Simple pleasures

Rising early to prepare a warm bowl of oatmeal, apples, currants, and walnuts for my friend Pat, who came to spend the night recently.
White roses in a galvanized tin vase, blooms unfurling.
Relief and relaxation after embarking upon a long, slow cleanse.

The perfect day

I spent a bright July morning with my friend Jim on his 100-acre farm. We conversed over coffee, then did the ITP kata together. I met the perfectly delightful ball of fur and kitten energy named Max (short for “maximum cool” ― he was sitting under an A/C unit when Jim and his wife Cathy [...]

Death and gratitude

Two weeks ago my mother-in-law Susan died after an arduous six-month struggle with lymphoma. My husband and I spent most of the month of April with her at the hospital, then at a beautiful hospice near our home. It’s been a terribly difficult, yet sweet time.
A few weeks ago Susan said, “When you can find [...]

Gifts I received today

a note from a new friend;
a delicious, nourishing dinner prepared by my husband;
a small batch of perfectly smooth hummus from the owner of a local Mediterranean restaurant.

Counting my blessings

I’m grateful for recently reconnecting with three friends;
for the ease and speed with which I was able to arrange four literary readings and two family gatherings this week;
and for the return of the sun after five steady days of rain.

People I miss

My grandfather, who helped raise me until I was two. He used to make me laugh by saying “Holy mackerel, kingfish!” over and over again, eyebrows waggling. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to speak with him just before he died two weeks ago and say “I love you” over and over again, one last [...]