WATCH AND BEWARE

We have a pair of pigeons nesting in a bush in the garden.

Constantly being viewed, when passing through, by three foxes, always on the lookout for an opportunity for a quick meal.

I love listening in on their conversations and wish I understood pigeon talk.

Lily the cat has to be a spectator to all the goings-on outside in the garden, as she has to be wary of the growing size of the foxes.

If they are hungry enough, she too could be added to the menu.

The pigeons have all the mod cons: drinking and bathing facilities, including dust mite cleaning service, as well as insects galore, and just planted runner beans, the crop we love growing the most for fresh tasty greens.

We have to keep going out to move the birds away from the bean patch.

I just hope we have saved enough for plates full of runner beans later.

We shall just have to wait a while.

🦋 🐞 🦅 🐦 🦆 🐝 🦋 🐞 🦅 🐦 🦆 🐝

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

School Librarian Day and National Library Week 📚

LIBRARIES A JEWEL VITAL TO PROTECT

The quote, ‘Use it or lose it,’ not mine, should be taken seriously by every one of us. 

Libraries are a precious asset!

They are the places we can go to immerse ourselves in the world of imagination and serious facts. 

Amazing stories take us through a wide range of emotions, research, education, community information and support. 

A place to meet like-minded people in arranged topics of interest to them. 

It is a place to research false news for yourself rather than being fed one version.

It is a place we can safely take children, for their first experience of the marvels of the written word and choice of books and sometimes listening to real-life storytelling. 

It is a level playing field free to all.

Such a jewel needs us to use it well, to unhook ourselves from the isolation of our computers, or give those trapped in loneliness somewhere to go.

Through the use of libraries, the possibility of new friendships can be extended into our communities.

Please use your libraries, do not let us lose any more. They are vital to our community well-being.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo: Pixabay License

 

GROWING UP

I do not remember the first few years, but everyone remembers me.

They remember each stage of my development and now, with delight and laughter, share them with me.

So I know how often I kept them awake with colic,or an uncomfortably delayed poo; first tooth breaking through was a really big event.

How their reward was my smile, and on-demand giggles without tickles grabbed them every time.

The first steps were treated like an Olympic win, until I grew a bit bigger.

Then they were not so keen on my inquisitive nature, as I was speedily into everything.

They had to watch like hawks, as anything at eye level went straight onto the floor or into my mouth for a bite or a taste.

The nasty things were spat out or thrown in any direction.

With a screwed-up face, and hand-brushing to show I would not do that any more.

As time moved on, I became quite strong, even though I was a reluctant eater.

Antics were designed to tempt me: faces appeared on the plate.

With mashed potatoes as a base, cabbage as hair, carrots as eyes, sliced tomato as lips.

Then spoons full of food went up in the air, as they encouraged me to open my mouth for the landing of an aeroplane.

When that failed, desperation: “Darling, please take one more for mummy.”

The thing I remember most of that time was of being cuddled close to Mum as, using special voices, she read bedtime stories.

It does not matter that I did not remember them word for word. It does matter that now they can tell me they actually happened.

Reciting the titles that were my favourites, to my delight; some I now read with such pleasure to my grandchildren.

They say memories linger on.

©️2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Pixabay

 

IS IT TIME TO WAKE UP?

No. It is only four in the morning.

I lay, trying to work out what had woken me.

I felt a gentle tug at my hair, which I ignored.

Determined to slip back into sleep, but it happened again and again.

I knew then it was Lily, the cat who has always wished to be mine.

Now she well and truly has achieved her aim and has been adopted.

A visit to the vets for vaccinations and an all-over health check occurred last afternoon, and she passed with flying colours.

She sometimes awakens me in the early hours for a quick run around the garden.

She used to be a cat flap cat, and we have no facility to have one.

We have provided a well-sanitised and renewable poo tray.

She sometimes, weather permitting, requests a night-time memory stroll.

I think it is a small price to pay, to love and be loved by such a lovely cat.

©️2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

Happy World Poetry Day

🩷🧡💙🩷🧡💙🩷🧡💙🩷🧡💙🩷🧡💙

© Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

Happy International Day of Forests! 

