April 4

#VerseLove Day 4, Burrows and Seeds

Thank you, Jennifer for guiding us today. The lines “sometimes the old is far better than the new” by Glenda inspired a nostalgic burrowing into the past.

sometimes the old is
far better than the new

the washing machine
that never quit
denim jeans admired
for sturdiness, not holes

typewriters clacking forever
(oops, change the ribbon)
automobiles repaired with
wrenches, not computers

meetings arranged in person
instead of by thumbs flying
store purchases that cost
a dime, not dollars

conversations enjoyed while
looking into another’s eyes
lunch dates in a cozy
spot, not on Zoom

sometimes the old is
far better than the new

April 3

#VerseLove Day 3, Collaboration Inspiration

Borrowed from Shaun Ingall’s poem.

my dresser looks like a brown ox,
taking up way more space
than it appeared to at the shops.

drawers half-open, covered with props.
sitting on the edge of the bed,
rummaging, looking for socks.

we should be grilling chops,
you wearing my old t-shirt,
me in shorts and flip-flops.

pain descends, my head drops,
wondering how to face a new day,
and my dresser that looks like a brown ox.

 

April 2

#VerseLove Day 2, Core Memories

The prompt for today was about “core memories,” and many people posted delightful, positive memories. I have some of those too, but what came most strongly to mind were the hurts, the dysfunction I grew up with. I understand that my parents did the best they could with the tools they had. As an adult, I also know they love me, they just are extremely crippled in their ability to express it.

things that still hold me

being afraid to lie
being afraid to not lie
caution, secrecy
never reveal too much
the flush of shame
without even knowing why

trying harder to be loved
never succeeding
vowing to show my own children
an unconditional acceptance
and non-stop love

 

April 1

#Verselove Day 1, #Acrostic

After surviving thriving through 31 straight days documenting Slices of Life, I decided to embark on the #verselove challenge for April, National Poetry Month. I find writing poetry daunting and intimidating, so expect this to be a growth experience!

Today, we’ve been prompted (but definitely not “required”) to write an #acrostic poem. Here goes.

For my unforgettable Meliora students:

Many are the smiles you’ve brought me
Even though our days have not been perfect.
Loud peals of laughter
Interspersed with sighs of frustration,
Outlining magnificent theses,
Reading *ridiculous* books,
Always, always digging deeper.

Steadfastly building new skills,
Theatrically defending points of view,
Understanding why others disagree.
Daring to plunge in, wrestle with
Elaborate new ideas and tools.
Never giving up, instead
Tenaciously trekking through
Showing up for me, for you, for us.

March 31

#SOL22 #31

The end of any lengthy exercise requires a reflection, right? I am a first-year “slicer,” and have these observations:

  • This daily routine was so liberating! I often find blogging a laborious task because of my tendency to get too down in the weeds, everything requiring evidence and citations. But, this is not (necessarily) academic writing, but rather sharing “whatever” happens in my day/life at a moment in time. Some posts took only a few minutes to formulate, others longer, and there was no “right” or “wrong.”
  • A few themes popped up multiple times, which is a message to myself that they are important to me, and I need to honor them.
  • I greatly appreciate having glimpses into your lives and learning from you! Some posts made me laugh, others brought tears. I found additional books to add to my already-lengthy list. I “stole” some new structures.

Until next time!

March 28

#SOL22 #28

Borrowing from others, trying out the 5-4-3-2-1 format!

5 THINGS I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERY DAY:

  • My faith
  • My comfortable lifestyle
  • My four children
  • My four grandchildren
  • My students

4 THINGS I AM PLANTING IN MY GARDEN (right now):

  • Lettuces
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Peas

3 THINGS I HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED THIS WEEK:

  • Finished listening to yet another audiobook
  • Made sauce from the horseradish growing in my garden
  • Sent an email related to my position as HOA board president

2 THINGS I WANT TO DO TOMORROW:

1 THING I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT TODAY:

March 27

#SOL22 #27

As my eyes drifted around the circle of women, I was flabbergasted to realize I was one of only two wearing cute footwear with a heel. The rest were adorned in lovely clothing paired with flats, many of them utilitarian as opposed to attractive. Now, I am a total fan of comfortable shoes, and am most often found in my sneakers or Birkenstocks. Nonetheless, I imagine that many of these women are wearing their sensible shoes because they feel wearing heels will lead to an embarrassing turned ankle or tumble.

As I observed this scene, it renewed my commitment to keeping physically fit. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass, balance, and mobility. But, it’s not a foregone conclusion. With consistent effort, we can immensely slow down the process and retain a lot of our youthfulness.

I’m off to yoga followed by kettlebells. I plan to be dancing in my high heels at 99.