Lately I have been giving much thought to the maligned mystery of the deficient acts of stewardship in our nest. Despite my endeavors in reminding all bears to step into their duties of a steward and curate their belongings, my … Continue reading
There are times when people have wronged you and things grow difficult…so dreadful that you don’t know how things will ever turn around for the better. It’s mid-March and I feel like the last furled leaf hanging from a frozen … Continue reading
And so crumpled mornings eventually spiral into stray afternoons. I find myself deep into my latest project, seduced by the temptation to think the worst of people lately, I start to scrub the surface layered with almost fifty years of … Continue reading
There’s a layer of dust o’er hard to reach places and in far away corners of the nest. I need to desperately wipe them down with my home-made cleanser infused with extra peppermint oil to lift my spirits.Outside the wind … Continue reading
Warning: this dish will have you slip into a guilty obscurity or may serve as self-enrichment during this festive season. It’s surprisingly straightforward and trouble-free. Who couldn’t benefit from that with a household of guests—you’ll have them folding in … Continue reading
In a brief slit of solitude, I gazed up at the slender timbers that stretch toward the sky. Half barren, vulnerable yet still and reverent, I search the sky for answers. There must be some up there. The shifting clouds … Continue reading
On top of a hill sits a building with closed doors and a path that once welcomed. On the curbside in front of the building, the building that is waiting, there are motionless police cars and road barriers, to divert … Continue reading
“Hi, I was told to hang up and call 911, now please don’t send the brigade with their hatchets, but my wall mounted oven won’t turn off and it’s hardwired can you just send a couple of guys?” I may … Continue reading
Sometimes when nothing is happening, something gallantly surfaces, or resurfaces if we were paying attention a few seasons ago. These first few days of October glow with gold. Full of wealth again from this evocative wash of prized sunlight across … Continue reading
On top of treetops, gilded leaves sway and swish with the evening breeze.Some days feel tropical while others brisk. These are the fleeting days of summer, where sweet morning bird songs are heard from under the covers and I’ll bother … Continue reading
Roses are red, violets are blue, we wish winter would rest his weary head so that we may wake to the oh-so-sweet morning dew. This winter-wonderland is where our favorite rosy-cheek friend resides. (Oh, how we love that jolly ‘ole soul.) But a peak of sunshine—even if it were to make us squint would indeed be a step toward our grand ‘ole goal. We had our fun making snow angels and a big, round snowman we affectionately named Rico, slurping swirling marshmallows in steamy hot cocoa, and sticking out our tongues to catch the angelic floating flakes. Please, oh please sunshine come warm our frozen toes for old time’s sake. How we long to swing under your comforting rays and admire your vibrant sunsets on long summer days. Good things might come to us if we wait; we trust in your brilliance to deliver our fate. Until then we’ll enjoy these savory chocolate hearts, however, don’t be a stranger or stray too far away. 
I wrote this for a Valentine’s card five years ago when we were in a not-so-sunny place. May the sun warm up your nest if this Valentine’s finds you in a frigid state. XX and OO, XX and OO to all you winter brave-hearts. 
As you can see from my little one’s expression–he was not a fan of the Adirondack crisp country air he had experienced–more content to be digging in the earth or harvesting oranges–our very first ones ever! Sweet little somethings indeed…you don’t need a lot of space, just a patch here and there and not much water. These citrus treats are from our dwarf tree in a pot and they came through for us just in time for something sweet today. Happy Valentine’s Day!
