A New Cairn for the Girls

The photo memories dished up by Amazon – via my Kindle Fire – and Facebook in my newsfeed are often bittersweet. Every June I’m reminded of the passing of my Alaskan Malamute Maia at age 14 in 2013, and then six weeks later in July, my Alaskan Malamute Meadow, age twelve. Oh, the girls. So… Continue reading A New Cairn for the Girls

Green Lake George

A month ago I read an article about a man named Al Nixon. Al spends nearly every morning on a park bench in St. Petersburg, Florida, watching the sun rise and the people go by. His simple, consistent presence - and his open body language as he sits, legs outstretched, arms resting on the back… Continue reading Green Lake George

Sentimental Signs

When grappling with major life events, or facing life-altering decisions, some of us often seek - and see - signs. Signs from the universe that help us make sense of loss, or allow us to see a door opening, an obscure path beckoning. Signs which we can interpret to mean we're not alone, or that… Continue reading Sentimental Signs

Today Becomes Yesterday

Memories from long ago are often sparked by the simplest things experienced now. A visual, an action, a scent, a sound, a song, or a combination of many of those elements, and suddenly, in a flash of mental time travel, I’m transported from today to yesterday. Recently this phenomenon occurred three times in the same… Continue reading Today Becomes Yesterday

Photographic Memories

I tend to flow with the technology tide, embracing what I find useful and helpful while ignoring what seems negative or destructive. On the positive side, I love the camera in my smart phone (a Pixel 3a). It takes amazing photos, and I’ve taken thousands of them in the two years I’ve had this phone.… Continue reading Photographic Memories

Memory Cues on a Father’s Day Walk

This morning, a Sunday that is also Father’s Day, my dogs and I did what we do most Sunday mornings: we went for a walk in the valley. Our walk was followed by another typical weekend activity, taking household garbage to the nearby transfer station. Much about the morning sparked memories of my father, who… Continue reading Memory Cues on a Father’s Day Walk

Pollen: Strong Reactions

I have a love-hate relationship with pollen. It’s been that way most of my life. I love pollen because of its crucial role in propagating a vast array of plants, including many of the fruits, nuts and grains we rely upon for food. Plus, lots of pollen is produced by the beautiful forest trees and… Continue reading Pollen: Strong Reactions

Like a Kid in a Candy Store

Some runs, that’s exactly how I feel: like a kid in a candy store. Happy. Awestruck. Stunned by what I see all around me. Following fluff butts Conall and Finn up through early-season snow to a scree field where the morning sun's rays have yet to reach. This morning was one such run. Fresh snow… Continue reading Like a Kid in a Candy Store