Forecasting a hectic day for today, last night I brewed a pot of coffee and filled my ice trays, then chilled both before going to bed, a ritual I occasionally practice in order to wake up to iced coffee.*** The smell of that coffee, though... Two hours later, still tossing and turning in bed, bone-weary … Continue reading The Real Think vs The Real Thing
Lassen
Perfection’s Rough Draft
One of my few accomplishments during the quarantining last year (besides an epic four part poem about dust, and five poems about national park grief) involved creating a Halloween costume, buying all the parts, fitting it into a perfect storage container, and even labelling it. Then I put it in my closet, the quarantine never … Continue reading Perfection’s Rough Draft
Five Stages of National Park Grief
Hello, Campfire Talesmen and Taleswomen! Our last shared post completed a series of five poems depicting the five stages of grief, as represented by National Parks awaiting our return. Yes, they rhyme. Denial = Crater Lake Anger = Lassen Volcanic Bargaining = Joshua Tree Depression = Death Valley Acceptance = Yosemite The final post, Yosemite, … Continue reading Five Stages of National Park Grief
Lassen Be Sassin’
"Thank you for visiting your national park!” Although we’re closed, please drop by and do your part (Wave from the gate). “Half the park is after dark.” Boo! Not as of late... These days, half’s a good start. Fine. "Stay safe." Stay home. Binge repeats of Bob Ross. “Happy little trees.” Please. You want happy? … Continue reading Lassen Be Sassin’
Going, Going, Go On
Going to the mountains is going home. ~ John Muir The photo of Muir, the autograph, and the quote were part of an art display called The Autograph Book of L.A. that displayed part of a collection of autographs curated by Los Angeles City Librarian Charles Lummis, started in 1906. The mountains photo is from … Continue reading Going, Going, Go On
Up High & Down Low
What the Dickens?!
Have you ever started to say something, realized what a mistake you were making, and then successfully finished the sentence in another direction? Yeah, me neither. I mean, I've tried, but even when I've stuttered my way through a semi-coherent replacement sentence, there's always that feeling that the person listening can see right through me. … Continue reading What the Dickens?!
The Gift of Time and Experience
"Students, we have time for one more presentation. Chad, can you explain this picture?" (collective gasp) "That's my homework assignment! Remember? You told us: "So a picture is worth a thousand words? Songs, with far less words, paint worthy pictures, And tell stories, like family trees! Deterred? Don’t be. Trees grow in parks. Take this … Continue reading The Gift of Time and Experience
Constant Beginnings
Question: What are these? "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away..." "It was a dark and stormy night..." "Once upon a time..." Whoever said, "Opening lines," you are correct. Any more guesses? You in the corner, hovering over the snacks. "Story starters?" Perfect! I like that. (Also, a quick thanks and credit … Continue reading Constant Beginnings
Where the Path Leads
Ask a child about their career aspirations, and the question sounds like, “What do you want to be (or do) when you grow up?” Ask an adult about their career aspirations, and the question leans more toward, “If you could do anything else, what would it be?” See the crucial difference? WHEN vs. IF. (Give … Continue reading Where the Path Leads
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