Yep! It's always the same.

It's always the same. 

Get up and hour before dawn to make sure everything is in order for our trip.

Dog food check

Dog treats check

Dog meds check

Cat food check

Cat treats check

Cat meds check

Cat boxes cleaned check

Note for neighbors explaining how to care for said animals (they all have very specific needs) check 

Extra money in case pets need something. check

Make sure all of the cats are in plain sight.  check

Make sure house is secure check

Let the dog out to go potty one last time before leaving check

Spend 20 minutes saying good bye to pets  before leaving...check

Get have way to our destination and remember we left the phone charger at home. 

Yep!! It's always the same. 

And the world turns

A storm rolls in. Sparks of flashing light infuse the midnight sky, we feel our helplessness....

and the world turns

The chilly morning  rain gives way to a gentle drizzle. Gloom dissipates in the wake of the morning sun. Warm, soul soothing shades of orange and yellows transform our perspectives. We step out into the world....

and the world turns

Fluffy white billows drift lazily in muted shades of powdery blue. Cotton candy pinks mesh with deep violet blue as the sun begins to descend. We find ourselves rushing....

and the world turns

A silvery orb shines bright in a velvety sky. Sleepy bodies drift into dreamless slumber.  Another day gone....

and the world turns

Who found who?

It's early. A somber morning light bears witness to the remnants of a recent Springtime storm. I sip on tea and honey listening to the sleepy world waking up around me. I await her single bark. I think about how she fits so perfectly into my home. So big and burly and beautiful. So strong, loving and gentle. So perfectly behaved. I realize her love is a silent backdrop to my daily life, and it occurs to me in this moment that it was she who found me. 

Less is more, or is it?

"Less is more." My sister and I say this to each other all the time.

You see, our objective is to simplify our lives by eliminating "stuff" that is destined to be future clutter.

"Do I need it?" We ask ourselves. "Can I live without it?" If the answer yes, we simply don't buy it!!

But then there are the other times. The times that we steer ourselves in another direction.

"Do I work hard?, we ask, "Do I deserve it?" If the answer is yes, buy it!

So, what will be our philosophy as we peruse the stores today?

Is less more? Well, yeah.....but....

I'm  thinking it's an I deserve it kind of day. :-)

Until next time...

It's the first official day of spring break, and we plan to make the best of it. It's time to get the gang together.

It all begins with the ding....ding....ding of cell phones.


Breakfast! we all agree, via text message.

Ding...What time u thinking?
Ding....9-9:30 ????
Ding...Good
Ding....U want to try that new place?
Ding....Awesome!
Ding....Jeannie coming?
Ding....Yep,  meeting us there.
Ding....Yay!! :-)
Ding....K. See U soon:-)

And so it goes. No sleeping in. No dressing up. Just four ladies in blue jeans, exchanging hugs, crowding into a booth, and accepting menus we don't even look at.  We're happy! This is our chance to meet face to face. No texting, no emails....just pancakes and coffee and the good old fashioned art of conversation. Friendship at it's very best, at least for the next few hours.

Ding,,,,, It was fun!
Ding.....yes, let' do it again soon:-)
Ding.....<3
Ding.....Can't wait!
Ding.....Hugs!!

Until next time.......

Behind the Scenes

                                        Behind the Scenes 

I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I forget about the amazing people behind the scenes that make our lives a little easier. Today, I personally witnessed the effort and teamwork of our custodial staff  as they successfully moved some incredibly heavy shelves, (filled with books), in preparation for a project that will be happening over break. It was no easy task.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm always grateful to our guys. They our kind, genuine, and quick to respond whenever I have a dilemma. I know how hard they work, and am always appreciative. 

But today, as I scurried about doing my own work, I was able to see a just little of what goes on every single day, behind the scenes, as they help to make our buildings function. 

A special thank you to our maintenance and custodial staff. You guys rock!!! 

Weeds!

She squeals with joy as she frolics through shimmering emerald the blades blowing gently in the summer breeze. Her tiny hands pluck and gather, excitedly creating a fragrant bouquet of sunshine for mommy. She beams. They both do. 

A vacant lot overgrown with dandelions and clover: Weeds! That's what the world sees.  

But the gifts of nature are never lost to innocent eyes of a child. 

Ugh!

Oh my, it's that time again. 

I do this every night.....fuss,fret,worry....what am I going to wear tomorrow? What's so stressful about choosing an outfit?, you ask. Well, let me give you the three main problems I am running into. 

1.) It's Springtime in Chicago. Weather on a roller coaster. 

2.) Our library's heat has a mind of it's own. A mind that changes all the time. I'm either shivering or perspiring, Sometimes both on the same day.

