Decisive Action

January 12, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

Life presents challenges and I stumble to keep up. Chronic illness continues to form the backdrop of my life, so it becomes the baseline for any actions I take. Ric and I made a commitment to our health and our community this year, and that means that I have been more physically active than usual. […]

Scenes From Ontario Winter

January 9, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

I cast my shadow over white banksassert my presence, proud, defiant Will find beauty in deserted golf coursesand colour in a monochrome season I am haunted by a Winter state of mindresolved to stretch myself despite creeping chill. (Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is winter scenes. This Winter I am challenging myself to endure a season […]

Summer Buzz

January 7, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Summer, I hold you in my hearteven as the trees stand barehaving shed their Autumn garbs The glow of green still buzzescarries me through the colda promise worth the wait. (Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week Challenge: opposite weather.)

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #78: action

January 6, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

Rumination is one of my fortes. I get something stuck in my head and it will spin there nonstop if I let it, even disrupting sleep. It happened recently with one of our daughters. I took something she did personally, and blew it out of proportion, convincing myself that there was no hope for our […]

Burrs

December 20, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

How many winter walksended with burrs mattedin curly Wheaton hair;how you wriggledto escape the grooming,how we laughed at yourjokester antics? Your spirit still fillsthe empty spaces,I hear the jingle of your collar, catcha whiff of terrier fluff,pull on an invisible leashwhenever I encounter burrs. (For Cee’s Flower of the Day)

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #77: pause

December 16, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As the world bustles, and we rush to meet deadlines, check off to-do lists, and fulfill those party invites, find a moment to pause, look, and listen. Share a photograph, thought, or inspiration. To participate, just create a post and then link back to this one, or drop a comment or link in the comment […]

Fa La La La La…

December 15, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

Soon, he’ll ramp up the Christmas tunes, my Santa-husband. I’ll be putting the last touches on the table setting, and stirring the soup pot. Even though it is daylight, our festive lights will be blazing. We are celebrating with family today. First, I will wrap up this week’s challenge, anticipating no fuel left in my […]

Colour Me Vibrant

December 14, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

We counter the Winter darkness,those of us tucked in Northern climeswith vibrancy of colour to garner cheer. Reds, and greens, to mark the holiday season,messages of goodwill and alluring treats –and light the night with magical glow. For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: vibrant colours.

Oh, Baby, I’m Nostalgic

December 11, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

There is nothing like a baby around to lift the spirits. And, they make me nostalgic. As does this video of our granddaughter’s recent carolling. Where have the years gone? (For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo A Week: babies, and Lens-Artists: nostalgic)

Seasonal Pairings

December 10, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A mid-morning glidegeese on frosted river A glance bank at Summercone flowers snugly coupled Two tasty treats, memoriesof late October tricks… (For Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: two of anything.)

Wings

(Written during my bedbound years with ME/CFS)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

May is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis awareness month. Also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, this disease is characterized by exhaustion after exertion. The exertion can be physical -taking a shower; emotional – worrying or obsessing; or mental- filling out forms. The best source of information about ME/cfs, as we call it, is the Bateman Horne Center. They […]

Sorry

Sorry –so much inadequacybundled into one wordas if five letterscan conveydepths of regret,shock, dismay seems I am the sparkto your lighter fluid –unintentional, I swear still reelingfrom the aftermathof the explosion attempting todeconstruct theformula –precautionary I am sorry –that you are enraged,that you are so obviously disappointedthat you are consumed with resentment –except, it is […]