Author: jennygracespoetryandcreativewritingtechniques

I am a published poet and short story writer. I have been published in SNHU's the penmen review. https://penmenreview.com/author/jenny-andrews is the link where you can find my poetry and a short story. Currently, I am writing a collection of short stories, and a collection of poetry. I am trying my hand at writing a novel. Well, not a novel, actually. Make that two novels. My passion is writing. My inspiration is Franz Krafka because he managed to see the absurdity of life. Life is all about perspective and who is telling the story. We all see this life through the lens of our experiences. Literature should inspire us to think, to analyze, and to get lost in unfamiliar worlds in which we learn something new about this human existence. It is my hope that my writing challenges the reader to think, and to see a different perspective, as well as be entertained. My faith in Jesus strengthens me and gives me the courage to survive the twists and turns of this life. My faith influences a lot of my writing in that goodness always triumphs over evil, in that love conquers all. I hope you enjoy reading my blog.

Notebook: Late 1980s

I cling to the past

to you in shadows of amber, grays, and fading indigo skies; fading light at the end of my days.

Your voice betrays your heart; you fail to have that part of my closed heart you briefly possessed.

The world babbles into chaos; I know I stand here alone among skyscrapers that bury me on this crowded street corner.

Train rushes past; I fail to grasp the image of your handsome face reflected in the shattered glass door that slammed shut.

Loneliness swells around me; crowd jostles me.

I want to deceive myself.

Like the shattered glass, I shatter.

Shades of dying light in hues of lavender, sepia, and soft rose.

Shifting world; shifting hues of light.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

After the Storm

Hurricane Idalia lost its strength by the time it reached my town. During the night, heavy rain and wind reminded me just how fragile and vulnerable we really are in this life. We are at the mercy of the elements really. Thousands upon thousands of years, humans have survived, though. We manage to move from disaster to restoration because we simply have no other choice but to survive. It’s in our soul. No matter how dark the night; no matter how desperate we become, deep within our human souls we look towards a light that burns within us all. We survive against all odds. We fall down; we get back up. Then, we repeat it all.

This morning, I dashed outside after the rain had stopped and saw this pink rain lily that I had planted way back in April. It simply swayed in the breeze, a testament to all that is beautiful in God’s world.

Fear and anxiety have the devastating punch of a storm hurtling towards a coastline with threats of absolute destruction. Fear and anxiety hinder us and rob us of joy, rob us of peace.

I am petrified of rain at night. I am absolutely petrified when it gets intense, like last night.

So, I turned my thoughts to God and His protecting hands. God is always with me no matter how dark the night; God is always with me no matter how strong the wind.

He is always with each of His children.

Life is full of events that cause us to fear. Life hurts.

It’s never easy when the rains come, when night falls and the world shuts into darkness, and the wind roars.

But, I turn towards God and trust that no matter how dark the night he is with me.

And, He is with each of us.

Through all the storms.

Copyright 2023 (photography and writing) Jenny W. Andrews

Little Lizard on a Leaf

By now, you’ve probably figured out that I enjoy photographing creatures in my garden.

I love nature and find peace and joy in simply watching the quiet little world beneath leaves and inside flower buds.

It is calming to just take a few moments to pause and watch these little creatures go about their day.

I often marvel at the intricacies of this earth. Have you ever paused and just wondered about all that this earth contains: the plants, the insects, the land animals, the sky animals, the sea animals, flowers, food crops, natural resources, et cetera and so on?

Without a doubt, God has powerfully and wonderfully designed and blessed His creation.

So, on this Monday afternoon, just take a few moments from the hustle and bustle of your busy life and consider all the beauty that God had made.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

Raindrops on Pink Crepe Myrtle

A brief reprieve from the crushing heat. A steady drizzle, gray clouds hover and burst, spilling cool raindrops that dangle from the pretty deep pink flower clusters of the crepe myrtle tree in my backyard.

Beauty and joy. These are what nature brings. Of course, there are storms, drought, floods, and an assortment of natural disasters that can befall this ancient earth.

But, deep within the earth’s surface, a riot of roots dig deeply and spread like the limitless hands of God and replenishes us with its fertile bounty.

The earth lives forever because of the seeds that burst forth with life and multiply forever.

This crepe myrtle sprouted from the other crepe myrtles in my yard. Years ago, I’d only planted two crepe myrtles. Now, I have several that have sprouted from those trees.

I have young oak trees that have sprouted from the other oaks, as well.

So, when I see the raindrops dangling from the pretty pink flowers of the crepe myrtle I am reminded of eternity because the rain will water the parched earth and return to the clouds because of the continuous movement of the rain cycle.

God is in control of His beloved earth. He has created the rain, wind, trees, all that is within.

So, when you are despairing of the excessive heat this summer, please just remember that it is just a cycle; the coolness of autumn will come, and so will the chill of winter.

And the cycle will start over again.

Trust in God’s love for his beloved earth and His love for us, his children.

It will rain again.

It will snow again.

And, we will be reminded of God’s power.

It is all, after all, in His loving hands.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

Lemons and Oranges

Just the other day while putting my groceries away, I put my oranges and lemons in the bowl on the kitchen counter. And, I know that sounds rather mundane, but at the instant the sunlight filtered through the window above my sink and I noticed the intricacies of the colors, yellow and orange. So different, but so beautiful.

It makes me consider all the beauty this world is filled with, all the depths of color that exists. Pale blues, scarlet and cherry reds, lavender and lilac hues of purple, pastel pink and deep fuchsia, bright pearl white and rich ebony shades of onyx.

Yes, the world is filled with such beauty. The earth is God’s masterpiece and He has painted it with brilliant hues that is a gift to us.

Take the time to notice this gift that God has blessed us with.

Seek out the beauty in the simple moments.

And, share with the world.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

Grasshopper on Zinnia Stem

I’ve finally managed to get a photo of this little grasshopper that has been clinging to the pink zinnia in my back yard. He nestles himself closely to the green stem and attempts to not be seen. Granted, you have to peer very closely to see the little green guy. Earlier, he’d scurried away when I had tried to photograph him; well, I’ve been quietly sneaky and finally photographed him.

I just wanted to share this photograph because of the quiet beauty of this image.

Early morning or late evening it is amazing just how many little creatures you can spy beneath leaves and in the grass. I love nature because it gives me a sense of peace. All is well with the world if you spend time simply enjoying the beautiful world that God has blessed us with.

So, turn off your cell phones and computers this weekend and go outside to enjoy the beauty of the day. Take some time to really look at the nature around you. It is inspiring just how perfectly formed God’s creation is.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Copyright 2023 Jenny W. Andrews