Christmas of my eleventh year I asked for a stuffed animal. Specifically a grey donkey. I remember getting in bed that night, and my dad coming into my room to say goodnight, asking me what I would name it. We often played name games. Dad is the one who named our cat Hamilton. The donkey … Continue reading 2/22
Two Rocks
We were born saying goodbyeto what we love,we were born in a beautiful reluctance,not quite readyto breathe in this new world,we are here and we are not,we are present while still notwanting to admit we have arrived. stanza from “Cleave” by David Whyte Many times last year I thought about ending my life. I don’t … Continue reading Two Rocks
A New Season, Ohio Part 3
Broken glass. So much broken glass. Wet basement. Leaking roof. Piles of lumber to de-nail and repurpose. Piles of brick. Dumpster after dumpster after dumpster. And yet. In spite of my lack of diligence, grass has seeded and is growing in place of much of the massive former church parking lot. Pathways are re-bricked. The … Continue reading A New Season, Ohio Part 3
Between Two States, Ohio Part 2
Across the Ohio River, we look at West Virginia. (West Virginia owns the river, despite Ohio’s plea to the Supreme Court for its namesake.) We can see the West Virginia train on the other bank, and at night, lights on their parallel-running road display intermittent ribbons of red and white. Sometimes we can hear their … Continue reading Between Two States, Ohio Part 2
Manifesting this Turn, Ohio Part 1
“For within Her is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, diverse, clever, active, incisive, pure, clear, invulnerable, benevolent, sharp, irresistible, kind, loving, steadfast, dependable, serene, powerful, astute, penetrating and most subtle; … so pure She pervades and permeates all things. She is the breath of God, the reflection of God’s glory.” Wisdom 7:22-25 At last, we … Continue reading Manifesting this Turn, Ohio Part 1
On Missing
“I look out the window, and I see the lights and the skyline and the people on the street rushing around looking for action, love, and the world’s greatest chocolate chip cookie, and my heart does a little dance.” Nora Ephron, Heartburn There was a time when I was obsessed with everything Nora Ephron. I … Continue reading On Missing
God Plays Us
When I hear a small scratching sound, I go quickly to the back door, look down through the window to the exterior doormat, and check to see if he is there. When I hear a light knocking sound, I look to the magnetic screen door we installed for him to see if it moves—the way … Continue reading God Plays Us
Si Devi Sognare, Esagera*
After getting up at 5AM for a morning flight out of Rome, I am finally in my Alitalia seat and begin to write over Italian clouds into international skies, through the tiredness into the memory... For the season of turning thirty, I elected to go to New York City for the weekend and have dinner … Continue reading Si Devi Sognare, Esagera*
Walking her home*
It was a regular day. She jumped in the car to go to the courts with us, but a few minutes later when we arrived, she wouldn’t get out of the car. This, in isolation, was not unusual, particularly if the barometric pressure was down. If a storm was either imminent or in process, Z … Continue reading Walking her home*
In the Sun
Growing up in Northern California, winters were long and grey and wet. Thirty degrees was a notable low, “Mommy! It’s freezing!” I would exclaim when we headed south on 101, driving by the digital display of time and temperature, courtesy of Wells Fargo. The novelty of thirty-two degrees equating to freezing fit comfortably for me … Continue reading In the Sun
Where I End & She Begins 