TREES

The trees having lost all their summer floral dressing, stand shivering in winter's cold and violent shaking.

Standing exposed for birds and squirrels to chase and dive through.

To curl protected in cosy hollows deep in their warm wooden insides.

Bark peels and splits to show new and sweet-smelling wood.

Trees as they cast off their leaves, show autumn dressing becoming objects of wonder to behold.

We owe them our admiration and vigilant protection; 

So that they may continue to grow and multiply, for other generations to admire!

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo: Anna Almeida 

 

AWAKENING THE SILENCE

My eyes flutter open as sleep seeps away.

I start a body check to see if it is ready for a busy day.

Chest: no wheezing as I start deep breathing, oxygen flowing to kick start a sleepy brain and heart.

A gentle stretch to test spinal structures needed for my activity today.

Leg bending, arm stretching over head to check they are uncomplaining.

Lying quietly, listening to the slow awakening of the inside of the house.

Using these last moments of me time to write today’s to-do list.

Last selfish moments to give thanks for what we have, and a plea for strength to deal with whatever we have to face today.

A peek out the window to see, with the rising warming sun, the waxy Camellia bush has burst into a soul stirring pink.

Nothing to worry about this daybreak, just lots to celebrate.

Good morning, everyone.

©️2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

PEACEFUL CONTEMPLATION

 

A peaceful walk I stumbled on by a canal.

Occasional walkers pass by wordless, others exchanging a moment of friendly conversation.

Dogs race past, returning to check their owners are still with them.

Some were locals familiar with this towpath since childhood, eager to share its history with me.

A few came from across the world, others our European neighbours.

The occasional plop of a fish, bird cries when flying by, and squirrels overhead, moving at fantastic pace from tree to tree.

A quiet chug, chug brought into view a canal boat, making its way gently by.

Painted dark green with brass trims; cheerful floral curtains with a cat cosily sunbathing.

A moment to admire the colourful plant pots firmly attached, enlivening the scene.

The owner giving a greeting and cheery wave as they slid past to a destination unknown to us.

A sight many of us hoped to see on a canal walk.

Generations past have taken this same walk to see a few commercial, hard-working canal boats chugging past.

Times were tough and essential goods would have been moved by water to earn a family's crust.

Thankfully, I am here now to enjoy and share the peaceful contemplation of a canal-side walk.

As I sit still, watching, listening, drinking, and eating outside an ancient canal-side pub.

©️2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

SWANNING ALONG

Swanning along on the river with my cygnets sunning on my back.

My partner glides close beside us to ward off any sneaky attack.

This is the time I look forward to, quietly floating along.

Cries from the embankment: Look! Look at those beautiful swans.

Cameras clicking, pieces of bread flinging (I try to avoid those).

I prefer the natural riverside and bottom: green, delicious grazing.

My feathers seem to feel and look fresher when I stick to nature's food.

My partner and I are so proud of the young we have been able to produce.

Our job is to keep on vigilantly protecting them, night and day.

Until the time they are strong enough to float off and manage life in their own way.

2025 ©️Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Anna Almeida

 

USE YOUR IMAGINATION

Use your imagination to relieve a difficult situation. 

Don’t just look ahead; rotate your head and look around. 

Circumnavigate your imagination to create new occupations, not just for you.

Gather friends in your neighbourhood and others in Zoom room consultations, far and wide. 

You will be amazed at the sparking of the fusion of ideas being bounced around,

creating excitement right across the oceans and into many rooms. 

There are amazing ways new jobs can be created if we act together, thinking outside the box.

In each part of our populations, the Aged and Able/Dis barrier can at times be reduced, allowing minds and hands to be active and proud to add their efforts to help many community situations. 

Old people, no matter what age, can tap into minds full of imagination and historical recollections, many so useful but long unused.

We need to utilise knowledge and imagination creatively to move us forward, attracting the funding or willing, caring hands to activate the sparks created into slowly gathering flames, ready to warm hearts and homes, and help money to sit a little longer in the bank.

Imagination is a powerful thing. 

Let us try using it to reach our exciting potential.

