October 2025 You Don't Know What You've Got Until It's Gone

"Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone?”

 Joni Mitchell

Long ago, I lived in a Washington suburb; thus, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews came to pay tribute to the sights, including the White House. In the space of a few years, I explored Mount Vernon, Alexandria, and Georgetown.  I stood, in Arlington Cemetery, explored the Pentagon, and listened to Congress inside the Capitol.

During the January 6th occupation, I realized the Capitol would never be open to people again. I was sad that my own children and grandchildren would never know the long corridors infused with the history of our democracy.

Somehow, I never went inside the White House even though I had planned to do so. I always figured I would get there some day. 

This week, I realized I will never stand inside the White House.  I will not be invited into the grand new ballroom build in the image of Trump's Towers. I will not stand inside the People's House where the walls are infused with memories of the many men and women who worked there promoting women's rights, mental health, reading, and nature focused initiatives. Nor will my children, their children and your children.  

I guess you never miss what you had until it's gone, as Joni Mitchell sang long ago.

October 2025To Be Strong

I asked the little one to say he was sorry for hitting his sister, and he dug in his heels on that stairway, making a face that suggested his annoyance with me exceeded his anger towards his sister. He was willing to give up the movie rather than give in to my demand. I relayed the story to my writing group and we wondered IF the sister had been a silent aggressor and thus HE felt SHE should have apologized! Perhaps he was just standing his ground!

Then, we morphed into a discussion about times when WE forgave (or didn't forgive) someone without an apology. Oh my, the stories that we told ranged from borrowing shirts to taking large sums of money and even tales of adultery.  Some felt that you cannot fully forgive without an apology; while others felt that forgiveness, even without an apology, allows one to move forward. 

We referenced local politicians who apologize and those who move forward without reference to issues. We wondered if some see apologizing as an admission of wrong doing or sign of weakness?  

Gee, I was hoping for a real life writing prompt and what I ended up in was a metaphysical discussion of honesty, strength and weakness in the human spirit.  

 

October 2025 A Scary Line

This blog is focused on my own journey

As a reader and  writer.  These are my thoughts. 

I was in a long line at the money machine when I noticed the other long line. There were cars on both sides of the street, again. There were mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children of all ages there, again. Some wore their winter coats in the 40 degree temps but many huddled under blankets probably surprised by the chill. The line was reminiscent of those in 2020, even if those in line were unmasked and standing shoulder to shoulder. There were strollers and walkers as well as wheel chairs and market baskets. It was cold and I knew why they were there even as I was at the machine that spits out bills.

I wondered how many were impacted by the federal government shut down and how many were impacted by a local factory that shut down recently? I wondered if there were construction workers and landscapers, recently let go? I wondered how many were there because local programs such as Meals on Wheels have been reduced? I wondered if the line was longer today of if I was watching a surge?

I thought about the line as I shopped for kale and potatoes and as I read about the record, 38 trillion dollar debt. I thought about increasing inflation and slower wage growth that comes with such debt as well as a clip of the massive East Wing demolition project in Washington.  I felt sad and even a bit sick as I ate by own leek and potato soup with a fresh kale salad and wondered about the impacts of food insecurity on the health and well being of both young and old in my community. 

I hope there is a way out of this messy stage of life where so many are grateful for the boxed mac and cheese, white bread, and cereal, mainstays of food pantries. 

I thought about the blow up goblins on my street as I swept the porch in the setting sun that frankly are no where near as scary as that long line at the food bank

SOL25 October 21 Proud

Today's slice is about the bravery and tenacity it takes to try something new.

Those skills are the essence of making a path through life.

Proud, 

As the little one went under bravely 

Entering the scary unknown, not that long

Ago, where she added flips, turns, slides.

Proud,

Lessons, training, laps, workouts,

Practicing those strokes beyond what is

Needed to stay afloat and survive,

Proud, 

As adding varsity swimming is

No joke, daily laps, serious strokes,

Between studying, APs, teaching.

Proud,

 Winning this heat, learning about 

Teamwork, courage. while planning a

Next chapter where she will rise again,

Proudly

Ethical ELA October 20 Wisdom from Tea

Today's Ethical ELA hosts, Kim and Fran, ask us to pour a cup of tea and write! 

I COULD write about family gatherings for tea 

or the merits of Harney's African Autumn

However, I am going to share messages from four tea bag tags

found in the back of my junk drawer

that serve as anchors for my life.

