Some achievements feel epic. The house that I built feels like an epic accomplishment. I got a big girl loan from the bank all by myself. *This may also seem like it's not that big a deal but in the 80's I needed a man to co-sign for me. I will never take the path... Continue Reading →
This One Goes Out to Mrs. Hynd
I do this thing when I read. I take a pen, usually a colored one, and draw a loopy circle around a section that I love or that I want to find later. It stands out and it's easy to find. I do this because of Mrs. Hynd, who taught me in 1981. "Circle all... Continue Reading →
The Absentminded Habit
Αccording to my quick google search it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days (that's hilariously specific) for a person to form a new habit and an average of 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. Now, keep in mind that sometimes Google is only as good as its searcher. But, I... Continue Reading →
A Little Perspective
As I go through the blogs of yore I find stories that I'm glad I wrote. They dial me into the moment like a tuner on a radio, giving me clarity to memories I thought I left behind. Below is one of those memories. What was going on On Saturday Dave and I were in... Continue Reading →
Being Average is Stellar
Mr. Robertson, my high school art teacher would give me between a 70 to 80 on my assignments---always. Occasionally I’d get a 68 (ouch) and sometimes I’d get an 85 (yay) but generally I sat squarely in those mid-marks. Those were my best grades in high school, Art and English (and occasionally Social Studies). Every... Continue Reading →
Sneaky & Forgivable
I hate to sound like a cliché but I served tables while in art school. Between customers I would work on my art history class at the staff table. I would leave my notebook open while I worked. The regulars, who were on a first name basis, would sometimes sit at the staff table. If... Continue Reading →
Time Traveling my Neighborhood
Restlessness seeped in. My hips and legs ached and my head was full. In what seemed like a counterintuitive decision (sore legs and more walking) I put on my runners and a warm jacket which was sadly still required---and headed outside. I hoped that outside would loosen my limbs and shake the cerebral dust. Just... Continue Reading →
Persistence, Hope, Failure
The Dalai Lama says, in his book How to Practice The Way to a Meaningful Life: Analyze. Think, think, think. When you do, you will recognize that our ordinary way of life is almost meaningless. Do not be discouraged. It would be very foolish to give up now. On those occasions when you feel most... Continue Reading →
It’s a goal!
I love goals. I love goal lists. And, I especially love checking things off my lists. It's so satisfying. I have journals stacked up in my home from years ago and occasionally I come across an old to do list. I'm so tickled to see that parts of my someday lists have been completed. I... Continue Reading →
Easy is Empty
Nothing good is easy.Shonda Rhimes, Year of Yes Reminder #1: the mountains Canada Day 2016, I wanted to get to the Ink Pots at Johnston Canyon. Despite my super relaxed photo below, it was a ton of work. I was sweaty, hot and tired. Why did I do it? Because it seems these journeys are... Continue Reading →