©️2025 Penny Wobbly Storyteller of WobblingPen

 

Happy #ButterfliesDay

THE LIGHTEST OF TOUCHES

When lying on the grass under a shady tree, my eyelids drooped and soon I was asleep, to be awoken with the lightest of touches tickling my nose.

Gently, oh so gently, I opened my eyes to see a beautiful butterfly standing on four legs and staring into my eyes.

I am not sure who was the most surprised.

It opened its wings in case danger I might be, allowing me to see the underside of its wings up close.

I gazed at its tiny face and its eyes with its multiple sight sensors, as it rapidly uncurled its proboscis, gently touching my nose and quickly retracting.

I was obviously not the flavour it was seeking.

My nose started to feel a sneeze approaching. The need to suppress it became overpowering.

I did not want to propel my delicate visitor into orbit with an explosion.

Thankfully, it took off in time, allowing me to admire its beautiful flight.

How could something so beautiful come from something so ugly, yet so interesting, as a caterpillar?

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License 

 

#SaveASpiderDay  

MR. SPIDER

Spider, Spider, spin your web!

Dainty, delicate gossamer,

Beaded dew-drop dressed.

All your glorious work,

Layer upon layer displayed.

On days like these,

I can see and admire where you are.

I can avoid stumbling through

Your perimeter wire,

Miss its clinging, obstructive embrace.

All around my hair,

Neck and over my face.

Oh, I am sure while it’s wet

You'll miss a tasty meal/

Once dry, you'll remain hidden,

Well protected from many an eye.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo: Pixabay License

 

I AM ME. YOU ARE YOU

Sitting here together, now aged eighty-two, remembering when we first met with our mums at the explorative age of five. 

You offered me an orange, a gift, then quite rare from the bottom of the garden stair.

“Would you like to come out to play?” you asked. 

I was longing to say yes, but I had the most irritating spots upon my chest.

Dad said, “Sorry, girls; not just yet,” and your face fell, mine as well. “There will be plenty of time for play and friendship when those itchy spots have faded away.”

We did not know—how could we?—that we would be sitting here, still the best of friends at the grand old age of eighty-two, with years and years of stories to tell of sad goodbyes and joyful hellos, as we followed each other around the world.

You were the quiet bookworm, well educated. 

I was the adventurer and very creative. 

It was a combination of talents that served us well as years slipped by. 

Marriage for a time kept us apart, until your children appeared and captured my heart. 

Now empty-nested, we sit reminiscing with tears and laughs, struggling to recall the names of people we met a long time ago.

Here we are: you are you and I am me, with limbs creaky, a few replaced, too. 

Contemplating the memories of the vanishing world we once loved and knew.

Preparing for the approaching, emerging world, all brashly unfamiliar to us, it is true.

As we hug each other as we prepare to say farewell, thankful we lived when we did.

Time now to hand over to the young, and hope strong friendships like ours will help carry them through.

I am me and you are you, so thankful for our friendship, still not at an end.

You are and always have been a most remarkable, true and loving friend.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash

 

CRAFTY THIEF

My husband was grumbling, "Do you remember those blueberries I planted?" I nodded in reply.

"Well they have masses of berries and some are blue, but every time I go to pick them, none are ripe enough. What a waste of space they are!"

I noticed a while ago that he had netted them to protect them from the birds.

With my interest alerted, I began to take a closer look at the blueberry bushes.

Suddenly a flurry of black feathers landed on the net, it was a blackbird.

I sat quietly watching and caught the thief at work.

He looked around to see if it was safe to start his robbery.

He pecked at the blueberries through the net, as it was a tight mesh net he could not pull the berries through.

That did not stop him from picking the fruit.

How silly is that, I thought to myself, to just destroy the fruit?

Then he flew down to the ground and there laid out before him was a carpet of juicy blueberries.

He quickly crushed and swallowed them, staining his yellow beak blue in the process.

My husband decided, he would have to be up very early to beat the blackbird to his Blueberry breakfast.

🦋 🐞 🦅 🐦 🦆 🐝 🦋 🐞 🦅 🐦 🦆 🐝

© 2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

Hello Wobblers,

What windy weather we have been having. 

Have you found it hard to stand up straight without being blown along? 

