This Is More Than Personal

April 12, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

A movie might be just the panacea we need to escape this current state of malaise. Our middle daughter and son-in-law dropped by with kids and we had a porch to curb-side visit – hard not to hug, but so good to hear those little voices in person. Now that they have left, I feel […]

The Numbers Don’t Tell All

April 10, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

“We only test the front line workers.” This from Public Health. My daughter has been sick for days with cough. Via video chat, her family doctor says she likely has COVID-19. She prescribed inhalers and cough medicine. It didn’t really help. So she called the doctor again. “I can’t see you in my office if […]

Not So Simple

April 8, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

So many questions cluttering my mind –numbers and guidelines: Stay Inside! I crave the single mindedness of a plantwhose nature tends towards sunlight and contemplate the stillness of mosswondering if it too feels the inquietude And gaze on with envy as a solo flight passesyearning to taste the freedom of escape. Life has become so […]

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #91: transported

April 6, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

“I’ve heard enough of the news!” Ric hands me the remote. “Find what you’d rather watch.” I scroll through the guide but nothing suits me. I am antsy and my stomach hurts. Normally, I like to sit in quiet but today I need noise to shut out my thoughts. News about COVID_19 is overwhelming. I […]

Contributions of Humanity

April 5, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

Driving the neighbourhood, streets are deserted, but the spirit of the residents shines through – art posted in windows, chalk drawings on sidewalks, and front porch art. The lengths people go to encourages me. The best of humankind is shining through. My challenge this week was contribution, and as always your contributions have warmed me. […]

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #90: contribution

March 30, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

“I received the nicest package today!” my mother tells me excitedly over the phone. “It couldn’t have arrived at a more perfect time!” Kleenex, Voltaren, scotch mints, body lotion and a hand drawn picture from a great granddaughter, all bundled and dropped at the entrance to the nursing home, where we are no longer allowed. […]

Of Course, It Isn’t Real

March 29, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

Oprah is smaller in person, and quite unassuming. We’re having tea in her bedroom as she gets ready for the day, and I feel as if we’ve been friends forever. She does most of the talking, and my mind tries to process all the details of her life – most of it contrary to what […]

Feathered Elegance

March 27, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

Rumours of the Tundra Swans in our neighbourhood lure us out. They migrate through here in early spring and linger for a week or two. We head to the drive along the river where the Common Mergansers are currently doing their mating dances. Caught this female in the midst of the ritual. Love the hairdo. […]

The River, My Heart

March 25, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

A landmark in my life, the river followsages, and eras, seasons measured by her flow She acknowledges change, bears the winterregally, swells with confidence as Spring rains Will walk beside me in sunnier times, andhold my secrets as Autumn catches us in her flames She holds my heart, my faith, always knows and at end […]

V.J.'s Weekly Challenge #89: imaginary

March 23, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

Fresh air was the remedy yesterday. From six feet apart, we greeted our neighbours. “How are you keeping?,” I asked a widow. “Well thank goodness for the cat,” she said. “Am missing my husband, but I do talk to him regularly.” And then realizing how that sounded, she added: “His picture, you know.” I get […]

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 […]