This morning I spaded holes in my patio garden for the six sunflower plants that survived being washed out from downpours. I bought a third packet of seeds, determined that this year I'd have enough of the tall ones to stand watch at the back of the garden and small ones in front to cut … Continue reading Planting Seeds: Allowing the Space for a Slow Process
#family
For the Love of Mama and Puppies
On this weekend when we celebrate our mothers, I'm remembering Mama and some of what made her special. Mama was born in 1923 and lived on a farm where all the animals were kept outside. Her family had cows, pigs, chickens, mules, barn cats -- and likely, a collie dog -- which would have been … Continue reading For the Love of Mama and Puppies
Lessons learned by a Drop Out Knitter
Years ago I entered a phase of intense experimenting with different crafts and arts. I'd held in my creative urges when I was raising my boys -- given I had so little time for anything after work. Once my sons were in high school and more independent, able to drive themselves to their activities, I … Continue reading Lessons learned by a Drop Out Knitter
Dealing with the Seasons of Life
This has been a season of stark contrast between life and death. During the past month, I spent time with my boyfriend, Chris and his family as they took care of his father during his last days. The atmosphere of that somber time was accentuated by the Erie, Pennsylvania weather -- cold, overcast, blowing rain, … Continue reading Dealing with the Seasons of Life
Love and Light at Easter
On this Good Friday, I'm thinking back over the years of my family's traditions at Easter. In reading my post Easter Past, Easter Present written in April of 2019, I recall the days around this special holiday when I was a girl. I noted that as much as we all loved Christmas, there were things I … Continue reading Love and Light at Easter
Invitation to a New Year
This is my Birthday Eve. At 2:10 a.m. I'll roll over into a new year and a new decade of my life. I've been preparing for this, reading and pondering what it means to be seventy. The book that's been most instructive is Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning & Joy by Thomas Moore … Continue reading Invitation to a New Year
Sedona: Twenty-Four Hour Reset
This week I received a treasure in my mailbox; it was an unexpected letter from a former neighbor and walking partner. We'd last exchanged Christmas correspondence three years ago. She came across my letter when she was cleaning out her chest of drawers and looked up my website. After reading some of the drafts that … Continue reading Sedona: Twenty-Four Hour Reset
Valentines: Characteristics of a Lasting Love
Today is Valentine's Day and the time of year I go back to Mama and Daddy's letters to remind me of their special relationship. I love pulling out the box of letters and seeing their handwriting as they maintained their steady flow of communication in the late forties. It wasn't easy to pick up a … Continue reading Valentines: Characteristics of a Lasting Love
Old and Young: The Brush of Time
I think my post last week about what it would be like on Michigan's Mackinac Island in winter, must have brought our snow storm this week in central NC. But then I guess I really can't take credit for our snowfall that took the kids out of school for days and has left some shaded … Continue reading Old and Young: The Brush of Time
Intentional New Year
This week has been a time of reflecting on 2024 and preparing to step into 2025. In searching for a new way to review the year and create goals for the next 12 months, I searched the internet including podcast sites I've previously found helpful. The one that appealed to me was Mel Robbins' "How … Continue reading Intentional New Year
