Despite...

Despite being in this middle-aged body, she knew that once (she hoped not too long ago) she was wild and free. She had that memory and recalled a young woman who thought (at one time) she might rule her world. Despite finding herself in a more pedestrian life, she knew that (buried deep inside) that girl still remained—unbridled by today’s conventions, wild and free.

Stillness...

Every night I need to take an hour to myself before I close my eyes. I need this time alone to read, to meditate, to decompress. In a word, just to be. Stillness, calmness and peace are my dearest companions. Daily life is filled with busyness, with breaking news, with chaos. The very act of intentional, purposeful stillness is essential to my body, mind and soul.

Don’t put yourself on the clearance rack…

I saw a young woman today who was scantily clad. She put herself on display. I wanted to tell her that she shouldn’t put herself on the clearance rack. She belonged behind the counter where the expensive items were held.

The message: Don’t put yourself on the clearance rack when you deserve to be behind the counter.

Dementia...

Dementia in a loved one is a cruel thing. Yesterday Mom had a day when I thought that maybe her diagnosis of vascular dementia wasn't correct, that these memory slips were just a part of getting older. Then you have a day like today whereby a woman with an incredible vocabulary can't seem to find a word she's used for over 80 years. You vacillate between wanting to fill in the blanks for her to minimize her frustration; then want to show respect and allow her to find that word herself. Quite simply, dementia is maddening and saddening. If I feel this way, I can't imagine what Mom is experiencing.

This may be the time for me...

Q, has decided on either military and/or federal employment (ICE) after graduation in the fall semester next year. Q’s 5 year program is almost done! Dean’s list throughout college, Eagle Scout, international travel.—check.

I realized when in Europe that it may be the time for me to formulate what the second chapter of my life will look like. It is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking, but I’ve never been one to take the safe and expected route. I woke up the other night and had an epiphany: after many years, this may be the time for me.

Life is never perfect/no one promised it would be…

Life is never perfect; no one promised it would be.

But at the end of each day

I must say that I am grateful.

I am grateful; I am so very grateful.

3 pieces of KFC, extra crispy,,,

I was in Madrid today.  It was my last day touring Europe and I was a bit blue.  I found myself walking through old  town and headed down a  steep hill.  Down, down, down, which matched my mood.  

An elderly, slightly disheveled woman began staring at me as I waited to cross the street. Her eyes were glacial blue and admittedly she made me a bit uncomfortable,  The wizened woman was not begging as some are prone to do when down and out.  She approached me, somewhat tentatively. She had a smallish puppy with her with a home maid leash made out of twine.  She asked if I might have a bit to eat in my backpack; something she could give her puppy to provide nourishment. 

I asked if her puppy liked chicken.  Her lined face lit up and she answered emphatically "Yes, of course she does!" What did she and her puppy have for dinner?  3 pieces of KFC, extra crispy.