News, nature, and community throughout the Emerald Triangle
Toking Frequent Photo “Mom, will you download some photos of Grandpa Mike’s paintings so I can take them to art class.” Such a sweet beginning–too bad it will land my son with countless hours on the psychiatrist’s couch. Last night, in a hurry, I quickly downloaded photos of my father-in-law’s work onto a memory stick and sent it off to
Read moreBlue eyes and grubby finger nails. I can write about what happened, about him. But can I make you feel it, see him? Can I wrap the warmth of the day, the buzz of insects, the dull thud of lumber stacked on lumber in words and place them so that you can see the ordinariness, the humdrum quality of a
Read moreBoys and Frogs: It’s a One Sided Love Daily Photo
Read moreI Believe in You Without knowing how, decorating the tree became a chore done silently and swiftly this year. Dripping glass icicles were placed so they wouldn’t be broken but I didn’t marvel over their delicate artistry. Handmade cookie ornaments made when my oldest two were small got a swift smile but no real lingering. But one red box with
Read moreGreen Rock Daily Photo Where our land meets our neighbors’ is a large rock. A landmark for miles, it is the cornerpiece of three different properties. An old survey marker decorates the far side like a beauty mark. Our side is wild and untouched. A road arches and writhes up the steep hill to the left and there, a hand
Read moreClimbing Up Daily Photo
Read moreSunrise on Sleeping Bag and Boy Dark country skies lay like islands of peace in the sea of artificial light that glitters across most of our continent. Last night, as the last light was shut off in our house, only the 3/4 moon lit the sky until it slid behind the large leafed maples and melted away leaving only the
Read moreTiger Eye Daily Photo Hillary Clinton said, “It takes a village” and I’ve seen the truth of that in my own children. Just this Spring, Redway Feed donated pots and plants to Salmon Creek School for the kids to plant and raise both for learning purposes and for entering in the wonderful local Weott Garden Show. The kids, including my
Read moreFrom outside, his voice slips through the open door and hums in my ear. Contentment has a sound. When you are a mother, the voice of your child playing punctuates the air with peace. When he is silent, you worry. Water gurgles over rocks and spatters on dirt. My youngest grips a green writhing hose between earnest hands and creates
Read moreLike most personality traits, optimism has its up and down side in mothering. The upside is I worry somewhat less than other mothers and don’t tend to project anxious waves (though my sons will tell you otherwise). The down side is occasionally I don’t worry when I should. When my oldest was a wee buglet, not yet turning over,
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