Category: Uncategorized
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Self Awareness
I’m starting something new this month. I enjoyed poetry month so much and the impetus it gave me to write daily. I have missed that routine and excitement surrounding creativity and discovered a new alternative about an hour ago. I have a book called CLARITY & CONNECTION by Yung Pueblo. It could be read cover…
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Let Them
This past weekend I listened to an Instagram reel by Mel Robbins called “Let Them Theory.” It was so simple, yet so revolutionary, and as usual, it was the Universe giving me the exact message I need to hear at the exact time I need to hear it. Her premise is that we spend so…
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Empathy
Fumbling in his footsteps, Idling in her eyes, That I might understand. A Senryu poem of three lines, unrhymed, about human nature
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Don’t Be Afraid
Don’t be afraid to say no, To that which offends you, To that which doesn’t align, To that which robs your spirit, To that which doesn’t feel right, To that which others expect of you, To that which you don’t want to do, To that which doesn’t belong to you, To that which exhausts and…
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Mental Health-Words Matter
I read a post by Lauren Urie, R.S.W. from @advocacychange project that said: Stop saying bipolar when you mean moody. Stop saying psychotic when you mean irrational. Stop saying anorexic when you mean thin. Stop saying depressed when you mean sad. Stop saying schizophrenic when you mean unpredictable. Stop saying anti-social when you mean shy…
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Midnight on the Porch, a Haiku
Midnight on the porch Black shadows chase the last light As crickets perform.
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Short Stories
Our assignment in class was to write a short story about… a time you were proud in 4 words: I’m right here, Love. I started a company! I am self sufficient. I ask for help. a time you were sad in 5 words: My mom died in September. We put Raven to sleep. We haven’t…
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Rebellion, Part 2
I want to launch a rebellion, Not with protests or signs, Not with force or violence, Not with selfishness or carelessness. No, I want to launch a rebellion Of my own, For me, by me, about me, To save me, From more decades of Rule following, People pleasing, Meeting expectations, Playing it safe, Making everyone…
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Balance
Between All that I must do and all that Lifts my spirits, I try to Achieve homeostasis, so that my scales Never tip so far in one direction that I Can’t see the other side. I am Even, peaceful, calm. Photo: Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA. 11.9.18 by LA
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I Love a Good List!
The task as we entered writing class a few weeks ago was to write about our week. Loving organization in general and having a pretty logical mind, I immediately divided my paper into four quadrants with these labels: Navigating, Celebrating, Questioning, Challenging. I then dumped the contents of my swirling brain into neat lists. Here…
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Commencement
So THIS happened last week! That’s an actual picture taken at the United States Coast Guard Academy’s 142nd Commencement Exercise. My middle daughter was one of the young adults who marched onto the field with precision, in straight lines and with their “eyes in the boat.” They entered as cadets and left as Ensigns to…
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Mother’s Day
I’m feeling all the feels today And can’t seem to find the words I’ve written two pieces That don’t convey What is in my heart And so I turn to images That say what I cannot. As the youngest, there aren’t many pictures of me as a child. As a woman who did not like…
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A Classroom in the Spring
Aaah- Achoo! A big sneeze, And another! Bless you! Gesundheit! Can I have a tissue? Remember to wash your hands! I guess I should close the windows, Allergy season is upon us! While testing a group of 2nd graders this week, the sneezing was leaping from one part of the room to another and I…
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Release
The bulk of it envelops you, Settling heaviest upon your shoulders and back, Pressing down on your chest, It weighs you down. But you are determined, Determined to shed it, To lighten your load. Instead, you carry it, Until it feels almost part of you, A comfort in some strange way. And then you add…
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Control
You think it will keep you safe, Keep them safe, your loved ones, But it is a mirage, And not yours to claim. This is a Naani poem, consisting of 4 lines of 20-25 syllables. Photo: Sedona, AZ. 12.28.22 by LA
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Out of the Mouths of Babes???
“Oh, precious baby! Your presence is so powerful, Our world you truly glorify, You’re a masterpiece-so perfect and incomparable!” “My legs have rolls, my belly is deplorable, My body makes me want to cry!” “Oh, precious baby! Your presence is so powerful!” “Why must I look like this? Why am I so pitiful? And gender?…
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“You’re killin’ me!”
