awakening with you
by Sheila Towle suffering alone,fearing the worst, doubting, judging, resisting what is,seeking, demanding control of the uncontrollable stay present, stay present, stay here now,don’t go wandering off into the land of “if only” despair, despondency, duty, depression is calling our…
NEIGHBORLY
I finally watched Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, a 2018 documentary about Fred Rogers. It was beautiful and touching, and it made me cry. I’ve also been listening to a delightful podcast, Dolly Parton’s America, which goes in surprising and…
Singing During Quarantine
by Patty Stephens I sure do miss your voices and lovely spirits. Your hugs. It has been four weeks since I touched another human. Sheltering at home is an opportunity for deep appreciation. I am taking it and spending time…
FACE VALUE
Our values are shifting, individually and collectively. We have an opportunity to consider what’s most important to us. Maybe we’re being invited to change our minds about some of it. The first frantic rush to stock our pantries turned shopping…
THE BALLAD OF BOBBY BUTTERNUTS
My solitary rumination has led me into some surprising associations these days, letting my mind wander into old memories as I take long walks or reorganize the junk drawers. A few weeks ago, for the first time in my life,…
SURE ENOUGH
I don’t need to tell you how weird life is right now. Clearly, it’s a confusing and confounding mess. “Clearly confusing” — that’s an apt oxymoron for these outlandish days. Even when things are swimming along in what passes for…
TRYING MY PATIENCE
Wow, time is moving in some weird ways. The activities in which we were all participating before social distancing seem like forever ago. Some of these days now at home seem interminable; others fly by. Regarding when we might be…
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Hello, Loved Ones - With heavy hearts, we are suspending all in-person gatherings, including Sunday services, at least until April 10, according to Department of Health orders. I do believe that community and connection are more important than ever. And…
IN THE BALANCE
On Monday I had to visit a couple of stores for food and supplies. I was anxious before heading out — not because I was concerned about contracting anything, but because I wasn’t sure what it was going to feel…