Author: marygracewriting

Mary Grace van der Kroef is a poet, writer, and artist from Ontario, Canada. She enjoys the simple things in life, like a good cup of coffee, or heart to heart talks with friends. She uses her writing to highlight those simple things, to encourage others, and to explore her own inner world. She is a follower of Jesus Christ and writes from a Christian worldview. She believes every person, regardless of circumstance, is a creative being who's stories are important. She cherishes people's differences, as they are in their daily life walk, and believes diverse stories are imperative to understanding what it is to be human.

The Pansy’s Purpose/Calla Press

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I have again been honored by a publication on Calla Press.

The Pansy’s Purpose is a creative non-fiction story, told from the viewpoint of a small garden pansy. It’s a very personal story, and I feel it has found a perfect home.

The little flower was waiting. It sat quietly with its siblings in a plastic tray. The sun was warm, the waiting long. But what else was there to do?
A woman with tired, anxious eyes came looking for the right blooms. First impressions were important, things needed to be just right.

– The Pansy’s Purpose –

I invite you to visit Calla Press, to read the full story. Make sure to let me know what you think afterwards!

Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Six Word Story (48)

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I heard someone say once, “Every moment is a story.” Do you believe that?

Could each moment that passes be a story unto itself, with a beginning, middle, and end? Could each single one have a hidden meaning all its own?

Just like each stitch in a embroidered tapestry is a stick unto itself, complete and whole. So is each of our moments. Whether you call them stories are not, that are precious. Look at them closely and you will see intricate beauty. Step back and view the moments held together, and they are magnificent.

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

Photo sourced from unsplash.com

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Second Dance

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Morning rush, drive fast.
A cyclone follows closely.
Golden leaves dance twice.

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Reading ‘Black Well’

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Reading ‘Black Well’ from The Branch That I Am.

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The Art of Remembering/The Edge of Humanity Magazine

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I have always enjoyed learning about others, other cultures, other peoples, other places. The Edge of Humanity Magazine has been a great place to see glimpses of others, and their daily lives, through the photography, art, poetry, and articles they highlight. I particularly enjoy the art, and poetry.

Since it’s a magazine I have followed for quite a while, it thrilled me when they accepted my non-fiction piece ‘The Art Of Remembering’. They have added it to their Human Condition category, and I feel it’s found a great home there.

‘The Art Of Remembering’ was written in memory of my Grandfather. My fondest memories are of him working in his carpentry shop, making his own forms of Art. I encourage you to visit The Edge of Humanity’s Website, read my contribution, and also enjoy the huge library of humanity they share.

Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Six Word Story (47)

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How often do we over look the things that hold us together? The threads that gently bind us into functional complexity…

Did you know, that YOU are someone’s thread?

We all touch each other in small ways that are overlooked. We hold each other together by actions, words, and prayers whispered out of earshot. Don’t be fooled by people’s silence. They are as unaware of their importance as you are of yours.

If we truly understood just how deeply we are all intertwined, it might prove to be a weight unbearable. Like a thread that is strong, but still not made to hold the entire weight of a body, we would snap. Thank God, we are not the only threads that bind.

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

Photo sourced from unsplash.com

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The Beauty of Fiction

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Why do people make up stories that aren’t true? Why do we play with reality in search of a fantastical story line? Is there any worth to this nonsense?

First, there is worth in Rainbow unicorns… THEY ARE PRETTY! But I digress…

Why do we enjoy stories we know are just not true, could never be true, and never will be true?

One answer is, it’s just fun.

A good fiction story, regardless of genre, grabs us and takes us for a ride. A ride we can’t get from anywhere else. It’s just plain fun to go places we never will be able to in real life.

Second, they stretch something within us, and open doors to learning subtly. We get to explore times, environments, and possibilities all from the comfort of our favorite reading corners. We can dig through the mire of human existence without getting our hands dirty and gain an understanding of different peoples without risking life and limb.

We can learn to have the courage of Frodo in the middle of his fantasy. (The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.) The power of love, curiosity, and empathy live in stories like ‘The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodgson Burnett. 

Of course, a book is not the equal of realm life experience, but there is real value to be gained from the trip through its pages.

A third case can be made for fiction, stretching the human mind to find possibilities. What would it be like to walk on the moon? Humans dreamt of it and wrote about it before we accomplished it. Sharing those dreams in different ways, one of them being through science fiction stories, helped build a collective desire to make it happen.

Stories and their telling, holds power, even fiction.

What is your favorite fiction story, and what did you learn from it? 

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Six Word Story (46)

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Many people are afraid of the night, and it’s true that menacing and dangerous things call it there home.

But not everything about it is evil. It was created for rest, not death.

Autumn is an in between. Its not night, but its also not daylight. Twilight, time that prepares us for rest, but still holds action.

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Winter Star/Art Highlight

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Winter Star is an older piece I have pared with new words.

Winter Star

I knew these little painting was asking for something to go with it. It was telling a story. It needed words.

Two years it took me to find the ones that fit. I was stuck for a long time halfway through this short poem as well. They all tried to melt away as soon as they landed, but by some grace, I caught them.

I think this paring looks great on greeting cards.

Available on 80 different products at my Redbubble Art Shop.

Originally painted in acrylic paint on canvas paper. My favorite aspect of this painting is the light highlighting a warm fuzzy mitt. That mitt reminds me so much of the homemade pairs we used when I was a small child.

Mary Grace can der Kroef

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