But those two reasons pale in comparison to reason number 3. 

3.) You see, I'm an in-betweener. Too big for my old clothes and too stubborn to buy new. So, every night I use my creativity trying to find an outfit that'll get me through another day. 

So, with that being said, I will stop writing and start scrounging. Look out closet!! Here I come!

God only knows what you'll see me in tomorrow. 

 UGH!

Someday....

I long for a day that veils are lifted and our truths are finally revealed. 

I long for a day that hypocrisy fails so justice can truly prevail. 

I long for a day when our foe become friend and we'll be recognized by our heart

I long for a day that we share in this vision and hatred can't tear us apart. 

Oh Please! Who am I kidding?

At the end of last year I made myself a promise. 

A New Year, A New Body! 

I know, I know......but please, allow me to explain....

First, there were the holidays. Now, realistically speaking it wouldn't be even logical attempt healthy eating during the holiday season. So, I guess I'll just start in the new year.  

January 1st: Well, okay, maybe not on New Years Day, I mean we always have a family dinner.....

January 6th: Okay, well you can't blame me for this one. They had a surprise birthday party for me and I had to partake in the festivities, right? 

January 16th: Today is Julie's birthday. I know we celebrated as a family on the 14th, but I have to have cake for her today. She can't possibly eat it herself. 

January 27th: Yeah, I know it's nearly February, seriously, it's been a tough week. A girls weekend is in order. Mmm... homemade pizza. I won't cheat too much. 

February 13th. Today is Fat Tuesday!! My daughter and I have decided to gourd ourselves with Paczki. We're going to start fresh tomorrow!! 

February 14th: I told my son I was on a diet. Now what am I going to do with this box of  Fannie May Chocolate? I guess I could eat a few pieces. 

Fast forward today....

March 19th:  Okay, so this past weekend was St. Patrick's Day. A little corned beef and cabbage, a few potatoes, and some Irish soda bread smothered in butter.  A glass or two or three of Guinness. I mean we have to celebrate the Irish heritage, right? 

So, starting today I'm going to......Oh, Please! Who am I kidding????? 

Ode' to Mo

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog

or A Big Guy Took My Ball

We try to choose our favorite

when in truth we love them all

 Should I Share My Ice Cream? Or My New Friend is so Fun.

It doesn't matter which we choose

We love to read them all out loud,

Each and every one! 

With imaginations flourishing  

we study every page

seeking for a pigeon

that appeals to every age

With sparkling eyes we view a place

that some may not conceive

and we learn to solve life's problems

in your world of make believe. 

So for piggy and for elephant 

and all the other guys

the kids and I, we thank you, Mo,

You're a hero in our eyes. 

There were...

There were...

Three little girls with innocent faces that somehow learned how to survive

There were...

Three little girls who, in spite of fierce battles, managed to come out alive

There were...

Three little girls who have learned from their trials what "sisterhood" actually means

There are..

Three loving sisters who are bonded forever, and not just because of their genes.  

Who's the mom here, anyway?

It's past ten on a Wednesday night and I am beyond exhausted!!

"Did you write your blog today?" My daughter asks as I tiptoe toward my bedroom. (True story!)

"Wha'?, er, I mean what?" I stutter.

"Did you write your blog today?" she repeats knowingly.

"Uh, well no, I didn't. Um, I had a really busy day, and now I am sooo tired!!"

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

"Go!", she prods, "do it now. If you're going something it, do it right, right?"

"Well", I pronounce smugly, "they said we don't have to write everyday....so.."

"Nope, Mom, she cuts me off. "This isn't about anyone else, this is about you. No quitting.

Damn, I hate when my kids are right, but aren't I lucky?

So, here is my blog.......Hmm....who's the mom here, anyway?  :-)

even if it isn't good

Short and sweet this slice shall be 

for I cannot find the time

in the 90 seconds that I have 

to write what's on my mind.

I wrote a line then edited

and finally hit delete

for I'd lost the flow and balance

that could make my thoughts incomplete

So be kind, please, as you read this

for I did the best I could

to write a slice that's readable

even if it isn't good. 

No Small God

The sudden clarity of the unexpected discovery left me utterly breathless. The life-long veil protecting my nakedness, dissolved instantly into nothingness, exposing the vulnerability of my soul. 

"I'm frightened", I shared with the friend who'd presented me the key, "Is this normal?" 

"Oh my gosh yes!" she replied, her knowing words calming my fears. 

A new adventure.....trepidation....excitement....these are the things she can understand. 

She's been there. 

This is no small feat, I remind myself cautiously, as I embark on this brand new journey.  But then again, this is no small God. 

