StagesI’ve done a lot of self-reflection over the last year. I’ve questioned whether or not I would sharethis story. But I am a writer and astoryteller at heart, and I guess the time just feels right.Last spring, on April 7, 2023 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer-invasive ductal carcinoma, a tumor of almost … Continue reading Stages
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There’s Only This
It was 12:25 am and I was sitting in a line of cars in a quiet neighborhood. I was driving the carpool home, waiting for the kids to come out from their cast party. They’d just performed their closing show of the high school version of RENT, their fifth show in nine days. Half the … Continue reading There’s Only This
Holding it Together
I could see a rip in the jacket. Two rips, actually, maybe an inch long. It was a popped seam on the back of the right sleeve. I zeroed in on it when he turned on stage. I was only sitting four rows back in the audience and I was probably the only one who … Continue reading Holding it Together
She Said, Speak Now
Disappearing words Unoccupied shelves Dissipating passion All concerns deserted or abandoned Vacant stares Where once there was fire Desire For truth For stories and voices Who dares Speak Out of Darkness Who dares Speak For perspectives fading into obscurity For all the fading colors The Bluest Eye(s) and the Color(s) Purple and Beyond Magenta and … Continue reading She Said, Speak Now
Garden Song
I went to the garden center the other day. What’s fun about that (besides taking in all the gorgeous vibrancy of the perennial flowers) is that I can pretend I know what I’m doing, when I actually don’t. I can walk up and down the aisles going through the motions; I am under a very … Continue reading Garden Song
Picture Books
I got a text from my oldest daughter yesterday. It was a photo of her new hat, and she asked, “Do you like my hat?” I was immediately taken back to the days of bedtime stories, when picture books covered every side table and most of the bookshelves in our house. A line from P.D. … Continue reading Picture Books
In The Mix
Last night Youngest Son said to me, “Maturing is realizing the nuts in the Chex mix are the best part.” It was a moment of self-actualization and intentionality I was proud to see in my 14 year old. For as long as I can remember, my mom has made homemade Chex mix. My dad jokingly … Continue reading In The Mix
The Apartment Where Clare and Sean Live
Here is the apartment where Clare and Sean live. Here is the sidewalk all shaded by trees, that leads to the building of the apartment where Clare and Sean live. But let me back up a bit… Here is the trailer, towed by the car, all packed with stuff, ready to drive to the apartment … Continue reading The Apartment Where Clare and Sean Live
Bearing Witness
My oldest daughter graduated Summa Cum Laude from college last month. It was a proud moment for me as a parent. These last four years have gone by faster than any of us could have imagined, and in that time she’s made some of the strongest friendship bonds I’ve ever seen. Seeing how these … Continue reading Bearing Witness
She
(images from internet clip art) She is quiet and shy She hides her words Behind a smile And a nod She is an observer And a listener She hears all the words Even the ones not meant for her She hears the meaning In the tone The words under the words She sees the tired … Continue reading She