Ethical ELA October 19 Magic 8 Ball

Kim Johnson is hosting Ethical ELA today and asks us to 

consider the Magic 8 Ball format where answers drive questions. 

I wrote a mix of personal and big picture questions! 

Does writing help me process ideas, work through frustration, and share happiness?

Absolutely!

Am I brave enough to drive through New York City with all the fees, electric bikes and jaywalkers? 

Definitely

Will I know the joy of watching loved ones grow into strong adults making the world a better place?

Without a doubt.

Will I ever be know the kind of love that makes you forget your plans and weak in the knees?

Outlook no so good!

Will there be a quick end to the suffering of so many who are facing deportation after years of working faithfully through a system that has failed them?

My sources suggest sadly the answer is no.

Am I confident that the good guys will always win in the end, even if it takes a long time and a lot of frustration to get to the end?

Without a doubt!

How long will it take?

I cannot predict now.

October 18 Just Numbers

What a week!

Numerous new friends:

Maurice, Penny, Linda, Charlie, Barbara,

Kelly, Corrie, Randy, Marnie, Debbie,

8 great aquacise classes 

7 wonderful containers of pesto 

6 delicious jars applesauce

5 treks in falling leaves

4 greeting cards, mailed

3 appointments, scheduled

2 sporting events, attended

1 opportunity to be heard,

Negligible impact,

No violence, just numbers!

Ethical ELA October 18 Sweet Is Not Just a Taste

 Fran Haley, who is hosting Ethical ELA today, encouraged us to write about
Sweet things such as favorite candy or dessert or a sweet gesture.  I am choosing

To write about a gesture far sweeter than anything made of sugar

She had that very long week look that takes over

Your body, your face, your whole being as well

As the exhaustion that comes from getting up 

Every day in order to work too long making too many

People happy, comfortable, peaceful and accountable

Planning for the future, getting through the days.

I'm guessing part of her would have been grateful and

Clearly would have understood if I had declined to get

On the road for the long trip when she asked about

Doing dinner. but I did not and so we talked,

Remembered, wondered, teared up, refilled

Our empty cups with reminders that

We are not alone on this journey

The sweetest moments are not sugar coated

Long after the feta and fries were history.

SOL25 October 14 We Celebrate With Books

It's a day to celebrate peace, love and books.  Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for hosting this celebration/

Long ago, as a reward for not screaming during the torture of the dentist's drill, my mother took me next door to Finkelstein's magical home of endless adventures!  My teeth were nothing to brag about, so every trip to the dentist meant drilling and books.

Back in the days when Baby Boomers roamed school hallways, there were not school libraries as we know them now.  In fact, teachers had scant books that were not always shared with their teeming classrooms. It was Spot, Dick, Jane and their reader friends. I did have a few Golden Books and a copy of the Bobsey Twins that I read on repeat along with Reader's Digest Condensed books that my Aunts shared. Thus, a chance to climb through those stacks was a celebration.

My grandchildren have shelves filled with books in their rooms and in their classrooms. They have school and public libraries at their disposal.  Plus, I usually show up with more books because I love books. I am confident they have all already been exposed to more books than I could have ever imagined back in the days when I climbed through the stacks in Finkelstein's. 

So when my-own-child shared a glimpse of his-own-child climbing the stacks, I could only smile and think of celebrating at Finkelstein's, not far from the book-climbing-wall where this fearless little one bravely climbed the stacks in a celebration of her own.

October 2025 Busier Than Shop Rite

 

It's been mostly sunny and dry in these parts for the past month or so; thus, the forecasters and predictors of weather as well as those of us who rely on Mother Nature to water lawns have been pretty excited about the Nor'easter headed our way. 

I had plans to take in porch cushions and pull up the throw rugs in the basement, but I was not really planning for a month at home when I tried to pull into the Shop Rite parking lot. There were more cars than on the day before THANKSGIVING! Carts were laden as if they were planning for an extended period of being stuck at home.

I sighed as I drove around, wondering if I really needed to buy onions in order to make left-over-vegetables into soup, and finally decided that I would make do with some solidly packed, well aged onion powder that hopefully lurked in a closet's nether regions. 

As I drove home, I questioned my hasty retreat from the crowd remembering the storms of past years like Superstorm Sandy (2012) that disrupted lives, airports, and electric for so many for so long. I remembered the damage from high winds when the trees are still laden with leaves. I remembered the challenge of providing care for my mom and aunt as well as their care-givers during days without electricity. I remembered the challenge of finding a flight during an end-of-life moment with airports closed.

