"Ya' know, Betty, Porn saved our mariage."

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I've been keeping an eye on the progress at the Foster Avenue underpass. The mural sponsored by the Chicago Public Arts Group is taking shape, and each time I go by there is more to notice. The colored tiles have been added, and grout is being applied.

 squinting at the sun

new buds peek at its brilliance

with bright white pupils

If I’ve decided to write, I open up the laptop in the morning. I don’t use a pen and paper much anymore. For one, my writing is terrible. I never  hold the pen right, and it hurts after a while, and the result is all scribbly and hard to read. So… Read full post »

 Something's happening at the Foster Ave underpass. I first noticed it at the beginning of June, when exiting Lake Shore Drive. A bold black-line drawing appeared, and now it's turning sparkly and bright. A mural's being born, and I've been watching its progress.

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Damn tub-licking cat! Meowing when the light peeks in the blinds, tiptoeing on my back, claw kneading on my head, licking my eyelids cat! Why did I feel so happy to get custody of her in the divorce? Did I forget the 15 years she’d graced us with sneak-pounces and teeth… Read full post »

I should’ve sent them to camp, instead of another summer of ‘Camp Mom,’ I thought, as I bent to pick another wet towel from the grass. Water rose between my toes as I walked to the clothesline. My kids had splashed enough water from the pool that I’d have to run… Read full post »

Hallmark doesn’t make a card for my Dad. I looked. They don’t make the “Thanks for screwing my Mother” card I would have liked to send him as a preteen. Amid the striped ties and sailboats there was no card that said “I’m glad you didn’t raise me – your… Read full post »

I slather spackle over holes you left,
rigging with patches and paint
the wall you built in our house.

I cover the scars and scrapes and screwholes
since you can’t be pulled from your downward spiral
long enough for this project.

As a girl I thought you could fix anything, and you did –
rebui… Read full post »

I have an on-again off-again relationship with makeup. At 13 or so, I fell head over heels with Bonne Bell Lipsmackers and the tubes and pots of colors I saw advertised in Teen magazine and Sassy. My friends and I lurked around the Osco and scoped out the  eyeshadow and mascara,… Read full post »

You invade my dreams

I awaken to your smell

Who's frying bacon?

 This was a response to a challenge from crabby golightly. For all of you in the haiku writing mood, go check out her blog and join the fun. I couldn't figure out how… Read full post »

I lucked out on a clearance Easter turkey last week. That baby’s been served already with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and as sandwiches, but tonight I made it into  soup and Pot Pie.              

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Last night I walked to the lakefront here in Chicago. After sitting at the shore for a while, my companions and I headed around the fieldhouse to look for a place to discard a few bottles. A flash of movement in the plantings behind the building caught our eyes, and what… Read full post »

“Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter…”

I’m finally in the garden, and the Beatles are running through my mind. There’s plenty of room for them to frolic – snipping and raking have always cleared my head.  Along with the sticks and leaves I bund… Read full post »

I’ve been feeling jealous of all the people on OS who seem to have lots of time to write, read, post and comment. Instead of blaming my lack of discipline, I’ve decided that they must have day jobs which allow keyboard and online time. As a nursery school teacher, I don’t… Read full post »

 I only remember two things about Mom’s first breakdown -  staying at Grandma Rose’s and going to visit Mom in the hospital. Being driven to first grade by Uncle Bill, instead of walking there, felt so strange. My brother and sister stayed with other relatives, and I’d onl… Read full post »

It’s Sunday, and I’m compelled to practice the ritual I’ve been faithful to since joining this congregation. As I pull into the parking lot I see I am not alone. The crowed is large, many like me hunger for more in their lives.

I join them at the entrance, take pleasure… Read full post »

I’ve taken my breasts for granted.  They’ve come along on every adventure life has provided, from necking to nursing to empty nesting.  In their heyday they were marvelous, but lately I hardly recognize them. I wish I had appreciated them more.   

In the beginni… Read full post »