*photo credit There’s a bit of an imperfect storm in my head with several thoughts converging–conversations, blogposts, books I’ve read; bits and pieces I’ll attempt to put together. This is a longish post and I’ve borrowed some words from my daughter (she said I could). Here’s my story, wrapped around hers.  ~~~~~~~~~ Standing at the sink,…

Golden Gardens Seattle    j.l. collins Seattle view   j.l. collins A soaring wide-winged bird circles the lemon colored trees on the horizon. My eyes are drawn to the sight of flat-bottomed clouds stacked in the far off blue sky. I’d much rather swoon over the bursting expanse of creation in my view, but paying…

  Husband in the Firetruck, Son Aaron behind him DIL Courtney in front, daughter Leah on right first grandson Hanan (now 22) Daughter Leah practicing her mad chef skills 1982 ish; Leah and Aaron with their Grandpa Paul The smiling little boy above? He has (now) 5 children of his own. Here he is with…

Emily stands tall at her desk, right hand pinching the corner of a zippered plastic bag.  Plunk, clack, plunk–colored wooden pattern blocks drop in a kaleidoscopic jumble in the bag. “This was so much fun, Mrs. C! It’s the most fun we’ve had all year!” The most fun they’ve had all year. I’m not sure…

Because I cannot do 500 words a day every morning and well, frankly, wonder at those who do. From my files (circa 2008, long before this blog.)  ~~~~~~~~~ I hate it that I am so sporadic Inconsistent, not persistent,          no straight ahead in a line to the finish. I’m distracted, side-tracked Stops and starts,…

Our Father               (my Father) which art in Heaven               (and everywhere on display) Hallowed be thy name                (kept holy and set apart is your name) Thy kingdom come              …

The early morning light is unrolling across the sky. Birds make their announcements in the treetops and I stand on my deck, cup of coffee in hand to take it in. My Lover is here.  My Jesus, speaking to me through the birdsong and new sky day.  The night before was full of restless thoughts…

Most mornings when I get ready for my day I have a pair of earrings in mind that I want to wear.  I am no organizer of said jewelry–I do not have racks or dividers or containers arranged by color or strand. No little holders for the hoops here and the studs there…. All of…

Pictures, pictures everywhere. Anywhere. Any time. If you have a phone, we have a photo. Moments captured and documented, milestones shared, joys multiplied. And while a picture often IS worth a thousand words, and they often tell a story, they don’t tell the whole story. The problem with the ubiquitousness (that’s a word, right?) of…