Nailed It Dad!

January 11, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

Did you try some of the soup, Mom? I glanced around at the many pans, ingredients, and baking paraphernalia lining the kitchen counters; not to mention my son-in-law and granddaughter who where firmly planted at the stove. No, I messaged back. It’s a little busy here. An unexpected trip back to Ontario landed me smack […]

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #30: Windows

January 7, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

I find myself obsessed by windows, sizing up the framed image for photogenic qualities and potential watercolour subjects. What is it, I wonder, that has so captured my imagination? For two-and-a-half years, confined to a bed, windows were my only connection to the world – one framing bird feeders and happy activity, and the other […]

And So, We Turn the Page

January 6, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

Years gather as links in a chain, some unremarkable, some adorned with jewels, and some bearing the marks of hardship. 2018, for me, would have an arrow shaped charm, pointing upwards, as this year heralded many firsts – a rebirth of sorts. For 2019, I pray to keep the momentum rolling – that I will […]

Shake Ups

January 5, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

The new year grabbed me in a choke hold and hog-tied me before I had a chance to even think about what it might bring. It started with a text that my mother was in hospital, followed by a harried searching of flights and anxious speculating about how I’ll get home. Me, who hasn’t ventured […]

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #29: Transition

December 31, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

Setting New Year’s resolutions is not my thing. I do, however, honour the passage of one year to another by reviewing what the passing year has entailed and consciously deciding where I would like to focus for the next. For example, as a young mother of three, having returned to work, I learned to prioritize […]

Goose Island State Park

December 29, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

It is a beautiful day, with sunny skies and a light breeze, and we are late getting away, so decide to stick close to home in our explorations. Goose Island State Park fits the bill. Just north of where we are staying, the park lies on the coast between the waters of Aransas and St […]

Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge

December 27, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

“What kind of camera is that?” “A Nikon.” “What are you doing?” “Taking pictures of the birds. Do you like birds?” “Yes. Which ones?” Our inquisitor is no more than five, a tiny boy in blue windbreaker, jeans and running shoes. He climbs atop a wooden bench to get a better look. “Whoa, there are […]

Reflections for Lens-Artists

December 26, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

Winter came early to our part of the world this year, her frosty fingers freezing the landscape – river becoming a perfect mirror to capture the greys of the season. Even though I’ve used this photo before, I love the way the window displays both what’s inside – the wings – and what’s outside – […]

Christmas Red, but…

December 25, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Coral bean pods burstexpose brilliance of red –not to be eaten. For Cee’s Flower of the Day

Royal Visit

December 24, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Unassuming mauveattracts royalty – delightscommon bystander. (For Cee’s FOTD.)

Monday Mood: unmotivated

I’ve been pushing and pushing and I’ve hit an impasse. Luckily, I booked myself a reflexology treatment for this morning, so I can lean into the feeling and melt. The sky, mirroring my mood, is a big grey blob. Hopefully, the clouds and this lethargy will disperse later.

The River

There’s a river runs between us,you and I.Our thoughts, like tears, are liquidcarried effortlessly by the current. But you and I,we stand on the banks, oblivious;ignoring the connection,proudly touting our individualism. Still the river flows,and all you’ve suffered,and all I’ve suffered,or dreamed, or imagined, or hoped,flows with it. Step into the water with me,feel our […]