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)

Friday Follies

January 11, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

The road to humble – who knew? (Posted for Proscenium’s Friday Follies.)

Nailed It Dad!

January 11, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

Did you try some of the soup, Mom? I glanced around at the many pans, ingredients, and baking paraphernalia lining the kitchen counters; not to mention my son-in-law and granddaughter who where firmly planted at the stove. No, I messaged back. It’s a little busy here. An unexpected trip back to Ontario landed me smack […]

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.)

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Resilience

Boxes are filling up around us. We’re making a dent in our to-do lists. Doubt seeps in. Are we doing the right thing? Then I remember all the reasons behind making this choice and affirm: We are dismantling one life to build another, purposeful existence.

Monday Mood: squirrely

The movers need to be arranged, and the closets sorted and packed, and when was the last time we bought groceries…. Head and attention are going in too many directions at once, and I’m exhausted before I get started. Might be a little cranky too. The stress of moving is real.