exploring life and love with pictures and words
I walk into the first grade classroom of my newest teacher, her first year. A black line drawing of a turtle, its shell a patchwork of random designs and doodles, is projected on the large screen. Excited and smiling, she skips toward me and beams; It’s a directed art lesson. Across the classroom every desk... Continue Reading →
Surrounded by opened mail and neatly organized piles of bills and receipts, I sit cross legged on the turquoise sofa. My laptop rests on a pillow in the space between by knees and illuminates my makeshift home office. I click away, reconciling accounts, scheduling payments, and catching up on email. The television provides mindless background... Continue Reading →
There is a boy I love. I dreamed of him and what he would be before I ever met him, blonde and blue-eyed, smart and funny, an old soul with the kindest heart I would ever know. Born long before ultra-sounds were common practice or gender reveals became a celebrated event, my boy came into... Continue Reading →
My parents passed away eight years ago. Along with family and friends, my siblings and I celebrated their lives on February 29, 2008. Until that time, I had managed to escape the pain of such heart breaking loss. Without this life experience, I could not predict my grief or feelings on that day, and certainly not in the days and... Continue Reading →
A Midwest summer afternoon, the weather report promises a day hotter than yesterday and a good dose of humidity; I happily trade the breezes of southern California beaches for any time spent with my mom’s family, my family in Wisconsin. The garage wide open, decorated with photographs, and crepe paper streamers, my sister Susy and... Continue Reading →
My mom and I sit on her living room sofa. My son lay on a rug near our feet, first on his side and then rolling onto his back. He looks up at the ceiling with tears in his eyes, his voice cracks as he asks, When will my dad live in our house again?... Continue Reading →
Dump trucks, trash trucks, and excavation equipment lay in the dirt just outside the patio where he last played. There is no mistaking Luca’s house, a little boy lives here. I make my way into the patio where an abundance of trucks and toys are lined up, waiting for their next adventure at the hands... Continue Reading →
The school day ended hours ago. I could go home, but traffic is peaking. I have no plans and no one waits for me. For a moment I remember how it feels to be welcomed home, and then I let it go. There is certainly plenty of work to do, evaluations to complete and meetings... Continue Reading →
Wandering through a vacant house, dust rests on window sills and molding; I kick up ash, even with my tentative steps. A draft from the fireplace helps the ash to pick up speed, swirling, swirling it travels and leads me through a hall. I hear voices, a television in a nearby room. I know this... Continue Reading →
Evening walk on the beach trail, Santa Ana winds have cleared the sky, stars shine, and the moon hides. Catalina’s silhouette glows in the distance. I glance at the homes across the highway, wondering if my neighbors are enjoying the beautiful view. Elegant pendant lamps catch my eye, and a man tidies his living room... Continue Reading →
Bare Naked in Public 