Pause for Art

May 13, 2022.Reading time 1 minute.

For the first time in weeks, I took a break to create. The volunteering threatens to be all-consuming, but I am determined to find balance. Weeks ago, when I started this venture, I was hoping to connect one displaced Ukrainian family with a host family in my area. Quickly, the requests poured in and soon […]

Pondering…

May 11, 2022.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Acknowledgment, they say, is a valid human need,yet, humility is a virtue…how do we balance the two? (Art my own)

Helping is Medicine.

May 6, 2022.Reading time 1 minute.

As I type, twin blue captain’s beds are being delivered for boys that we will soon be hosting from Ukraine. On my messenger feed, another ambassador is typing about an emergency situation at an airport, where the documentation is being questioned. The family has no more money for alternate flights. Outside, the chickadee sings “yoo-hoo” […]

Everyday Miracles

April 29, 2022.Reading time 3 minutes.

Can you help my friend, please? She is 32 weeks pregnant. The text came in mid-morning. I said I’d look into it. Mom, husband, 10-year-old, and baby on the way. Afraid of the encroaching war, they gambled their money on tickets to Canada. I thought of my own daughter-in-law, happily registering for an upcoming baby […]

Wheels of Kindness

April 22, 2022.Reading time 2 minutes.

Today is the day to leave, the 2:30 am text read; I’m letting my son sleep in, last day in our home. The message came from Kyiv. I had connected with the mom the day before. Bombing around them had finally convinced her to flee. Stay safe and keep in touch when you can. I’m […]

New Life On the Farm

April 15, 2022.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Just a thought…

April 13, 2022.Reading time less than 1 minute.

(Image mine)

The Reclusive Writer

April 11, 2022.Reading time 2 minutes.

Should you choose to visit, you’ll be received with old-fashioned charm – ours is a simple cottage: furniture well-worn, muted hues to warm you, and a kettle always brewing. Clutter attests to our relaxed lifestyle, welcoming you to kick back and relax. Weather permitting, we’ll sit out back, surrounded by a forest of mature trees […]

How quickly things change…

April 8, 2022.Reading time 1 minute.

Last Friday, a friend picked me up to go birding, and I thrilled at the sight of the Pied-billed grebe on our river. Saturday, we glowed in the aftermath of a successful fundraiser, supporting the displaced Ukrainians we offered to host – still having no idea who they would they were. Sunday morning we awoke […]

Renewal

April 6, 2022.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Once relied on a day-a-page diary to keep me on track. Chronic illness freed me from that. Calendar now sparse, I have yet to learn to the art of renewal. Grateful for awe-inspiring moments. What helps you recharge? (Image my own) (Update: We are still processing the death of my husband’s son. In the meantime, […]

Monday Mood: Stretched too far

Saturday we packed up the garage (with help). Dusty, dirty, and exhausting. Sunday we attended and then hosted a farewell party for our Ukrainian roommate, who is going back to Ukraine despite all our protests. Yes, two separate gatherings. Heart wrenching. This morning, we visited our new apartment building to get set up with a […]

Let Me Sleep

Like an orphaned treeshivering in a coat of frost my soul wandersdreamless, alone a nobody, nowherein the pre-dawn chill. Beckoned by first lightbody twisting wakens Consciousness clingsto desolate slumber then, reluctantlyreality brings me home. (Image my own)