(This month, I have the honor of showcasing my sister's whimsical artwork. I hope to share more of Shaun Judith King's artwork in future posts!) I work on a critical care unit in a city hospital. In the peak days of the Coronavirus pandemic, our leaders moved us around like human chess pieces, depending on … Continue reading Small Talk
Poet Shmoet
I am not a poet, but I love to play with language. Here are two poems I wrote a few years ago. These poems appeal to those who have a burning desire to poke fun of poetry, but until now, weren't sure how to go about it. Poet, Shmoet Nonsense spoken here, sayeth the sign … Continue reading Poet Shmoet
The Booklist; books that tell the story of ordinary heroes.
A coming of age book set in 1930's South Africa and a reminder that the power to make a difference, the power of one, resides in all of us. Largely based on the author's early life, the book was made into a movie in 1992. From scientist Jane Goodall, a touching memoir on her spiritual … Continue reading The Booklist; books that tell the story of ordinary heroes.
The Booklist; great winter reads.
Eowyn Ivey's first book, The Snow Child is the perfect story to read while snuggled under a warm blanket. This is a book I wish I'd written. A little bit of fantasy, a lot of amazing characters, and beautiful prose make this a top pick of mine. You cannot go wrong with Bernd Heinrich no … Continue reading The Booklist; great winter reads.
An Ordinary Horse
Note: This piece originally appeared in EQUUS Magazine. Everyone knows a horse like Folly. An ordinary horse. He never had a string of blue ribbons hung on his stall or a trophy in the tack room with his name on it. And while it’s true that Folly stylishly jumped a log or two in his … Continue reading An Ordinary Horse
snapping turtle
She heaves her terrible body out of the black mud,Like the monster in a Grade B movie.You know the movie I meanWhere the townsfolk run off, screaming from the hill,even though–the monster has yet to make a single aggressive gesture.Hasn’t made so much as an off-color remark even.I understand the running.It’s the screaming that puts … Continue reading snapping turtle
Great Books for Horse Lovers; even if you’ve never owned a horse and don’t plan on getting one.
It's no secret that I love horses. I've been blessed to have spent most of my adult life either riding or just being around horses. I love horses. I think most people love horses even if the only horse they've ever ridden was on the Coney Island carousel. Horses fascinate me. They're a living miracle … Continue reading Great Books for Horse Lovers; even if you’ve never owned a horse and don’t plan on getting one.
Story Seeds; writing prompts for non-writers.
If you think you have a story to tell, you're right. Everyone who has experienced fear, sadness, rage, love, loneliness, has a story worth telling. In many of my writing workshops, new writers doubt their talent. They also question their depth of experience- they think if they haven't been held captive by marauding pirates or … Continue reading Story Seeds; writing prompts for non-writers.
O Tannenbaum
This year our neighbors, Bob and Bette, swiped our Christmas tree. A couple of weeks before Christmas, they walked through our meadow and stumbled upon a little spruce tree growing on the path that connects our properties. Spruce trees are rare here in the northwest hills of Connecticut. Most of our fir trees are white … Continue reading O Tannenbaum
Poetry for People who Don’t Like Poetry. No, really. This stuff will knock you flat.
To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour. ___ William Blake I have a confession to make. I love poetry. Yes, I'm one of those people, but I have a theory for those of … Continue reading Poetry for People who Don’t Like Poetry. No, really. This stuff will knock you flat.