint.Indians, children, animals and more
I even like to paint soldiers who have gone to war.
No subject is out of the realm of possibility.
The shadows and highlights give a painting tranquility.Painting is a way to emotional peace of mind.
I can go there when too many troubles fill my time.
It makes me happy and gives me a breath of fresh air.
When I am having a bad day, I find I want to go there.....Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2000 Judith PulaskiFall....is the Season
Editor's Choice Award
(Fall inspires me...my favorite time of the year of all time!)The green on the trees turns amber from thirst
it comes on with a subtle slow but continuous burst
One day it is so hot that everyone just feels lazy
The next day it cools off and the scenery becomes hazy.It’s time to get out the sweatshirts and jackets
Shop for gourds, mums and caramel apples at the markets
Candles with the scent of pine, cinnamon and spice
apple dumplings and pumpkin pies are always nice.The smell of burnt leaves is in the air
children all dressed in their Halloween fare
Beautiful color is popping out all around
Everywhere we look there are jack-o-lanterns in townThis is my favorite time of the year
Watching the change of season appear
It is such a magical mystical transition
Gods palette is at work with such conviction!What beautiful array of natural wonder
gives inspiration to paint for those who use color
Fall is the season to fill us with emotion
to reflect on the past and look ahead with devotion.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2000 Judith PulaskiLove.....
How do you find it?
(Love, such an elusive yet fascinating part of ones life!)How do you know when you find love?
Is it a present from the One above?
I always thought that I would know
If someone loved me without being told.What is love and where do we get it?
Is it free or did someone invent it?
It seems so temporary it must be for rent.
Some never find it no matter what was spent.I heard it you find love you will never forget it.
Even if it is a love from the past you should never regret it.
Love has a way of making pain heal.
When you are loved, you can’t explain how good it feels.Take a lesson I learned from God above.
Give unconditional love if you are lucky enough to find love!
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2000 Judith PulaskiThe Old Covered Bridge....
(For many years I have gone to Parke County, Indiana ...home of
32 beautiful old covered bridges. Love the nostalgia!)Driving down the winding road
I came upon some trees that fold
their arms so gracefully around
the winding curves that seem to abound.
In the dark distance peeking it’s face
is the smiling opening of a lonely place.
As I get closer I start to cringe
then realize... it is only a covered bridgeA covered bridge of such ancient beauty
brings back the memories of life and duty.
With horses and buggies the travel was slow.
life was so simple, to church they would go.Even now the covered bridge is used each day.
The people who live there must travel both ways.
To go to school the bridge is crossed by bus.
If we go to work or for groceries it is crossed by us.The sun shines on the bridge and makes it glow
with a halo of love and warm feelings from the soul.
The old bridge offers such a lovely nostalgic feeling
to bring back the memory of past life’s dealings.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski March 3, 2000
Copyright 2000 Judith PulaskiCracks on the Ceiling...
Editor's Choice Award
(On the farm with my Grandma....best memories.....
of my childhood! Has inspired many of my poems)At Gram’s on hot summer nights
in bed but eyes open wide and bright.
Peering out the open window
looking for a shape or shadow.Giggles bounce off the wood floor
when there is a little knock as she opens the door
Are you girls sleeping yet?, Gram would ask
“Yes we are Gram !”, was the answer from Kass“Can we have a light on so we can see?”
“Only if you promise to go to sleep, Judi P”
As the door shut and we were alone once more
We would start to laugh till we fell on the floor.Now with the light in the room dancing around
we would start to imagine things from animals to a clown.
The cracks in the ceiling would turn into strange little creatures.
we could see pictures and faces with definite features.Little girls with big hearts and soft feelings
spent our nights reading cracks on the ceiling.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2000 Judith PulaskiGrandma’s Attic
The smell of dust is in the air.
Cob webs are hanging everywhere.
A jewelry box full of baubles and jewels of gold.
