This picture of my daughter and I was sent to me today out of the blue. It is from a photo shoot we did with a photographer friend titled 15/51. I've never seen this image, and it came to me as I was trying to tell someone how joyful I feel. The way it so … Continue reading Unbridled Joy!
Naked In The Grocery Store
Spilling my guts out in near-gritty detail was like going through hard labor and ending up having to get an emergency c-section. I have been recovering ever since. I had a professor in college whose work I loved, and who I enjoyed, partially because of his laid-back yet engaging way of teaching, (Printmaking and Design) … Continue reading Naked In The Grocery Store
Seven Years
The Wheel of Misfortune
I remember the TV commercial jingle that said "You will learn about life when you play the Game of LIFE." Is irony the word I'm looking for here? I'm 52 and still trying to figure out life. Playing the board game, filling up my little car with tiny pink plastic pegs, did nothing to help … Continue reading The Wheel of Misfortune
A Doll and Pony Show
When I was a little girl I was very passionate about two things; horses and dolls. I dreamed of riding the neighbor's pony, Brownie, all by myself through the thicket that lead to the path that would lead to a magical place deep in the woods, called Charles Island (or Childs Island). In that … Continue reading A Doll and Pony Show
Totaled
I have never not called my mother at midnight on New Years Eve to wish her a Happy New Year. It's our ritual. To my recollection my teen daughter has never not sent a message or a snap chat since she has been spending this time away from me.These days it's nothing but time away. … Continue reading Totaled
Lessons From Squalor Holler
You know what this is? Get ready- beginning with the obvious, it's a dandelion. Just a weed...or is it? There are as many metaphors for weeds as there are ways to answer the question I posed. For instance, one might say this is a picture. Correct. One might say it is a picture of a … Continue reading Lessons From Squalor Holler
“No Thanks”Giving
Happy Horn o' plenty to ya. Thanksgiving they call it, alleged to be a day of gratitude for life's abundance. Family comes together and blessings are spoken over tables filled with food that will have you over-stuffed or near comatose within the hour. Wanna know how I feel about this day? I HATE IT. I … Continue reading “No Thanks”Giving
The Solace of Sleep
When the bed covers feel like lead covers and the solace of sleep soothes enough to quiet the relentless courtship of fear (and death) and unquenchable sorrow until the cycle starts again tomorrow- This is my "in-between" And it is a lonely place Though my isolation is self-imposed A rose doesn't need other roses to … Continue reading The Solace of Sleep
The Day I Rested My Boots By The Fire
It was a cold day that had started out sunny. I knew there was a 100% chance of rain later, but nothing could take away my joyful anticipation. A group of riders were meeting at the farm to grab our horses, get tacked up by 10am, and have an off-site excursion to a friend's place, … Continue reading The Day I Rested My Boots By The Fire
Heeding The Call To Use My Voice
There's something I want to share in regards to the #METOO movement. Having strength to speak out about sexual assault is very difficult due to feelings of shame and fearing allegations will be disregarded, which would then multiply suffering for the victim. I have witnessed this first-hand. When a young teen girl who boarded and … Continue reading Heeding The Call To Use My Voice
Choosing Your Door
I remember sitting in the Baptist church that I occasionally attended in my early 20's and the intense feelings that would come over me during the altar call. It was like my body heated up and there were bees buzzing through my veins. Not an uncomfortable sensation, it was an urgency within my spirit, a … Continue reading Choosing Your Door
Sweet
It’s Like This
Are you stuck having "one of those days" ? I'm talking you feel splayed out, face down, overwhelmed, every single day? Let me ask you another question... Have you felt hopeless and paralyzed for so long that you cannot even remember the last time you were at peace with your life and the choices you make? Oh … Continue reading It’s Like This
Threads
A secret place tucked away in the woods Where I would sit alone A tree-shaped arbor as a door Small pool to a stream with a waterfall And a mossy green rock, my throne Soothed by the wonder Of birds and trees A child torn asunder Learned to call nature her home. Faith was never … Continue reading Threads
The Reveal
Lonliness is never lonely It flourishes in crowds It wears a happy face Is wittily amusing Boastful and proud Lonliness always wears The best mask at the ball Laughs heartily Stands tall It proves its worth To those who buy into This act Of Academy Award proportions This social distortion Is but a dance With … Continue reading The Reveal
I found this piece of art at the thrift store today. It spoke to me. I told it to STFU.
The Free Milk Cow
Another year has come and gone And with it went my pride There is no more pretending Not to see the days go by Love and hope give way to comfort In the midst of gloom A dream still held to in my heart That will expire soon. I will daily count my blessings Grateful … Continue reading The Free Milk Cow
Not So Swell at The Bottom of The Well
Depression is often like shadow boxing; it creeps up on me, and lingers just out of site, but I know there is a menacing presence from which I must defend myself. This is a shadow that can manifest on the cloudiest of days while disappearing altogether when it's sunny. It plays tricks like that, making … Continue reading Not So Swell at The Bottom of The Well
The Journey Begins
However you got here, I'm glad you did! and she always had a way with her brokeness. She would take her pieces and make them beautiful.                    - r. m. drake
V is 4 Voice 