Art (Life) Lessons

The how-to’s of watercolour, I am discovering, are applicable to other areas of our lives. Inspired by classes I took in Texas, I have continued to try my hand at this art form.  This is what I have learned so far: Begin with a plan.  We used carbon paper to trace the image’s outline, although […]

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Hawk Inspired

Originally posted on One Woman's Quest II:
(A short story; fiction.) The grey days are the hardest; you know the ones, when the clouds, so full of tears, are working themselves up to a full-blown cry. My projection, I know, but I prefer to think that the weather mirrors my own inner gloom. I…

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Lines of Control

“Why do you always wear black; you look so much better in colours.” Then when you wear colour:  “You look like your mother in that outfit.  I prefer you in black.” “You’re not going to eat that, are you?  A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.” “You know if you loved me […]

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The ‘C’ Word

“I sat in the waiting room, naked from the waist up save for the hospital green awkwardly tied in front.  This was a call back: not the kind you pray for after an audition. “In nine out of ten times, it’s nothing,” the voice had said over the phone.  She added they wanted to do […]

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Confessions From the Sickbed

Before illness, I counted days and hours, not out of drudgery – I had stretched myself beyond normal limitations. Before illness, I wore responsibility like a hero and defined by work, prioritized tasks above well-being. Before illness, I joked about the disabled, lounging around, living the life of leisure, usurping the system. Before illness, I […]

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RV-Able: Awakening

We came away with the expectation of adventure.  We freed ourselves of material anchors and set sail into the unknown with openness, excitement, and a modicum of healthy trepidation.  I knew we would encounter new landscapes, experience different foods and cultures, but I did not anticipate how travel would effect my experience of self. It […]

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Heights of Aspiration

Oh to soar above the clouds, for just one day… free-floating, empowered… what perspective would flight bring? The illusion of civilization?  The fragility of our walls? And yet we aspire to ascend… no regard for the fall.. (In response to The Daily Post photo prompt:  ascend )

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Five Year Review

November 16, 2012, I penned: Cancer, it turns out, it is a powerful proponent of simplicity. Faced with uncertainty, one is forced to examine the complexities of life and cull. Our lives are reduced to three priorities: – Making healthy choices – Caring for relationships – Reducing financial burden. Necessity demands that any extraneous commotion […]

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Dancing In Heaven

“I’m in trouble!”  My sister’s voice was weak but charged with panic.  “Help me!” “What have you done?” She’d locked us all out of her apartment that weekend; said she was tired of being sick, tired of people hovering over her.  She wanted to be independent. Reluctantly, we gave her space.  I’d held my breath […]

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The Eyes Say It All

I put down the cellphone and glanced to see my husband seething across the table. “I can’t believe you answered that during dinner!” “I thought it was important,” I pleaded for forgiveness.  It hadn’t been important, a social call from my sister.  “Sorry.”  We were dining out; I don’t know what overcame me.  I’m usually […]

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