Fearful

A surge of adrenaline as I notice a blind spot… Closing one eye and then the other to see if it is really there… Looking around the room at walls, books, my laptop or TV screen, any text to see if it is really there… If the spot is growing it will soon no longer stay hidden and I must face the inevitable fact that I am experiencing stage 1 of “my” type of migraine.

Hope of Spring

Today has been wet and rainy... After the sun on Thursday and Friday we have returned to the normal experience of Winter in the Pacific Northwest. However, the promise of Spring is all around in the form of sprouting bulbs and small buds on the trees. Amid such budding branches I spotted this nest outside of my school. May it provide a warm and safe home for a family of birds this Spring...

Before the Darkness

Afternoon light appeals most to me. Looking out of the front window this afternoon I saw the warm rays of the setting sun as they illuminated a huge cloud in the distance. Soon afterward darkness settled over the landscape. I hope for a sunny day tomorrow.

Wonder in the Dark and Cold

Upon opening the freezer door I am sometimes rewarded by the gift of an ice spike or two in my ice cube tray. It never seems to be more than two, and I always thought that it might have something to do with a slight vibration in the fridge. I investigated online and found that the occurrence of the spikes has more to do with the quality of the water and the ambient temperature than anything else. I hope that I continue to find the wonder and beauty in such discoveries.

Remembering

Saturday was a beautifully sunny day – a jewel amidst many days of clouds and rain. Lizzy and I decided to take advantage of the gift of sun to head down to an Old Town beach and search for sea glass. Breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the sun reminded me of the importance to connect to nature and to release the stress which has been building in my life. As the water crashed into the ruins of an old factory, I carefully walked along a narrow path uncovered by the low tide. I discovered no physical treasures – just the realization that I must walk on the beach and in the woods often.

Try, try again

Last time I ventured into these waters was about 9 months ago after my Dad’s visit. Now I am writing again about the visit of a parent – this time my Mom. I am blessed to have both parents alive and (relatively) healthy. It has been wonderful to see each of them in turn. I was to see them at their home in Colorado during the Winter holidays, but the weather interfered. Mom’s visit inspired a trip to our local Museum of Glass – a wonderful place with some fantastic art. I was impressed by my Mother’s knowledge of glassworks due to her work in sales for a company that specializes in ceramic crucibles for use in the glass and mining industries. It was great to see her and I hope to see both Mom and Dad again soon!