Bedside Conversations

January 8, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

“Mom, I want you to know that I don’t harbour any ill will toward our past. If I seek to know what happened, it is only to understand myself so that I might heal.” Mom nods, considers my words. “There is so much I could have done differently.” “No. You did what you could with […]

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 […]

Plans Change

January 3, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

‘Transition’ is the focus of my challenge this week. At the time of composing, I thought I would be reviewing last year’s lessons and gifts and preparing myself to greet the new. Life, of course, seldom fits into our neatly packaged plans. As I write this, I’m sitting in a hotel room, with my alarm […]

Celebrations

December 13, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge is celebrations. I can think of no greater celebration than when loved ones gather. Featured image is Ric & I on our wedding day.

A Pine Cone Un-pocketed

December 6, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Another day, I would have pocketed this gem, and gathered a few more, with dreams of painting them gold for Christmas along with the grandchildren – laughter and silliness filling the air. This year, I will leave it be, except for the photograph. The Christmas decorating goes on without us. We are chasing the golden […]

Choosing Life

December 6, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Buying time –resetting the dial,deviating from the norm… a healing place, here we go again,600 miles from home,recharging batteries… this might have beenan un-lived life. (My challenge this week is to make poetry from previous post titles. For this one, I chose to select only the titles that related to our recent journey.)

Seed Pods

December 5, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

We release our seedspray for their deliverance –mourn the emptiness. (For Cee’s FOTD.)

Golden

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

Life cycles ensurewhat once was green now golden –tribute to aging. (For Cee’s Flower of the Day)

Resetting the Dial

November 24, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

At fifty-nine, I was certain that I knew myself – accomplished, defined and established – but illness changed the framework from which my remaining time would unfold. I became a non-entity in my former career, and a ghost to friends. My children mourned the loss of their vibrant mother and settled into lowered expectations. […]

Chickadees in the House

A friend from my poetry circle honoured me with a birdhouse painted with Ukrainian colours. John has since passed away, and this summer we were finally able to give the birdhouse a home in our garden. Happy to say, John, that the chickadees have settled in and I am joyfully reminded of you everyday.

This Life A Road

This life a road –the way preparedsigns to guide me,and still, I get lost. Construction, distraction,disobedience – throw me off –tendency to choose tougher routes,broken down and been sidelined And yet, the road still beckons,invites progression, thrills.A rolling stone gathers no moss,my father liked to say, and so… I push ahead, keep motoring,trust the obstacles […]