And for that I am eternally grateful!!  



I 

The Box

The box, wrapped in gold paper sparkled brilliantly, reflecting magical speckles of shimmering light onto the ceiling of the sun drenched room. I approached it with a mix of excitement and curiosity, having no idea what to expect. Wrapped with an artistic precision I couldn't help but admire, I wanted nothing more than to tear open the incredible paper, but I didn't.

Instead, I stood, enveloped in the warmth provided by the morning sun, and appreciated the moment. After all, did it really matter what was inside the box? The experience alone felt something like love. 

The answer is ....

Truth transcends color

you showed us the way

and died for your dream

but we're still lost today

Muddling in darkness 

we search for a light

marching off into battles

worse off for the fight

For God only knows

that the world'll  remain blind

'til we learn what you taught us

 the answer is "Kind"

For we all are the same 

if we just look within

when we understand that

we will finally win. 

She prepares

I breathe, invigorated by the freshness of the brisk morning air. 
I observe, inspired by dancing shadows and the dazzling sun. 
I listen, delighted by the busyness of tiny twittering birds. 
I smile, a silent witness to Mother Nature as she proudly prepares us for Spring. 

Musings of a Boomer

60 

I often find myself bee bopping around the house listening to old nostalgic tunes that conjure up a "better time". Melodies that, even as I write this, remind me of sun drenched beaches, raging bonfires, and starry nights under the stars. Songs that represent the glorious days of innocence, freedom; the anticipation young love. Ahhhhh!!!.......looking back to the good old days. 

But if I'm honest, the good the old days weren't quite as flawless as I remember.... 

Does it matter? Nope! Not even a little. 

What does matter is attitude. Will I look back at those days with a sense of remorse, missing energetic, wrinkle free version of myself.? Or, Will I embrace the older, wiser me, senior version of me. The version that has learned how to say I can.

I can listen to others with an open mind.

I can smile in the midst of my pain.

I can forgive myself and others.

I can seek other perspectives.

I can love without condition.

I can find beauty in my children, my grandchildren, and in everything around me.

I can accept that I'm no longer the person I was.

I can accept that I'm still a work in progress.

and through it all......

I can still have fun!!! 

25 words or less

                                                
Good Morning                                           
Sleepy
             Hot Coffee
Steamy Shower
             Snow flakes
Chocolate Treats
             Giggling Children
Scheduling
             Scanning
Shelving
             Organizing
Tutoring
             Friendship
Laughter
             Pasta & Wine
Writing
             Family
Reading
             Content
Sleepy
       Good Night

Her guilty heart

We have nothing to say to each other.  The dreaded words echo in her brain as she steps into his room. Her valiant attempt to assess the situation logically has failed miserably. The guilt residing in her heart will not allow it.

She still loves him.

Approaching his bed, the reality of the situation hit her like a truck. The sickening smell of antiseptic  and fear combine, making want to vomit. The sight of his lifeless body etches itself in her brain. She chokes back a sob.

She tries hard forget the last time she saw him and wonders what he'd do if he saw her right now. Would he smile? Would he cry? Would he remember the words she was desperately trying to forget?

"We have nothing to say to each other." she'd told him the day she walked out of his life.

Now, tears flowing freely, she prays for him to open his eyes. He needed to know the truth.

"I didn't mean it", she whispers, gently stroking his hand...

"I love you", she cries softly.

In that moment she believes she sees his eyelids flutter.

There's something about a Sunday....

There's something about a Sunday that makes me happy. I am reminded of a simpler time that included huge family breakfasts, sharing the funny papers, and lounging around in comfy clothes prioritizing nothing but family togetherness.

My life and family have changed many times over the years. First, I was a daughter and sibling, then a wife and mother, and now, I am mother and grandmother.....but through it all, my concept of Sunday has remained the same. Be it sharing a home cooked breakfast with a houseful of kids or lazily binge-watching Netflix  for an entire day with my daughter, my priority is still family togetherness, and lounging in comfy clothes of course.  

Gotcha

Misty

"Gotcha Day" is a phrase that denotes the anniversary of the day on which a new member joins a family in the adoption process. 

A gentle soul, you accept me for who I am, and love me without condition. You never find fault, or pass judgment, instead, you offer balance, stability, and comfort in a world that can sometimes be unkind.

You truly are this woman's best friend.....and I love that you are in my life. 

Happy(6th) Gotcha day!! 

Blossoms

Delicate blossoms

Unfurl in God's radiance

And so it is spring

for tonight

With heart-wrenching memories

and bittersweet tears

I seek to let go

of my anger and fears

 allowing the gloom

 to dissolve in your light

all is good with the world

at least for tonight.