Month: August 2024

Yesterday was my last day of having someone test my balance and endurance. It was a very hot but rewarding walk to make it through the field to the gym using a single walking stick in the company of someone watching over me. I might go to tai chi tomorrow but will drive if the heat stays near ninety.

Last night was my first night out. A fund raising music event with two neighbors singing in the choir. Beautiful voices. I watched a middle-aged man in the men’s section and thought his voice quite pleasing. So I told my friend who took me there, that he would be nice to take home, sit him in the dining (they are too loud when they stand) and have him sing as I went about my chores and studio work. By the end I changed my mind. It was enough. I also was interested in the fit of the slacks/pants of the various conductors. Lots of wrinkles gathered under the buttocks with a tuck up high in the thigh, then smooth-ish until the back of the knee where they cascade in wrinkles to the heel. I would think black robes would be a good idea when they take to the elevated stand with backs to the audience. Or I should just enjoy the music and keep my mind on that!

This drawing took me two days to complete. I was following what basketmaking friends in Tasmania were posting and how they were spending their time together. Seemed to be lots of cut cloth (mostly wool blankets) being coiled around firm bases of wood and shell.

I liked having pencils in my hands and trying to get what is in my head down on the page.

I will return to stitched cloth when I turn the page.

And two days ago this delightful original print arrived from Patsy in Australia. She sent me her dragon a couple of months ago. I love her work!

I found a frame this morning that was in my new storage cabinets in the garage. Now it is hung not too far away from the dragon in the dining area.

Later this afternoon I will go back into town to watch a movie with MJ and a couple of the guys. I will need to be back here for the family call at seven.

Today was my very last physical with my doctor of over thirty years. She checked all that needed looked over and has given me a good bill of health. We ended by settling on the doctor I wanted to take over the responsibility of poking and prodding come next year. It will be a young man with a nice smile and a sense of humor. I doubt he will have to do it for the next thirty years but we can make a start.

Not much else new. Just getting better each day.

Til later….

I ordered these five pound weights on advice from one of the physical therapist. Then I removed two pounds from each one to make them more usable for where I am now. Shoulders, arms and legs can get a better workout with these. With the addition of the stretch bands they gave me, I am getting some good workouts. Plus the fellows have started me walking on the road, but only with them and a walking stick so far. I go a bit further each time.

The six way book has a new drawing/painting. The Wooly Mullein.

One of the therapists told me that Native Americans used to collect the seeds and once a year toss them in the water to drive the fish to the surface. Then they could catch enough to process for winter. Interesting. As a kid, I always liked this weed. It seemed impossible to kill and the feel of those lovely soft, fuzzy leaves was delightful. Speaking of weeds, my yardman is coming the following week to help rid my yard of those taking advantage of my weakness. That and to clean out my pond…algae is clogging the little pump.

I took the black bench off the front entryway, painted it with a color that matches the cedar pergola and will wait until someone stronger comes by and ask them to put it outside under the living room windows. I might put some pots on it come Spring. But for now it will just be waiting outside in the weather.

More phyllo pastries with cheeses, ham and spinach were needed. They make a good meal when effort is too elusive. Most of them are now waiting in the freezer.

The cats are such good companions and will move to whatever room I am in.

I went to my first poetry critique this past Thursday and read the latest poem. This one has inspired me to slowly work on a book to be titled, Brevity. Short pieces that are centered on spacious pages. When I wrote this one, it came all at once with no thinking or planning. I loved how those who might have witnessed this woman could take comfort in her easy passing and perhaps their own one day.

 

Her Last Breath

 

When she drew her last breath,

   it came with the smell

   of strawberries.

 

She closed her lips and smiled

   as she savored

   the last one.

 

And this one from a couple weeks ago. Definitely more autobiographical.

 

There is a Door      

 

There is a door

that doesn’t want to close.

 

I know this because it bounces

back from the door jamb

whenever I pass through.

 

Whatever is behind me

wants to follow, tap my shoulder,

and say, “Don’t forget me.”

 

I pause and say,

“What?”

“What do I need to remember?”

 

But the door just hangs there

on its hinges waiting until I return,

to gently pull it closed.

 

It drags its feet across the threshold,

sighing at my determination

to shut a door behind me.

 

Humidity and heat are slowing me down. I can’t wait until the cooler days of Fall.

In the meantime I write and build my body strength back to what it was two months ago…maybe better!

Til later….