Getting out. The first thing to do after having been cooped up in our homes for so long was to get out. For many it was done with baby steps. When weather permitted, those in my house always went for a walk. It felt like we were connecting with our neighborhood. Even if we rarely saw anyone. Now that spring has arrived we are seeing more people. And I've observed that generally people are keeping a distance when they meet each other on the sidewalk or street. It's nice to have considerate … [Read more...] about Road Trips. Getting Out Again
Illustration
Patterns
A Balancing Act. Working on poetry, I tried to think of repeating patterns. This made me think of Paul Simons' lyrics to Patterns. He stated our lives were full of patterns we had little control over. Having control, a characteristic that makes us feel more comfortable. Having control of one's words or medium is a delicate balance to play with. Words written can come across different than words spoken. Sometimes we need reference points. A facial expression. Historical reference. … [Read more...] about Patterns
Family Togetherness
Family Station Wagon. With the exception of a limo, you couldn't stretch the family car further than the station wagon. Growing and expanding, our family had several different cars back in the day. The greatest percentage of them were family station wagons. The last, before the elder kids started moving away from home, was the Country Squire. Almost as snazzy as the family truckster in the Vacation movies. Being one of the younger kids there was no doubt about where I'd get to … [Read more...] about Family Togetherness
Season’s Greetings
Welcoming Joy. The season is upon us. We would be welcoming family and friends into our homes. This year we must find a way to welcome Joy without them. The virus necessitates the need for distancing which can make us long even more for the closeness we crave at the holidays. Find a way to welcome joy into your hearts and homes. Welcome joy by giving. Give at food pantries or shelters. Welcome joy by connecting. It may not be in person, but a card or digital connection will gladden the … [Read more...] about Season’s Greetings
Sheep
Cuddly, black, meek? I cared for sheep on my parents farm when I was young. I also bought a flock the year before I married. The older ewes were skittish and wary of our presence. Unless of coarse we were carrying a bucket of delicious pellets for them to nibble on. They also didn't mind our presence when they were about to lamb. Shaking some fresh straw in their pen, hanging a heat lamp to warm the new arrival when it tumbled into our world, calmed the uncomfortable momma. Spilling out onto … [Read more...] about Sheep