No use using umbrellas or they may be snatched away, blown inside out. 

Or end up being an odd decoration in a tree.

Oops! I have just seen a cat being blown round the corner, he looked a bit scared. 

I thought it was a black plastic bag. 

We are in a tall building and the wind can catch you unexpectedly in a strong down draught.

Poor cat, that must have been what happened to him.

The birds are having a hard time too. 

Hiding in the bushes and under the roof eaves waiting for a lull in the weather to find insects and big juicy worms for a meal. 

Even the seagulls, are struggling in the wind and have had to flock into sheltered fields for a rest. 

You can place some seed and water under the bushes to help the birds. 

They would be very grateful.

Take care Wobblers to hope to see you soon.

Help where you can.

Penny Wobbly

 

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

The unimaginable loss of war has no cut-off point.

You young men have been nurtured to be the best of the best, here at home and at Eton, with a plethora of connections around the world.

Yet one bullet or bomb fired indiscriminately, in haste, hate or anger, ends it all for many.

Or does it? The lucky march home, heroes, to the bosom of family and friends. 

The wounded are slipped into hospitals, with PTSD and long-term disability care needs.

The unlucky, on many occasions, never see home again.They are buried in bloodied, mass, unmarked graves. 

Families are left with no ending of grief or closure, for generations to come. For some, wars never end.

Why is this necessary? 

Why are we, as human beings, incapable of learning, time after time, generation after generation, to turn our ambitions and feelings into good deeds for one another? 

We give prizes for designing this, that or the other. 

The potential is certainly there. I sometimes wonder if as humans we have never tamed the animal inside us; it just bursts out from time to time, causing mayhem and terror.

Wars are recorded, warped in the telling by the victors and marched into history with no change.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Pixabay

 

Happy Reading Month 

BOOK WORM

I'm a book, a very good book, but my cover is as plain and dowdy as can be, so much so, that people browsing through the shelves fail to discover me.

I've had a few near misses when they have almost prised me out, then forced me back in again, with derision.

It's a job to coax me back into my slot, as I need to be pushed and shoved quite a lot.

To make me fit in, amongst the big, coloured glossy books that are my neighbours.

I'm waiting here, with patience, for the day when someone pulls me out and says: "I have been looking for you for simply ages!"

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

YOU AND ME

You are the one. I am the two.

We grasp our pens and write for you.

Stories collected and told, before we are far too old.

It might be one a day, or a cascade rushing into print.

Or on a back burner with a steady drip of text, a day, a year or two.

Then, one day, our amazing stories, collected from real life and you, will burst into view.

A truthful social history it will be, for generations to come, long after we have all drifted on.

Grab a book, read and read. 

Never let anyone anywhere bamboozle you.

You are the one. I am the two. 

We write as truthfully as we can, for history and for you.

©️2025 Anne Watts and Penny Wobbly

 

Happy World Book Day 

Libraries give time for empty minds to expand their capacity to absorb information from multiple genres.

Tempted by a perusal along their shelves, you gather books you never even realised you needed.

Once read, they may prove useful in the future.

 

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Ying Ge on Unsplash

 

Happy World Book Day 

 📕📗📘📙📒📕📗📘📙📒📕📗📘📙📒📕

 2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

 

Happy World Book Day 

A whole Day to look at, talk about, share and enjoy books; By yourself, with your parents, with a friend or in school. How wonderful! 

I wonder if you will find a fantastic new author with an amazing new story. Or will you find on the bottom shelf of the library, an old book you will be delighted to read and never forget? 

Perhaps you will write a story yourself, with words filling page after page, ready to be printed into a book. 

How wonderful might that be? 

Do not waste this week; read as much as you can. 

Share your favourite new-found books with your friends. Have fun! I am going to! 

 2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

 Photos: Pixabay License 

 

A SNOWMAN

Have you seen a snowman?

They are becoming hard to find.

So when the north wind does blow, we might be able to see snow.

The first flurries of snow with swirls and cold brushes descend to tickle your nose and to prance on your eyelashes.

Bringing roses to your cheeks allows laughter to burst free.

