Shelly’s Invisible Treasure Box

October 4, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Known in class as the Quiet One, Shelly is given to wandering away from her desk for no reason. Mostly, she is good natured and easy to get along with, and as her teacher, I can tell you she is quite bright. What most don’t know is that she is a collector, somewhat reminiscent of […]

Birds Up Close

October 3, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

For Bird Weekly challenge: Macro/ close-ups. Featured image: robin.

So Many Questions!

October 2, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

It’s difficult, at eleven, to understand the rationale of adults. Why the lies? Who are they protecting? I know now that my “cousin” is actually my brother. This makes sense. Not just a brother, but my oldest sister’s twin! I cannot imagine the pain that separation has caused them. I’m so excited to have brothers! […]

Farewell September

October 1, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Last photos of Sept 30th (camera and iPhone) for Bushboy’s photo challenge.

The Mystery Cousin

September 30, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

The boy at the door was tall and slim, and although I had no idea who he was, he said: “You must be V.J.!” A whoosh of Mom’s skirt obliterated my response. She was hugging and kissing him and exclaiming: “Oh my! Can’t believe it is you!” Then my sisters were there, crowding our small […]

VJ’s Weekly Challenge #114: What’s in the Box?

September 28, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

“What’s in this box?” “Good question. To be honest every time I look at the contents, I just…” “… glaze over?” “Exactly.” Turns out there were pens and lightbulbs and notepads, and something Ric’s been looking for. Likely the contents of a junk drawer – you know, the stuff you put out of sight because […]

When the Unravelling Started

September 27, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

It was a neighbour girl that started it. We played together one day – a rare occurrence, as she seldom came outside. “How do you know you’re not adopted?” she hissed at me, as if to say: You don’t know everything. I started to answer, but then, the words got stuck. How did I know? […]

Short-legged Neighbours

September 26, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

The best part of our new home is the abundance of birds, from the young cardinal whose family nests in the bushes behind, to this unexpected visitor outside my window. To watch the birds is mesmerizing. This fierce hunter also makes an appearance daily: Naturally, there are many more species, but I’ll save those for […]

Pick-me-ups!

September 25, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Freshly picked wishesa bundle of encouragement –immunity boost! (For Cee’s Flower of the Day challenge.)

Settling In

September 23, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Slowly finding my footing again after what feels like a lost week. Our house has been buzzing with well wishers and workmen. New counters are in, as well as new light fixtures. Pictures are hung. Furniture arrives in trickles – a side effect of COVID. I am grateful for all of it.

Present Distance

I’ve lived the fog of distance –life’s highway a series of hillsdestination without promise Have learned that acceptance gains perspective,that climates change, and hope sustains,and that in the stillness dreams renew. Now I travel quieter paths, appreciatespace, have surrendered to a slower pace –certain that this too will change. (image my own)

Floral Balm

Of Trauma Born

Goodbyes tarnishfaith, like ashesscattered My heart grows dismissal,craves a balm of connectionseeks quiet harbour Remind me what it feels like to be safebreath nurturing life,love a rhythmic flow In meditationI reach for peaceimagine salvation But this wayward chaosunrestrainedcements me in doubt Tainted intentionsI lift up to the Universea tempest without hope My soul incubates malicea […]