Life is Good – Not a Struggle

This is my year to be hung up on my stroke, I guess. It's my second year and reality has definitely set in. One morning while getting ready for water aerobics I pondered the struggle of get to the YMCA and into the pool. Then I thought, "Well, $*!@,  it's not ever really going to change". I don't think about my limitations a whole lot in my normal day. My life has become my routine. Probably, I know what I can and can't do and don't frustrate myself too much as I move about . I am not always aware, for instance, that I have a right arm. At odd moments I decide to connect it with my brain and open the refrigerator door or pick up pot with both hands instead of just my left hand. My hand is probably confused with the mixed messages - …

A Blessing of Mothers

Reprinted from May 7, 2016 I’m the lucky one. I have had mothering and mentoring from at least four wonderful women. They mutually excelled one another in the gifts they have given me. When I read my past post about  Mother, I feel as if I have said most of it.  I learned to appreciate […]

Young People Who Lost Their Lives (A partial list)

Emantic “EJ” Fitzgerald Bradford Jr., 21; Jemel Roberson, 26;       DeAndre Ballard, 23; Botham Shem Jean, 26;         Antwon Rose Jr., 17; Ramarley Graham, 18;        Trayvon Martin, 17; Wendell Allen, 20;       Kendrec McDade, 19; Jonathan Ferrell, 24;       Jordan Baker, 26; Victor White lll, 22;        John Crawford lll, 22; Michael Brown, 18;          Ezell Ford, […]

St. Valentine’s Day

We have St. Valentine to thank for a lot. On the commercial side, this day has created all sorts of reasons to fall short, to spend money, to be disappointed, etc. On the bright side, it is a beautiful excuse to convey love to the people in our lives. How shall I choose a Valentine? […]

To My Valentine

To My Valentine, I have so many valentines now. But as I am thinking about my children and my grandchildren, my mind turns to you. You are the one, after all. You are the one who has always loved me. All of those years ago I didn’t understand how such a stud decided to pay […]

…on Christmas and You

(NOTE:  Do you want to write to your new love? Your aging husband?  Your child?  Your Friend?   I hope this helps you find the words you need for the person you love.  This is one of a series of requested letters  posted under “Form Letters” for those of you who would like an idea or […]

Welcome to My World of Letters

Many of you are looking for a specific letter for ideas to help you write to someone you love. You are welcome to take what you need from this site for your personal use. But here’s the deal. You can do it yourself.  Go to the top of the main blog page or click here […]

On the Water Again

Rowing was the coolest and most unlikely thing I did in my 60’s. I surprised myself by loving it. To the chagrin of my coach i was often swept away by the stillness of the lake in the early mornings or the beauty of the mist shrouding the mountains. My focus didn’t make me a […]

Remembering Mary on Her Birthday

When going through old albums in order to clear out my house, I stopped cold. I have sorted the treasures of friends and relatives after their passing. I don’t begrudge the time spent, it was a way of knowing more about their lives – touching the things that were important to them. Although I would […]

Compassion, again…

Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”― Pema Chödrön, The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult […]