Midlife change is the existential necessity.
Change. Everywhere you turn. Change.
I used to cringe at the mention of middle age, thinking of it as a synonym for the turning point ushering in death. In that frame of mind, I tried hard to hold on to the part of me that venerated the younger me.
Did you do some cringing too?
For me, my eyes were set on my parents.
I used to cringe thinking about how my parents behaved too old. There they were, full-grown adults and they spent too much time staying indoors.
I’d see them mulling over what events to go to and I’d think — go to…
REFLECTION | LIFE
Hindsight is a valuable resource.
For sure, now that we’ve experienced a couple of sunrises in the New Year, we get to reflect. Good riddance, we say to that old year, and we reach up and pull down a prayer that we never see the likes of it ever again. Amiright?
We don’t want a repeat of that old thing, but we are grateful for the many lessons. And I know you know what I mean — hindsight is a valuable resource.
If you’re here reading these words, that’s because you and I are right where we’re meant to be. …
Five days in — so glad you’re here, friends.
Presently, planet earth is spinning at a rate of roughly 930 miles an hour. Simultaneously, it’s orbiting the sun at 66,486 miles an hour. And, as it orbits, it’s also rotating — once in 24 hours at unprecedented speed. The only thing though, you cannot get off. So buckle up and enjoy the year-long ride.
Make sure your attitude is in tiptop shape and discard all self-destructive devices like negativity and discouragement. We will not need those this year.
Should worry sneak in, reach for a prayer, activate your faith in your higher power, and please don’t forget to smile with the other passengers. It’s bound to be a fantastic year. Find a way to believe this.
Coffee is about to be served. Drink without fear of spillage. Happy New Year.
A TANKA|SPIRITUALITY
Would the story be different?
if they’d known ’twas you
would they’ve treated you better
would they have made room
for a traveler ’n his wife —
oh, li’l boy in a manger
Similar stories that celebrate the season.
May there be peace, love, thankfulness, and hope in your silent celebrations.
- Happy Hanukkah, my Jewish friends;
- Super Solstice, my Pagan friends;
- Hurray, friends, HumanLight Humanists;
- Joyous Kwanzaa, my African Diaspora friends;
- Merry Christmas, my fellow Christians.
- I wish you Miracles. And Confetti.
“God bless us every one!
said Tiny Tim, the last of all.”
~ Charles Dickens
Selma is an enthusiast — of life, friendship…
Poem of flowers that broke through concrete to gift me a memory.
Distracted, I walked the city streets
to bask in its hustle and bustle
when a butterfly flew by to alert me
of dandy jazz dancers lined on the concrete wall
Their yellow heads fluttered rhythmically
with every step of the passersby
I gazed with glee at their dance moves —
sunned, primed, yet still undiscovered
Aware that I had found the jewels
amongst crowds of weekend shoppers,
I tucked the image into my mind’s pocket
and promptly brought home my precious find
Now when I lie upon my day couch to think of things that make me happy I unwrap…
ONE-LINE POETRY|CHALKBOARD PROMPT
Endings and beginnings
Where there lingers hate, disharmony, suffering, and distress
may there ensue — hope, peace, love, and thankfulness
for light arrives into your pursuits
when you invite these to dwell there too.
THEME: Advent
Kids definition of advent:
the arrival or coming of something
Synonyms:
appearance, arrival, coming, incoming
Source: “Advent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Advent. Accessed 10 Dec. 2020.
Thanks to Kathy Jacobs, Harper Thorpe, and the Chalkboard team for their stellar work.
2020 — Year of extremes. Worst of the worst; the best of the worst. But it’s coming to an end. Let’s celebrate by putting a bow of hope…
Children are our best teachers.
My friend, Pam Grout, who I told you about before, writes stories that speak to my heart. She and I share a belief in miracles; about how children are our best teachers, and a few other values. I can never get enough from her great stories.
Today I opened the email she shared, and that story had me nodding for the greater part of the day.
Is There Confetti in Your Pocket?
She mentioned a mother on Twitter sharing a story that she just had to share with her readers. Cool.
This evening I visited Twitter, and you know what, I bumped right into Anna, the…
WORLD FUTURE | CLIMATE CHANGE
Gaia is ready. Are you?
After darkness is worn
and transfers to the light of morn
diligent watchman, salty Shore
is keeping score
Mother Earth raises her head
to salute watchman Shore and Father Sun
but gasps with dread
at her glaciers almost gone
So Earth cries day and night
and Sun hurriedly wipes her tears away
In the dimming of the light
he promises to find a way
But the way — it needs roots
attached to human hearts and brains
for without one or the other
it would all be in vain
I cannot get Desiree Driesenaar’s article out of my mind; you…
POETRY|HEALTH|GREENS
A tanka and a stutterer’s response to an acrostic challenge
Shun me no more, please
I protect eyes, skin, and bones
Let’s get intimate
You and I, remember I’m
Not just for decoration
Powerful disease-fighting plant
Provides antioxidant benefits you want
Protects against chronic diseases — such gallant enchant!
A-Vitamin, plus C and K in similar measures
Rich in nutritional value that’s no palling pleasure
Surely you’ve seen parsley around — this eating treasure
Leaves are French-curly or Italian-flat. But are you aware of its mission?
Lowers your risk of colon cancer, diabetes, ‘n heart disease
Lutein in parsley helps protect your eyes and promote healthy vision
Everyone should partake…
BLUE INSIGHT | POETRY ON MEDIUM
A villanelle poem.
The whole day through my heart adores you,
From amethyst morn past the lilt of afternoon
Whisper to me; yours belongs to who?
Hail to the sun — gives life, our faith remains true,
Praise to puddles that mirror the light of the silken moon.
The whole day through my heart adores you.
A love like ours becomes a reality for far too few.
Don’t let winter tempests take over, lest hearts start to swoon.
Whisper to me; yours belongs to who?
Enraptured in music borne of stardust and morning dew; In love with the person who inside of me…