Stuffed animals and dolls I was compelled to hold.A wooden box of old pictures in black and white.
Many were torn and faded but brought feeling of delight.
Some people I knew while others were a mystery.
It didn’t matter who they were, they were all part of my history.Old picture frames scattered on the floor
Handmade quilts and linens draped over the door
Light streams through the open window as I hear the wind chime.
The pendulum swings as the clock on the wall keeps time.An old hickory rocking chair rocks when it is able
The hand painted lamp is sitting on the table
Next to the lamp is the Carnival Glass and Flo Blue
The braided rugs and all the vintage clothes too.These things are there to hold when my Grandma I miss
I’ll pull them to my heart, close my eyes and reminisce.
Sitting alone in Grandma’s attic among her things.
Keeps her spirit living .....I feel her touch and hear her sing...
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 5-31-00
Copyright 2000 Judith Pulaski
Change of Seasons......
Garland is placed on the house with grace
The trees have lights with bulbs in place.
Red bows hang here and there
with wreaths a plenty hung everywhere.
The smells of cinnamon spice and cloves.
Sweaters, mittens and coats become clothes.
Snow shovel and broom perched ready for action.
Snow tires on the cars and trucks for traction.
Winter is coming as we all know
The signs are all around tell me so
It is a wonder to behold
When a blizzard arrives along with the cold.
As for me... I am ready and look forward to change.
Each season offers a new color range.
They have their own characteristics we see
that makes each one special to me...
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
copywright Judith Pulaski 2001Child’ Summer Day...
We lived in the city and played at the park.
Made picnic lunches and stayed out till dark.
Rode our bikes so hard our little legs ached.
Then headed home in a race to get a piece of cake.
Some nights in the summer, we played kick the can.
Hit the ball and run, or statue.... hold still if you can!
Took a blanket and hung it over the line.
This made a fort to hide in sometime.
On weekends we would walk down to the show.
Eat popcorn, drink soda, and talk to everyone who would go.
There was the roller rink we loved to go to and skate.
We couldn’t go much because the times would run too late.
We always knew at 8:00 it was time to come in,
had to take a bath, wash our hair and must turn in.
We would lie in our beds giggling ant wishing we were still out.
Since the rest of the kinds in the neighborhood we could hear shout.
This is how it was for us as we went through our younger years.
Play and have fun, then it is time to wash up and clean our ears.
Go to bed, say our prayers and end the day with happy thoughts.
Tomorrow will come soon enough with life wars to be fought!
Author:Judi Pearl Pulaski
Copyright 2002 Judith Pulaski
Beautiful Wealth
I look at you Mother, you are so beautiful to me.
As a child I thought you were as pretty as a picture could be.
A bride was the height of beauty in my world
I always said “You are pretty as a bride!”” when I was a little girl.
It never matters in my eyes that you are getting old.
When you walk into the room, you are still a beauty to behold.
God gave us all a mortal body to walk around this earth.
You were blessed with a beautiful shell to look at since your birth.
With all the things that have gone wrong with your health.
We can be thankful for the blessing of the “beautiful wealth”
God gives us all our special gifts that we should give thanks for.
Yours is for your beautiful presence and face we all adore....
I love you Mother....
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
copyright 2001 Judith Pulaski
Thanksgiving Day
The smell of food floats through the airl
Turkey and trimmings prepared with care.
The table is dressed in it’’s porcelain finery
with glasses posed for drink from the winery.Candles are lit with the scent of spice
while the family and friends are visiting nice.
It is a happy wonderful day to behold
The weather is snowing and oh so cold.We raise our glass to give a toast
for all the things we give thanks for the most.
For friends and loved ones who share our life.
To God for bringing us through bad strife.God bless us all this Thanksgiving day.
It gives us peace to go on our way.
To finish the year with a smile and a cheer
for the ones we love whether far or near.We can’t all be together on this day.
It doesn’t matter because we love you anyway.