I'm lucky that I do not, this time, have to worry about food and medicine for many others. I counted my blessings that I did not need to worry about an oxygen concentrator or an imminent appointment in the days ahead.  I said a prayer for loved ones who would be traveling during the storm. I did my own "live-alone" checklist of what I really needed: flashlights; raincoat; tea; coffee and a back-up-phone-charger. 

Then, I remembered the tree trimming company is scheduled to come on Monday. I really do hope the storm blows out to see with no damage; however, I suspect they will be busier that Shop Rite this morning.  

October 2025 Research: Bread

I like bread, a lot.  Seriously, I could give up chocolate, sugar, and ice cream all before I gave up bread. Yet, I eat bread, on rare wonderful occasions, these days as I attempt to eat as "healthy" as I can and strive to keep my body as "healthy" as possible with all the age-related changes to my endocrine and other systems! I also limit pasta, cakes, pies, and even cereals made of that essence-of-life-for-me ingredient: wheat.  

Yet, given a piece of that better-than-life fresh baked bread at Panera's or a bowl of deliziosa pasta in Italy, I become as weak as the butter or parmesan atop the wheat goodness. 

Interestingly, during a trip to Europe, I threw caution to the wind and consumed pasta, pizza (and wine) every single day and did not gain an ounce.  "It's probably all the walking," I thought, until this morning.

An article in the times  suggests that in Europe, bread and pasta are different because wheat is different.  "Wheat growers in the United States sometimes apply glyphosate — an herbicide used to kill weeds, and in some cases to dry out the wheat itself — to the crop just before harvest!" This leaves residue that might be a factor.  Why aren't we researching and talking about this, Mr. Kennedy?  Why is it important to people in Europe and not here?  Is there research we should know about?   

In addition, the bread making process overseas is different. "During fermentation, microbes such as yeast and bacteria break down some of the gluten in the dough. The longer the fermentation time, the less gluten remains." Is this a factor in all the gluten sensitivities?  

I'm going to have to do some research on my own, sigh, because I am pretty confident I cannot count on the Health Department. Stay tuned. 

October 2025 Not Enough Juice

I was working on 

The mental list even before 

I got out of bed to begin my busy day.

The schedule as I showered, washing my hair 

There would not be time later.

The logistics as I aquacised

Grateful for the sweat, yet focused

On a busy day ahead.

The timing as I dressed,

Commiserated, blew dry my hair, again.

The plan as I stopped to visit a friend

With far more going on in her life than me

Who was squeezing me in moments before 

Heading to an important appointment.

I was reminded 

My plans are not THE plans 

My car was dead when I went to leave

Requiring a call to AAA

Where an ECT sat waiting in a

Rescue vehicle for me

Who had plans, but not enough juice!

Reminders:

Schedules always are subject to change.

Emergency Car Technicians are underrated, 

Absolutely essential workers who come 

To the rescue, again, and again, and again.

SOLOctober 7 2025 Numbers Do Not Add Up

 

It was just one bag, albeit a full bag, but the tab was 5 digits, enough to make me stop in my tracks. 

I live alone, visit farmer's markets, and shop sales. I'm not in the thick of buying groceries and preparing family meals, but the tab in Shop Rite was alarming. Broccoli and lemons, on sale for $2.99 a pound and a pork loin for $5.99 a pound. A tiny, one person bag of frozen veggies was $2.39, on sale. I splurged on Ben and Jerry, on sale, but passed by healthier cereal, $7 a box, and skipped English Muffins, for $6.99. I splurged on a box of spinach that should last all week, but the $6 price had me longing for the days, last year, when it came in a bag for half the price. 

Supposedly, the economy is booming and the stock market soaring.

Yet, eating fresh ingredients and healthy meals is not feasible for many.

Supposedly, there is negligible inflation and low unemployment.

Yet, businesses around me are closing like flies and houses are not selling.

Supposedly, we do no need clean air, renewable energy sources, or unprocessed foods.

Yet, something is very wrong, as the numbers do not add up.

October 2025 Another Trip Around the Sun

 

I had no idea what was ahead when I headed out of the hospital with my bundle that fall morning. I had sort-of-prepared by embroidering a wall hanging and purchasing some diapers. I had a car seat, and a couple of books. If they even gave some instructions-advice on discharge, I was too excited-nervous-scared-worried to remember. I suspect they were just eager to have the space available for the crowd that followed the blizzard that previous winter.

