Things I Learned From Christmas

December 29, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

Attire does not an occasion make (referring to the 5-year-old in pjs). Age doesn’t matter when in the presence of loved ones. Engagement is everything. Stories and memories never grow old. Love prefers to congregate in small spaces. Dogs share their affection equally. (Thanks to my husband for capturing these moments.)

Are you pregnant, or is that a mouse in your pocket?*

December 25, 2021.Reading time 2 minutes.

A heavy fog greeted us this Christmas morning, but nothing can dampen the mood. Ten negative COVID tests brought a group of us together to celebrate Christmas Eve. Not the whole family, but all the grandchildren, which made this Grandma’s heart sing. My son and his wife were delayed by work, so we let the […]

Anticipation

December 22, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

There was to be no tree – both of us lying low – but the granddaughters arrived and with their unique flair, decorated. We cancelled getting together, but then all the adults acquired rapid test kits, and now there is talk of gathering again, but the COVID numbers are rising, so… we wait. Presents under […]

Christmas

December 22, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Unique ornaments, each representing Christmas’ gone by, decorate our tree. This year, it will be just the two of us enjoying this family tradition. (For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week challenge: Christmas.)

The Mice Are Stirring

December 21, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A favourite Christmas ornament for Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: Here comes the holiday season.

Silver and Gold

December 9, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

For Cee’s Midweek Madness challenge: silver or gold

Red and Green

December 7, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

These leaves apparently want to get in on the Christmas Act – coloured themselves red. Hope everyone is staying calm and well in what can be a stressful season. (For Cee’s FOTD)

A Story and A Wish

December 24, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Table six in the fourth floor dining room at the long-term care facility is a favourite with the staff. Ninety-eight-year-old Dorothy leads the pack with her no-nonsense attitude. Beside her sits Verna, just eight years her junior, who always has a smile and a kind word for everyone. Carole is the junior member of the […]

Baatis and Chinese Food

January 2, 2017.Reading time 1 minute.

“These Christmases never cease to amaze me and make me feel so special!!” messaged our daughter-in-law after this year’s family get together. With five adult children, their partners, grandchildren, and exes to work around, finding time to get together is always a challenge. Plus, just how many turkey dinners can one eat in a week’s […]

On the Anniversary of My Father’s Death

December 24, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Dear Dad, We all gathered together last night at D’s and were reminiscing about your death. It’s been ten years, and funny how we all remember it differently. I say ‘all’ but really there was just D and I, her two sons, and my middle daughter and family. Our family has dwindled away to nothing. […]

Seasonal Defiance

Cast my shadow over white banksassert presence: proud, defiant Will find beauty in deserted placesand colour in the monochrome Haunted by a Winter state of mindresolved to stretch despite chill. (Image my creation)

No Way In

He fills the homewith sweetness –serenades their love –while she picks awayat every gesture,imagining subterfuge His floral wordsonly serve to pokedoubts – she readsbetween the linesof ornamental landmines He lights candlesto set a mood,but she is alreadyplanning a funeral –her wrung out heartunwilling to fall.

Eight of Cups

The eight of cups –an octopus balancingmulti-tasks; I jugglefog, attempt to calibrate logisticsbut instinctsare dull-edged,my tentacles lackingsuction – will slitherback into hiding. (Tuesday, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)