toffeereflection

Contrasts

I took this photo two weeks ago while on a walk in the park. It wasn’t until I posted it on social media that I noticed the contrasts found within the photo. The curves of the scooping Sequoia trunks; the sharp edges of the rock. The iridescent blue and green of the peacock; the brownContinue reading “Contrasts”

Fishbowl

Lately I have gone on several long walks each week. My neighbour’s mother moved to Canada over a year ago and has made very few friends. Speaking English is definitely a challenge for her, and we have now schedule walks on Sunday morning when we are both available. I am learning a lot about herContinue reading “Fishbowl”

Kyrie

I took this photo while on a walk several days ago. Later, while I was listening to some music, I noticed that I had left this photo up on my iPad. The music seemed to fit it perfectly. Normally I don’t connect photos with specific sounds or songs, but this time was different. The lines,Continue reading “Kyrie”

The Shape of Goodbye

The Isolation Journals prompt for this week is to “write a goodbye you wish you’d said, or need to say.” Over 34 years ago my little brother was lying in hospital, dying from cancer. I was living and working overseas, with 3 young children and a 4th on its way. My husband knew how muchContinue reading “The Shape of Goodbye”

The Moss Lady

On Christmas Day I walked though Beacon Hill Park with a friend to feed the ducks, and chat. That day was very quiet in the park so we could take our time and wander, looking in areas we seldom walk. I showed my friend the “Hands of Time” sculpture at the top of the hillContinue reading “The Moss Lady”

Letter writing

Dad was a very organized person. He kept files in a filing cabinet in the laundry room. Each file was neatly labeled “insurance”, “appliances”, “house”, etc. He had files for interesting things from his life, and another for mom, and of course one for each of us. One of my goals on this recent tripContinue reading “Letter writing”

Back again

I am once again heading back to mom’s home. This time I am flying in order to avoid snowy mountain roads and potential blizzards. The cloud formations are mesmerizing, with the sun peaking through between various layers of cloud types. The …. Straight reflect the sun, and in the distance I can see snow noContinue reading “Back again”

Buried Boots

I signed up for a creative writing course. My choice of this course had little to do with the actual topic, but more to do with available time in my schedule and the fact that it was 100% online. We have had 3 sessions, with two remaining. The other students are so much more experiencedContinue reading “Buried Boots”

Mourning rituals

Today marks one year since my father passed away. It has been a tough year in many ways, but also a good growing experience. I started thinking about the mourning rituals I observed and participated in while living in Thailand. When my father-in-law passed away we held several days of evening services and meals forContinue reading “Mourning rituals”

Live like you were dying

Music is seldom just on in the background in my house. I don’t use it to fill the quiet. When I listen to music, I am really listening and studying it — either to prepare for a performance, listening for interesting chord progressions and harmonies, to find new songs for my choir or looking forContinue reading “Live like you were dying”