Our hearts are one and we love each other.
We will celebrate this day in honor of one another.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 11-13-00
Copyright 2000 Judith PulaskiMost Recent Poems......
By the Grace of GodFor such a while, life has been good.
It seemed to me that it was time that it should!
As we know, life is by God’s plan.
Get ahead of yourself and things can go bad.“Slow down Pearl, and take a deep breath!”
“There is much more living before you face death.”
I love you....My husband, Son, family and friends.
So much to be thankful to my God till the end!This time pain was as bad as it gets.
But, as we know, it makes living all the better yet.Take time to listen to others in pain.
Show them compassion as one day you could face the same.
I look around and all I see is suffering , pain and misery.
But by the Grace of God we have love, faith and eternity!Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 6-22-01
Ask the Nurse First!
“How are you doing?”....they always say.
“We’ll get you feeling better and on your way!”
“Don’t worry, you are doing fine.”
“A few more days will be enough time!”Doctors are always moving and look in a hurry.
don’t have time to discuss if you have a worry.
That’s why God made someone we call “Nurse”!
For answers to a problem, be sure to ask the Nurse first!Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 6-21-01
The Best of the Best
A little boy with big blue eyes
sometimes laughed and sometimes cried.
He tugged at my heart from day to day
till he grew up and moved away.Time had come to let him go
My head said yes but my heart said no.
Time had gone way to fast.
Our future had become our past.Cards got dealt that seemed hard to live
He had to learn to move on and forgive.
A blessing came - in the form of a wife.
She is full of love and had a new look on life.He somehow felt he had all he could get
a wife, a home and a house full of pets!
But lo and behold to his surprise
there would be another thing to change his life.The announcement came that he would become a father.
He would actually soon have a son or a daughter!!
The thought some how just boggled his mind.
to think his life would change in such a short time.As for me...I now will be “Grandma Pearl”.
A dream has come true if it is a boy or a girl!
My son was the best of the best in my life.
A grandchild will be the best for the rest of my life!Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 6-1-02
When Wade was a kid!
On a Monday night in the Fall of the year
my little boy arrived with a face so dear.
His eyes were blue as the sky above
My heart was full with a feeling of love.He was an answer to my prayer to God,
to give me someone who I could forever love.
To my surprise he was exactly as I had dreamed.
He had a beautiful smile and boy could he scream!I named him Wade and the name always fit.
He grew up to be smart, full of humor and wit.
A caring boy to those who were old.
Was always good to do what he was told.School was easy for him since he liked to learn.
Teachers all liked him since he would answer his turn.
Went to church and prayed to God above.
Always knew that in all things God showed His love.The love he has shown me throughout his life
has warmed my heart and pulled me through strife.
Whenever I get weary and think life is rough
I think of things he did when he was just a “pup”!I can see him standing on stage in school,
washing his little tractor and falling off of the stool!
He liked to play cards, but always wanted to win,
Hid at the store and rode his bike with a grin..My memories are like a movie in my head
A song, a smell can sometime spark something he said..
That must be God‘s way of giving me a video to relive
the best of times in my life when Wade was a kid!!You ......are the best of the best Wade!
I love you, Mom
Written by : Judi Pearl Pulaski
June 8, 2002
Take time to listenFor such a long time now life has been good.
It seemed to me that it was time that it should!
Life is layered by God’s holy plan.
If you get ahead of yourself, things can go bad.“Slow down Pearl, and take a deep breath!”
“You have much more living before you face death!”I love my husband, son, family and friends.
Have so much to be thankful to my God till the end.This time pain was as bad as it gets.
But, as we know, it makes living all the better yet.Take time to listen to others in pain.
Show some compassion since some day you could feel the same.We are all children of God up above.
We find peace in our misery since we share in God’s love.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
6-19-02
Gifts to be TreasuredToday as I look out over the land
I see what has been done by Almighty God’s hand.
