Windows Close, Windows Open

January 13, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

As winter closes in on southwestern Ontario, I am making my way back to Texas. The window of time to visit Mom is now closed. She is much better than when I first arrived, and in fact, celebrates her 92nd birthday today. We have had a wonderfully intimate time together, something I will always treasure. […]

The Great Outdoors

January 12, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Colours, textures, aromas –the great outdoors provides enticement for imaginations,stories dwell in hidden spaces hearts open, and blood flowswith an unbridled sense of adventure. (For Nancy Merrill’s: A Photo a Week Challenge, The Great Outdoors)

Two By Two

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

Two, two-footed bumps on a log… One unlikely pair… A tango for two… And two snuggle-ducks… (For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: pairs)

Travels

January 9, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

First frost we are plotting –elaborate schemes to escapewinter’s unforgiving chill. Palm trees and blue waters,the flight of parading pelicans –such allure for aging Northerners. Years past, we have travelled far –Europe, Scandinavia, and Mediterranean –this season, Texas has captured our hearts. (For Lens-Artists challenge: my travels.)

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 […]

A Day of Intended Rest

January 2, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

A day of rest is on the docket, and I ponder whether or not to get dressed, but when I open the blinds, the heron is in attendance, and not long after I hear his throaty alarm. A Great Egret has decided to show up also, so I get dressed and grab my camera. A […]

Disappointment, and then…

January 1, 2019.Reading time 6 minutes.

I don’t get to sleep till after 3:00; he wakes up at 4:30. At 7:30 we both decide to try again, so by the time we are ready to do anything, it is late morning. “Why don’t we go out for breakfast?” We pick a restaurant nearby that looks like it would have all day […]

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 […]

What Force Is This?

Indomitablethe ghostthat haunts me cat-like ferocityshredding pragmatism I tear at the veilobscuring source Dream goddessshaking complacency Primal wisdomwaking up. (Image my own)

Torch

Ducks In a Row

I’m trying to be practical and methodical about the upcoming move, but emotions cloud the process. I fluctuate between excitement and trepidation. Moving, after all, does require letting go. We’ve been going through the boxes in storage – things we’ve moved from house to house, and seldom looked at. Ric found his mother’s silver serving […]