O' Christmas Tree-- or not.

 We brought into our home a young cat whose mission, it seems, is to seek and destroy. His name is Hoku (it means "star"), but we should have named him Kolohe (rascal). We love him, but his curious, energetic presence means minimal decorations this year, certainly nothing he can climb, claw, pull down, knock over, or pulverize.

Or eat. Which means no poinsettias. Sad. 

So, yeah, we are back to baby-proofing our house for a little devil disguised as a 9-month-old kitten.

But then Ward, my husband, said, "Let's get a tree anyway! We don't have to decorate it."


No Pushing, No Shoving. Let's Dance.

Mom wants to go out and you can’t let her. But she wants to shop. She doesn’t understand why you’re blocking her. You know she’ll get lost. Heck, the place might not even exist anymore.

Conflict ensues—arguments, anger, yelling, crying, impatience, confusion, regret.

Then it’s over—until the next time. Lather, rinse, repeat.


Christmas without a loved one



At this time of year people turn their attention to holidays, sacred and otherwise. They gather close their family and friends to celebrate with them. It’s a good time to appreciate the connections that make life meaningful and deep. It’s a good time to take stock of life’s priorities. And it’s a good time to reaffirm the truth of all human existence—that love, in all its forms, is what makes our world go round.

I dream of beach days

Dreaming of beach days- photo by Jade Moon

The memories I have are like nuggets of gold-- the crunch of sand, hot and gritty between my toes; the caress of ocean waves warmed by the sun. Most of all, the strength of my father as he carried me on smooth, broad shoulders and walked into the sea-- deeper, deeper until he was almost fully submerged. He lowered me into the water even as I clung to him like an opihi, weightless and warm and loved.