Somehow, we survived. She figured out how to get food and tell us when she needed changing and life settled into a new normal as she became part of every journey and adventure that followed.  She told us what she needed and guided us through bikes, schools, and adventures we could never have imagined when that striped bundle joined our family.  There were journeys into worlds I did not know existed like field hockey and crew and many times we clashed and clanged on the way to adulthood where I now have the privilege of watching, from afar, a confident, competent, and courageous mom and engineer guide her own ship through the choppy waters of life. She'll have hardly a moment to reflect on her life, like all moms in the thick of living. Thus, I will take a moment to be grateful we survived those first days, even though our nursery was bare-boned and her onsie was white. I will be thankful we survived the many firsts that followed and grateful for the miracle of her and another trip around the sun. 

October 2025 Compassion

 My writing world friend Kim got me thinking about compassion 

early this morning and as I walked I thought about how.........

SOL25 September30 Need: Friends

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for hosting

This year-long reason for writing, reading and sharing.

Thank you also to my dear friend, Tracey, 

For her images of life.

Tracey often share memorable sunrises and sunsets on social media.  These days, I (many of us) appreciate the reminder that nature provides peace and happiness even in tough times. But today I am sharing her image that captures the feelings we all have when we find ourselves alone and feeling lonely.

There is a gaga pit at Tracey's school where children shout "Ga" and throw balls at each other. Everyone is a friend in the pit. The other day a local moose, found himself alone in the pit while the children were inside doing reading, writing, and math! While moose are typically solitary animals, except during mating and raising calves, the look on his face as he stood in the empty pit all by himself is a reminder that even he (or she) could use friends every once in a while.

The look on his face-oh my! 

Where did all the other moose go?  

Why can't someone come out to play? 

We all to be cared about.

We all need friends.

September 2025 Need: Immigrants

I had to skip swimming, aquacise and coffee this morning because they were coming, but in the end I got more than attic access.  Let me explain.

"They are from Ukraine," he offered proudly as he introduced his colleagues who were installing a way into my attic other than the very-warped-sort-of-door installed many years ago by a do-it-yourself homeowner who likely also installed side-flowing plumbing in the kitchen. 

I wanted to say, "I am so sorry for the lack of support from America and the ongoing pressure from Russia," but instead said sincerely, "I am glad you are here."  I meant it.   

While they worked, efficiently, neatly, and carefully, I had time to wonder about their: immigration status; family losses; concerns in America while feeling a bit guilty about my clearly first world wants/needs. I was initially connected with this attic-stair company through a website that was informative, something I rarely find when searching for people to help me make and keep my old house safe and warm. Yet, real innovation and hard work is what I got from this renovation.  

I will not likely store anything in this old attic, but I do plan to get some insulation up there to help with the rising heating bills. The real perk of this home-owner-project was time to think about the crucial role of and need for immigrants to this country. 

September 2025 Our Country Needs: Front Porches

 

I noticed the front porch before I moved into my house; but, it was not something I thought I needed. I had memories of sharing afternoons and evenings on the porch at my grandparents' home. Sadie and Fanny would stop by to talk, cousins would rock on the squeaky bench, and my grandmother would snap beans or mend, and talk. 

I have no adult memories of a front porch close to neighbors as I always lived in modern houses with back decks where families gather away from neighbors. Somewhere, post WWII, American homes and people, in my opinion, started to become isolated even as foreign policy had us more involved than ever in supporting and defending others. 

What I have deduced, since moving here, is that with a front porch, it's hard/impossible to avoid your neighbors. We are a diverse group in age, careers, and political opinions. On my little corner of the block we are families and singles, liberals and conservatives, followers and leaders, from 2 to 85. Some have beach houses and know the Pottery Barn Delivery driver 's name, while others mow their lawns and watch expenses. Yet, we talk and for the most part, are respectful and kind, because if you have a front porch, you cannot avoid at least acknowledging your neighbors.  

All this leaves me to the sort of poem, loosely borrowed from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie that rumbled through my mind after my neighbor circled by to ask about my electrician, and we talked about their tree, and then we moved onto who might become governor, and the annual town yard sale, and reading instruction today, and good books, and even the President.......because that is what you do if you have a front porch and your neighbors are just a few feet away! 

