Or how giving our kids a soft place to land also gives us a chance to listen.
Walking through our small town, I stop in a local thrift store just to browse around, killing time. I push open the front door to be met with that familiar, old musty smell of well-worn objects and old books.
Meandering through thrift stores reminds me of the Island of Misfit Toys, the possessions others discard because they no longer fit into their ever-changing lives. Yet, even though these objects do not “fit” someone else, to another person they become an object of delight, even joy.
I survey the aisles, skimming my hand across a rack of jackets, picking up a…
A short story on Imbolc or Brigid’s Day
The rain continues outside. It has been continuous all day with no clearing in sight. Perhaps it will be an early spring.
Good thing she collected the reeds from the marsh several days ago when the skies had been bluer. They will be formed into crosses later this night and hung over the doorways in blessing.
Tonight the reeds lay in the middle of her table alongside a row of green and white candles which will be lit once everyone arrives for the evening. It is then her house will be filled with the sounds of love and laughter.
A poem and reflection
I thought it was forever
Why are my thoughts drifting
Back upon the days — our days
As time has marched on
We have become more whole
Individually, separately, apart.
I, to discover myself
maybe uncover myself.
You, to find strength,
To find another.
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MaryRose is a writer/speaker/advocate living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest between mountains and water; she is a traveler, massage therapist, a vegetarian foodie, and mom to two amazing grown kids. …
When a tea kettle captivates my senses.
I rely on you every morning to be sitting in the corner of my counter, ready to boil my water for coffee. Elegantly…
A Pacific Northwest adventure of the normal kind
Tiny droplets of ocean spray hit my face as I turn into the wind. I am bundled up warmly from head to toe; knit hat, quilted jacket, gloves, and warm socks inside my shiny red rubber boots.
The sun is at a quarter slant in the sky, for it has been up for hours. But we chose to rise leisurely before venturing out on this late winter morning. My partner and I have come up to Semiahmoo Resort for a long weekend and rejuvenation get-away. Literally sitting on the edge of the Washington/Canadian border, this wild, wet, and beautiful area…
It comes right after, I love you just the way you are.
Ask me any question you need to mum, says Jace.
He steps out into the busy crosswalk. It is already flashing its warning before it turns red. 9 seconds, 8, 7, 6… My hurried steps try to catch up with his.
I do have questions. Many questions.
I reach the curb and look over at him and nod.
Ok, I say. But walk, don’t run, and I will walk with you.
A phrase from his childhood. I could have been referring to crossing the street. But then again, the deeper meaning spoke to this new way of life.
Several weeks…
It is the people in it.
A couple of years ago I experienced a small, mental crisis. My home of several years was boxed up and I had let go of my lease. My daughter and I were preparing to move to a new town. With my hopes high for a new beginning, I looked at this move and this charming little town as a fresh start. The perfect place for a home.
Only, there became a hold-up with the new place. Signing the new lease to cement it as mine became delayed. First by a few days, then by almost a week. …
Greetings and salutations! And a very happy new year! Can you believe it? This turbulent year of 2020 is finally coming to a close. We are turning the page on the calendar and turning the wheel of the year.
Together this year we have celebrated Samhain and the Winter Solstice. We now turn our attention to the upcoming holiday of Imbolc where we truly feel the presence of light returning. Much like a single candle flame brightens a room.
Here is a look back at the articles and rituals of this year. …
For a fresh start try this.
We all can use a fresh start. Especially after this past year which for many proved to be emotionally exhausting, wearing a bit on our psyche as well as our nerves.
As the calendar page turns into a new day, this time it also marks a new month and a new year, ushering in the excitement of new hope with it. This is a perfect time to take stock. A moment to reflect on what is working in your life, and what you want to create in the coming year.
Remember, what you plant as a seed of inspiration or…
Looking back on a year is a common ritual. This year we need hindsight.
Three days ago I joined a 5-day challenge to re-ignite my writing. Basically, it’s about letting go of the past year (thank god) and setting intentions for the new one only a couple of days away.
One exercise was to write down 50 achievements or items we are grateful for in the past year. At first, I scoffed. Thinking with the way this year has been, will I actually have 50 items? You know what? I did. And it was easier than I thought.
I will…
