The Climb From Here

February 18, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

Ric is back in hospital. The infection is – for the moment – winning, having disabled his leg. An elevated blood pressure and difficulty breathing is what sent him back. He has fluid on the lungs. Two different medical teams are now following his case. It feels as if the climb from here is monumental. […]

Industrious

February 17, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

(For Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge: pick a topic.)

VJ’s Weekly Challenge: I’m learning…

February 15, 2021.Reading time 2 minutes.

Ric is home from the hospital, still hooked up to IV antibiotics and needing daily nursing care, and I’m learning that I cannot hold responsibility for his need to push boundaries. From my son, who insisted on coming and spending the night while Ric got settled in, I am learning that I have trouble accepting […]

Love in Lockdown

February 14, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

Everything about a cardinal brings such joy to my day. Chickadees remind me of childhood. These happy visitors love to sing along with me when I call their name. My newest love are the Common Redpolls. So delightful. (There are few birds I don’t love, so when Lisa challenged us to showcase our favourites I […]

Sliver of Light

February 13, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Weekend Sky

Feathered Motion

February 9, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week Challenge: motion

VJ’s Weekly Challenge: Urge

February 8, 2021.Reading time 2 minutes.

Ric remains in hospital, the nature of his infection is antibiotic- resistant. The healing will be slow and laborious. It’s a road we’ve travelled before. At home, I try to remember to breathe between the urges. Washing is done. Groceries are in. I binge-watch Netflix unable to will myself to engage in my regular distractions. […]

Courage

February 5, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As a white woman, waking up to the implications of her privileged existence, I marvel at the courage of those like Rosa Parks who stand up for what they know to be right and good. I pray for the courage to step beyond the limitations of my own prejudices that I may become an empowering […]

On Hope and History

February 4, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Winter/Summer Closeups

February 4, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

For Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge: closeups or macro.

Dear Child

I know a little girl,whose hair in ringletsfalls, unkempt from lackof brushing; who standswhen she should be sitting;who laughs with defiance whenchallenged, her dark eyes gleamingwith mischief; who holds her chin uphigh and stamps her feet, arms foldedin protest when she does not get her way. I see that little girl,have watched her play,with a […]

Re-de-fine-d

Ask me how I’m doingand I’ll say “fine”, notbecause I’m actually fine,but because “fine” is the onlysocially acceptable response. If I said that I have been lyinghere, for three hours now,willing my body to move,that would elicit unsolicitedadvice and tarnish my “fine”. I’d berate myself for breakingmy promise not to moan,knowing that complainingprovokes a compulsive […]