My older sister died recently from complications from dementia, which developed as a result of a severe concussion from a bike accident 25 years ago. I expect if she could talk to me now, she’d say that she’s grateful to have died when she did since her health over the past eight years had slowly…
Month: April 2012
The Gift of Calm
I am sitting in a cocoon of a room, the moss-green curtains drawn, shutting out the night. Ironically, the back door is wide open. Crickets are chirping in a steady endless rhythm. I am breathing deep as my week draws to an end. A too-full schedule that let’s me know that slowing down is a…
Rachael’s 21st Birthday and The Story of Her Birth
Today is Rachael’s 21st birthday. In the spirit of tradition, I am going to chronicle on paper what I usually do in person with each of my three children on their birthdays, which is to recap my pregnancy with them and the events surrounding their births. Their birthdays, after all, are not only important days…
Chigger Relief, Jet Lag, Traffic and a Birthday
Thanks to everyone for the chigger help. I found Gold Bond Medicated Ointment in my medicine chest when I got home and it seems to be doing the trick at this point. Though I definitely will be investigating some of these other recommended treatments. More than anything now, I’m just TIRED. We got up this…
Heading back to LA with Chiggers
Today I got to spend time with my girl, Sarah, here in Corpus Christi. The U-haul is loaded and Ray and I are heading back to CA early tomorrow morning. I have a student with a senior thesis for his B.A., who is awaiting my return. His deadline is next Monday. It rained here today….
The SCN Conference, My Austin Family and A Little Problem with My Haiku
I have a lot to say and not too much energy to say it tonight, but I want to capture these feelings while they are fresh. I had a wonderful weekend in Austin with the Story Circle Network folks. A big thank you to SCN for putting on such a warm and informative conference. I…
Prompt: Austin
Just a quick note to say I have made it to Austin. I am staying with my cousin Lee, his wife, Elaine, and their kids, Nicki and Sam. We ate a delicious dinner together at their home and spent the evening talking outside on their back patio. It’s very comfortable to be here with my…
Haiku Prompt: Healing Gifts
This was a good day An old friend was kind to me Gave back some keep-sakes Nothing of value Except to me and my kin A kind gift of love Good actions can heal Close wounds that have long since ached Shift coldness to warmth Tonight I sleep glad Knowing big-heartedness lives Feeling its embrace
Prompt: 25 Challenges to Writing Daily & A Method to Combat Them
I am presenting a workshop this weekend at the Story Circle Network national conference on the value of writing at least 20 minutes a day. One aspect of writing, however, is to recognize all the negative self-talk that goes with doing anything creative. Below are 25 different ways I regularly try to undermine my writing…
Haiku Prompt: Texas
A storm approaches The air is thick with moisture Bugs cling to the screens Darkness slows down time Far off a train whistle sings The moon cast shadows Lamplight glows soft cream Peppermint tea wafts Cities thoughts far off We are now back home Ten miles from the Red River Here the air smells clean
20 Minutes a Day 