Saturday, September 17, 2016

Making Joy :: Two Hundred Sixty Two

Here it is... I am sad.

News, comments, events, politics, crisis, the big, wide world... Lately, I've let too much seep into my head, my emotions. It's not that I ever intend to escape reality, or close the door on responsibility, information, facts, truths. It's only that too much of the aforementioned and I am incapacitated, stunned into inaction. And even deeply hurt. Frankly, I cannot fathom the level of outright hate and acrimony that is spewed on the Internet. The incitement of violence, the name calling, accusations, even belittling common friends over differences of opinion... it confounds me. I think I am naive, yet not ignorant, hopeful, but not sanguine, sympathetic, not pitying. I've been accused, often enough, of being too sensitive. That may be true. Nonetheless, I will guard my hope, strive to keep my guileless nature intact, and endeavor to remain an informed, and sensitive person, because I feel awful otherwise. So I must impose a fast, preserve my head and heart... and for a time, tune out the news, the "issues" of the moment in social media, and instead turn to home, gardens, nature, stars, and moon, cats, chickens, and art, loving family, close friends, folding laundry, picking tomatoes, making things, holding hands, breathing. Gratitude, laughter, good will, kindness, compassion... I want to foster these, for well-being's sake, for the benefit of all, for joy.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Moving In :: Two Hundred Sixty One

"Delay as much as possible," the wise words from Diana that I am taking to heart. So we moved Max into his dorm, unpacked, helped him settle in, a bit. We met Max's roommate, and his family, and they all seem like very nice people. That's such a relief-good thing. We walked around campus, took in some sticker shock at the book store, had lunch in the cafeteria, played a few rounds of ping pong. Then we all came home, Max, too! We can return him on Sunday; prolonging the inevitable, and enjoying a little more quality time together!

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Pumpkin Days :: Two Hundred Sixty

One day this week Maria counted four pumpkin items at Trader Joe's, the next day there were ten, including actual pumpkins. Pumpkin Days are here! It's not fall, yet, but it's coming. Fog. Colored leaves. Brisk mornings. Wooly socks. Homework in front of a fire. Hearty soups and fresh baked bread. And pumpkins! All kinds of pumpkins.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Moving Box :: Two Hundred Fifty Nine

It's pretty full, so we must be getting close... move in day for Max. All summer Maria and I have enjoyed our laughs as we poured over Pinterest Boards for Dorm Rooms. When we first read a checklist of "necessities," that included television, game console, boom box, CDs, DVDs, and every variety of pillow from therapeutic to decorative, she asked, What exactly is it people do at college? And neither of us was too distraught over the prospect of the big day. But. Now. Suddenly the big day is imminent, and moving box aside, none of us feels exactly prepared. Max is a practical fellow, pragmatic in his ideas about what he needs. He turned down decorative pillows, strings of lights, area rugs and matching seat cushions. Televisions and entertainment centers were never an option. What he actually wants is for classes to begin, for the routines and demands of this next chapter to be delineated, and to come home, often.

He's not moving out, I console myself... it's only that our universe is expanding.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Cake & Flowers & Kindness :: Two Hundred Fifty Eight

Can't see the cake? It was too big for any camera, too dark, shiny, and chocolatey to be captured digitally. It simply had to be eaten to be appreciated. But you can see the flowers, the bodacious and generous bouquet of flowers, delivered with the cake, and full of unexpected thoughtfulness, heart, cheer, and inspiration. As for the kindness... it's all around.

Thank you, Janece. Your gesture, the visit... it turned my day around, and revived me. Thank you for reminding me that sometimes a little shake-up, an empathetic ear, can make a world of difference. We cannot always change things, but they can certainly be put into perspective, be offered a little grace. And don't we all know how to make the most of a tasty cake?

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Monday, September 12, 2016

A Cat's Help :: Two Hundred Fifty Seven

When we have important notes to take, files to read, things to alphabetize, delicate, pressing matters that call for our undivided attention, we can always count on a cat to arrive on the scene, to lend a paw, and help. Now, thanks to Cairo, with some assistance from Geoff and Max, Max has a rehabilitated lap top, with emails, bells, whistles, and calendars all ready for Physics, Humanities, Calculus, and FaceTime with family... especially for FaceTime with family!

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

There's No Place Like Home :: Two Hundred Fifty Six


It will always be about home,
and home will always be where love, family & friends,
comfort, safety, thinking, tinkering, creating, sharing,
and giving thanks are welcome.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.