For today’s Stream of Consciousness submission, Linda G. Hill asks us to write a post with our least favorite word or one that bugs the heck out of our sensibilities. I first thought of the following unlikeable words: Liver, Algebra, Covid, Hate and Death. However, some of my readers already know I hate liver and algegra; I find Covid to be tiring and overwhelming; and both hate and death are not what I want to write about today. I foundRead more
Posts tagged: #Change
Light and Shadow
Green light of his eye holds a soulful gaze He lays in the comfort of red and gold Hardness of life digs into clouded daze The stress of being cat cannot be sold “Hey mom?” “Yes, Gibbs?” “Watcha doing?’ “Trying to write a sonnet or poem about you.” “I hope you are telling everyone that I’m a good boy.” You are, buddy, most days…” His world has changed somewhat for the better Gray paws roam free without prison’s firm gateRead more
Changing…Evolving…Acclimating
“If you can’t acclimate, you disintegrate.” – Katie Kacvinsky I learned the art of acclimation working for a state government agency for many years. I often called our agency the Department of Change because we never sat still. Policy and procedures were constantly evolving and employees were expected to acclimate. We had no other choice. Monday, May 10th, was a day of change, a day I became fully vaccinated and celebrated with a walk-and-talk with one of my pastors as he willRead more
#SoCS: The Days, Weeks, Month, Year of Unbelievable.
I distinctly remember the day that I packed up a laptop, numerous files, office supplies, and anything else I could think of in a rush of adrenaline. It was March 24, 2020, and I had been told I would be working from home until further notice. The offices were closing to the public and minimal staffing across our department had to be scheduled and organized. Covid-19 was on the move across America. For at least three weeks prior, we hadRead more
A Slap of the White Glove
“Challenge yourself to be an example of change.”― Debasish Mridha Staying active in Wisconsin in the winter, during a pandemic, can be like staying sober after two or three beers. It’s difficult, especially when the fierce NE winds and single digit (F) temps make me shiver at the thought. Winter often has the effect of invoking hibernation – the desire to sleep and be lazy, along with watching TV from the butt indentation of the couch, writing sparsely and the lackRead more
A Change in Leadership
“Let us then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things.” ~Thomas Jefferson~ Today is Inauguration Day in the United States. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will take an oath of office as our next President and Vice-President in Washington D.C. This day will look historically different as there will be no crowds on the National Mall, andRead more
Football and Grace
I woke up the morning of September 11th and scrolled through the news feed on my phone. Acknowledging the 19th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, I zoned in on a story that did not receive widespread attention. It centered around the start of football season in America and a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans and an action that left a disheartening shadow. At this game, during the national anthem, the Kansas CityRead more
Waiting for a Wheel
Waiting for a surrogate to fill time change present tense Waiting for revision of adult lines drawn dissolved in child’s sandbox Waiting for about-face pivoting in unison toward the ethical sun Waiting for diversity melting pot culture inclusive, welcoming Waiting for reconstruction of harsh society into tranquil faith Waiting for a wheel to turn down gravel path of communal restoration Waiting for metamorphosis butterfly dancing world God, make it so Read more
Digging Heels
Cognitive Dissonance The space in between thoughts and beliefs where the mind is consistent and not brain digs heels deeply reluctant, unwilling to admit mistakes unwilling to change thoughts justifying dissolving truth and reason dismissing facts believing the choice is right because it must be the longer it is believed the more certain it becomes blinded to the negativity taking sides heels digRead more
Rain on Fleshy Cheeks
Stop Inhale life Exhale sadness Draw in the earthiness of rain It cleanses pavement Soaks into human joy Stop Inhale life Exhale fear Feel the moist tears from heaven On our fleshy cheeks Tears of peace Flooding hearts with calm Stop Inhale life Exhale doubt Allow the rain to wash it Away to the gutter, the sewer Positive thoughts form a puddle In which to stomp and play Stop Inhale life Exhale the unimportant Let go of frivolous everything FindRead more
Three Times
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. ― Marthe Troly-Curtin It’s Sunday as I type, and eight inches of expected snow is falling to the ground. White and fluffy and accumulative. Meanwhile, a marathon of NCIS Los Angeles is playing on the TV and Gibbs the cat can’t make up his mind if he’s needy, hungry or needy. It is all I can do to not “waste time” on the couch. Lay sideways. Nap. Watch TV. It’s that kind ofRead more
Fear and Tribalism
Who among us doesn’t have the fear emotion? Fear of spiders, swimming in the ocean (sharks!), angry clowns, scary movies, speaking to a large group, dark basements, being alone, etc. I have a fear of June bugs, leeches and failure in critical situations. Who among us doesn’t equate ourselves with a tribe? Tribe of artists, philanthropists, religious leaders, doctors, lawyers, athletes, TV enthusiasts (couch potatoes), chocolatiers, sommeliers, etc. I am in the tribe of government employees, as well as theRead more
