Home Is Where The Heart Is...

How is it that I feel homesick for a place that has never been my home. A place I have visited often and love so much that my heart longs to go back again. A place where I feel like I truly belong. Idaho may be my birthplace and my lifelong home but Bandon in Oregon is where my spirit feels at peace and my heart fills with contentment. One day I know that I will finally be home to stay...in Bandon-By-The-Sea.

Bandon-By-The-Sea

I close my eyes and then
On a dream and a wish
I am carried back there
Senses coming to life again
The sights...the sounds
The scent of the air and sea
And the feel of the sand
Beneath my weary feet
It seems so very long ago
But the memories of then
Guide me through the now
Showing me the way home
Giving me the strength
To face the pain and fear
To emerge from the fog
And find solace in my soul
And courage in my heart
To carry me through life
'Til I can return there again
To Bandon-by-the-Sea...

By Jennifer DeNaughel

Through the Storm...

Lonely sentinel

Beautiful and steadfast

Its beacon shining

Wind rain and surf

Take their toll

But the light burns on

Guiding lost souls

Toward safe harbor

Bringing them home

Renewing hope

And faith in man.

By Jennifer DeNaughel

©2004 Jennifer Christine DeNaughel

Springtime arrives in Idaho again

So beautiful and yet so unpredictable

It was a long and dreary winter

So glad it is finally over and done

We survived it again all in one piece

Despite the challenges it always brings.

Springtime in Idaho warmly welcomed

Even though it isn’t so warm today

Yesterday it actually snowed again

And the wind howled and whipped

Today it was chilly with only a little sun

Tomorrow it could be in the sixties.

Springtime in Idaho you never know

Anything is possible rain, snow or sun

I look forward to the bright sunny days

And spending an hour or so outside

Enjoying the fresh air and bird songs

Watching as the season comes to life.

By Jennifer DeNaughel