In a few days, we will open up a figurative calendar that seems to be a blank slate where anything is possible. Being somewhat of an optimist, I’m looking for good things: for happy times, for good health, for milestones reached, for spiritual peace, and for Teddy to finally stop seeing guests as giant hairy […]
Read MoreIt is a typical California December sunset. Branches of deciduous trees and a few palms are silhouetted against the dark shadow of the mountains and a sky that has a slash of deep coral fading into peach, pale yellow, and the purest blue blending into the blue-black cap of the night sky. Tonight, the moon […]
Read MoreI want to thank all of you for your support during 2020 and for all of your kind remarks. Sharing with you helped make the hard times more tolerable. I feel like we faced a grim and unsettled year together. I wonder how you celebrated Christmas. I daresay that those of you who were able to […]
Read MoreYesterday, I was wrapping gifts on our desk. On a corner, out of harm’s way, a blooming orchid glowed in filtered sunshine. The beauty and serenity of the plant accompanied me as I cut, taped, and labeled. A dear neighbor had given us this orchid when our grandson James passed away early in the year. […]
Read MoreI was given a rare gift today: the gift of solitude. I was completely alone for an hour as Sadie and John slept in. I made myself a cup of tea, snuggled into a chair, and looked out at the winter landscape. The chapparal continues to be dark green, but the surrounding hills are dotted […]
Read MoreHow do you approach the holiday season? I have to confess I approach December with feelings of anticipation, eagerness, joy … and also incipient feelings of being overwhelmed, apprehension, and exhaustion. These latter feelings usually start the day after Thanksgiving when my mind starts jumping from upcoming tasks like a grasshopper leaping from blossom to […]
Read MoreMarcy Mary and I thank our friend Lois Eastman for sharing her doxie Christmas carols with you on this week’s blog. Even though these carols are about Christmas, dachshunds come from all backgrounds, and no matter how you spend this time of year, Marcy Mary sends you happy wishes for a wonderful season! Lois, take it […]
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Kathleen Chamberlin 