Today’s prompt was to set the timer for 5 minutes, and stare at anything, or nothing. Then write about “the thoughts, the questions, and the answers that came up in that moment of slowness, of stillness.” I started by observing one of my indoor plants, and quickly diverted my attention toward the cedar hedge. I’mContinue reading “Nothing”
Tag Archives: family
To write, or not to write
I have decided to work my way through Suleika Jaouad’s book, The Book of Alchemy. Each of the 100 chapters, written by a variety of writers, contains an essay and a prompt for journalling. I started following Suleika, the creator of the online community The Isolation Journals, back in April of 2020 during the Covid-19Continue reading “To write, or not to write”
Remembering Michael
Sixteen years ago I suffered a loss which I think about daily. Michael and I had met only a few years before that, and had fallen in love very quickly. We had similar values including kindness and mutual respect. Yesterday I re-read the eulogy which his best friend wrote and delivered at Michael’s funeral. InContinue reading “Remembering Michael”
Road trips and reflections
I have been awake since shortly before midnight. Nothing seems to be helping, so I decided to watch a movie. As usual I was drawing some comparisons about my own life, and started contemplating some of my past reactions to conflict. This movie was about a young girl who discovered that her “dad” was notContinue reading “Road trips and reflections”
Facing Fears: Lessons from Lacy
I spent the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve at my son’s place. He cooked for me, we watched movies, and we took his two dogs on long walks. Then I stayed with Lacy while he spent a few days with Gia out of town. Lacy is afraid of everything; leaves rustling and cracklingContinue reading “Facing Fears: Lessons from Lacy”
Birthdays and fading memories
Two days ago we celebrated mom’s 93rd birthday. A few family members joined for a lunch and cake at the care home. Mom is living with dementia and although she knows who we are when we show up, her short-term memory is extremely short term. In the two minutes it takes to walk from theContinue reading “Birthdays and fading memories”
Road Trip Reflections: A Journey to the East Coast
After 11 days of driving with pauses to visit along the way, I arrived on the east coast at my daughter’s home. I didn’t stop to take many photos especially during the last few days of driving since I was just eager to get to my destination. It was a good trip. Several of theContinue reading “Road Trip Reflections: A Journey to the East Coast”
Foo
Foo has been a member of my son’s family for almost 15 years. On Tuesday Foo joined his best friend, Toffee, to whom I said a tearful and painful goodbye almost 4 years ago. Saying goodbye to a pet was as difficult for me as losing a family member. When asked if I will getContinue reading “Foo”
In memoriam
Fifteen years ago yesterday I married a man who loved me more than I could ever ask for. He had total trust in me, and loved me unconditionally. I doubt if that opportunity would ever come again. At his memorial service his best friend quoted in the eulogy: ‘Tis better to have loved and lostContinue reading “In memoriam”
Loneliness
Yesterday I came to the realization that I have no one I can talk to who can—or will—listen. Dad is gone. Mom can no longer remember, understand or follow a conversation. My siblings tend to judge, or tell me how I should live my life. My children all have huge problems that they are dealingContinue reading “Loneliness”
Reflections 