Joy & Pathos

and the words in between

Night Noises

By Cindy | July 2, 2018

Pops and bangs awaken me from sweet dreams, and I startle upright in my bed. It takes a few moments for me to get my bearings, peek through my window blinds, to realize it’s just the neighbor boys shooting off random firecrackers…again. It’s the Fourth of July for only another few minutes, but the city…

Black Birds and Wonder Woman

By Cindy | May 18, 2018

The sky glows sherbet-orange as the sun begins its evening theatrics. With winter finally “run out of town”, I thrill over this long-awaited spring eve. I locate my favorite wicker chair in the garage and drag its monstrosity across the lawn to my patio. I’m so ready for this. I settle in with a sigh…

red leaf

Day One

By Cindy | May 3, 2018

November 1, 2016 I. Morning Day One: November is for writing.30-day novels,flash fiction challenges,everyday thoughts,penned daily. I took the challenge,by email prompt,coerced by writer-friends;accountability to exercisemy creative brain. I doubt I can do it,I never finish what I start.I could pretendI forgot it’s November. There are leaves stillon the trees, after all,and hanging on mybackyard maple. In Minnesota,this…

An Eagle’s Story

By Cindy | September 12, 2017

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles…” Isaiah 40:31 We are still in the dead of winter as I write this, but spring is definitely coming as snow and rain interchange, and we’ve had our first nearly 60-degree day. In our backyard, squirrels…

Labyrinth

By Cindy | August 26, 2017

Left, right, left, right. I plod the unicursal path of switchbacks and circles trying desperately to focus on one question “where do I go, now”? My strides are intent as I press the unleveled foam mulch below me. My ankles wobble to balance my step, I haven’t much trust in my footing. That is the…

The Newlyweds

By Cindy | April 12, 2016

Banking left, in swoops and glides, He silently settles on the right most branch next to his mate. He’s brought another nest offering, a twig larger than his wingspan, and plops it atop their cloud-height home. She looks at him over her shoulder, with a cockeyed crane of her white neck as if waiting for…

Graduating Me

By Cindy | March 3, 2016

Both my children are graduating this coming June. My son, basketball captain and student body president, and his petite older sister with Down syndrome and hearing loss will don on their caps and gowns, walk the stage and receive their final high school diplomas only one week apart. And I have already started practicing. I’ve practiced multiple…