I know they look sweet in this picture. It’s probably what brought you here. And believe me, they are. They are adorable and cuddly and funny and affectionate and entertaining and great company. They are so excited to see me any time I enter a room and they almost always get up to greet me!…
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Freedom
I am speech, that others might know what you stand for, I am expression, that you might practice what resonates so deeply within you, I am tolerance, that you might have an opinion that differs, I am choice, that you might feel empowered to honor your needs, I am voice, that you might cast your…
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National Poetry Month: Embodiment, A Nonet
She had survived tragedy and loss, And knew the time had come to thrive, To return to her passion, To become embodied. The gown, the make-up, The confidence! Dance, Cindy! Twirl and Beam! This poem is dedicated to my friend and colleague, Cindy, who is my hero this year. She started 2023 wanting to step…
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National Poetry Month: Epitaph for Fear
Here lies feelings of failure, thoughts of threats, angst about acceptance, doubt about differences, mistrust of manifestation, wonder about worthiness, anxiety about what awaits, apprehension about aging, concern about catastrophe, care about containing myself, bother about being “too much,” burden over not being enough, skepticism about surrendering it, worry what others might think of me,…
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National Poetry Month: Limerick for Alaina
I have a good friend named Alaina, Who has a passion to train ya, ‘Bout the foods you should eat, Having veggies before a treat, But if you mess up, she won’t blame ya! This poem was written on my drive to work this morning. Alaina had called first thing with an “alert situation” -…
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National Poetry Month: The Path
The trailhead opens wide before me, inviting. My path is uncertain, rocky at times, But beauty surrounds me, and I drink it in. I move forward, not knowing what lies ahead, For this is a new journey, though memories stir, One step at a time, the way reveals itself to me in its time. This…
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National Poetry Month: Woman
Moon marked and touched the sun, my magic is unwritten. I have been woman for a long time. I want to be so complete I could light a whole city. Take hold on the loam, Acquire the air. Phenomenally, Phenomenal woman, That’s me. This cento is made up of lines borrowed from the following poems,…
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National Poetry Month: Words Matter
Words matter, so please be direct, Words matter, they show your respect, Your words have the power to hurt or to heal, So please be mindful when you share how you feel. Words matter, they’re your responsibility, They show your character, so take accountability, Say what you mean and mean what you say, Align words…
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National Poetry Month: Camping
The roofnest opens With the old familiar woosh! Camping has begun. Time to unzip the windows, Air out the memory foam. Turn our attention to the site, Equipment everywhere, Up it goes! Unload the carefully packed Bins, organized by purpose. “I’m ready for s’mores!” I think, But it was out loud. “Me, too!” you exclaim.…
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National Poetry Month: Ode to an Omelette
Good morning! An omelette, please! I’d like it with only egg whites. Don’t fear! I’ll take it to new heights, Beginning with two kinds of cheese, That I’ll taste with every piece. Let’s stuff it with veggies galore, Mushrooms, spinach, onions and more! You think it’s a challenge to chew? Well, I’ve consumed more than…
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National Poetry Month-Scaffolding
Scaffolding, a Splint that Surrounds the Spire like a Satellite, for a Season, Stabilizing the Structure while it Strongly, then Somewhat, then Slightly Supports its Successful restoration. Surely we all need Someone and Something to See our cracks and weak Spots and Scale our Souls to give us Sustenance and the Strength to carry on…
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National Poetry Month: PASSION
The voice inside whispers of FEAR That thing that strangles and KILLS What we most want, the MORE We are looking for. But what if our DREAMS were more powerful THAN Our doubts so that FAILURE Was seen as nothing more than an EVER Changing challenge to our unstoppable WILL A Golden Shovel Poem
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National Poetry Month-Compassion Acrostic
Can we find a system that honors the needs of each and every One of us? A system whereby Mothers and fathers can take Parental leave to nurture our most precious ones; where adult children can Assist elderly parents through flexibility; where Sickness and treatments can be tended to without a leave. So also are…
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National Poetry Month-Beauty, a Cinquain
“Beauty,” She shared in class, “Is opportunity, To recreate our precious selves, Each day.” This poem is dedicated to Nancee.