The sky is full of soft color and beauty
including a rainbow of God‘s promises to me..The smell in the air is fragrant and fresh.
The wind blows the branches where the birds have a nest.
It is amazing how all of nature knows what to do,
when the seasons change with a new slide show view!.All these things are a miracle I am sure.
Just as a baby is born with a heart so pure.
I want to take time to reflect on these gifts.
From God to be treasured as long as I live.
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
June 9, 2002Turn it all over to Him
Life is full of journeys and wars to be fought.
Courage is what is needed if happiness is sought.
Sometimes it feels as if we can never make the grade
The morning mist and quiet moment reminds us not to be afraidMy day starts with a prayer to almighty God above
Thinking happy thoughts of those in my life I love.
Be it family or friends or an acquaintance on the street
A smile can bring a feeling of warmth from my head to my feetTo live is a gift and to be loved is a pleasure
It brings happiness to my heart...This is a treasure!
There are ups and downs each day that goes by.
We have to make a choice to be happy or to cry.It is ok to wash away your tears
If you know that God will wash away your fears!
Life is much too difficult to go it alone
God’s help fixes everything to make our house a home!When I get down and feel the light is dim
I look to my God above and turn my troubles over to him
With that I have unloaded my baggage where it belongs
Move on to the events of the day...Then feel I can be strong.No matter how bad things seem at the time.
Nothing is that bad, things always work out just fine.
Relax and enjoy each minute of your day
Time goes much too fast and life has a tendency to slip away.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 3-17-01
Blessings from AboveThe gifts I have, I got from God
All blessings from above.
He gives me forgiveness, grace and love,
With my blessings from above.Sometimes I forget God is in control,
I feel sad, scared and fear for my soul.
I say a prayer and call his name
Which wipes away my sins and shame.I feel the peace that comes from within
Knowing that His blessings include forgiveness of sins.
Through prayer, God fills my heart with love
Each day with his blessings from above.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 2-20-01
Look up to the sky
When life gets you down.... Look up to the sky
So many things happen to make us cry
Hurt of the heart is so hard to forget
Forgiveness is impossible from those we hate yet.All of our life we must take a breath
Most things happen as a result of a test
God has a plan of which we usually aren’t aware
It takes going through problems to make us care.As time goes by we all begin to mellow
The problems of our youth go from heavy to hollow.
Don’t sweat the small stuff is what we say
Take a deep breath, look to the sky, it is just another day.Put all your problems in a nice little pile
Wrap it all up and throw it to the wind for a while
Get on your knees and thank God above
He rewards us by giving us peace, grace and loveAuthor: Judi Pearl Pulaski 2-12-01
The Season of winter
The weather turns cold as ice forms on the ground.
Snow falls with a soft sparkle lying all around.
The sun comes up later in the day and sets early on.
People move a little slower with a terrible need to yawn!These are some things that signal the season winter.
Slipping, sliding and scraping all the windows.
Little tracks from pets are marking up the floor
The wind blows hard as it taps and bangs on the door.The weatherman says there is a winter storm alert.
Close everything up and pack the car wouldn’t hurt!
Flash light, crackers, blanket and rugs.
Things to help get the car out if the tires start to chug!These are some things that signal the season winter!
The wind blows hard and the temperature is bitter...
Holidays come and go and it is “Groundhog day” once more.
It is all up to “Jimmy the Ground hog” to do his chore.Six more weeks of winter and it will all be over.
Grass will grow, trees will bud and fields turn to clover.
Once more we will look back on the season just gone by.
With a recollection of memories feeling relief with a sigh!Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 2-10-01
Final Entry
A day begins like a new chapter of a book.
Everything is clean and has a new look.
We make a choice to start each day
With a smile and an attitude light and gayIf we spill the milk we can choose to get mad
Or clean it with a whistle and the smile that we had.
The day is dependent on our choices we make.
We should move on in life and start another page.Each page of our life brings good things and bad.
