The Gift of Friendship

June 25, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

I am the one who put forth the relationship challenge this week, and I have to confess, I am struggling with how to articulate my feelings. Fast approaching my sixtieth birthday, I find I am sentimental, or maybe, it’s that after years of isolation due to illness, I now treasure relationship more than ever. […]

Relationship Ruptures

May 17, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

The sign on the community pool clearly indicated that the pool was closed, and the gate was locked, but that didn’t stop my friend from scaling the fence and jumping in. Our other friend hesitated only briefly before joining her, and I stood by in disbelief. It was day one of our girls’ getaway, and […]

Back to Campbell River

April 26, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

We’ve just had lunch in Comox – a quaint, mostly retirement community, judging by the services that line the main street. Mary’s, a small cafe with gluten-free options, is where we met up with Pippa for our last day of exploration on the island. The plan from here is to head north. I tag along […]

What Does It Take To Belong?

May 24, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

We roll into our new neighbourhood cautiously guided by an old-timer, who after we finally manage to maneuver into our RV site, introduces himself as Graham. “Been here since the park first opened,” he beams and then proceeds to point to each of the other trailers and run down who’s who: “The ones behind you […]

The Nature of the Beast

April 16, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Tale as old as time, True as it can be, Barely even friends, Then somebody bends, Unexpectedly I awaken every morning with a song playing in my head, like an internal radio that self tunes. Typically, it is a line or two which follows me throughout my day: a personal theme song, I like to […]

Illness and Isolation

March 23, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Prolonged illness almost always equates to isolation. Initially, kindness reveals itself through visits from friends and coworkers, meals dropped off, and many offers to help in any way. Not yet adjusted to my rapidly changing situation, I was overwhelmed and somewhat embarrassed by such an outpouring, having always considered myself strong and independent. Perhaps, I […]

Things Are Looking Up

May 30, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Had my third Ozonotherapy last week, and apart from feeling flushed and slightly dizzy afterwards (I then realized I was likely dehydrated) I have felt increasingly stronger. “Or is it that you have a new granddaughter?” my husband likes to play Devil’s Advocate. Having a new grandchild is definitely an energy boost – the motivation […]

Lessons From a Newborn

Rest. Nap as often as you need;life can be exhausting – store up. Cry. Let your feelings be known –your voice is your saving grace. Joy is a whole body experience;immerse yourself in total delight. Hold on to those who love you;your survival depends on them. See the world through new ideas;you never know what […]

Ocean-gazing

Blue expandingcrisp whiteof tiny sails –horizon The lull is gentlelucidity swellingserenity present How safe it isto imagine limitlessnesswhen I am groundedbreast to railinganchored ashore. (Image my own)

Tugging

Is it selfishthis chosen solitude?How I treasure silence,stillness baiting my muse And is it my calmthat attracts chaos?The sorrow of otherslanding on my doorstep What if I rejected pleas,locked out the troubles?How long can I sustainpeace until need answers? (Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)