Illinois

December 12, 2013 Image

this morning’s sunrise
color filled the sky
as I looked back
over my shoulder
waiting on that dog

this morning’s sunrise
I nearly missed it
considered shortcutting
skipping our usual park walk
so glad we took the long way

this morning’s sunrise
all the more beautiful
because of the still, quiet, calm
across a neighborhood
usually filled with busy sounds

this morning’s sunrise
I paused to take a photograph
a picture never does it justice
the color is richer
the pink truer
the clouds more fanciful
yet a photo catches the moment
when I removed my gray fleece glove

this morning’s sun rose
just a little before seven a.m.
the temperature was zero
my weather app said it felt like -15 
cold
it was cold
Blue and I kept walking
on toward the park
moving closer to home
as the sky smiled
in shades of pink, lavender and blue
white sky now
a winter one
so glad I was up and at ‘em
and didn’t miss the glowing glory
of this morning’s sunrise

December 12, 2013

It is 10:26am now. Outside temperatures have warmed up to 12 degrees F, and it feels like -6 now. Warming up!

March 24, 2013

snow boots…again

I awoke and looked out the window. That is something I usually do. Today I needed to verify that I’d be back in my snow boots to walk Blue. Sure enough. We got enough snow overnight to nearly cover the grass. That big ol’ dog and I set out on our usual path, sorta mosey-walkin’-strollin’-tuggin’ as we circle ‘round the block and through the park. Blue had fun snow walkin’, with his nose poked through the white stuff, to sniff all o’er the ground. I’m not sure if there is more snow on the way… I’ll just watch out the window to get my answer. Just wanted to let you know the latest in Bloomington, Illinois Weather…’cause if it’s not one thing, it’s another. Hope you have a great Sunday, Palm Sunday at that!

March 24, 2013

March 22, 2013

turn it upside down

One of my closest friends and I have been texting, literally since we both woke up today. This is nothing new between she and I…we both have A LOT to say! Best of all, we just say it. No holds barred. No walls.

So, at 8:40am, when she texted me a sad face 😦
I replied…
No sad faces
I have a f’ing rule!!!!
I cannot bear them
My heart is already breaking a zillion different ways
I’m making an egg and toast and coffee for me
Dog needs to stop woofing!
Or I could just go back to bed. Like all day.

That oh, so smart woman, a beyond marvelous friend, responded, “Do what works for u… :)”

A smile! Much better! That just helps me cope.

I wrote again to say:
Food
Art
I’ll be ok
Have a happy Florida day!

She believed me, for she knows me well enough to read my barometric pressure, even while on a l’il bit early Spring Break getaway, from more than a few states away.

It’s nearly 10:00am now. My breakfast has been consumed. First mug o’coffee is in my weary system too. I planned ahead and made an extra mug today. Knew I needed whatever amount o’kick in the arse it’d give me.
~ Janean

March 22, 2013

March 20, 2013 Image

“looks can be deceiving”
I walked through the park
with my big sweet pup
midday, as we often do
the sky is quite lovely
a gorgeous shade o’blue
the clouds are puffy white
and daydream-like
from the window
things look balmy
but that March wind
blows in great big gusts
hits you hard
and knocks you back
it’s still Lion Time in Illinois
even today
on the first day of Spring
brrrrrr
I’m downright cold
still feelin’ chilled
even back inside
within the warmth
and comfort
of home

March 20, 2013

March 13, 2013 Image

I’m finally mailing our Illinois state taxes.
Snail mail is necessary, to send extra paperwork required.
Doggone Tax Time.
Stapling W-2 then mailing.
Just a week or so after finishing…
There is a grape jelly smudge on them.
Oh well.
A l’il sign of Food, Family and Life.
That about sums it up.
For these are the things that go “in between” the famous Ben Franklin quote, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
So we learn to savor each day and happy moment we are given, even as we dutifully see to the need to fulfill all legal requirements.

March 13, 2013

March 12, 2013

an Illinois observation

snow flurries dance upon the wind
bird song floats from the trees
the ground is nearly thawed
now the sun is shining
the flurries already gone
on this chilly March afternoon
must be spring in Illinois
when anything can happen
just talkin’ ‘bout the weather
it’s still Lion Time

March 12, 2013

January 26, 2013

still standing

I’m breathing in crisp night air
while standing on the curb
just outside the hospital doors
waiting for the hotel shuttle
whisking me back
for my last night in Princess Room
if only I could see the moon
but alas, it’s too cloudy

January 25, 2013
Loyola hospital
near Chicago
northern Illinois