If you have a front porch, 

Your neighbors will see you leave and enter.

If they see you leave and enter, 

They will stop and ask how you are, or

Inquire about your comings and goings. 

If they ask, you might tell them about 

Teaching, swimming, volunteering.

They might tell you about 

Jobs, kids, politics, may seep in, too.

Even if you are hesitant to go there

You might talk about perspectives

UN induced traffic, immigration, taxes,

New car costs, American cars with foreign made parts,

Reading and writing instruction, teacher salaries,

Greek/Turkish/Asian take out food, taxes,

Local fall festivals, garage sales, dogs,

If you (and this is the plural you) talk and share points of view,

You (and this is the plural you) may just find that you (and this is the plural you) 

Agree on way more than you (and this is the plural you) disagree.

You (and this is the plural you) may see how family history, experiences,

Children, dogs, friends, colleagues drive perspectives.

You (and this is the plural you) may agree to disagree 

On means and ends, political parties, religion.

You (and this is the plural you) might sigh and

Look beyond yard signs that are clearly red or blue.

You (and this is the plural you) may say, 

"I hope you are right," and mean it,

You (and this is the plural you) may just learn to 

Talk and listen respectfully

I do realize this is a stretch, but perhaps, I pondered on the porch, if there was a way for Congress, the Supreme Court, White House, Immigrant groups, Medicare Groups, Social Security recipients, Veteran groups, Civil Servants, diverse ethnic and religious groups, and................to find front porches where they must pay common bills, walk past each other and look each other in the eye every day? It's easier to boast and bluster, moan and complain, Tik Toc and tweet, and when you (and this is the plural you) do not look your (and this is the plural your) neighbor in the eye.

September 2025 Holding the Future in My Heart

I am reflecting on a busy week exactly one decade ago when a tiny miracle was anxious to join the party. I was exhausted-excited-energized and in awe of the miracle of and promise of your existence. If there is still an internet and blogger when this beloved one is floating through cyberspace some day and find this, I hope they know I love them more than words can say. I really do.

Honestly, I could not have imagined

That you would send my heart

Into a total frenzy, I was seasoned,

I had already held a tiny burrito that week, yet 

You took my breath away

Even before my baby so proudly placed you

In my arms and into my heart.  

I knew at that moment

I was holding the future,

An already adored miracle

Although I could not imagine

Watching you grow. so anxious 

To crawl, walk, explore, so busy with 

Boxes, blocks, living, and loving.

Sometimes, you still lean in

Accepting a side-hug briefly

Acknowledging I am still 

Taller, for now,

Sometimes, you still share

Thinking, worries, concerns,

As I reflect on how you've grown

From toddler to gasp, ten,

Knowing there are no boundaries

To my love for you.

Sometimes, I forget and refer

To you by that toddler name

Remembering the

Damp curls permanently 

Burrowed into my heart while

Sharing Snuggle Puppy, Little Blue Truck

On repeat.

These days, I pray for this not-so-little one 

Loved today and every day

As the journey becomes

More complex and exciting

Options, opportunities, 

Beyond my wildest imagination, 

The future 

In your hands

But also 

In my heart.

 

Ethical ELA September 22 Hell's Kitchen: A Fib

Today's Ethical ELA host, Barbar Edler, asks us to delve into a writer’s thinking to deepen understanding of a text and then write a poem about it. 

I decided to write a "fib" poem using the mathematical sequence in which each line is determined by the sum of the previous two lines. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, …| I chose to write about the Alicia Keys' play Hell's Kitchen which is a semi-autobiographical depiction of life in NYC in the federally supported artist-musician complex known as Manhattan Plaza. Alicia's mom in real life, as well as in the play, had moved to the city to pursue acting; however, she left acting when she became a single mom. In the '90's, she was a single mom with a teenager in facing violence and discrimination an era was shaped by crackdowns on crime as well as racial profiling. Keys describes it as the "quintessential New York story."

She

Did 

Not have

A Dad's presence

Yet, he planted musical genes

Fueled by a wise teacher, a brilliant mentor

Notes, chords, tempos, beats, music

Shaped Superwoman

Beautiful

Noise

September 21 Ethical ELA Letters to and from Goldilocks

Today's Ethical ELA prompt asked us to turn nursery rhymes into Haikus or other poems.  I went with with notes from and to Goldilocks. 