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National Poetry Month-Touch (Rondine)
Touch-what our skin craves and our soul desires. When was the last time she had received it? It had been 20 years since my dad passed, Sure, there were hugs and kisses when greeting, But the youngest grandchild was all grown up, Leaving her lap barren for a decade, Touch. I often rubbed her arms,…
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National Poetry Month-Morning! (Cinquain)
Morning! Jolted awake By the sound of beeping That seeks to get my day started. Five more?
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National Poetry Month-Pregnancy Haiku
Her belly grows round, Shelter to a new being, A lifegiving force.
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National Poetry Month-Spring (Roundel)
The thrushes all whistle their gladsome tune, As we emerge from Winter’s gloom. The blue jays join in with their mocking croon, As Spring is born from Nature’s womb. Bare bushes stand as if guarding a tomb, Sticks and leaves around them are strewn, Sensing that change is beginning to loom. The darkness comes, bringing…
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National Poetry Month-Beauty Cinquain
Beauty Not in her face, Not in her curves or shape, But in the way she radiates Pure joy
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National Poetry Month-Sunflower Haiku
Rises from dark Earth, Reaches boldly up to Sky, Turns her face to Sun.
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National Poetry Month-Broken Open Found Poem
The irony- Hiding the dark side Is not really a secret at all. How can it be? A laughable admission, A shadow self, Unmerciful thoughts, A longing for something, Vulnerable, insecure, In need of connection, Reassurance. A grave disservice. The door will open to your secret self- Face being human. Great Power, your Open Secret!…
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National Poetry Month-LOVE, Shaped Verse
Love Love C a n y o u d e f i n e i t? Is it a f e e l i n g o r e m o t i o n? Is it f o u n d d e e p in y o u r s o u l?…
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National Poetry Month-Caste Found Poem
Chapter 2: An Old House and an Infrared Light An invisible beam of light, Searching layers the eye could not see, An old house, its own kind of devotional, Flaws left unattended. Choose not to look at your own peril! Whatever you are ignoring, Will never go away, Whatever is lurking, Will fester. Ignorance is…
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National Poetry Month-Privilege
Enough! No more judgment, Or ignorant comments, To protect your privileged world. Accept! A Cinquain Poem
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National Poetry Month-My Daughters
I know my daughters are the very best of me my lessons on how to live free the perspective that helps me see Incredibly blessed to have three True Gifts This was supposed to be a Cinquain, but I messed up the number of lines, didn’t want to change it, and now it’s Free Verse!…
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National Poetry Month-Friendship
Sometimes friendship can be the buoy you cling to when the world looks out of focus to you A Cinquain Poem Photo: Henry and Spencer, 1.23.23. Flemington, NJ by LA
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National Poetry Month-The Day She Was Born
On the day she was born, I expected a boy, But as noon followed morn, This girl brought me joy! Everyone guessed a boy, But no matter-what love, I’d never known such joy, My gift from above! All that matters-what love! Now I am a mother, To this gift from above, This love like no…
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National Poetry Month-Recipe for Motherhood
4 heaping cups of Mama bear, lay down my life love 1 cup each of awe and inspiration, gratitude and joy 1/2 cup each of patience, empathy and compassion 3T each of structure, discipline and expectations Generously sprinkle in laughter and humor Fold in snuggles and hugs Remove any sense of having control (ever again!)…
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National Poetry Month-Writing Community
Our little community gathers, Most of us starting as strangers, Coming together for our own reasons, To write about our lives, loves, and loss. A byte poem has 140 characters or less, the original length of a tweet.