Wrap up and roll the snow as fast as you can, to build a super-duper lovely snowman.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

Happy World Wildlife Day! 

SWING, SWING!

Swing, swing!

Can you hear the birds up in the trees?

Making me swing with their melodies.

My body moves with a rhythm all it’s own.

Swing, swing!

Come on, join in this joyful song.

Fingers click, feet flick,

Small jump in celebration.

The ducks in the pond

Quack along in delight.

Swing, swing!

The horse in the meadow kicks up his heels.

Encouraging the cows

To join in the dance and melody.

Moo, neigh! Neigh moo,

Another two will do.

Swing, swing!

Keep it going Mr Owl has woken.

He has just added his wit to woo

The best he can do.

Mr frog has croaked loudly

Three times in tune.

Swing, swing!

Sing to this wonderful chorus.

Those who hear us

Will always remember.

When they first heard

A real dawn chorus.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

Happy World Book Day

 

THERE ARE CREATURES IN MY GARDEN

There are creatures in my garden, yet rarely are they seen at all.

Hidden in the walls are spiders, the odd lizard, leather jackets, ants in battalions patrol, as magic cleaning up insect and debris machines.

Weeds scatter seeds for their plants to keep on growing, for snails to slimily keep on their contented munching and gnawing. Sadly your cherished plants are on their menu, as they have a hankering for them too.

Tiny frogs seek shelter in the dampened cracks, hiding from aerial birds and ground, fox, cat and dog attacks.

A mole surfaces to leave a hill in the middle of the lawn, blindly, burying, furiously underneath, hunting juicy worms from dusk to dawn, leaving the molehills for you to pat down.

Butterflies and ladybirds, gavotting about giving amazing colourful displays.

The foxes lay against the wall, enjoying the warmth of the sun and dappled shade after a night on the essential food hunting run.

Squirrels, furiously battling in the trees, as nuts rain down to be lost in the ground. To start new tree growth in this fascinatingly active garden of mine.

Where all I have to do is sit, quietly, relax, whiling away some precious me time.

© 2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay

 

MAGICAL EVENING

The car, filled with friends, set off to enjoy a musical evening.

We negotiated our way through inclement weather to Bookham.

Anticipating good food and what we knew would be good music.

Threading our way down the ancient high street past parked cars to the old pub.

It appeared out of the rain and dark, packed with what we hoped were music lovers.

A table was kindly reserved for us and I was able to tuck myself against a wall and a loudspeaker, which did not distract at all.

The bad news was that it was a pub with no food. We had had a sparse lunch to make room for a big meal.

Nibbles had to suffice to dampen down any non-musical gastric grumbles.

Greetings all around, setting up and tuning noises began, cables draped or kicked out of the way to avoid tripping as the music started to play.

We heard tunes from the past: The Beatles’ repertoire, some never heard before, played by talented musicians of today.

My feet started gentle tapping, hands clapping, voice tempted into quiet song.

Which I stopped when I saw the lead guitarist’s eyes closed, head to one side, listening for discordant notes.

I was enchanted, taken back to more youthful times, when dancing would have started, but not today.

All too soon, it was time to leave the songs and wonderful music of George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan, played by Richard Wright, Amie, Collin…

Hoping there will be other magical evenings when they are down our way.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Nikola Đuza on Unsplash

 

 

 

A COUNTRY LANE

A country lane well-travelled, a village sign-posted in plain sight.

Generations have journeyed along its way.

Some, heads down, burdened by packs to carry; others dawdling along, stopping to admire the view.

Paths crossed and conversations exchanged; trading of animals, fruit and veg with a handshake.

Promises to pay later over a pint and a pipe in the pub. 

Pedlars too have passed through with trinkets to haggle.

On village doorsteps, customers would gather to have a laugh and hear their sales patter.

Gossip too of loves and babies born, news of those who have sadly passed on.

It would be carried from place to place, down the lanes, part of the convoluted chain of life in beautiful isolated spots.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL

Bleary-eyed, you awake to an alarm call which starts it all.

Preparing yourself for a long journey of separation from loved ones here.

Leaving sad faces, tears and no smiling, a memory that clings ’til your aircraft takes off and you are rapidly climbing.

