Journey

It’s been a long journey of my lifetime, never easy but always worth it. I’ve devoted most of 53 years on this journey. I had to add the word most because, I sometimes veered off into my own. Those moments devoted to my own desires were rare and now I find myself trying to uncover me, the alone me. I need to uncover what I want, where I want to live, how and where I can find joy. I have to learn by starting over.

I know the music I listen to right now is country, my go to was always country but I also learned to love rock of the 60s. He loved the 60s music.

I know I want to continue creating art, photography and writing. He designed and build houses and cars.

I know I still want to travel. With a day’s notice, we would take off for new destinations across the USA.

He completed me. He planned and I procrastinated. He had big ideas and never stopped dreaming.

He was my supporter, defender and partner. May he rest in peace til we meet again.

Teacher Appreciation

In response to teacher appreciation week, I found this quote and was compelled to write about a teacher and mentor who still inspires me.

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” Carl Yung

I had one of those teachers, one who touched my heart and soul. He demonstrated so much care for our growth, both as humans and as students. He would look at our achievement test scores from the previous year and talk with us about how we could improve. He watched us mature and instilled confidence in all aspects of our lives. He was a cheer sponsor and basketball coach who remembered our efforts 50 years later. He knew our families and planted seeds for our future. He once told me that I was as smart as those other girls in my class, those girls who had everything together. He told me my test scores were exceptional. I had no clue that I could do anything, I was so backward. I needed someone to help me develop my confidence and encourage my work to improve. He arranged for our class field trips, we took hayrides on his propert and went bowling. He sponsored our 8th grade play and I actually participated. I loved learning the lines and acting but I didn’t like being in front of a crowd.

Because of his warmth and support I went to college, became a teacher, counselor, principal and finally comfortable speaking in front of crowds. I think that is a great testament to his mentorship. I dedicate this to Mr. James McCoy.

Spring Symbols Found in Nature

Cornus florida

Flowering Dogwood Branches

Spirituality and

Innocence Plus Purity

These understory trees growing in the woods are simply beautiful, the sparse and airy blossoms create play with light and dark. I’ve tried painting these trees but find it challenging to capture the beauty. Finally I cut branches for a vase hoping it would be easier and am still not satisfied. I should not expect to out perform nature so I will continue trying to replicate the beauty I find there.

SOL# 2022 Day 31

Fortunately, I wrote something for 31 days.
Unfortunately, I was late (11:03 central) ability to post was cut off.
Fortunately, I wrote from my heart.
Unfortunately, I was distracted.
Fortunately, I received much support for my writing.
Unfortunately, I didn’t comment on as many posts as I’d hoped.
Fortunately, Slice of Life 2022 is one for the record books.

SOL #2022 Day 30

“Face down in the moment waiting to let Go”

On my way to the hospital this morning I heard a song that spoke to me. It was written and sung by Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. The DJ said many of his songs were about overcoming. I’d never heard of him before. You can listen on You Tube at the link below:

https://youtu.be/GrCM8XcYEYs

This refrain, “Keep waiting on the night, keep waiting on your pain” explains my current life.

Slice Of Life #2022 Day 29

I love being a part of this writing community! I love it because all of us together make it unique and supportive.

The connections we form are precious. We share similar life experiences. We write about our memories that trigger other memories. I’ve unburdened myself many times and always received blessings of joy and support. In turn I’ve tried to be responsive and supportive by using my writing. It’s always been easier for me to be supportive in person and much more difficult when writing. I feel that I’ve improved my writing because of this community!

Writing in this safe place allows time for reflection and contemplation. It teaches me so much about how others handle things in their lives. It causes me to notice the small moments and honor my feelings.

This community of writers presents varied writing topics and formats and therefore provides a comfortable place to try different kinds of writing.

Thanks to everyone for another year of writing growth and for growing deeper connections.

Slice of Life #2022 Day 28

I can’t write about what almost happened today.

I can say how thankful I am the situation was corrected.

I can’t think about what might happen tomorrow.

I can stay in the present and be thankful for now.

I can’t worry about the future.

I can live in the here and now.

That is all I can do.

Slice of Life #2022 Day 27

Today my son made us waffles for breakfast.

Before that instead of rushing to visit my husband in the hospital, I stayed with my son & daughter-in-law.

Before that I told my husband’s sister-in-law she should visit my husband today with her husband.

Before that the nephrologist ask if anyone had told my sister-in-law that the kidney she gave to my husband 16 years ago, her brother-in-law, might be failing.

Before that the nephrologist told me “if only continued dialysis is required” that’s a good outcome.

Before that, my husband’s brother’s wife gave him a kidney that has worked perfectly for 16 years. And would still except for Covid.

Slice of Life #2022 Day 26

This is one of those days that I can’t decide what to write about, so I’ll try something I remember from years past.

This afternoon my husband was opening his eyes in response to our voices.

Before that two of my sisters came to take me out for lunch. We had a nice visit during our lunch then made a stop at an outlet mall for retail therapy.

Before that my son and I sat with husband while he slept. We spoke with doctors who came in to check on him.

Before that my son and I headed to a new coffee shop for a pour over. It was delicious, a great way to start the day.

Before that I woke up early to the sounds of the birds chirping.

Slice of Life #2022 Day 25

St. Louis Blues

Last night was another first for me. I attended a hockey game. I follow this team and recognize names of players ever since they won the Stanley Cup in 2019. They lost, can’t win every game. It was a great night in spite of their loss.

Excitement abounds

Crowds cheering in unison

Powerful, graceful

Across the arena

Son and me

Penalty