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National Poetry Month-Compassion
I am a sumptuous blanket, a cup of soothing tea, and a knowing smile. I’m right here. Feel my warmth around you, as you share the deep darkness, you’ve never wanted anyone to see. I’m right here. Feel my warmth inside you, filling your frigid places, your empty spaces, I’m right here. Feel my warmth…
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National Poetry Month-The ABC’s to a Better Me
All I want in life is waiting for me!Believing in a Higher Power gives me theCourage to face eachDay, knowing the Universe provides me withEverything I need toFlourish and thrive.Gone are the days of worry and control,Hoping toInfluence the outcome through power that isJust not mine. Instead, IKnow that myLife is unfolding as it should,…
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Their Anniversary in Heaven
Yesterday was my parents’ anniversary. Were they both alive, it would have been their 64th. My mom outlived my dad by 20 years, so this was their first anniversary reunited. I wondered a lot yesterday about what it would be like. I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of Heaven. I’ve always hoped there is…
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The Ladder
Women are… Our mothers, sisters, daughters, Grandmothers, aunts, nieces, Bosses, coworkers, employees, Lovers, friends, neighbors, Fellow humans. Not to be typecast, Pushed down or held back. Not to be manipulated, For another’s needs, Not to be objectified, For another’s pleasure, Not to be disrespected, For another’s amusement. Be careful the ones, You might think to…
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The Wrong Kind of Arms
As a schoolteacher, mother, citizen and human, my heart broke when I learned of the Tennessee school shooting last night. The fact that it took so long for the news to reach me seems to indicate just how common these tragedies have become. I ache for Evelyn, Hallie, William, Cynthia, Katherine and Mike and the…
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Self Trust
I can always trust myself. I know what is right for me, I can see the light, Though I may be swayed by fear, by doubt and critical messages. I am disheartened by my mistakes, But I acknowledge and accept them…and I move on. The support of others nurtures me, but I am my center;…
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The Tri
My first triathlon ever, and as day breaks, I’m both nervous and excited. I lay out my equipment for each stage of the course, Shorts and shirt, bike and helmet, towel, socks and sneakers. I shimmy into my wetsuit and strap on my ankle timer, Join my group at the water, ready for the signal,…
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The Universe Already Got There
Listening to a podcast* today, I heard the notion that there is nothing we can imagine, create, or experience that the Universe hasn’t already imagined, created or experienced. Poet Sarah Kay lamented that the Universe has already written the poem that you were going to write. I was mid-dip on the torturous dip/pullup machine at…
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Her Last Day
I can tell right away that things have changed, Something is different about her, Hazel eyes locked on the ceiling, She doesn’t even sense me, Shallow comes her breathing, Her arms reach straight up, Her lips-a smile, Unknown words, Eyes close, Sleep. An Etheree poem, starting at 10 syllables and working down to 1 Photo:…
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Anger
Surrender to your anger now, Bring it out and into the light, There’s no need to feel shame or fright, Your body knows exactly how To feel its force and feel its wow, Don’t contain it or push it down, Go ahead and let your fists pound, Feel out of control, but you’re not, Perhaps…
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False Self Becomes True
stress, anxiety, hypervigilance, surviving, people pleasing closed, critical, skeptical, fearful, intimidated holding tight, being strong, sarcastic false bravado, stiff upper lip fake, snarky, poser false self true self open, joyful, true peace, harmony, intuition balanced, vulnerable, equilibrium feeling, letting go, detaching, relaxing, being accepting, loving, trusting, honest, authentic, thriving At my writing workshop a few…
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Belonging
There is this thing that happens When I’m working with another teacher. The excitement builds, Our enthusiasm bursts forth, And the students delight. Infectious! We banter, add on, feed each other, Our thinking is pushed, our perspectives changed, Some ideas turned on their head. When this happens, I am home, In the sweet spot, In…
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Blush
One of my least appreciated natural tendencies growing up was my facial flush. Whenever I was called on, called out, or put in the spotlight, my face would turn bright red, getting increasingly darker as more eyes settled on me. The more I fought it, the darker it became. I wanted to sink into the…
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March Embodiment
My word of the year is EMBODIMENT and each month I try to let the word soak deeper into my being through reading, listening, and seeing where and how it resonates with me. I am enjoying savoring the word and its meaning in my life. For this month, I’ve been focusing on these questions as…
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Patterns
The regularity and repetition Of mustard and avocado colored squares adorning our kitchen wallpaper, Thin paper pinned to fabric for Mom to sew our matching mother daughter outfits, Rings hidden within tree trunks, the fur of our tiger cat, and the wings of a butterfly, Keys on the piano, the chorus of songs, the rhyming…
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Make Your Mess Your Message
That quote comes thirdhand from a podcaster* sharing the premise for another podcaster’s work. I heard it tonight while working out and it matched another quote from a previous podcaster talking about not saving your story until you reach the “Ta-da!” point. To me, the messy middle is why I write. I gain clarity and…
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Like It Was Yesterday
We sat across from each other, my old friend and I, the wrinkles and gray hair fading away. All I could see was her bright smile, permed mullet and twinkling eyes, as she settled herself on my dorm room bed to hear “the scoop!” Thirty four years had gone by, but it felt like yesterday.…
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Anxiety
A reaction To Conflict and Fear, To a lack of Control, To Problems we can’t solve. We Worry as though our knotted bellies Can change the Outcome. It is all Consuming, Overtaking our Bodies and Minds, Whispering “What if?” and “How could?” and “If only,” Bringing Emotional and Physical Stress. Step away from it now,…
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The Grandeur That Makes Us Insignificant
Today I read an excerpt of William Shatner’s memoir, Boldly Go in (gulp!) AARP magazine. In it, he wrote about how he thought his travel into space would be “the next beautiful step to understanding the harmony of the universe.” But it wasn’t. Instead, he felt grief. Shatner found that he much preferred the “entanglement”…
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Travel Lessons from the Dog Park
My dear friend and I took our two canines apiece to a dog park on several acres of land. Watching them enjoy the setting made me think of the lessons we as humans can take from their experience. 1. When you arrive somewhere new, get the lay of the land. It helps to climb a…
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Swan, A Found Poem
After reading “The White Flakes,” a Found Poem from Schindler’s List in which the author recasts a text as a poem, deleting words while keeping the important nouns and verbs to the best effect and choosing the lines and breaks, I decided to give it a try. Here is my attempt from a favorite childhood…
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Strength
I’ve been marinating two opposing thoughts recently. A friend said that she considers her difficult experiences in life blessings because they have made her who she is and given her strength. The other stated that you could “validate being strong, without suggesting being traumatized was worth it.” Nate Postlethwait via Twitter) I haven’t decided which…
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My Higher Power
In childhood, my belief in God was shaped by my parents and my church community. I attended Sunday School, listened to sermons, heard Bible stories. My understanding of faith was very black and white, boiled down in my mind to a set of rules to follow. Do that well, and God would be pleased, make…
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Cat Got Your Tongue?
I am randomly opening to pages of Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and reading a few entries at a time. Tonight’s made me laugh out loud with how I could relate! Deep Massage If I’m getting a massage and the massage therapist happens to be applying too much pressure, I find…
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My Birth Day
My birthday was last week, and over dinner a friend asked, “How was your first birthday without your mother?” So unexpected was the question; tears immediately filled my eyes. It was in that moment that I realized the source of my melancholy throughout the day. Could I celebrate a birthday if the woman who gave…
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Rebellion
I read this quote recently: “Rebellion is when you look society in the face and say, “I understand who you want me to be, but instead I will show you who I actually am.” As a life long rule follower (self conscious girl wanting to fit in, people pleasing daughter always seeking to earn my…
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Perspective
Step back and see how The perspective changes views Of what matters most Photo: Shenandoah National Park, 7.3.20. by JMR
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Powerless and Powerful
Powerless over The events of my past, What lies ahead for me, The news and the weather, What other people think of me, Their actions, choices and behavior. The content I choose to consume, The boundaries I make and keep, The way I think and respond, How I care for myself, What I tell myself,…
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My First
My oldest daughter is turning 25 this month. To celebrate our February birthdays, she invited me to a Dessert Tasting at a restaurant in downtown DC, where she lives. The night was special, as I love spending time with this grown human who I’ve watched develop and grow into an interesting, socially conscious, thoughtful adult.…
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Decisions and Mistakes
I’ve dreaded making decisions my whole life. I’ve always considered myself indecisive. The problem with making decisions was my fear of making a mistake. I was afraid of buyer’s remorse or being wrong or getting in trouble or disappointing someone. Mistakes cost me dearly growing up. I didn’t get in trouble, I got interrogated. Why…
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Intuition