Adjusting emotions, you start forward-planning to see parental family on landing.

Anticipating the joy of touching, hugging, smiling, crying, reconnecting with family seen only on the internet.

You try to relax to reserve your energy for that oh so emotional moment.

Forget not the family left behind who will be waiting anxiously for the call that says you have safely landed and are with loved ones sending their love to your family back home.

2025  ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

THUNDEROUS CHANGE

It started a glorious day when, like a herd of stampeding buffalo, the storm hit, bellowing, wrecking, destroying all we knew.

For an hour or two, it enforced its terror; nothing we could do. Except to know life would never be the same.

All we had was hope, love and community spirit to rebuild the trampled land.

To remain strong and know our human family can work to return our community to order and our homes to peace and a different tranquility again.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

WAKE UP, WAKE UP

Wake up, wake up. 

Do not stay asleep too long,

Or everything you have cherished and loved will have vanished and gone.

The saying that anything that looks too good to be true, is exactly that: not true.

Easy options often turn out to be the most difficult and protracted to retract.

Wrap yourselves in the letter of the law which has lasted the test of time. 

In time, laws need small adjustments, not their complete obliteration.  

Stand up and be counted to keep the standards most trusted and known by all.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

LIBRARIES

Libraries give time for empty minds to expand their capacity to absorb information from multiple genres.

Tempted by a perusal along their shelves, you gather books you never even realised you needed.

Once read, they may prove useful in the future.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Ying Ge on Unsplash

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

 

VALENTINE’S DAY

You looked so handsome. 

You looked so cool.

I saw you glance and smile at me, 

One day on the way to school.

My heart started racing as though I was short of air.

You vanished, and I carried that memory with me everywhere.

End of term, school life stopped, an adult I became.

Of course I dated, but none compared to the picture I carried of you, smiling, looking so handsome and cool.

Hurrying home one evening in winter, I tripped, almost fell,

When a hand reached out and safely grabbed me.

It was you, standing there smiling, looking so handsome and cool.

The magic entrapped us, when you said,

“I have been searching for you everywhere.

“I have never forgotten that day on the bus.

“When you smiled at me and blushed.”

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

2025  ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Pixabay

 

I WOKE UP 

I woke up with a smile on my face. 

No matter what the weather might bring, I am determined to switch a smile into place, 

Coming from the joy within, sharing life with the man I love. 

Each day is different, it is true; not all covered in a rosy hue. 

Life throws some unwanted curve balls. 

One headed our way last night. 

Yet we batted it away, with worries and plans shared. 

No need to frown with tears dripping down. Very few like a misery, a moaner, a groaner around. 

So, with a smile, I am ready to face any bump in the road. 

With the strength of the warm love supporting me 

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly Storyteller of WobblingPen

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

 

 

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Looking down a typical street of side to side houses.

Doors firmly closed. What secrets are they hiding?

During the day, the occupants greet one another or not as the mood takes them.

Converting thoughts and pressures of home to work.

To a place of safety and normality, or not.

It could be there the secret is kept and no one knows

 ’Til it returns to be hidden behind closed doors.

Behind closed doors, wounds of mind and body have small moments to contemplate ‘Why me? Why us?’

 ’Til the key in the door brings terror or real love back in behind closed doors.

2025  ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash

 

QUICK TRIP

Dawn is approaching and I have just let Lily out for her dawn parade around the garden. 

It is cold out there, so I do not think she will be long. In fact, here she comes now.

Wow! What speed! 

I had barely opened the door, with a gap big enough for her to slip in.  

She flashed past me to her food dish in the kitchen. 

I heard what might have been a thank you in cat speak, which made me smile.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

I’M GOING TO BE HAPPY

I’m going to be happy.

I’m going to shake off the blues.

I’m going to try smiling.

And wait for a non-smiler's smile in return.

Before working hard to encourage a smile into view.

I’m going to ask them to pass it on, when they comfortably can.

With this contagion, smiles will be on their way.

So many of you will then be able to smile today.

Chasing any misery and dark moods away.

Have a Happy Day!

