A Dog Knows

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

A trip to the river never fails to surprise –this dog with life-jacket caught my eyes. Ready, he was, to set off downstream,happily dependent on his human team. (Lens-Artists have left their weekly challenge open – the perfect chance to share this sweet photo story with you.)

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #56: Language

July 8, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

“We need language to tell us who we are, how we feel, what we’re capable of – to explain the pains and glory of our existence.” – Maya Angelou “Do you not like the book you are reading?” My granddaughter shrugs in response. Normally an avid reader, I wonder why she keeps setting this particular […]

Sometimes Risk Is Called For

July 7, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Jane Juska has been on my mind all week. At sixty-six, the divorced, mother of one, decided it was time to reclaim her sexuality, so she posted an ad in The New York Review of Books: Before I turn 67 – next March – I would like to have a lot of sex with a […]

Reclaiming Mindfulness

July 6, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

Post marital disruption, I would go to the river every day, say a prayer for guidance, power walk off the stress, and then sit in quiet contemplation facing the water. My son referred to it as “Mom finding inner peace.” Power walking is a thing of the past, and every day is no longer doable, […]

Polkadots!

July 5, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Summer, you are green –perfect backdrop for flowersflaunting polkadots. (For Cee’s Flower of the Day)

Blessing of Serenity

July 4, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

Settling in a small town, especially a senior’s community, is not something I would have ever envisioned, and yet; here we are. Funny how life works like that, and thank goodness it does. I appreciate this place that we have landed more and more each day. It has not been without difficulty, this move away […]

Weekend Angles

July 3, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Summer cruising reveals many angles – front yard sales – what’s used is new again. Lakeside patios – the best of the season –good food, and live entertainment too. (For Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: lines angles.)

Layered Realities

July 2, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

We beautify the mundane,with flowers, greens and such,and for further distraction,the whimsical’s a nice touch. History holds attraction,love anything quaint –celebrate our heritage,have difficulty with restraint. (For Calmkate’s Friday Fun: layers)

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #55: reclaim

July 1, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

In July of 2013, I contracted pneumonia. After a course of treatment, I continued to experience weakness, shortness of breath, and frequent tachycardia. By January, I had seen a gamut of specialists, received no answers, and was worse. Test after test eliminated obvious possibilities. In the end, I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. The doctor […]

Hope My Appreciation is Not Subtle

June 30, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

Subtle, not-so-subtle, we choose to listen or turn away; attempt to decode – a look, a scent, a nuance – Is this invitation,judgment, oran opening?Seems subjectivityinterprets subtle. The focus this week has been “subtle”. For me, it was a commitment to pay attention to my body – rest when I needed it, and attempt to […]

Present Distance

I’ve lived the fog of distance –life’s highway a series of hillsdestination without promise Have learned that acceptance gains perspective,that climates change, and hope sustains,and that in stillness dreams renew. Now I travel quieter paths, appreciatespace, have surrendered to a slower pace –certain that this too will change. (image my own)

Floral Balm

Of Trauma Born

Goodbyes tarnishfaith, like ashesscattered My heart grows dismissal,craves a balm of connectionseeks quiet harbour Remind me what it feels like to be safebreath nurturing life,love a rhythmic flow In meditationI reach for peaceimagine salvation But this wayward chaosunrestrainedcements me in doubt Tainted intentionsI lift up to the Universea tempest without hope My soul incubates malicea […]