Archive for the 'Space' Category

The Back Porch

In the evening, after dinner dishes are done, James and I love to relax on the back porch and digest the day together. Sometimes we are joined by our neighbors in an over-the-fence discussion, other times we sit and gaze quietly at the yard we’ve affectionately dubbed, “Lush & Lovely.”

It’s our way of claiming SPACE - moments to exhale, listen and dream.

After one such evening this week, James wrote a poem. I loved it so much I wanted to share it with you (with permission of course). During the upcoming July Fourth weekend, I wish you all moments of joyful celebration and perhaps, even more so, moments of peaceful, joyful SPACE.

The Back Porch

In between the slow conversation,

as my

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Published on Friday July 1, 2011 in Blogs and Space. 3 Comments Tags: , , , .

Hunny the Pit-Bunny

For the past 12 years we’ve had the pleasure of a “Pit-Bunny” living in our house. Technically, this Pit-Bunny was a Boxer/Pit-bull mix dog but since Hunny was such a gentle soul, we dubbed her a “Pit-Bunny.”

Hunny’s sweet nature mixed with deep loyalty and a touch of goofiness made for a remarkable dog.

One of the most precious gifts Hunny gave us was her ability to rejoice in the moment (see SPACE Key). She was practically a Zen-Master, living in the now, and now, and now.

Whether it was sleeping, playing, pulling kids on rollerblades or lying in the sun – Hunny radiated contentment.

“Go for a walk?” That’s my favorite thing!

“Go for a ride?” That’s my favorite thing!

“Time… Continue reading

Published on Friday February 18, 2011 in Blogs and Space. 1 Comment Tags: , , .

Lost in SPACE

I was a single parent when my children were young, so bedtime signaled the end of a non-stop day of activity.

Work. School. Homework. Sports. Dinner. Baths. Not to mention the inevitable emergency or last minute request that got layered on top of the busyness. (“Mom! I need a poster board for art class tomorrow!”) Although every parent is familiar with the repetitive series of events that fill most days – it seems especially intense for single parents.

Some nights it was tempting to rush through bedtime routines because I was tired but I knew that this was precious time to wind down the day together.

My son and daughter each had their favorite bedtime routine, which usually included some form of reading together, singing favorite songs… Continue reading

Published on Thursday January 27, 2011 in Blogs, Parenting and Space. 4 Comments Tags: , , .

School Marm Oak

As a child growing up in Philadelphia, I counted the seconds until the recess bell rang. Recess meant freedom and talking as loud as you liked. But some days, when I charged out of the cool confines of the thick brick walls of JH Brown School, the heat radiating up from the concrete and tar schoolyard felt as unwelcome as a thick wooly blanket on a hot day. The blistering sun beat relentlessly on the play area—with the exception of one spot. At the very entrance to the school, next to the black wrought iron gate, stood a lone oak tree. What it lacked in company of other trees, it made up for in size. This towering tree thrived in a patch of dirt no more than eight by eight… Continue reading

Published on Tuesday August 24, 2010 in Gratitude, Space and Writings. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

In Pursuit of Glory

I’m not sure when I first discovered Morning Glories. If pressed to recall, I believe it was in a silk flower store. I’d never seen natural Morning Glories, but I instantly fell in love with the traditional variety — radiant blue with butter yellow centers.

This year, my love was tested. You see I’m a self-professed vine fanatic. As a child, I drew meandering vines in my notebook when I was supposed to be learning geometry. I decorated countless homemade cards with flowing vines and wondered about a career as a vine artist. (Turns out, there’s not much call for that.)

As a novice gardener, I’ve planted moon vines, cardinal red vines and clematis of varying colors. I’ve even allowed a beautiful “weed vine” to wind around the… Continue reading

Published on Tuesday August 24, 2010 in Courage, Space and Writings. 0 Comments Tags: , , .