As the temperature dropped, so did our ambition. We sought out blankets and books and corners and movies. We snuggled in tight, in forts of our own making, shielded ourselves against the wind and the cold and the low light. Gave our best “angry” look to any who dared disturb us. We put everything off until tomorrow. Pulled the blankets up over our heads to wait out the cold and wait for our motivation to return, along with the sun. Continue reading Slow, Cold Day

Today was the last school day of the year. The last day before winter break and the holidays. Even without consulting a calendar, it was clear, something, was happening. The buzz that had been building all week; extra “outdoor time” for the day school kids to run around and scream and scream and scream some more; the high school kids more boisterous than usual, the staff at both sites extra cheerful as they sent the kids home for the day, boiled over this afternoon as the final bell of 2020 rang and the kids ran home for the holidays. It … Continue reading It Came Without Ribbons, It Came Without Bows….

I found an earthworm this morning, while we were out walking. Dead, I was sure, by the lack of reaction it had to my approach. Still, even in death, once living things deserve some sort of care and respect and reverence. So I scooped it up to move it. Out of the middle of the sidewalk. Where it lay half way between where it was and where it was going. Out of sight from the neighborhood kids who delight in riding their little bicycles on the sidewalk, and over whatever lays in their path, and have not yet learned to … Continue reading Shilly Shally

I discovered today, while searching through old archived photos, a snippet of our house. To the left of the synagogue, just peeking into frame, is our porch. I delighted to see it. Felt my heart skip a beat. Felt grounded to the present by this connection to the past. In a world where newer and bigger and brighter is better; my heart beats in black and white. It clings to the old, the forgotten, the long ago days. In a world where nothing is certain, the past remains steadfast and sealed. And sometimes, although it knows forward is the correct … Continue reading Peeking into the Past

Some trees are young and naive. They cover their insecure selves in attention seeking red. And orange and yellow and gold. They hold on to these flashy colors long after it is appropriate. Well after the season has ended. They are not to be interacted with, but admired from a distance. They are still and quiet under the light of day. Afraid of losing their top, or their skirt riding up. They smolder but do not dance. They cling to their autumn finery, afraid to shed their bravado and lay themselves bare to the world. Some trees are older and … Continue reading Some Trees

A year ago today, my son and his fiancé made it official. In a small, backyard ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, they said “I Do” and took a leap of faith. After all of the sadness the two years prior had dealt our family, and having no clue what the year ahead would bring, this wedding was special in more ways than one. It was a chance to see each other through happy tears. To celebrate instead of mourn. To congratulate instead of console. To give hugs that felt solid and sure instead of shaky and tentative. To look … Continue reading Leap of Faith

I found a place today, where the gate creeps open in the non existent breeze, to allow entrance to the past. A place of restless stillness. Of calm air and logging trucks rushing by in a place where the past holds its ground, does not march forward and does not waver. In the dead quiet you can hear the clamor of stories waiting to be told. You can find the husband, not forced to choose, buried between two wives. Six siblings, none of whom lived long enough to meet each other. The common men with famous names. If you want … Continue reading Stories Set in Stone

Today was a day of busy work. Of wrapping gifts and signing cards. Of boxing things up and sending them on their way. It is a day where I don’t have anything of real interest to share. So I will show you instead, a few highlights from our walk this morning. Continue reading Morning Walk Snapshots

Legend has it, in these parts at least, that the Ibis is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits, and the first to reappear once the storm has passed. They descended last year, en masse, after Dorian had cleared our shores. Returned the day after danger, to forage for grubs, as if nothing was ever the matter. We stepped out this morning to a flock of them landing in the neighbor’s yard. Cars slowed, people stopped and the world around us paused. For just a moment, we were all connected. We didn’t question which side … Continue reading The Landing of the Ibis