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Saturday, March 20, 2021

Each Step

There are slow days ~

then there are slo-o-o-ow days


when even the air around me seems stifled and stagnant

despite winter barren trees bowing and waving to the sky


when even taking a breath is forgotten

despite the voluntary rhythm of breathing


then in the midst of this limbo

Diana Kraal’s smoky jazz moves me to stand and stir my own air.


to write, to clean, to restore order to

this day that seemed meaningless and chaotic


birthday calls released joy inside my soul

laughter echoed in my home.


intention lead me through each step

as a child takes a parents hand.


“Only as high as I read can I grow, 

Only as far as I seek can I go, 

Only as deep as I look can I see, 

Only as much as I dream can I be,.”

~ Karen Ravn, author

Friday, March 19, 2021

Life Cycle






A beginning, a middle and an end

as winter passes into spring

while the ice melts, 

and water begins to stir

deep roots awaken under

grass, flowers and trees

as the sun warms from above.





“Spring is the time of year when it is 

summer in the sun and winter in the shade.”

~ Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Then and Now

Rolling into retirement in 2019 

 ~ no intention of anything ~

stay home or go out ~ my choice ~ rest and recuperate.


But ~

hidden away in my mind’s recesses 

whispered expectations drifted into view ~

a stereotype 

a mirage 

positively ancient,

soon to be so decrepit 

that I would crumble 

like a block of concrete

exposed to wind, rain and the elements of time.


Then ~

a pandemic stirred itself inexorably into the mix. 

Taking one step at a time 

on this very rocky path

breathing many deep breaths, 

life tossed in the air 

I landed on the prairies with family ~ 


Now ~

Life has slowed and slowed 

 ~ to the centre of me ~

stay home or go out ~ my choice

   Calm and energized.


“Girls, you’ve gotta know when it’s time to turn the page.”

~ Tori Amos, Tori Amos: From the Choirgirl Hotel

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Chapter Two, Episode Twenty-Five - Clearing Things Up - Situationally Theirs

Review, Revision, Edit and Update:

On my first read through, of this episode, I was almost satisfied with it. It felt as though I had plonked the paragraphs about Elizabeth's situation, in the middle of Dez and Matt's conversation with little connection. I did do some rewriting- addition at the end of the first section, format change for Elizabeth's story with some sentence addition and re-structure. 


Clearing Things Up


“Look at them, Matt! The daffodils. So beautiful. I’m not much for many flowers, but daffodils? One of the signs of spring I look for in the park.” Dez and Matt had met in the park across from Dez’ apartment building as they planned the day before. Matt had just arrived with coffee and a donut for them both. “They are pretty. They’re all over the orchard. Brightens it up before the trees are in full leaf. Here’s your coffee and I’ve got donuts as well. Hate to change the subject but there’s a question that’s been going around in my head for a while now.”  Dez accepted what was her lunch. “What is it? I hope I can sort it out for you.”


“Do you remember that evening when Martha had us all come out to their cottage a couple of weeks ago? A couple of others were outside as well. We hadn’t even gotten out of the truck, when Mr. Digby came out and apologized to everyone. Said they had to cancel the party for Miss Emelina and her new husband. Something about Mrs. Digby not feeling well. Do you know what happened. Is she all right?” Matt took the lid off his coffee, blew on it and took a careful sip. 


