Trauma’s Shadow is Rage

September 22, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

“…he had always been popular and happy and things had always worked out.” (Holly LeCraw, The Swimming Pool) I close the book, feeling the rage shifting just below my sternum. It’s the second time this week […]

CB&WC: Trees

September 21, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

Much has been written in praise of a tree, the promise of roots, the elegance of branches I am awed by a tree’s durability – how it adapts no matter the conditions how it bears its scars with silent grace, remains steadfast in its presence – no matter where I’ve travelled, the tree is a […]

CFFC: Vibrant

September 21, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Say vibrant, and immediately my mind goes to flowers – Nature’s beauty expressed in so many colours. Some times vibrant is a choice, a pick-me-up, or as in this case, the colour of a pick up: And vibrant can be a personality expressing the sheer joy of just being, even with a runny nose: (Cee’s […]

Clouds and Shadows

September 20, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

I find myself drawn to clouds, trying to capture their essence. How, at times they rise, like sculptures of the gods… or how they dissipate, leaving wispy trails in their wake – not wanting to let go. I remember cloudless skies of Arizona – the perfection of blue crowning our days. It is that […]

Leaving Ottawa

September 19, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

Canada’s capital city has lots to offer. Before leaving we took the scenic drive along the Rideau, stopping in at the various parks and places of note to take pictures. At the Remic Rapids, Muskoka chairs line the grassy banks, overlooking rock sculptures in the water. Apparently, artist John Felice Ceprano has been creating these […]

Discovering Ottawa: Jack Pine Trail

September 18, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

We didn’t bring the recommended seeds, and wished we had the moment we stepped onto the Jack Pine Trail. In Nepean, Ontario, just outside Ottawa, this trail is a short but very worthwhile walk. Dogs are not permitted, which I found odd at first, but soon realized is part of the magic. Magical is […]

Discovering Ottawa: Hogs Back Park

September 17, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

Nature, weather permitting, is always the first draw for us when travelling. After a lunch in Lansdowne, we decided to visit Hog’s Back Park and see the falls. Located in Ottawa, along the Rideau river, Hog’s Back Park offers lots of free parking and appears to be a popular spot. While there are plenty […]

A Sail Called Hope

Sail erected, call it ‘Hope’ Location dialed in Saboteurs asleep Done with party persona, inalterable generalities Ready to cater to the awake Willing to believe in dreams There’s a calm opening, and Sail is erected, call it ‘Hope’.

Weighted Down

Weighted down. I swallow rocks to anchor this restlessness – no exit available. Would love to re-locate, check self-assessment into a sunnier place – but the room is not ready. I shove it back down – am a silhouette against stormy horizons. My sister and I meet here, at the edge of denial, both seeking […]

Slippery

Slippery performed and my eight-year-old heart applauded cheered when he escaped, mourned the capture, prayed for flight’s courage but survival skills eluded – was certain I would starve, die in a cave where animals would gnaw on my bones, and family, unconcerned, would sigh and say: She’s just being Slippery. (Slippery was the name of […]