Crows vs. Parrots: round 1

Yesterday a famous parrot prompted a post. Today hearts are heavy as we commemorate the date that the invisible, invincible shield of America crashed to the ground, along with the Twin Towers and thousands of lives. Today I find a parallel natural event to post: a...
The Language of Love

The Language of Love

Six years ago on this day Alex died. His last words were spoken to his trainer, Dr. Irene Pepperberg: “You be good. See you tomorrow. I love you.” Alex, the African gray parrot, lived 31 years. He was smart. He learned hundreds of words and combined them...
Wear Your Invisible Crown

Wear Your Invisible Crown

In a funk, faithful friend? If you are, take heart and know that there are simple ‘seasons without reasons’ in life – and some of them feel strangely funky. Know that these feelings will pass, like seasons and reasons do. The light will shine through...
Tomahawk Telephone

Tomahawk Telephone

I was invited to join a circle of friends, women who gathered in mutual support twice a month. I was overjoyed, welcomed into the company of good women. In between meetings, I’d occasionally receive their calls: inquiries and invitations to interesting events....
Armed

Armed

Sometimes I feel as if a nurse stapled my heart on my sleeve soon after my birth, where all can see it to harm and hit me up. While their action rips and bruises my heart, I’ve realized at least that my arm is unhurt. I lift it up and wave bye-bye. My legs are...
Zymurgy

Zymurgy

zymurgy MEANING: noun: The branch of chemistry dealing with fermentation, as brewing. ETYMOLOGY: From Greek zym- (ferment) + -urgy (work). Earliest documented use: 1868. NOTE: While zymurgy’s day job is raising spirits, it also moonlights as the last word in a...