Keeping the Red Nose Day message alive

Although the official Red Nose Day has come and gone (5/21), I was so touched by many of the stories shared on the telethon that I see merit in keeping its message alive.  Whether it was the family in Chicago going to the local food pantry, or the orphan on the streets (interviewed by actor/comedian Jack Black) in Africa, the sight of children hungry, sick, lost and alone breaks my heart.

Maybe it is my Grandmother Dice's voice in my head reminding me to think about others who have less than I have; or my Grandad Dice's admonition when we left their farmhouse home after our frequent visits: "if you can't be great, be good."

I think I gave up trying to be great after college.  In the early 1970s, my focus was on just trying to find a place (somewhere warmer than northern Illinois) where I could plant my own roots and thrive.  Unexpectedly, Tucson became that place.  And, in addition to establishing my life (home, family, career) here, it's the center of the community work I continue to be "called" to do. 

But I live in a broader world, too.  So while I contribute as a volunteer and donor to local causes, I also am open to those that touch my heart.  www.rednoseday.org does that for me right now.  And maybe you will open your heart to their message, also.  We need to take better care of our children, however we can.  Even a hug today to a child in your life will make a difference.

Tracyville: International Day of Happiness Recap

One of the examples of how Tucson connects and makes us "parts" bigger and greater as a "whole."



Tracyville: International Day of Happiness Recap: Above are a few of my sweet reminders of Tucson's International Day of Happiness last Friday. It was a lovely day chock full of gre...

Practice Poems

(A Bref Double, prompted by Writer's Digest, October 2014)

"Between Places"

She sits at the table, pen in hand
gazing at the rain-filled mountains.
It is an autumn afternoon. Pomegranates bloom
along the graveled road.

There are places disconnected
yet connected through memories of land,
space and taste of coffee
that lightens her weekly load.

It is not one she bears with a grudge
but rather a willingness
to lean forward, making room
for whatever the Fates forebode.

Although she lives in a city of sand,
coffee reminds her of another ocean road.

(An ekphrastic poem, prompted by a photo in Writer's Digest, October, 2104 and from viewing Anthony Bourdain's CNN show on The Bronx)

"The Bronx"

I see you on the floor
pushing your chest against the dirty tiles
as you raise up to face your enemy.
He slams his leather boot against your torn shirt.
You grimace, then smile at me.

A lanky feline,
I just happened to come out from behind the metal staircase
and find you fighting for your solitary life.
I wish I could give you one of my nine.

You fed me fish an hour ago,
but now it appears
I am alone on the streets again
as you sputter your last breath.

Magic, a 100 word story

Magic

It all started with a butterfly.  Melinda followed it into the forest and was grabbed by the dwarf who had conjured the butterfly's path.  Melinda awoke in the cave and was covered by leaves and flowers.  On the walls she saw drawings of her in her father's farmfield.  She had always felt she didn't belong on the farm with her older brothers. Now she sensed she was among her own kind.  At two feet tall at the age of twenty, something had been amiss.  But now, as she sat up and looked at the faces smiling at her, she understood.  This was home.

Tiny Poems from Mt. Lemmon

On the porch at Mt. Lemmon,
I read poems and rock
back and forth
like the flowers
bending in the breeze.

Father, you are lifted
into the arms of
a lady in blue
who covers you
with clouds.

Three Keys to Greater Happiness

Three Keys to Greater Happiness 



Learning something new at any age is important and, thanks to my friend/colleague, Leslie Johnston, principal consultant/owner of What We Think wwtdesign.com, I learned how to set up a website for Do Happy Today at a cost of less than $75.00 (actually it was a little over $50.00).  So check out dohappytoday.com and enjoy.... 

Heirloom Farmers Market

The skies were building up to (maybe) another monsoon later today, but the morning offered freshened air from last night's storm, a few puddles and very enthusiastic vendors and patrons at the Heirloom Farmers Market opening at Rillito Downs.  Yum, yum, on veggies, pastries and Tamales from Tucson Tamale.

 

 

 

Musicians by the racetrack bleachers

 

and

 

Food truck patrons enjoying waffles and syrups.

 

 

 

Families strolling the grounds, and

 

Mark with our friend, Loren at the Heirloom entrance.

 

 

We'll be back soon!