We are launching kids now. They are gathering their things, and their wits, and making plans, and leaving. Just one now, but soon another, and then I guess it snowballs. I’m not naive – I realize they will likely ping-pong back and forth for a bit but essentially, they are being pulled by the irresistible … More Access
My therapist replied that perhaps I needed to challenge myself a little more when I answered her question with, “I really enjoy walking… I can listen to music or a podcast, or just the sounds of my little town.” I had already declared that swimming wasn’t for me, as I felt too blind without my … More Spark
In 1999, my grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary, and my aunt and uncle their 25th. At the time, I believed those milestones were reserved for the mature and, well, more senior members of the family. I recall the anniversary celebrations that took place that summer, and marvelled at the commitment, patience, fortitude, and grace it … More Silver Bells
BUTTERFLY If I’m being honest, I would have to admit that I have become more closely acquainted with bitterness over the past few years than at any other time in my life. It has become difficult to see past hurts and cold shoulders, even unintentional ones…maybe especially unintentional ones. How could you not know? How … More Nine
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”― William Penn When I take the boys’ photos each Autumn, sometimes in my pop-up studio and sometimes out in the wild, I become reluctantly reacquainted with the relentless passage of time. The subtle changes in their faces are a fine example of the muse: “Isn’t … More Seven
Some thoughts on the past 4 months… It all started last July. To be honest, it was even before that; the discontent and restlessness prompting me to look for a change. In the middle of a pandemic, when you work in healthcare, the logical place to look for change is in your work. So when … More A brief briefing
During the afternoon, the heat is oppressive. Not in the heavy way like the humid East, but dry and searing, like the southern deserts. And no place is it hotter than my back deck. Intensified by reflection, the sun bakes the wood while calescent wind swirls like a convection oven. The outdoor rug ingests the … More metamorphose
Winter collapses Sun sinks into horizon near nine Perennials emerging from rest, rain washing sleep from their eyes Hope Awakens in me . Bleakness crumbles Sun births from horizon near six Leaves emerging from darkness, light drawing life from their veins Hope Awakens in me . And yet even in Springtime the wind bites the … More The Last Mile is Always the Hardest
2019 was a year of change and I have been frustrated with my slowness to adjust to this new normal. I have often been disappointed in myself, and have a sense that others may well be silently weary of hearing my disdain for present circumstances (even though they were willingly chosen). My husband likened these … More Plan
The weather in September on the prairies was a bit like a lottery. You bought a ticket and crossed your fingers for Indian Summers with long shadows over gilded fields; late bloomers bravely defying the approaching solstice and picnic lunches with fresh crisp apples and bored but hungry wasps. This year, the cold came early. … More Shift
Wind and Bone 