We must endure so we can be happy not sad
Life is tough enough just trying to live
Look at life not to take but what we can give.When the end of our book has our life’s final entry.
It is our hope we have done right by all in this century.
Love one another and always forgive.
In the end nothing matters but the love that one gives.
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
My Father-in-Law Paul
My father-in-law Paul could make me laugh.
I’d see his station wagon coming down the path.
I sold mobile homes and he would come at lunch
We would eat clam chowder and talk a bunch.If I ever needed anything, I had to watch my tongue.
I mentioned my ironing board broke, he brought me four, not one!
Jim left me his car to drive while he was living up north.
He said he wanted to help me, cause he loved me of course.Dad would come to my house with his tool box in hand.
He said, “I have to check the spark plugs and do all that I can.”
I told him Jim had given me his car to drive like it was my own.
Jim said “Don’t let him touch my car!”, when he called on the phone!Dad had a way that was funny and could bring on a smile.
He would talk to the people at the bar and walk with us a mile.
He shoveled the parking lot and was always so proud.
Had fun at our picnics and loved having a beer with the Pulaski crowd.Dad was a man who was deep but had a really good heart.
He just didn’t know how to express it right from the start.
All in all we got along like two peas in a pod.
In my books he was a cool guy and to him I give a nod!Author: Judith Pearl Pulaski
How It Was for Me!
He walked into a bar, I thought “I wonder who he is?”
When I asked someone he told me, “Polock..?, his name is Jim!”
His pool cue was hanging in a case on his back.
He impressed me with his skill with a cue and a rack.It was a year later when we went on our first date.
He took me to the Hoffman House, where we danced and we ate.
I told him I had a 6 year old little boy named Wade.
He said that was ok with him, and with him he did play.One night Jim came to pick me up to go out on a date.
We had to stop at his house- I was so nervous I couldn’t concentrate.
We walked in the door where the table was set for a big family.
They said we were late for their parent’s anniversary!!That was how it started for me.....
Standing in front of the Pulaski clan for them to see!
Would I measure up to become “one of them”?
As long as Jim loved Wade and me was all that mattered then.Twenty eight years have passed since that July day.
Jim turned out to be the love of my life and was here to stay.
I can’t think of anything I would rather be - than his wife.
We have stood together through sickness where we both could have lost our life.Mom and Dad have been the best in-laws ever.
Dad P was a funny man who could be ever so clever.
Mom has been a nurse when I was too sick to go.
She helped me through my toughest nights in rain or in snow.The girls have always supported me and been so much fun.
We have talked, laughed, danced and Mary and I used to even run!
The guys and I got along pretty good - for them being Pulaski guys!
When we worked together it was fun and I had laughed till I cried.Nothing is ever perfect and we can’t expect it to be.
If we can just appreciate each other....it will be good enough for me.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Work in ProgressThere was a feeling inside that was "special" to me.
Went to the doctor who said "You are going to have a baby!"
Happiness and elation was felt in my heart.
This gift was mine and nothing could tear us apart.He was an incredible little boy with eyes of blue.
Smart as a whip with energy enough for two.
He talked so young he chattered all the time.
People were amazed and had him talk for dimes.When school came along it was never a chore.
He always went, got good grades with no time to get bored.
"Class Clown" and "Teller of Tallest Tales" he was voted in the book.
Had lots of friends, excelled in all the sports that he took.My heart was broken when he left for the marines.
I cried so hard the day my son left to follow his dreams.
Six years later he came back home
A man had replaced the boy who left alone.Years have gone by and my son lives close now.
I can see him when I want, spend time at his house.
His life is full with a Harley, dogs, home and girlfriend.
Work in progress - is doing fine....as for my job, it has come to an end.Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
My Home...
Walking around my house looking at things,
bring back memories to make my heart sing.
The antique pump organ against the wall
used to play music for people large or small.
The tattered foot stool by the chair....
many a foot has rested there,Picture frames full of old familiar faces
sit so regal in all their proper places.
Porcelain delicately painted by hand -
some are boxes, plates on the wall and tiles on a stand.Flower arrangements so carefully made.
Windows with lace curtains and others with shades.
Rugs on the floor of various sizes and colors.
Some with flowers, braided and plain are others!Stained glass art hanging in the windows.
Plants so tall they even cast shadows.
Crystal stemware and porcelain plates
fill the china cabinet in the room where we ate.The pot bellied stove that is symbolic of my past,
my easels holding paintings that for years will last.
The canopy bed with the crocheted cover.
Wicker setee and wicker table grouped together.Hand painted lamps adorn the tables.
Fireplace in the living room is lit when we're able.
These are all things that make my house my own.
But it is the love in these walls that make it a home!Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski August 2000
My Pastor
On days when I am feeling bad
or having a day that is especially sad.
I sit alone to think and pray,
comntemplating my future starting the next day.Don't want to get ahead of myself.
Taking a step at a time will surely help.
If I ask God for guidance and take it slow.
He fills my heart, leads me where to go.In my darkest hours, a man has been there
to give a pat on my back and show he cares.
His love of family and church is so true.
Times of difficulty and pain, he knows what to do.If my faith seems to faulter or finds a crack.
Pastor Pingel knows what to say to pull me back.
I love my God with all my heart,
but there are times I get so tired I fall apart.Pastor Pingel comes and gives me communion.
We talk, have fellowship and I feel a spiratual union.
It is his job to lead and take care of God's sheep.
There must be times he feels we are all asleep!Where would we be without the Pastor Pingel's of the world?
To carry God's message for us of His unconditional love,
answered prayers and salvatioin from God above.My thanks I give to you, dear Pastor.
You help me as my life goes by faster.
There's more that God must want me to do.
You help me see to thine own self be true.....Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski
Another Birthday
Hitting middle age isn’t as bad as I thought .
All these years I spent worrying was all for naught.
Don’t feel any different than I did yesterday.
Got up this morning and did things the same old way..Once we hit eighteen we are all the same age
We can all hang out together, as we go through each stage.
Age is just a way to keep track as we wonder this earth.
A way to let us know it’s time to slow down, so we don’t get hurt!It seems our body starts to get a little tired
When it comes to love, there might not be as much fire
Our arms get longer in order to read
We sit down sooner and run with less speed.But don’t let that fool you and think you are done.
We still have plenty of time for living and fun in the sun..
We finally got life in order and time left to get going.
There is much on the horizon for life, love and enjoying!
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 8-4-2,0000
Cousins
We were all cousins as kids and play together, we sure did.
Playing ball on Elmo Street or on Hospital Hill we slid.
Sometimes out on Thomas Road to see Aunt Grace
would play with those kids in the yard, we would run and race.We all spent many a summer up north with Gram on the farm
Sometimes chasing the boys with a stick threatening to do them harm!
We girls rode the horses picking berries out in the woods.
Mars and I filling our buckets while Kass and Sister ate their goods!Jim filled his shirt with his clothes, carried them on his back on a stick.
We all sat around wating for him to get hungry, come home to eat quick.
Arn, Louie and the boys would play in the barn jumping from bale to bale.
Sometimes would have to help milk the cows and feed the cats from the pale.Whatever there was to do in the year we would always do it together.
Got sap from the trees, skated at the pond or sledded in cold winter weather.
Took picnic lunches to the park, rode bikes around town or swam at Coon Creek.
Aunt Hazle took us all on trips up north or to Buck Night at the Out Door each week.We were all different personalities who came from different types of homes.
We had different parents who had different ways of running homes of their own..
But we were all “Cousins” and had a bond to keep us together.
We grew up and grew apart......but we are still apart of each other.When bad things happen to one of us cousins and life turns dark
It is our place to band together and extend a hand to ease the pain in the heart.
