i find myself thirsty for plain sounds that whisper, glory. sure words resonate where i can hear, once again, God moving through broken lines that murmur with tenderness. but at the heart of poetry, silences. ~Laure Krueger as quoted by L.L. Barkat in God in the Yard In the stillness, Sandy […]
God, Are You In . . . ?
At the end of chapter 12 (“Hospitality”) in God in the Yard, L.L. Barkat suggests a writing exercise. Begin with a simple jotting of the objects and people around you . . . Choose just one of the images and make a second list, focused particularly on the item’s attributes . . . Next, try […]
The Sounds of Silence
I’ve tried to write to the sound of music, but it doesn’t usually work well for me. I create better in silence, although there really isn’t such a thing. I know this because when I’m silent I hear stuff. Stuff like: the pit-pit-pit-pitta-pit-pit-pit of ice melting from the eaves the song of the chicka-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee the distant whoosh […]
40 words of lent 2014: Day 0
Today is “Fat Tuesday,” and I ate a pazcki. Prune. They’re my favorite. They’re the traditional ones, and they’re not as sweet as the others. (I wish we had a Rudy’s in Michigan.) Still, it added up to about four bazillion calories. It’s a filling for the spilling for the filling. I plan to start […]
life, home, and hospitality
Please, God, let my parents come and beat her up. We’d had a sword battle with pencils, Patsi and I. And Mrs. Smith rapped my 7-year-old knuckles. But not Patsi’s. So I turned around and scribbled on Patsi’s picture. And now I stood in the corner, lump in throat, cheeks aflame. It didn’t occur to […]
In Which I’m Tired and Discouraged
“Nama! I wanna ge’ up!” I sigh and roll over. It’s not 4 a.m. like it was yesterday, but it’s still dark. And there will be no quiet time again this morning. I feel around on the bed for my robe, swing legs over side, and scuff the floor until my toes find slippers. I […]
Window on Writing: The Hoosier Cabinet
At the end of chapter 12 of God in the Yard, L.L. Barkat suggests a writing exercise. Begin with a simple jotting of the objects and people around you . . . Choose just one of the images and make a second list, focused particularly on the item’s attributes . . . Next, try […]
God in the Yard: The End~Hospitality
Embrace the life you have before it’s gone. ~L.L. Barkat Please, God, let my parents come and beat her up. We’d had a sword battle with pencils, Penny and I. And Mrs. Smith rapped my 7-year-old knuckles. But not Penny’s. So I turned around and scribbled on Penny’s picture. And now I stood in the […]
Through and Through Life: On Learning to Work With
A whole day and evening to myself. At least that was my plan. My hope. Because some days I just get so weary. I guess I’m kind of the family matriarch. And the almost constant caretaking sometimes weighs heavy. And I get tired of the sacrifice. Sometimes I just need a break. I mean–who takes […]
Fuel for the Weekend: Caring for Self
He pulls the stethoscope from his ears and thumbs through my chart. “Have I ever told you that you have a heart murmur?” “No,” I answer slowly, almost in the form of a question. “Well, I hear one today. I’m going to have Sherry set you up for an echocardiogram. And it’s time for another […]