Hearing that voice within my mind, “Look within, you know you can trust, No one knows you better, you must Nurture that feeling and remind, Your answer is here, you will find.” Body and mind begin to slow, Looking inward to what I know, Block out the noise, block out the sound, Peace awaits me,…
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Timed Writings
I like to do a writing exercise with my students where I give them a prompt and an allotted amount of time to write. No editing, no revising. Just power to the pencil without stopping. If they pause, I tell them to ask themselves, ‘What else?’ I love doing this activity myself. Here is what…
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Teaching is My Super Power
Eight years ago, I ran in a Superhero themed 5K with my daughters. I bought a Superman t-shirt at Walmart and my oldest daughter’s friend used puffy paint to make a design on the back that said, ‘I teach. What’s your super power?’ I loved this shirt and wore it proudly alongside caped crusaders navigating…
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Re: Inspiration
This is a photo of the wall above the headboard in my bedroom. I look at it every single day and it brings me comfort, joy, and inspiration. The impetus of this work came from the kombucha bottle I was sipping from. It listed a multitude of words that began with the prefix re-. I…
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The Gift of Writing
She beamed at me when I walked into the room. “This is so exciting!” she proclaimed, and throwing her blankets back, she continued, “We have much to do to get ready for the baby. Where shall we start?” My 89 year old mother was in her final days of life, in hospice care. She was…
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6 Word Stories of Baby Bliss
My nephew is expecting his first! We gathered together to celebrate Baby! My sister hosted our whole family. We showered him and his wife. This is my brother’s second grandchild. It is Mom’s second great grandchild. She found out before she passed. She was so excited for Baby. The gift I gave was meaningful. It…
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Feeling Protected
I imagine a shield that allows me to live in the world protected. A barrier that keeps the toxic out and lets the positive in. A screen that is neither too thick nor too thin, allowing too little of the good or too much of the bad to seep in. But what to construct it…
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Hope’s Triumph
Fear Jelly legs, Sweaty palms, Jittery belly, Galloping heart, Shallow breaths, Rising panic. Fear whispers of my weakness, He is mindful of mistakes, He advises against action, He cautions against confidence, He depletes desire, He paralyzes positivity. But he has an enemy, One who stands up to his sneaky charade, She is Hope. Hope Resting…
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Saying Yes
I will say yes… ~to myself ~to self care ~to my needs ~to living fully ~to time alone ~when I want to ~when I am safe ~to expand myself ~to healthy choices ~to my dreams and desires ~to new experiences and adventures ~when Fear of Failure whispers, “Say no!” ~to volunteering my time and talent…
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Saying No
I will say NO… ~even when it’s hard ~when I’m tired or rundown ~when it clashes with my values ~when I’m not being considered ~when it’s not convenient for me ~when my intuition is guided me ~when I feel like I “should” say yes ~when I need to be somewhere else ~when I don’t want…
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So Much Clapping
It had been a long, hot summer with little to no rain. I watered my gardens daily and got a break from mowing since the grass barely grew. It was the middle of August and this particular day was a scorcher. Out running errands, I decided to stop and see my mom at her assisted…
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Message from My Necklace
On my 50th birthday, my best friend and college roommate gave me a simple pearl necklace. I’ve only taken it off 3 or 4 times in the almost 4 years I’ve had it. It was such a special gift to me and in a recent writing class, I asked the group to write for 1…
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EMBODIMENT
Enlightened understanding that My body’s experiences have been negative and positive Because of traumas, comments, Observations by others, and social and cultural expectations that Don’t allow for accurate, realistic, or gentle self images. I now choose to reclaim my body and cement My Self, release bottled emotions Express myself fully, cast off the expectations of…
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Pain Without Suffering?
The Pain: My mom, suffering with dementia and in memory care, told me excitedly when I visited, “I have 3 children, 2 boys and a girl.” I am her fourth. The Pain: “The goal of hospice care is to keep her comfortable and let her live out her final days in peace,” the nurse reassured…
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Validation
Validation The Siren Song Convincing, Compelling, Consuming Persistent in its Promise Of Confidence, Value, Worth Seek it, Work it, Nurse it Manipulate, Please, Control Wear the Mask of False Self To Gain Approval, Acknowledgement, Accolades Feel the Power of the People Looking upon You with Admiration and Awe. But the Power is Not Yours It…
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The “Write” Tool
Sometimes a barrier to writing is as simple as not having the right tools. I like to play by experimenting with different implements. Sometimes I like the feel of a scratchy pencil across the page. Recently I’ve discovered the marvel of erasable pens. Color helps me organize and emphasize. Colored, erasable pens are a game…
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Word of the Year!