We may not be together and maybe don’t ever see each other.
But we are family and should care enough to help the one who suffers......
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 8-2-2,000
Sleepless Night
It is late at night and I am alone.
Everyone else is sleeping in our home.
It is very dark outside with no moon
The radio is playing softly an old tune.My little dogs sleeping at my feet.
I lean back in my chair to get some sleep
But sleep won’t come when your mind is busy.
Thoughts pass by making me feel kind of dizzy.I have so many things to do in this life.
There is painting and writing and just being a wife.
Make my husband happy and content as can be.
Create art that is beautiful and satisfying to me.Say prayers for my family- God knows how much I care
I would rather be with them than anywhere.
Make notes about our life for my son to read
Hope they help him in his life to succeed.Look at old pictures of life long ago.
Admire the beauty of loved ones I know
Their bodies are gone, so their face I can’t see
but their memory in my heart forever will be.Now I will yawn and feel ready to sleep.
I have put my letters away in my hat box to keep.
Another sleepless night has come to an end.
This won’t be the last one, with that I can depend!.....
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 7-28-2,000
One of those days!
The morning comes in it’s usual manner.
I sit on the bed thinking “Now what’s the matter?”
I can’t get moving because I feel so weak
Search for my slippers to put on my feet.
Guess it’s just one of those days!Put on the coffee and have my first cup.
Check the computer to answer e-mails and catch up.
My body aches from my head to my toes.
Make breakfast for my husband so to work he can go.
Guess it’s just one of those days!It takes me so long to take my bath and get dressed.
Then have to clean up the house and leftover mess.
In between I lay down to give my body a rest.
I feel so week that I shake, when I breathe I hurt in my chest.
Guess it’s just one of those days.I am having more of “those days” now it seems.
I got everything done that I wanted - only in my dreams.
Pain is a daily reminder of accidents and illness from the past
I often wonder how long I can last.Since God only knows and has a plan all His own.
I will continue my efforts to persevere on alone.
Tomorrow will be another day a dawning.
When I get up I am sure I will feel better in the morning.
I was only having one of those days!
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 7-28-2,000
Family Order
When life started out, we were all one happy family.
We played, stayed over night and went to grandma’s to be.
Our mom’s were all sisters to our Uncle Louie their brother.
They all shared Grandpa Carroll and Grandma Pearl was their mother.As children we were all a group who played together
on the farm, in the fields or outside in all kinds of weather.
We had a pecking order with Rusty the oldest boy, then Sister and me.
The rest came along to play from the sky to the top of the trees.Growing up we began to move to states far away.
We married had children and our lives began to stray.
Sometimes we didn’t even know each other if we saw us on the street.
We grew so much and changed as well - for some life was so sweet.For some of us, life was not as sweet but thrown a note so sour..
There was divorce, sadness in life and tragedies that came by the hour.
Another generation was born to carry on the family tree
Ed for Sister, Tiffany and Raif for Joni and Wade for me.We don’t always see each other since we live so far away
But when life’s sadness hit us all we huddle up to pray.
Uncle Louie was the first to die - we were all so young back then.
We were broken hearted, and knew our hearts would never mend.We lost our beautiful Grandma in just a few short years.
She never recovered from the loss of her son -we all shed many tears.
Aunt Margie died some years ago after being so sick with tumors.
She was the sweetest person who always had such a good sense of humor.Aunt Gracie died in the 1990’s after struggling with lung Cancer..
A strong and determined lady who loved to party and was quite a dancer.
We have had a hard time dealing with all of this
All of these family members we have all come to miss.As kids we thought we would all live forever.
Thought we would have time to makeup and live together.
Time flies by with our busy lives and we lose touch much too fast.
Guess we should come together and give a hug and reminisce about our past!
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski - 7-31-2,000Sisters
In my life I have been honored with sisters times two.
They have been my sounding board on days I’ve been blue.
