Starts at the table — Only an Aunt… can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend. (author unknown) So pull up a chair and listen. For the last 18 months, I’ve been student teaching at the Elder Lodge in my neighborhood. The native community created and designed their building, but anyone who…

Along a strand —

What to expect during this 30 minute segment — I had to look twice when my query got accepted Because I’m not one of the most prolific writers with a gazillion followers. However, I read lots of different stories and I take the time to comment. John O'Neill clapped for all my stories. How did that make me feel? Special. John recently retired from this platform, but his ongoing…

To talk of me. — I can talk about myself forever, but writing about myself not so much. A written record leaves a trail that leads to trouble. I’ve learned to let my actions reveal parts of me. Looking in the mirror every day requires an act of courage. I am not the only one…

I’ll water the birds —

Anxiety Dreams are the worst — Some of us have falling dreams. I feel lucky that doesn’t happen to me. When does that falling sensation stop? Eternity? I dream I’m late for a final exam In the dream, I find myself in an unfamiliar classroom, where I am handed an exam and told it represents 50% of my grade. Everybody knows me but I’ve…

The Mississippi River Scenic Highway — June is graduation season My husband and I took turns driving through Wisconsin for our youngest grand-niece’s graduation party. It’s an important milestone. Show you care, and Show up!!!!!!! Since these are country roads with lots of wildlife, we count road-kill. I know it’s morbid but we’ve always done it. We counted 17 raccoons…

Fifty Word Challenge #115: ‘Loss — Their petals open in the morning Their blue fading to lavender by afternoon In summer’s garden, their reign is so transitory there’s no room for melancholy A rainbow of joy for these meek visitors hiding in tender grass Treasured friends gone forever? They live skyward Kissing our temple of memory …

I doubt they care —