The long fur on her legs and skirt is a silken drug. My doctor says the pain in my thumbs is osteoarthritis, which being translated means: “Because you’ve succeeded at living to your late sixties, the cartilage in your thumb joints is now gone.” “Where did it go?” No response from the orthopedist. … More Furry Elixir
This morning I am plotting the reassignment of Skye, the Torturous Schnauzer. She has that all-too-frequent digestive problem again. It’s been five nights in a row that she has waked us up — 1am, 3am, 5am — to let her out so she can offer some partly-digested fertilizer to selected corners of the yard. Then, … More Beholding the Wonder of Everything
This morning I was taking another crack at contemplative prayer — rereading Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, trying to find that deep prayerful place. As I’m slogging along with the words, Skye-the-Wonder-Schnauzer rubs against my leg, uncharacteristically wanting a morning sit in my lap. At this hour she’s usually too hyper for such restful repose, … More Canine Mediator
Sitting on the couch this morning, Skye the Schnauzer snoozing in my lap, I’m reading James Finley’s Christian Meditation and understanding some of it. His fine book carefully explores the practice of contemplative prayer. After a couple of pages, I think it’s time to try my hand at the practice again: Sitting up straight. Eyes closed. Hands resting … More Wrestling with Wounds
This morning I noticed that the lawn keeps changing colors. It’s green, but not just one green. It’s a bunch of greens and it keeps color-shifting. Not quite the same as shape-shifting, but still pretty impressive. Some of the lawn is light green in the bright morning sun. Some is darker green in the shadow … More The Lawn Is Changing Colors
Sitting on the porch this morning, I watch a fly on the brick patio. With jerky movements, flitting across the pavers toward me — moments later I feel the tickle, landing on my foot and then my hand. What attracts that fly to me? Then I begin: “Bless the Lord, O my soul and all … More Searching for God on the Porch
An Ever-Flowing Stream 