Each year I choose a word to carry me through, inspire me, challenge me, comfort me and always continue to help me grow. I started in 2018 with Alignment, which despite combing through pages of word suggestions, was the original one I thought of! I wrote poems about it, took pictures that represented it, and…
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A New Kind of New Year’s Eve
I’ve never been a huge fan of New Year’s Eve. I’ve often felt pressure to be doing something exciting – going out, being with people, and drinking. Almost ever year, I have instead spent it quietly at home or a nearby friend’s house and it’s involved ordering out, a movie, and games. And I’ve loved…
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Our Hearts
While touring the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens yesterday, I saw this beautiful heart-shaped cactus. It made me think of the various states we might find our heart in, represented by the prickly spines. Are we trying to guard our heart, keep others out or protect ourselves? Are we emotionally unavailable, shut down, or sabotaging ourselves?…
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The Stockings Were Hung…
Stockings Made with love Upon each grandchild’s arrival Regardless of the month. She would run to the fabric store And comb through the patterns To find just the right scene for the new baby. Felt cut with accuracy And layered just so Then stitched with steady hands And held in place by the tiny sequins…
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An Ornamental Christmas
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is the annual ornament giving. Each year I choose an ornament for each of my daughters that reflects something special they did, accomplished, enjoyed, had a passion for or a place they traveled to. I started this when my first was in utero and have carried it on every…
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The Cardinal
“Look at the cardinal!” my mother would exclaim, As she had a hundred times before, And always with the same awe and delight, Washing dishes at the kitchen picture window. Her favorite bird, she wore it on sweaters, scarves and pins, A warm pop of color on a cold winter day, A sign of joy…
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The Bank
Today I took a challenge to write about a bank, any kind of bank, whether financial institution, ground near a river, noun, verb, and so on. Here is my take… A deposit of kindness, Of thoughtfulness and generosity, Compassion and empathy, Listening and witnessing, Love and gentleness. A withdrawal of support, Of being heard and…
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Piano Lessons
This morning, She makes music, Fingers gliding across keys, Muscle memory guiding them along. Recalling the lessons from decades earlier, Hand position, fingering, forte, pianissimo, andante, Struggling still to balance mechanics with the beauty of song. But what are the new lessons here, The ones that are overshadowing the actual act? What does the piano…
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Affirmations and Empowerment
I start my day, nearly every day, by reading LETTING GO, DAILY MEDITATIONS, by Melody Beattie. There is rarely a morning that her message does not resonate with me; help me look deeper within, uncover truths wanting to be told (or wishing they could stay hidden), set an intention for the day, or grow my…
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Sometimes
Sometimes puppies scamper about, stumbling and bumbling, feet and brains not quite connected, so as to zig zag about, with no real sense of direction or purpose. Sometimes puppies miss their heap of siblings, and look to their new humans, for a snuggle and a head tuck, warmth and security in this new place called…
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Valuing Our Needs
Step 1: Know What You Want and Need. I take time to listen to the yearnings of my heart, my passions and desires, my pain and sorrow, my preferences and interests. I sit with feelings, spend time alone, go out in nature. I identify what needs come from within. Step 2: Honor What You Want…
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Tea Ritual
Measuring the mood, Where I’ve been so far and where I’m going, The tea is chosen. Mindful, in the moment. The vessel is next, A mug that has the perfect shape and weight, My college, their college, this trip, that gift? Mindful, in the moment. The water, filtered, cascades into kettle, Through loose leaves, Embodying…
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A Map of My Hand
My life story can be told using a map of my hand. I start with the obvious…the scars. There are the stitches I got when I was 8, on the inside of my middle finger and at my wrist. My fingers were bent as a child, and surgery straightened them, but left its mark. Years…
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Pain
I am grateful to be sitting in my struggle this morning. After days of family and children, The house is quiet and I am alone. I’ve decorated and played with the new pup, But loneliness, loss and grief are settling over me. I’m sitting with this, acknowledging it, Recognizing where I feel it in my…
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A Heavy Heart
My heart is heavy today, My mind reeling, My body agitated. The world is full Of hatred, Of violence, Of discord, Of division, Of absolutes, Of strong opinions That hold no compassion, Or understanding, Or love, Or empathy, Or curiosity, Or openness, Or doubt That what one believes May not be right, May not be…
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Manifesting Wants and Needs
