Jacqueline heard the crows outside and felt called. Their caws brought her first to the window to see their black bodies balanced on the telephone wires and then outside to peer up at them. Caw caw caw they sang and she felt a sense of calm. They brought her peace in a way that she…

After only two months, Helen decided to become an exotic dancer. She couldn’t stand it any longer. Only days after the wedding, John had her up before dawn milking cows and slaving away long after dark, hauling limbs and feeding the last of the animals. She had thought she wanted the simple life of a…

I am officially finished with my reaction to the Moderna booster, I think. I received my shot at 4 pm on Friday and it’s 9:42 pm on Sunday. I’m sure that’s long enough to confidently say how it all went. First, it should be said that the booster was a piece of cake in comparison…

Here are a few photos of soccer Saturday. Gregorio was on the final day of his archeological dig so Grandpa and Grandma came in to help transport kids to two different games. Nico’s was first. I stayed with him, Sarah, and Lyla while Grandpa hustled Luna to her game. Nico was later upset that Grandpa…

I am sitting in my living room Writing with pen and paper Seeing how this slower process Taps into my brain I have nothing of note to say Just listening to the tick-tock of the Grandfather clock And the whirl of traffic outside I am happy to be sitting here Warm, fed, and healthy I…

Today was an unexpected day off All plans went to the wayside One daughter woke up sick Another came to visit Instead of forging ahead I paused Then stopped Happy for a rest Pleased with the visit Grateful my sick daughter now feels better Today took me back to ten-years-old Celebrating a snow day Shifting…

Tired Ready for a night off Flu shot today Making my arm sore Dark outside Only 6:40 pm Chill in the air Heralding fall Halfway through another week Life slipping by Heading us, I hope, Back to normal

This evening, I had one of those moments when you realize just how small the world truly is. I was speaking to Alex, the mother of one of my college essay students, and I said to her, “Your son says you’re from Kent, Connecticut. I happen to have a friend who grew up there.” “What’s…

I don’t know how it happened. I was sitting there talking with her one minute and the next, she was gone. I don’t mean dead, by the way. I mean gone, vanished, evaporated, vaporized. I don’t even know how to describe it. No gradual fade-out. No, “See you soon.” No, “I’ll let you know where…

Sarah called this morning and said the kids felt better and so did she. So we rallied and headed over this afternoon. We had great food, lots of fun, and a wonderful time trick or treating with the kids. I am so happy we were able to be together! Here are a few photos.