Coming Home to Myself

Mindful Connections

All week, I affirmed my intention to remain mindful. Success varied, but I believe it made a big difference. This morning for example. I had to leave home at 9:00, and wrote a list of four items to do first. I checked off three and thought, well, okay, good enough. Number four said “blog.” Somehow,Continue reading “Mindful Connections”

Self-discovery

We are lucky to be human, to be aware, to have minds. But the complexity of our minds is another matter entirely. This being human is a challenge. I went to bed Sunday night with no blog topic. But I did write “Blog?” on my Monday to-do list. Some time in the early morning hoursContinue reading “Self-discovery”

Surprises

Before the pandemic, it was Wayne who always had a jigsaw puzzle going. I generally ignored it, though near the finish I’d give in to temptation, setting in a piece or two. Now they’re a part of my life. During the shutdown, we were delighted when gifted with or loaned puzzles. When thrift stores openedContinue reading “Surprises”

It’s the Dog’s Knees

I’m not used to dog anatomy terms. I never thought of a dog having knees, but that’s what Sophie’s vet called them. Then I started to think a dog would have two sets of knees. But that doesn’t work out. The dog must have elbows in the front and knees behind, like humans (if we’reContinue reading “It’s the Dog’s Knees”

Messy Creativity

I find it reassuring to know that creativity is often messy. I have the ability to clutter anything: my desk (er, desks); my spot at the kitchen table; my bedside stand; anywhere I plant myself to solve newspaper puzzles. I created a workspace out of half of our den. The half away from the fireplace.Continue reading “Messy Creativity”

Sophie

Sophie is very much alive, just not exactly kicking. From the beginning, veterinarians warned us that she would be prone to arthritis, due to her bowed legs and the way her body is constructed. She’s been taking daily doggie doses of glucosamine chondroitin for years. This past year, she’s found it difficult to get herselfContinue reading “Sophie”

Rueful Thoughts

I’m back on my front porch in the cool of the day. My cup holds the dregs of a pot of tea—strong and bitter I’ve never tasted the herb rue, but it must also be bitter to match its name. I have one straggly rue plant in my neglected herb garden. Since it’s survived fromContinue reading “Rueful Thoughts”

Converging Thoughts

“You’ll understand some day.” A recent This American Life program pointed out that we think we know all there is to know of something, until we realize we’ve never grasped its greater reality. We have to reach that a particular level of age and experience to see matters from a different angle. I think I’veContinue reading “Converging Thoughts”

Thoughts about SCOTUS

At the time of my third pregnancy (my last pregnancy) my custom was to strap my 3 year old son into his bike seat and set out for a ride after his older brother left for school. He would fall asleep on the ride, and I’d return home ready to take on household chores. ThatContinue reading “Thoughts about SCOTUS”

The Water Barrel Paradox

We have three water barrels. The city’s water utility department offers a rebate. Nice. We had to replace one and got another rebate. Two containers are in the backyard. By attaching a hose, we can drain off the water under the apricot tree, or move it around the edges of the yard. The third barrelContinue reading “The Water Barrel Paradox”