A Bumpy Ride through the holidays

For weeks, dreading this holiday season, I’ve watched myself escape into anything other than the present. Consequently, with these special days looming, I worried about my ability to take care of what needed to be done. In the immediate past (like two weeks), I’ve started most days with five minutes of meditation. The idea isContinue reading “A Bumpy Ride through the holidays”

Second Year Blues

I’ve always been rather low-key when dealing with holidays. For instance, in the winter, I prefer the soft warm glow of a Christmas Eve luminaria display over a month of electric glare. But I didn’t expect the whammy that this year brought—even before Thanksgiving. Last year, my loss was fresh, still front-and-center in my attention.Continue reading “Second Year Blues”

DIY Deadlines

I envy people with editors and publishers and deadlines. This DIY business of writing lacks a certain kick-in-the-pants to facilitate inspiration. A writer can get too close to her writings. Somehow this week I’ve achieved a more distant view. So what went before to bring that about? First: A response from my copy-editor who returnedContinue reading “DIY Deadlines”

Remnants of a Cruise—Books

I like meditative walks, walks that allow thoughts to surface. Walking with Sophie—when she plods slowly along without too many stops—can be very satisfying.  Now that we’ve entered the cooling season, she’s more willing to take an evening walk around the block, and thoughts of my blog crept in. The hodge-podge of ideas left meContinue reading “Remnants of a Cruise—Books”

Deadlines and Emotional Support

One of the hardest things about taking a trip is leaving Sophie behind. I think of her as my Security Animal, but what does that mean? It’s not that she makes me feel secure—in the danger sense. She’s deaf to all but the loudest noises (so thunder is no problem any more). She doesn’t seeContinue reading “Deadlines and Emotional Support”

Reaping the Whirlwind

Well, maybe I don’t wish for any whirlwinds, but I have been harvesting, some even edible. Potatoes: That rotten potato I planted in the spring—in four pieces; each plant produced one potato before fading away. The longest surviving one produced a potato with two little ones attached. Knowing nothing about potato growing (yes, I shouldContinue reading “Reaping the Whirlwind”