We manifest what we want and need in life by preparing our minds, bodies and hearts to receive those things. We get clear on exactly what changes we want and what possessions or circumstances we need. We write down our desires and speak them aloud. We meet our eyes in the mirror and affirm what…
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The Pursuit
We’re all entitled to the pursuit of happiness. It’s right in the Constitution! But what if the pursuit of happiness is what robs us of happiness? What if the pursuit of anything blinds us from what is right in front of us, that which we already have? This was the question posed by Glennon Doyle…
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Control
This is what I know today about control and my occasional desire to have it: It’s an illusion. I’m not that powerful. I don’t have it over others or their actions or their choices. People are going to do what they’re going to do. I am not responsible for anyone but me. I can’t will,…
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Getting Comfortable With Anger
For me, anger and guilt have always wound around each other like a vine to a tree. Being raised in a household where we were not allowed to express anger (which was thus interpreted by me as we were not supposed to feel anger), it’s always been an emotion I’ve tamped down, felt shame about…
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Mindfulness
Today I was mindful. I slowed down, I was observant, Instead of operating on autopilot. I put on lipstick And realized I hadn’t done this in 2.5 years! (I wiped it off because it felt funny on my face!) I filled my vitamin compartments, Taking each jar from my cabinet One at a time. But…
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We Can, We Will, We Do
There are things we think we will never accomplish. Loss we think we will never get over. Pain we think we will never survive. Relationships we think we will never replace. Loneliness we think we will never endure. Guilt we think we will never get past. Shame we think we will never shirk. But we…
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Girl On Fire
My girl. Stronger than I was at her age. Smarter than I was at her age. More confident, more self assured, more self aware, more comfortable in her own skin. She chooses her friends wisely. She shows up authentically. She listens to her body. She pushes herself on the field and in the weight room.…
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Letter to My Loving Parent
Dear Loving Parent, Be with me as I struggle, Embolden me when I feel fear, Embrace me when I feel unlovable, Reassure me when I feel I’m not enough, Stay by my side when I feel I don’t belong, Show me warmth when I feel anxious, Show me grace when I’m indecisive or make the…
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Lessons from an 8 year old
The little girl sat down across the table from me for her writing conference. “We have something in common,” she said, smiling at me. I couldn’t imagine what she might be thinking. Her dark hair and complexion were in direct contrast to my fair. Her 8 years to my 52. “We both have curly hair!”…
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Do you love me unconditionally?
Do I love you unconditionally? Well, that’s conditional Conditional Depends on conditions How I feel What I’m doing How your words strike me If your actions trouble me If your behaviors trigger my insecurity If my fear is in the driver’s seat If you’re struggling If I’m struggling If you threaten my self esteem If…
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THRIVE
Trust in the wandering of your Heart and mind and inhale the scent of promise. Realize what you want and need. Imagine holding space for yourself to Validate the truth deep within. Excavate your true nature and embrace who you are. Photo: LA, 1.26.18
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The Crawdad
The crawdad has never felt this way before. Her skin is dry and tight, brittle, and she strains against it. It’s as if she’s coming undone, falling apart. Feelings of restlessness, unease, and discomfort descend upon her. Anxiousness and fear join forces and shroud her in uncertainty. Soon her exoskeleton begins to crack and fall…
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The In Between
This is a place I’ve avoided most of my life! I like to be there. I set my sites on a goal or next step and move swiftly toward it. No lollygagging about for me! But lately I’ve been wondering what it would be like to spend more time in this “in between” place. What…
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Homeostasis
Recently I was working with a high school student on his homework assignment. It was all about homeostasis. We had an interesting conversation about it, he defined it in his own words and conceptualized his project. But I was left pondering the word all night. Homeostasis: the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent…
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Abandonment
Betrayal- Again- She fears the abandonment she’s run from her whole life. ABANDONMENT… Being left, Being alone, Being rejected. But she wasn’t abandoned, She cannot be abandoned. It is impossible Because she herself is right here She is caring for herself, Depending on herself. She is her own safe place. And so she rises, She…
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The Power of Silence
At first there is no silence. There are the thoughts, Vicious in their whisperings, Violent in their clutch, Volatile in their effect, Relentless, merciless. Then there are the feelings… Regret, shame, anger, indignation, Self recrimination, abandonment. Where was the intuition? The self trust? There! Do you see it? It is there. It was always there.…
The Journey Inward 