I am still in a strange place as I try to process what is happening to Dan since his early stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He begins the clinical trial at UAB soon after one more test. He is in good spirits most of the time about it all- but that’s my Dan; always doing his best … More Dreams in Pieces
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
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 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
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
From where I stand, it is easy to see the flaws of the world; cruelty beyond measure, hunger and violence, want and need- enough to make me weep at the sadness of it all. There has to be balance in life and the thought gives me hope as I can also see good in the … More From Where I Stand
Early each morning before I rise from bed, a snoring Marley curled up next to me, I religiously post three memes, perhaps with nauseating regularity for the people who are subjected to my typically happy-fied Facebook page. My nickname isn’t Poppins for nothing…Two of the memes are meant to encourage or inspire, the third is … More Memes-n-Marley-n-Me
I have reached the all-too-familiar place of emotional overwhelm here at the close of this very strange school year. I know the signs well; I feel frozen, even small, normally mundane tasks seem monumental, leaving me feeling like a deflated beach ball. My mind is scattered and it is extremely difficult to concentrate, only making … More Bubbling Over
After these strange months of endless uncertainty, I find myself feeling changed. I am here, but not completely, more a shadow of myself than fully flesh and blood. Diaphanous, translucent, acting by habit and instinct. Gone are my anchors, so many that I held dear, my understanding of life and the world. In their place, … More Shadows
The View from Here 