There’s no way can I recall every bathroom or kitchen sink I’ve brushed my teeth, but I remember the feel of my father holding my chin with one hand while teaching me how to brush my teeth with his other.
A Laundry List of Moments
Grief Talk Tuesdays
I'm dedicating Tuesdays to all things grief, including book reviews, links to recommended readings and podcasts, guest posts, and other grief-related topics.
Signs
When I feel the griefs, I’ve learned to acknowledge, (“I see you, Grief.”) and allow it (“Here’s some tea, now go sit over there.”) and get about my business, which I did. It’s never easy, but I did it.
Magic Tricks & Fireworks
Out of nowhere I remembered how much I love magic tricks and fireworks and I felt really happy. Peaceful happy. Fun happy. In awe happy. Don't question why happy.
Writer’s Block
I laughed at the memory and wanted to share it with Dad, but then I remembered that Dad is gone and so I didn't feel like writing about chairs anymore.
What I’m Reading (and what are YOU reading?)
"With all the partisan bitching and divisive news cycles, reading memoir helps me feel like I'm part of something more significant."
Etched in Stone
No thanks to me and the dozen or so changes I made the last five months, my very patient headstone maker will finally set my late husband’s headstone this morning. Made of Jasper quartzite, which is native to the area of Minnesota where we used to live, I love the sharp edges and the uneven … Continue reading Etched in Stone
Oklahoma! practice, 1977
This is the only audio I have of Bruce. A BIG thank you to the late Bob Jones, Jasper High School choir director and a dear friend of Bruce's, for sending this to Carlene in 2000. If you have any audio or video of Bruce that you can share, please let me know. You can … Continue reading Oklahoma! practice, 1977
A Lesson in Rhythm
"I will get up and write this down so I don’t forget this lesson, but I know I will forget. I always do. And some other cricket will come along and piss me off and I'll start the lesson all over again."
Damn (beautiful) Bear
Damn Bear is like a teenager who scored a keg. “Party!” I imagine he called out to his forest friends as he dragged the fifty-pound container off our porch and into the yard.
Zen Bag Lady 