“You can do it, Ron! You can do it!” Mile 17 or 18 of the New York City Marathon. What’s often called ‘hitting the wall.’ A point in the 26.2 miles where a runner longs to just collapse into a fetal position on the sidewalk. I had already shifted into an even slower gear than…
Musings
Mark and Crystal
It’s a pleasant Sunday morning in September, a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m heading to church. A contemporary service that meets in an old theatre on a downtown street found in every city. You know the one. The street where ‘less-than-desirable-to-meet’ people tend to hang out. I was about to walk past this…
‘Almost there . . .’
It was a 5 kilometre community run for a cancer charity. I had just started distance running (at age 55) and was testing my speed intervals in preparation for an upcoming longer run. Approaching the last kilometre, I overtook a young man who was slightly swaying from side to side at a slow pace. I…
I started writing poetry today
I needed some place to put the sadness. The Lady in Blue I didn’t want to be forward.She should have been beautiful – blond, young, slim, poised.But disturbed.Here we were in our little room with two open ends.She, me, an elderly man pursing his lips and blinking his eyes.Waiting to be called to see the…
On ‘I started writing poetry today’
I took a risk putting that poem ‘out there.’ What impressions would I be giving of “Just who do I think I am anyway?” Be assured that I do not consider myself a poet. I was going to add some context before or after the poem. To say that I did not remember when I…
The Ironies of Life
Irony of Life: When we want/need something the most, many of us can afford it the least; and when we can afford it the most, we no longer want or need it. When people ask where I grew up, I often say, “I farmed until I was 2.” That line usually gets a smile. I…
On the Brink of Everything
*Grace, Gravity and Getting Old* How do you decide when you have something, or something more, to say? After publishing his 9th book at age 72, Parker Palmer thought he was done. Then, years later, his editor asked if he was working on anything new. He said ‘no’ but the editor wasn’t convinced. For Parker…
Growing Into a Leader
Let me introduce Josh whom I have known since his graduation from high school. I don’t have a picture. He would be embarrassed to be the centre of attention. So I will share my reflection and preserve his anonymity. After trying a few post-high school jobs, Josh settled into what has become a longer-term career…
Grocery Shopping is More Difficult Now
Wow! I am hungry for everything I see – especially in the Bakery section. Recently my spouse and I decided to alter some of our food and eating habits. I found it quite easy to do that while stretched out in my recliner and just talking about it. Kind of a challenge when actually pushing…
My Name is Robert
His mother may have called him ‘Robbie.’ To his childhood friends he was ‘Bob.’ But now, “My name is Robert.” I met Robert at a Waffle House restaurant on the road from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake. By the way, that is a phenomenally beautiful drive along the river, surrounded by vineyards and historic mansion properties….