Author Archives: Wizard Woodsy

Two things: Driving around Argyle Lake and a sweet young helmeted family on bikes. Today’s weather was beautiful–still coolish, but sunny. A welcome change from the bleak weather of the week and a great day for a drive. A great day to avoid housework. So, I headed to Argyle, camera riding shotgun. I drove, sat,Continue reading “Stripes of Light, Stripes of Dark”

“So I’m a pain in the ass, huh?” Those words were my introduction to Marilyn. It was spring 2005. Rushville and Industry had voted to consolidate and the two districts were holding joint teacher meetings to help everyone adjust prior to our first year as a new district. This meeting happened to be in theContinue reading “Marilyn”

The morning drive was claustrophobic and oddly quiet; fog descended overnight and insulated the air. Visibility was poor, making this a slow, stuck-behind-three-buses, no-passing drive to work. It was a fog that made the strobing beacons atop school buses seem necessary. It was a long ride. Finally, as I slowed to turn from the highway,Continue reading “Foggy Daze”

I’ve been a weepy mess for days and spent today looking forward to tonight’s hour in the pool. Nothing like some old lady exercises to soothe one’s soul. When it was finally time to leave home, I decided a blessing was in order, so I stirred the tiles and took one. Before I looked, IContinue reading “Bowl of Blessings ~~ Peace”

Today, the air smells like dirt. Sounds icky, but it’s such a welcome scent. Winter doesn’t smell like dirt; winter just smells . . . cold. But to smell like dirt? Now that’s something. To smell like dirt is to announce spring’s arrival. It’s March in Illinois; we may not be done with cold daysContinue reading “Smells Like Dirt”

“How are you doing, girlfriend?” That’s the question posed by my PA at today’s checkup. Coming from her, I know the question stems from genuine care and concern. She didn’t need to ask the “Are you having any pain today” question; she knows precisely the pain I’m having. We visited for a few minutes atContinue reading ““How are you doing, girlfriend?””

When they tell you grief touches every part of your life, they aren’t kidding. I’m not sure who they are. Maybe experts on widespread suckiness of life. That sounds about right. Because this latest iteration of grief sucks in its own special way. Almost three hours of sleep overnight, and I’m counting it as aContinue reading “Night Owl”

Man, could I use an adventure. Nothing crazy, just some time driving around backroads with my camera. Maybe a road trip. See something new. Do something new. I have an adventure list, but those are big adventures–driving both coasts, driving up one side of Lake Michigan and down the other, setting off on an aunt-visitingContinue reading “Bowl of Blessings ~~ Adventure”

Today’s tile is “good health.” I drew the tile at random, wrinkled my nose, returned the tile to the bowl, stirred the tiles, and drew again: good health. Fine. I’ll play by the rules. I can take a hint. Good health. Have you seen me lately? Pffft. Good health is a different concept these daysContinue reading “Bowl of Blessings — Good Health”

Another essay from my perspective and experience, but not just about me. There’s no anger or blame here, just a sincere hope that we can normalize grief and maybe work toward a more compassionate, comfortable environment for anyone dealing with loss. I was talking to a friend tonight about how awkward it is to joinContinue reading “Follow Our Lead”