Copyright ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash

 

DAFFODILS UNFURLING

Daffodils brought in from the bitter cold and bending winds.

To stand tightly clothed in all-over green.

No brilliant yellow yet on show.

Many reject your picking, as they do not know.

In the warmth, you slowly uncurl to show the touch of yellow you’re hiding.

Each day, you reveal a little more, a little more.

’Til one morning, with your brilliance in full display,

Comments fly and smiles are exchanged

As your yellow faces sit in quiet sight

For several days and nights,

Declaring spring is coming with all its floral delights.

Copyright 2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Shishir Pandey on Unsplash

 

The silence as snow slowly settles.

Quieting the brushing of branches close.

Adding beauty to the scene either in the day, or in softening moon light.

Best observed through glass behind closed doors.

With fireside warmth and wine to sip.

As with arms entwined, we share the moment of this special time.

2025 ©️ Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

A SPARK 2025

The origin of the spark unknown.

Just when smoke started to show,

Did the hint of a threat grow.

For many, disbelief froze them to the spot.

It will be put out when the firemen race by.

But nature had a crueller plan.

Santa Ana winds fiercely increased their speed.

Sweeping down the hills to the valley floors.

Burning all before them at incredible pace.

Throwing sparks and burning embers to and fro.

Fear caught the onlookers, as they watched the spread.

Out, out, we need to go now, no time to take anything.

Our lives are more precious; grab phones, credit cards, passports, coats and shoes,

Medication, too, if we safely can; no time to lose.

Bottled water if to hand, then into the car, if the road is clear.

From one spark a catastrophe began burning in all directions.

Life so precious made us leave, a terrifying journey.

Returning to nothing left, just tears of anger, memories and regret.

Sadness at the loss of life, and neighbourhoods broken forever.

Long established friendships scattered to homes apart.

All because of that one terrifying spark.

Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

CHRISTMAS IS KNOCKING ON MY DOOR

 

Suddenly Christmas is knocking on my door, I have to start to dress my tree and decorate the room before we put the welcome wreath on the front door.

I am stocking up goodies in my kitchen cupboard—not too early, or a large mouse might start sampling. 

I have been listening carefully for hints of what might be useful Christmas presents to give.

I went to buy my favourite perfume, but when browsing a voice said, “You do not need that!”

There was a hint that it might be coming my way. 

I thought my young man had forgotten, and I was getting down to my last few drops. 

One of my planned gifts for him is optional now, as he brought his own shoehorn. So, I will have to resume my search for some other useful gifts.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

PARCELING UP

 

We’ve been buying presents at a very slow rate.

Now the panic is on to make sure we are not too late.

Do we have beautiful paper for our special presents to wrap them tenderly?

Or do we find some from the wrapping that is left over from years long past?

Where is the string, or do we now have some new sticky fancy stuff?

Does it sparkle when twisted, or do we have some spray to cover it up?

What about the labels will they match the paper, or do we leave them off?

And scrawl in our best writing, our love and big kisses all over our gift.

It is fun wrapping Christmas Presents and giving them to those we love.

We will place them around the Christmas tree, before going upstairs to sleep, with our tasks well done.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS AND TREES

 

The clock is ticking for Christmas and trees are being erected in the most advantageous spots, to show off their lights and ornaments to add sparkle and colour at this festive time of the year.

If you’re like me, your ornaments have their own little stories and importance from parts of your life. I’m always sad when one is broken, so they are gently attached to the tree.

When everything is arranged, the room lights are turned off, and we wait for a few moments in the dark, with a glass of wine or a soft drink, before turning on the tree lights.

At that moment, Christmas has begun. We must attach the welcoming wreath, very firmly, to the outside of the front door. 

These days, the winds seem more blustery; or is that just my imagination?

Happy Holidays!

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

 

Each year we climb into the loft to gently carry your boxed branches down, then, with a bit of a push and shove, we expand your limbs for us, with love and thought, to carefully colourfully dress with tinsel and baubles dangling.

You may not know it but there are two potent feelings I have, over the years, to you connected.

One is the excitement and anticipation of the year's most happy Christian family celebration and welcome.

Two is the sadness at seeing my family leave, combined with the nostalgia of undressing you and storing you away again.

