I study the image, moving past flashy first impressions to the combination of smooth surfaces and fine lines. Flecks of light reflecting from the deepest crevices. Curious about what events heightened these characteristics. Both the expected natural occurrences and the unavoidable extremes. Relief in a cool breeze. Peace glistening in the snow. Heartbreak felt in a flash flood. A grief-induced drought. Passion flowing from a waterfall. It’s curious how the careful consideration of an unusual pillar of rock, sitting peacefully in the middle of rushing water, gently nudged me to consider my reflection more carefully.
A highway lined With Aspen groves Their golden leaves Smiling golden smiles Covering me with affection A winding road lined With massive boulders In their current state Of stacked strength Covering me with shade- Different, yet each Conveys the feeling Of being snuggly wrapped In my favorite blanket- Warmth and security Sometimes come from The most surprising places
We drove under a canopy of trees. So thick in stretches, we wouldn’t have been able to see the sun even if it had been shining. Winding switchbacks took us to the top of Mt. Mansfield. We marveled at the beautiful views.
Some of us closed our eyes and held on tight at certain turns. Well…one of us did, anyway. But that was not the thing that caused me to gasp. Instantly feeling like a little kid. Any guesses?
Giant rocks!
Boulders with great veins of quartz running through. Some were standing solitary. Others were stacked, forming small caves. Even others with trees growing against their faces. Those might have been my favorite.
Standing in the shadows of these giants, the kid in me wanted to fill my pockets with pebbles. No, I did not. Managed to rustle up some restraint.
Instead, I stood in awe of these majestic formations. Felt the embrace of their cool breeze. Accepted their invitation to climb, stand, and sit. And finally, to walk away feeling confident, steady, and grateful.
A jeans and t-shirt girl That is what I call myself Oh, I enjoy getting dressed up For the occasional night out But if you ask my preference The answer never changes- A comfy pair of jeans And a favorite t-shirt Now, those jeans can’t be comfy Without a little wear Walking down a rugged path Resting on a large rock or two Carrying smooth pebbles in my pocket- They find their purpose that way Not just a protective covering No, much more A reminder of where I’ve been- Legs crossed sitting by the fire Those jeans feel like an old friend- And the t-shirt? Well… if it’s my James Taylor t-shirt There is no contest-
Today was a virtual/distance learning day for students in our district. Yes, we know in-person learning is best. But when so many teachers, staff, and regular subs are out sick, it makes in-person learning pretty much impossible.
That meant I pushed out music lessons/activities for students on an online platform. I receive a notification each time a student submits a response. They always make me smile.
After lunch, I noticed a stack of boxes near my classroom. I quickly discovered they were the new keyboards recently ordered for my piano class! Ten of them, complete with stands, headphones, pedals. I’ve got some work to do tomorrow!
This may not have been an ideal teaching day. But there were bright spots. And here I am, sitting on the floor in front of those beautiful boxes, wearing a favorite pair of jeans and a school t-shirt. It was a good day…
As the new year approaches, this is my prayer-embrace 2022 with strength, love, and compassion. Noticing the things that may seem insignificant at first. For quite often, those are the things that teach me the most. Happy New Year, Friends! ❤️🕊
Sharing Stories
What a seat You’ve held All these years A quiet observer As children Skipped Up and down The road With little Thought To their age Or yours You watched As birds Flittered by Chuckled When squirrels Hopped on And off That inviting Green carpet Squirmed as Lizards scurried Underneath Then out again What adventures You’ve had- As I walked by This morning You caught My eye Made me smile- Thanks for Sharing Your stories, Old mossy rock
No Way to Travel
Painted lines Mark the middle Of the road Move too fast And the marks Merge into one- One long line Moving me Faster and faster Down the road Leaving No time For a pause No time For a breath That is no way to travel! The goal merely Getting from Beginning To end As quickly As possible Giving no mind To the trees Waving hello To the birds Singing their song To another traveler Holding out their hand Waiting To see if I will reach back
Piano Girl 