 

A Nonet from Goldilocks to her Mom

I saw this house, went inside and then

Had oatmeal, it was amazing,

Broke a flimsy little chair,

Looked everywhere I could

Sat on a hard bed,

Tried a pink one,

Furious

Bears on

Way

A Haiku from her Mom to Goldilocks

You do not enter

Eat, break, nap, snoop, you are 

Lucky and grounded.

SEPTEMBER 2025 Holding the Future in My Hands

There has been an untold amount of  anxiety in our world this week, different from the stressors I felt a decade ago as my world was both falling apart and growing exponentially.  This week, the one who first called me "Meme" turns the big 1-0. If this blog is still functioning and if they someday find this message, I hope they know how much I love them.

Honestly, I could not have imagined

How it would be before you arrived.

I was busy working, care-giving, 

Until, during a meeting about nothing 

The text said you were

About to rock my world.

He placed your tiny burrito wrapped self

Into my arms, so you could worm yourself

Right into my heart, as if 

You had always been there. 

I know at that moment

I was holding the future

In my hands, although

I could not imagine

The miracle of watching you grow.

I really have tried to 

Enjoy every minute, as they say,

It goes fast, like magic, 

The babe to be double-digits.

Those first snuggles giving way to

Hikes, beach days, Charlotte, 

Memories on the trail to

New chapters, grand adventures.

I cannot fathom how

Choices, decisions, dreams

Will merge, divide, grow

So I hold onto the memories

Nestled in my heart,

Watching, joyfully,

A future unfolding.

Ethical ELA September 20 The Happiest

Today, the Ethical ELA prompt asks us to think about the happiest thing you’ve ever tasted. The happiest food that have entered my mouth are not be recognized for their gourmet goodness, but rather for the people around the table.

Spread across the nation, it was rare

When we gathered at her massive 

Table to share bowls of pasta e fagioli,

Simmered lovingly

On that big old stove in the corner, yet

It was the happiest of times, sharing soup.

Spread thin from work, school, activities, 

Some days, we were able to gather at the table

With homework papers and books to share

Bottomless chicken in a pot always

Started on Sunday and fed with veggies,

Pasta, broth, tomatoes, and love.

It was the happiest of times, sharing soup.

Spread between overflowing lives, 

Busy careers, soccer, football, lacrosse, 

Swimming, family responsibilities,

It's very rare for us to gather, yet when

Those stars rarely align, it's still veggies

Simmered with love in a big pot,

It's the happiest of times, sharing with my people.

September 19 Roosevelt, Doonesbury, First Amendment

This week has dredged up thoughts and questions about free speech.  While I abhor name calling and meanness from all people, I'm finding hope in history as history does seem to repeat itself!

This text later appeared in “Doonesbury” on Sunday, February 10, 2002. I have a vague recollection of reading it in an old fashioned newspaper.  There was a lot of strife back in 2002 as you might remember as we reeled from 9-1-1 strikes, and I might have overlooked the quote except my brother mentioned Theodore Roosevelt in conversation soon after.

Here's the part that is interesting part as free speech becomes a hot button topic this week. Theodore Roosevelt was a progressive Republican who ultimately formed a third “Progressive” party when he lost reelection ultimately resulting in Wilson being elected President.  

Roosevelt opposed the excesses of big business, but wanted the U.S. to grow by taking land, such as Panama.  As he watched from the sidelines after losing to Wilson, Roosevelt regularly attacked Wilson’s conduct of the war in a substantial body of writing. As you can imagine, even then, not everyone agreed with Wilson and his actions in WWI including the draft and Wilson sought to crush First Amendment Rights for the greater good leading to this quote, from Roosevelt:

To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”

I am guessing Roosevelt never imagined I would quote him in 2025, or maybe that is why he wrote it down? 

September 17 The Days Are Long

Every year, about this time, 

New teacher notes arrive.

Usually penned in the early morning hours

In hope I will understand or

Offer some sage wisdom about

Never ending demands, needs, exhaustion.

I hear you teacher as the heavy morning darkness

Reminds you daylight hours are shrinking

The newness giving way to reality

Lesson plans, paperwork, scores, reports

Piling up, overtaking your thinking.

How will you do this until June you are wondering?

Having worked late last night and the night before?

Feeling like you will never catch up, ever?

You will. It will get easier.

You make a difference every single day

With words, smiles, nods,.

It's exhausting, it will get easier, 

Never easy.

