I have been searching for a beacon, some sign that will guide us through this madness into some sort of peace, restless though that peace might be. Maybe it doesn’t exist, perhaps my heart only wishes that it did and I am living in denial. Perhaps instead the world will be devoured by its corruptness … More Beacon
My best friend and duo partner, Diane, and I have been traveling together to rehearse and perform for many of our almost forty years of friendship. Right now we are in the mountains of western North Carolina, enjoying a lovely cabin as we celebrate the end of Diane’s third battle with cancer, rehearse for our … More On the Aging Clarinetist
I was using an app on my phone as a metronome in a lesson in my home studio yesterday when a message popped up from my cousin, telling me that our last living aunt, Aunt Lila, had passed away. She was the wife of Mom’s brother, Ernest; a strong woman with a wonderful laugh. My … More On Mother’s Day
I swore to myself that I would write and post something last weekend and the weekend before that…but it didn’t happen. I have begun so many posts that fizzled or languished away in my drafts folder because either my brain freezes up or I am totally focused on the myriad responsibilities, deadlines, performances, and whatever … More On Silver Threads and New Beginnings
For so long I thought that being different was something to hide. I learned to blend in, no matter what it cost me. Blending in was safe, no pressure to pretend to be anything special. But… blending in is inauthentic and the older I become the more I want to be authentically me. So now … More Stand Out
Here I sit in the peace of our quiet home, the fireplace making that wonderful hushed hiss that is a meditation in itself, flames dancing, casting light in the dim room. My sweet Marley is curled up next to me on the couch, her loyal heart a balm to my jangled nerves, a good book … More A Snapshot of Anxiety
To heal an old wound, one yet raw and painful to the touch even after all this time, even though a veneer made it appear sewn it together tightly- or so you thought. Perhaps never allowed the time to knit its edges back together with strong enough intentions all the while continually poking at it … More To Heal an Old Wound
Today is my 59th trip around the sun. It’s actually been one of the loveliest birthdays that I can recall; gentle, peaceful, fun, and filled with love. I am reminded again and again how fortunate I am to have a wealth of wonderful folks in my life. It truly is humbling as I receive messages … More Birthdays in the Here and Now
I am curled up on the couch with Marley this Christmas Eve, Dan in his chair next to the fireplace. We’ve turned off the television and are enjoying the festive lights and relative quiet here in our Southside, Birmingham, neighborhood (other than the occasional fireworks). The comforting hiss of the gas fireplace accompanying the blessed … More Missing Pieces
There are times when my heart feels filled with shards of glass, glistening and beautiful, but painful to embrace. Sometimes it is too much to take in; the worry, the pain, the heavy responsibility. My brain freezes, numbing the pain, allowing my heart time to just be. Memories of what was and dreams- or perhaps … More Shards
The View from Here 