Friends are special, that is a fact I feel
but my sisters bond with me about our life that is real.So many things have happened to cause us so much pain
We have cried or laughed together through our life...just the same
We have shared memories that have brought on tears
for things that were painful over the past decades of years.When something happens to our family that is tragic
We bond together for support in hopes a sister can perform magic.
My older sister takes charge to control the route to follow.
Little sister lends an ear to help take away the misery and sorrowMy job has always been to bring some sunshine to the dark.
Try to talk of God’s own love that sets us all apart.
It isn’t always easy when your loved ones are in pain.
but the only answer to a tragedy is to put it in God’s hands
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 7-24-2,000
InspirationHear the sound of the birds as they awaken
Walking to the barn to milk as we hasten
Doing chores that have to be done
Watching the ball of red with the rising sun.
These are things of inspiration.........Walking to the mailbox to retrieve the mail
Watching a boat on the lake lift it’s sail
A child playing with his favorite toy
The giggles of happy people overcome with joy
These are things of inspiration.......Clouds forming as we look to the sky
Trees turning color as the leaves blow by.
Cows drinking water down at the creek.
New colt standing on it’s legs so weak
these are things of inspiration........Sitting by the river with a fishing pole
Walking through the snow with a hat and stole
Driving through the country dressed in Christmas lights
The smell of a child after a bath ready for the night
These are things of inspirationWhen I am inspired from all the things of the world
I go to my studio to paint or write poetic words.
There is something to create from life all around
with open eyes for a picture and ears for a sound.
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 7-24-00
Games of the 1950’s
When we were kids in the 1950’s playing outside
we would run around and find a place to hide.
Slingshots and marbles were played with each day
while a bike would be ridden to the park and home each way.Baseball and kick the can were games of choice
while a yodel and a scream was always done with our voice.
We would make a fort out of blankets as fast as we could
then build a tree house in the tree out back out of leftover wood.Double Dutch and hula hoops were done till we would drop
We drew boxes on the sidewalk and jumped as well as hopped.
All the kids had cap guns to shoot at each other]
while sometimes we just got teased a lot from our little brother.On hot summer days we would go to the pool
swimming and splashing but “Don’t pee in the pool” was the rule!
On rainy days we had to stay in the house
color in books or cut out paper dolls while we sat on the couch.Monopoly was a favorite game when it was cold.
We liked Sorry and especially games where cards we would hold.
Like War, Gin rummy and Go Fish or Old Maid
Played records on the phonograph or went out to ride on a sleigh.When it snowed we were happy since there was so much to do.
We could go ice skate at Lincoln Ice rink or the Lagoon.
Take our sleds and toboggan to Hospital Hill
or just make angels in the snow in our yard at will.In the 1950’s we had to make fun of our own.
There were no video games or computers at anyone's home.
If you wanted to have fun you would think of what to do.
Get together with your friends and let your imagination lead you!author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 7-25-00
Cowgirl Jody
I have a friend who is so good to me.
She’s a cowgirl sweet as she can be.
She works so hard in her home and her barn.
There are times she’s so tired she doesn’t give a darn!She has a couple of boys and a husband named Gary.
Victor and Clayton play with trucks and stones they carry.
They have horses and a brand new pony
who was named Ruby Mae by my friend Jody!Ivy Acres Tack Shop is in the making
Jody does this in between cleaning and baking.
In her spare time she paints beautiful art.
Western paintings are her specialty from her heart.She is a helpful, happy, thoughtful mom
A wife who works hard then puts her cowboy hat on.
to go out with her husband for a chance
to kick up her heels and do a line dance!
Author: Judi Pearl Pulaski 6-21-2000
A Cold Day in JulyThe month on the calendar says it’s July
You can’t tell it by looking up in the sky.
It is cloudy and dreary out there this morning.
They are calling for rain and maybe a storm warning.It had been so hot that they actually baked cookies in a car.
If you didn’t have air co