I can only offer this thought

 As I reflect on Septembers, on parenting,

The days are long, but the years will fly,

Promise

sol25 September 16 Farms, Farmers, Farming

There is something incredibly wonderful and important about knowing not only where your food is grown, but also the magical transformation of seeds, sunshine and water into food and flowers for people and animals.  I was thinking about all this as I celebrated a community supported non-profit farm where local businesses stop by for planting, yoga takes place with piglets, and children learn food does not grow at Shop Rite. The magic of working the soil and harvesting its fruits is only possible for most of us thanks to these few and far between farms supported by local communities. 

Farms and farmers are not only impacted by unpredictable weather (droughts, floods, storms), but also socio-political forces (tariffs, immigration, funding) and even changing dietary practices (eggs, beef, kale). It's a hard life when there are so many factors impacting your destiny.  

I am pretty sure that is why, many years ago, my grandmother sold the family farm within weeks of my grandfather's passing, heading to the big city where at least in theory, life was a bit easier.  

I'm proud to have one of my own family carrying the farming torch for a non-profit farm in spite of the unpredictable weather and socio-political forces that challenge farm life in the 21st Century. If you have small farm nearby, consider supporting the future by preserving the past. 

2025 September 14 Those Sunflowers

It has been a long hard week remembering the horrific attacks on American soil. Guns have taken lives, again and again. Divisive political rhetoric has escalated, again and again. It all left me anxious, worried and at times afraid to express an opinion. Frankly, the only word to describe my feeling on Friday night was "wilted."  I was not sick, or mad, just feeling limp as in having difficult time seeing the "light" and moving forward. 

I put one foot ahead of the other as I had a celebration to attend for a local farm that has had a challenging year. After the requisite speeches, I made my way to the sunflower patch at the strong suggestion of the farm director,.  

There were a lot of others in that sunflower patch and there was a lot of talking; however, everyone was kind and respectful while standing among those yellow giants Sure we was there to socialize and celebrate the farm, but as we stood among those sunflowers, there was something else that happened: a sense of peace.

Sunflowers sit atop stems that certainly do not appear to be sturdy enough to handle the weight of magnificent heads filled with bright yellow petals and zillions of potential seeds. While they look the "same" from a distance, up close you see the variety. I did a search and found out sunflowers can have between 34 and 89 petals with the number based on the Fibonacci sequence (like pinecones)!  Crazy! Yet, when they stand together, sunflowers protect and support each other to be strong. 

I've thought a lot about those sunflowers in the past couple of days. I am feeling stronger.  You too might want to stand among sunflowers to find hope.  You can find some lovely ones here

September 11, 2025 Marred

I am pretty sure I am not the only one marred by events of 9-11-01. 

This date marred forever

"Send them back to class,

Come to the office," she whispered to

Reading, Music, Art teachers,

"Don't say anything to the children."

Keep them safe from the news

While we worried.

This date marred forever

We tried to call parents

Spotty cell service

Concerns mounting,

We could not know the extent

Planes, buildings, lives lost.

 

This date marred forever

Trains, bridges, roads shut down,

Many would not come home

Parents, friends, children, relatives

Were in those buildings, planes,

Hope dwindled.

This date marred forever

Memories, people, images, prayers,

A crystal-clear morning lost to

Ashen skies, a nation in shock

The mourning continues

For all lost to hate

For all marred forever. 

Did not answer, who tried to save.

September 9 Profiling

 

I am very lucky to live minutes from Broadway and I am grateful for 2 for 1 ticket season that makes great theater, like Hell's Kitchen, more available.

As I reflected on life in the 90s, I smiled thinking about the powerful music tying Keys' loosely autobiographical story together. I sighed thinking about the pervasive "stop and frisk" mentality.  And then I remember a mom of a kindergartener who long ago implored me to make her boy read saying, "He has to do good in school because he's black. He'll grow up to be a black teenager. You know what that means."  

Then, my mind wandered to yesterday's Supreme Court decision allowing stopping people based only on race or language. I thought of my former students who learned English as a second or new language and are now leading students, other teachers and school districts. My mind also wandered to thoughts about school shootings as I recalled a graphic about ethnicity of school shooters 1982-2025.  

I am sure that skin tone, religious beliefs, and native language do not determine any individual's right to live, love, and work in America nor do they indicate propensity towards crime.  How do we move away from profiling towards a society respectful of and embracing diverse cultures, perspectives, and viewpoints?