I am a stop-the-car-save-the-turtle girl. Putting my life at risk to save a little creature doesn’t cross my mind. In fact, just yesterday I stopped and rescued a turtle. Picking up a snake (with a long stick) to get it off the trail has happened on more than one occasion. I don’t like snakes, but … Continue reading The Hawk
life
Birthdays
I didn’t think of it. Not at all. I knew to prepare myself for some grief on Mom and Dad’s birthdays. I knew those days would be hard ones. What I didn’t consider was how Sneaky Grief would affect me on my own birthday. Leading up to it I had been thinking of them more … Continue reading Birthdays
Dolly
The tributes are pouring in. How could they not? This woman meant so much to so many. Each accolade is true: generous, kind, strong, tender, sparkly, talented, down to earth, genuine, compassionate and the list goes on. She was all those things, but the part that makes this an especially tough passing was the connection … Continue reading Dolly
Dear World Cup Fans
Dear World Cup Fans, I have been watching you. I have seen your enthusiasm for your sport and your country. The joy you carry has lifted my spirits. The most meaningful part has been the love you have shown to us here in the U.S. The beauty of our country, the hospitality, the vastness has … Continue reading Dear World Cup Fans
Missing Dad
Sitting on my screened porch this morning. I am joined by 27 birdsongs, so far…3 kinds of Warblers, Titmice, 4 kinds of Woodpeckers, Blackbirds, Wrens, Hawks, Crows, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Towhees, Gnatcatchers, Cowbirds, 2 kinds of Sparrows, Vireos, Finches, Blue Jays, Robins, Thrush, Phoebes, Catbirds and Chickadees. I breathe in the cool morning air. Deep into … Continue reading Missing Dad
Monet’s Forest
I walked through a painting today...or it felt like it anyway. Spring is one of my favorite seasons because of the greens. There are so many shades; too many to name. Hues and tints begin at the foot of the mountain and work their way up, and it’s not planting time until the trees are … Continue reading Monet’s Forest
Southern Women
Southern women have a reputation. We bring food. Funeral? Food. Wedding? Food. Sickness? Food. Hangnail? Fire? Flood? Stubbed toe? Food. We have been accused of being disingenuous. Hypocritical. Pretentious. But here’s the thing, we keep on bringing food. We were taught how to do this by our mothers and their mothers. Being hospitable is an … Continue reading Southern Women
Getting Out of the Sandbox
As a retired teacher, I remember back when playgrounds for preschool children had sandboxes. I also recall that the sandbox was the place that required the most intervention from me, because it required “getting along with others” more so than the other apparatuses. The arguments usually started over trivial matters. “He took my shovel.” or … Continue reading Getting Out of the Sandbox
Dear Artemis 2 Crew,
I wanted to take a minute to jot you a note of thanks. I cannot tell you what a joy it is to watch you all on your journey around the moon. It takes me back to when I was 5 years old and watching the Apollo missions with my Dad. I remember he was … Continue reading Dear Artemis 2 Crew,
Happy Birthday, Mom
Hi Mom, It’s your birthday. I don’t know how that works in heaven now that you live in a place that is timeless. Do you even know that today was a special date? My guess is that you are blissfully unaware of aging. What a gift! I have to tell you though, I think of … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Mom
Michelle's Mosaic 