Gratitude takes Attitude He has told you mortals, what is good in His sight. What else does the Eternal ask of you. But to live justly and to love kindness and to walk with your True God in all humility. Micah 6:8 Voice Emergency sirens rake my brain raw daily. Helicopters put on a night … Continue reading Gratitude takes Attitude
Uncle Phil the Gentle Texan
Uncle Phil the Gentle Texan “Howdy ma’am, pleased to meet you.” I looked straight into his eyes as warm brown as the pecans from his family orchard, above a row of perfect teeth. I could have balanced a yardstick on top of both of our heads Shaved close with a hint of permanent stubble. The … Continue reading Uncle Phil the Gentle Texan
The Great Song
The Great Song I sucked in the silver of the stars and tasted the white of the moon as they slid down liquid into my soul. I felt the greatness---the greatness of God. I shifted on the ground---connecting to the smallness of me. A shedding skin human---dependent on the Spirit surrounding me. I glanced at … Continue reading The Great Song
Who Am I?
“Ms. Skarin, you know you are odd, no I guess a better word for that would be unique.” The slender figure of the counselor in the chair across from mine shifted as she folded her arms gently.. She had dark brown hair and kind eyes. I stared at her blankly as I often did when … Continue reading Who Am I?
That Was a Simple Procedure-No Problem
"Ms. Skarin, are you with us?" I tried to connect the voice with the face looming over me. Hi Ms. Skarin, you were out for a long time. Out? Where did I go? My body is heavy against a narrow bed between two metal railings. The machines are making a slow methodical beep and there … Continue reading That Was a Simple Procedure-No Problem
The Audience
Zinsser wrote, In Writing Well, chapter 5, “I’m talking about two different issues. One is craft, the other is attitude. The first is a question of mastering a precise skill. The second is a question of how you use that skill to express your personality.” Craft is something I’m in constant learning mode, some mastered … Continue reading The Audience
Catastrophic Suffering
I grew up in a fundamentalist religious group in Canada until I turned ten and our family moved to Los Angeles. Our world in Canada was all white with a “Truman Show” atmosphere. I experienced a traumatic culture shock after we moved. I didn’t stand out as being different in our sheltered prairie town but … Continue reading Catastrophic Suffering
What Do I Miss (pre-pandemic) An Allegory
Sand tickles bare feet; Sand shifts; I tip sideways; arms fling wide. Waves crash; waves suck in sand; I brace my body, I brace its watermelon-shaped abdomen. Waves pull me under; I gurgle---spit saltiness. Waves tumble me-over-and-over; I gasp! Help Pandemic. What's new? Masks, social-distancing, senior store hours, gloves, wash hands, repeat. Online classes, online … Continue reading What Do I Miss (pre-pandemic) An Allegory
Remember Daddy When…
Remember daddy, when you made a radio from scratch. A small light yellow box with an open back containing a fascinating array of tubes, wires, and the string with a safety pin dangling down by a thumbtack so we could tap it back to life with a sizzle. I remember the smell of warm tubes … Continue reading Remember Daddy When…
I Am From
I am from a sister sandwich, I’m from the middle, the peanut in peanut butter. From a Navy ship gangway, a mother with two arms and three children and a leash that held me in range. I am from two sisters in silk-lined coffins. I will see you in heaven, Heidi and Debbi. I am … Continue reading I Am From
Annie's Memoir ~ Unforced rythms of grace 