Two weeks ago I took the time to make homemade nectar, and to clean and refill my hummingbird feeder. This time, I placed the hanger outside the window facing my desk. For years, I delighted in maintaining the feeders and observing these delicate creatures. The seasonal buzz of their flight would draw my attention from the book I was reading, … Read More
Saying Goodbye
Many years ago, I began closing my written correspondences with “Soon.” How many times have you or those close to you said, “Later,” as you parted. How many times have you or those you’d love to see more often lamented, “It’s been far too long since we’ve seen each other!,” “How long has it been?” “We must get together soon!” How … Read More
The Fat Lady Has Sung: Part I
We have a five-foot-by-three-foot mirror over the double sink in our bathroom. My husband was correct when he said the mirror would make the bathroom look bigger. Needless to say, I wasn’t too keen on the idea, when he suggested the addition as part of the remodeling project, because I was at the heaviest weight I’d ever been. I can … Read More
Things I’m Grateful For Tonight
So I haven’t taken the time to write a post… Or, as my thirteen-year-old son said about a week ago, “I haven’t found the time.” HA! On the heels of the time post, no less! “There is no such thing as ‘finding time.’ Time is. You must take time to do things you need to do.” This I tried to … Read More
The Healing Power of Solidarity
“What are you reading?” The question elicited a smile from me. “A smut magazine,” I replied to my friend. “I usually don’t buy this stuff.” “I know that.” That’s why I’m surprised,” my vacation buddy said. “I know, but it had Sandra Bullock and Elizabeth Edwards on the cover. I had to purchase it.” I had been compelled, as I … Read More
Do-Overs
I had nearly completed a post earlier today, when I accidentally deleted the text, while typing a new word. As I watched the letter “r” appear in the blank box, I saw the “saving…” notice at the bottom. My index finger dove for the escape key. Success was not to be mine. I have enjoyed the automatic save feature because I become so … Read More
Taking Time
Three weeks since my last post. Countless notations in my calendar: “Blog.” Thousands of minutes sucked into some ethereal vacuum. Hubby and soon-to-be-graduated son out of the country. Meetings/planning/work for graduation event for said son. Mother flew in from California for event. School events, carpooling, soccer matches, and social gatherings for son and daughter at home. Work. Paying bills. … Read More
Oliver’s Story Retold
“What would God want with a twenty-four-year old? A young man that has—had—his whole life in front of him?” A man sitting next to me at a committee meeting posed the question to the woman in front of me. The boy he referred to recently died in an accident that involved a recreational vehicle. Preliminary police reports purport that alcohol … Read More
What I’m Thankful for Tonight
I’m going to borrow a post idea from Wooliesocks. I believe that, no matter how difficult things may seem at any given time, there is a positive to be found, if only we will seek it. Time for me to put my words into action! 🙂 I am thankful for: – Publishers (like Sourcebooks) who continue to receive unsolicited queries.– … Read More
Hear My Fear
Two months ago, I gave a speech on the physical facet of loss and healing. “Yelling,” I said, “is an outlet to vent frustration, anger, and hurt. That rage reaction to those emotions, however, often signals an inner fear of something.” After I finished speaking, a man in the small audience said, “I’ve learned something new today. I didn’t know … Read More