In the Jardin Huerta del Cura in Elche, Spain, there were many shrubs, flowers, and plants from all over the world. The curators placed small plaques to educate on the name of flowers, plants, and shrubs, including where they originated. It was a United Nations of beauty, reminding me that the joy of flowers is... Continue Reading →
I looked at the old car in the weeds, Remembering the sweet moments we shared. Kisses stolen as we sat by the lake in it, That was as far back then as we dared. You told me one late August night That someday you and I would be wed. I thought that you were kidding... Continue Reading →
Marcie had never planned to live in Japan, but her husband, Carlton, an Army surgeon, had been stationed there during the Korean War. He had practically demanded that she and their three children join him. How would she cope in a place where she did not know the language? The journey to Japan by freighter... Continue Reading →
I was nominated for the Tell a Story Challenge, using the picture above, which immediately tickled my writing bones. Here is my take, and yes, I have done quite a lot of writing today. Blame it on retirement! I watched my two sons in their new hats walk towards the fields. When I had bought... Continue Reading →
I came out of the store with both arms full, and because the trip had been uneventful, I was not expecting trouble. I had come to Madrid alone, my first time traveling solo. I just wanted to come to Spain, see the museums and other places, and then go home. I started down the street,... Continue Reading →
A haunting memory fuels my philosophy. It was October, 1999, if I remember it right. I was enamored with the man beside me, As we went walking in the moonlight. Looking at him and not where I was going, I stepped on a hedgehog with sharp quills, The pain was so severe and unexpected, That... Continue Reading →
I saw this door in Elche, Spain, and loved that it was functional with the bars, but also beautiful in the surroundings. I wondered what was behind the doors, considering it has a forest for a roof. Maybe it is a quirky house or an office. Beauty and Function! Posted for Thursday Doors by Norm... Continue Reading →
When I saw this image of a woman with all the beautiful flowers, I thought it was so appropriate, as most women think of themselves as nurturers and life givers. I took the photo in Elche, Spain in October, 2019. It is called "The Lady of Elche," and you can find it on many different... Continue Reading →
In all of my travels abroad, I have never met an alien being. Instead, I found people everywhere who shared the same basic fears and worries: finding love, making a living, raising responsible and good people, and having more good days than bad ones. Travel reinforces the fact that people are more alike than they... Continue Reading →
The movie, Bucket List, with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, resonated with me, reminding me that dreams can be deferred for too long. Sharing a hospital room, two strangers talk, and from their conversations, they realize that there are things that they want to experience before the finality of death. They set out to fulfill... Continue Reading →
Help from Heaven 