Dez swallowed the last of her donut and licked the icing sugar from her fingers. “Excuse my manners, Matt. Cook did call me the next day and told me what happened. I assumed she had let others know as well. Anyway, it was quite a story - and yes, Martha is all right. She did have a scare though. Do you have a bit more time, Matt?” He nodded. “Good. Here's what happened.” 


~~~~~


Elizabeth Saunders, You know her as Cook to most, had walked into a tense scene at the Digby cottage, a basket of food with her for the welcome home party for Dr. and Mrs. Crawford. Having eloped, the newlyweds were to arrive home that evening. Her plans to welcome them home in disarray, Martha was in tears while James was trying to find a teacup and make tea at the same time. Elizabeth set her basket down on the table already set for the gathering. “My goodness, Martha, whatever is wrong?! James, the guests are starting to gather outside.”


“Oh, Elizabeth, I’m so glad you’re here! Is Samuel outside?” Elizabeth nodded. Through her tears Martha, handkerchief to her face, sobbed and said. “James, go tell Samuel to keep people away.” 


“Are you sure, dear? I’ll go and apologize. Samuel will understand. Everyone will understand…..Here, Elizabeth I’ve got tea - maybe you can settle her down.” He disappeared out the front door, red faced and forehead creased in worry. 


“Now, dear. tell me what’s happened. Your home looks lovely - you’ve worked too hard all day to get ready for this? Martha was flushed and perspiring. Elizabeth put her hand to Martha’s forehead. “My goodness, you’re burning up!”


“I know and I haven’t been feeling good all day. But I wanted to do this so badly. I promised everyone.  But…..but……” she stifled another sob.  “What if I’m sick with the Covid virus. James was sick a while ago and we worried then but what if I really have it.” She wiped the sweat from her forehead, got another tissue and blew her nose. “Oh, Elizabeth I have to lie down. I just feel so awful.”


Elizabeth helped her down the hall, and into her nightgown. “Lie down dear. Did James contact the doctor?” James called from the front door. “Elizabeth, I’ve got the doctor here for Martha.”


Elizabeth called to him “We’re down the hall, James - I’ve put Martha to bed….Oh, there you both are. I’ll just go get her a glass of water.” Turning to her friend, she pushed her hair back from her forehead. “I’ll be right back. The doctor will see you now.”


James face, still wrinkled with worry, had lost its unnatural flush. “Thank you, Elizabeth. Dr. Simmons, this is our good friend Elizabeth Saunders.”


Martha, muttering to herself seemed almost asleep. “Covid…..virus….I’ll give it to everyone.” She tried to sit up and fell back on her pillow. Dr. Simmons examined his patient. “James I'm giving her a Covid test, just to be on the safe side. Before I leave I'll give one to you too. She'll be alright. She just needs fluids and sleep. Call me in the morning. If she gets worse in the night, you know to call 911?” James nodded absently. He pulled up a big old easy chair to sit with her and fell asleep almost before he was comfortable. Dr. Simmons returned to the kitchen where Elizabeth had two cups out. “Do you have time for tea, Dr.? Will she be all right?” 


Dr. Simmons was one of the few doctors who made house calls in Hartley. Because of the pandemic, he had dispensed with all but telephone interviews. Because he had known the Digbys for many years he had made an exception. “Miss Saunders, I’d love a cup of tea. Yes, I believe she will be fine. In my examination, I did do a Covid test and as soon as I know the results, I’ll contact James. Just for precaution, I’ve also tested James, and I'll test you before I leave. I suggest that you isolate until we know the results. Do you think you could stay here for a couple of days?”


~~~~~


“So, Matt - that’s the story. Cook said Martha was so frightened, delirious and embarrassed……” Matt eyes widened. “Embarrassed? Embarrassed about what?” Dez shook her head “Embarrassed that she had everyone out there and had to cancel at the last minute. I am still a bit concerned for her. The Covid tests were all negative, but her fever must have been really high. She seems to have forgotten most of that night.”


Dez was quiet, looking into the distance, lost in thought. Softly she said “You know, Matt, we have been so fortunate. In this last year, we’ve worn our masks, kept distance from folks and have not been touched by the virus except to hear about it..hear about people that have died or those ‘lifer’s that are still suffering from the after effects.” 


Matt quietly agreed. “Yes, we have been fortunate.


“On what slender threads do life and fortune hang…!”

~ Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Post 10 Km Walk


Yesterday every muscle screamed

STOP!


At home my tired body sunk into deep sleep

No dreams.


Morning dawned gray and cool

Muscles protesting more quietly.


Deep tissue massage gentled the knots apart

And it was good.


Finding an afternoon sunspot,

I finally relax.


“All we actually have is our body and its muscles 

that allow us to be under our own power.”

~ Allegra Kent, ballet dancer

Born Aug. 11, 1937

Monday, March 15, 2021

A 10 Km Walk


Winter fades as temperatures rise into muddy mirrors and sloppy grassy brownness


brilliant white rabbit fur darkens ~ streaks of brown matching the season.


circling honking geese discuss 

family plans and planning.


masked or unmasked pairs or singles

stride purposely or stroll comfortably


cyclists zip past, mud sprays soiling their jackets

joggers slap and puff past, talking between breaths


bullrushes, brush and trees line the bird sanctuary banks

readying for new families of songbirds, ducks and geese.


there is little to see on the late winter prairies

except the sounds and movement of life.


“But the beauty is in the walking - we are betrayed by destinations.”

~ Gwyn Thomas, Welsh poet

September, 1936 - April, 2016

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Spring Fever

Of all the signs of spring

the trumpeting of geese

announce their return

with the most grandeur ~


wings spanning the skies,

cutting new paths in 

late winter chilled air, they 

alight on softening lake ice


to rejoin the hardier 

over wintering flock ~ 

mating chatter echoes over

Wascana Lake’s snow-y expanse.


“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is.”

~ Mark Twain