That's what a niece said after Mom died and left a gaping hole in our family fabric. "Now what?" So, it's 2024. Now what? So we didn't enter a recession in 2023 as many predicted. Now what? So we are entering another presidential election year. Now what? So I've lost people close to me, feel … Continue reading Now What?
Most people don't talk publicly about doubt, but I believe it's common on a big project or adventure. (And, for some of us with busy minds, it's a constant companion.) Doubt, like embarrassment or shame, is a natural emotion that is lessened by sharing. So, I'm sharing. I have doubts right now about this building … Continue reading Doubt
Happy Freedom Day! Isn't that a nicer way to think of it than a date on the calendar marked by fireworks and parades? Freedom seems like a simple concept. But it's not simple at all. In the U.S., Independence Day (usually called simply "July 4th") represents freedom from British colonial rule. That's simple enough. But … Continue reading Freedom Day!
It's the most densely populated country in Europe and each household owns about four bikes. So it got crowded at times, especially in town squares and at intersections. But everyone was so polite, giving way to each other. I guess you have to be when you're packed closely together. We who live in the urban … Continue reading Biking Holland (Pt. 2)
Holland is flat, they said. Biking there will be easy-peasy! Well, um.... They aren't big hills, it's true. But after fighting strong winds for hours -- 25-30 mph, sustained -- they felt big! The conditions were uncommonly rough, our guide said. (If you haven't biked for more than a few minutes into a strong headwind, … Continue reading Biking Holland (Pt. 1)
What comes to mind when someone mentions Holland? Tulips, canals, famous artists? For us, today, it meant sailing. After helping the small crew raise three huge sails, we felt our three-masted schooner rock gently underfoot. Soon we were scooting briskly downwind with a following sea. Texel, here we come! Texel is an island north of … Continue reading Sailing Holland
No, I wasn't ready. Is anyone ready to lose their mother? Yes, she was 101. But, no. I still wasn't ready. That's because, until the day of her sudden collapse on Jan. 23, Lempi (Lee) Wilhelmina Simontaival/Simonson Hanson was animated and sharp-witted and funny...and very much loved. And, because I still had so much to … Continue reading ‘Bye, Mom….
Bare branches. Cold winds. And a resilient Christmas cactus. As I prepare to spend Christmas alone - not unusual for me -- I'm noticing things more. That's the thing about being "on the outside, looking in." (Which is how I often feel, especially at holidays, and I know I'm not alone there.) You notice things … Continue reading Noticing…
November is most known for the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, I'll remember it most for its last and second chances...at gardening, paddling, hiking, blading and renewing relationships. I missed the traditional gathering because I was traveling, but received many reminders to be thankful. One doesn't need a big family dinner for that. See examples in … Continue reading Last & Second Chances: Gratitude
Late fall is a time of falling back --- with our clocks, and sometimes our habits. It can feel like back-tracking. It's harder to pull myself off the couch. My mind goes to snacks. The ever-earlier sunset brings a mild sense of dread. I know how this goes and I know what to do: increase … Continue reading Falling Back
For Many Moons 