Each year wherever I have been I have brought back a new decoration.

Each bauble has its own story and memory to touch me, as I unravel your connections, leaving you bare and bare.

Then, with a sad ceremony, we climb up into the loft to struggle to safely place you for another year.

In silence I return to the room where you had been standing, it now looks sad and strangely empty, as we have become used to you being there.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

 

Christmas is coming; the weather is changing; a cloak of cold and darkness creeps in.

Yet it appears only in one half of our world, while the other half bathes in hot sunshine and tropical rain, both celebrating the same religious occasion. 

Wherever it is celebrated, it is a gathering together of families and friends, with the sharing of gifts and food, and a catch-up on news and stories of celebrations past.

It is a time of patching up differences, where possible. A time of thinking of those who are no longer with us and much missed.

A time of welcoming the newborn now in our midst. Time also to welcome a stranger who may be on their own.

All over the world, it is not just Christians who share times like this; all religions do.

They share their hopes of peace, tranquillity, good harvests, and friendships, giving thanks to God in their own way, for all the goodness he has bestowed on them, and for hard times he has seen them through; asking for forgiveness for thoughts and acts only he knows since, as mere humans, we need to do that, too.

Hopefully, when the celebrations are over, and we move into the year ahead, most of us will be united to seek love,  peace, and good stewardship of this precious place called Earth.

Never forget to tell those you love how much they mean to you. Let not time come between you, as it is constantly moving away.

Here at WobblingPen we love all who pop by for a read, a listen or a chat. We are just delighted when we have comments to read from you, too.

Must close now, as I have to find a willing pair of hands to transport the Christmas tree from the cold in the loft to the warmth in the lounge, to become the focus of joy during our Christmas festivities.

Stay safe, and spread a smile and a bit of kindness when you safely can.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

INTERESTING TIME

 

My typewriter is more or less, behaving in a fashion of it's own. So I will try to carry on where I left off yesterday, after the fiasco of the rooms.

As we had arrived a day early, my husband and I set off up the street to investigate the village. We were accompanied by a wasp out on manoeuvres, to dodge it we jitterbugged up the road, till it found someone more interesting to follow. 

Walking in a more relaxed manner, we made our way to the seafront and a pond where the children were having great fun sailing their boats. A young dog barked wanting to join in.

Hunger pangs soon sent us in search of somewhere nice to eat. Accompanied by the strident seagull cries and their low above-head swoops, we found just the right place and had a delicious meal, quietly by ourselves.

Back at the hotel, I took the lift, while my husband ordered a paper for the morning. Leaving the lift, I found myself in the staff quarters and could see no way out. I re-entered the lift and went back up to him. He looked at me with an amused expression. I said 'I thought I would come back for you in case you manage to get lost.'

The next day the rest of our friends joined us, to complete our sad mission, laying our dear friend to rest, in a nearby village. It was a beautiful day and everything went according to plan.

On our return to the hotel, we split up into two groups there were thirteen of us and set off for a walk. It allowed us to catch up on news, before returning to change for dinner. It was a very nice meal with good company, after which we retired to bed.

A lovely time was had by one and all. Not quite true, as the road outside the hotel was a one-way street, with cars parked along one side of it. 

Some late-arriving guests had the misfortune to have a breakdown on the free road. They had attempted to move the car the night before to no avail. A recovery van had been sent. In the meantime, no one could move the cars which they had parked there.

The decision to have breakfast was taken, and we had such a hilarious time, that none of us noticed the car being dragged back to the main road.

Soon it was time to say goodbye, see you soon have a safe journey. In beautiful weather my husband and I set off for home, only to be held up for ages at the Dartford Crossing.

Eventually, we made it and had a nice cup of tea while we sat and reviewed the extended weekend.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

UNSETTLED TROUBLE SKY

 

Unsettled troubled sky, what message do you bring as you whizz by?

Forecasts of rain and disruption, for days, have been by man relayed.

Yet occasionally, you change your mind, sending a day of brilliant sunshine.

With hope, we ask for your more gentle embrace.

To help rain-soaked flooded land, gain some time for respite, recovery and ease.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen