I am still finding it really difficult to write. Countless posts have ended up in the drafts folder, languishing. My mind is too jumbled, my heart too heavy. We all have our periods of challenge and heartache at some time or another, and I am no different. I know how much writing helps me calm … More On the Little Things Lost
(This blog should have been published weeks ago, but- life. I am determined to getting back to regular posting, so please bear with me.) Have you ever had a holiday where you thought, “Dear Lord, we could write a country song about this one!” I’m just going to be honest; this holiday has been a … More Better Late Than Never: Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas
Even after all these yearsit still fills me with joy;the magic of Christmas.The twinkling lights of the tree,the aromas of a special meal cooking,the smiles and kind acts in a frantic world.I am grateful that no matter how many years have passed,we all still become children againeven if only for a brief moment,on Christmas morning.
How many years have I wasted on fear? Fear that I am somehow lacking no matter how hard I work; fear of things that would indeed come to pass, fear about things that never would. Why, when something good happens, when I feel great happiness, am I terrified that that something will happen to take … More How Many?
Who among us has the raw courage to reveal our true self, the one buried deep within our most sacred heart? We are such complicated, nuanced beings, so many layers, chameleons, becoming any shade of what we need to be in the moment; no intention of insincerity, only a basic survival skill learned before time … More Sacred Heart
I heard them from blocks away as I walked the worn cobblestone streets of Vienna; the bells of Stephansdom, a beautiful cacophony that seemed endless, crowds of people gathered in awe of the spectacle. I am a deeply spiritual person, but not religious, and yet… something about the bells pealing with such joy from the … More The Bells of Stephansdom
Sometimes emotions well up, so fierce and unforgiving, completely overwhelming, a barrage of feelings that I can no longer absorb but I have no choice. Like trying to read a book in a language I don’t understand, the translation is lost and I don’t even know myself anymore. I stumble down dark and winding hallways … More A Sea of Emotion
I am in a pretty dark place today and I’m not quite sure how to shake it. We had over an hour meeting via Zoom with Dan’s neurology team, followed by Dan doing 2 1/2 hours of cognitive testing. The poor guy was exhausted after all of that, so we went out to enjoy a … More Navigating the Unknown
Sunday, June 26th I am on a plane sitting next to my best friend and duo partner, Diane, as we make our way to ClarinetFest®️ in Reno, Nevada. This will be our first gathering of the International Clarinet Association in almost three years thanks to Covid. We are hoping for a fun and drama-free time, … More On Finding Peace in Pieces
When his memory begins to fade, fill my heart with gratitude for the wonderful years we have had. When he looks at me with tears in his eyes and sorrow in his heart, give me compassion and empathy. When he is frustrated with himself for new-found clumsiness, give me gentle patience. When his pace slows, … More A Prayer to the Night
The View from Here 