This beautiful photo is of my mother and her maternal grandfather, taken around 1938. Mom moved into a care home two days ago. We are sorting through her home, deciding what to keep in the family, what to give away and what to throw away. I have spent the past two nights in her emptyContinue reading “Childhood”
Author Archives: toffeereflection
Scenic detour
On the drive home from a rehearsal yesterday I took a wrong turn. I had deliberately taken a less-familiar route, deciding to take my time. When I noticed that I was heading north instead of west, I had to turn down a side road to head in the right direction. Then I saw what appearedContinue reading “Scenic detour”
Listening
Over twenty years ago, while working with a singing group, I met a man who I thought was an almost perfect match for me. Through the years we have remained friends, and at times lost touch entirely until our paths crossed again, randomly and briefly. We continued to rehearse and perform together for several years.Continue reading “Listening”
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”
Reflections 