Musings Out Loud

Musings Out Loud

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abstract watercolor illustration of a black cat in a field

The Universe Aligned Today

A momentous day indeed.

an abstact watercolor illustration of an empty journal sitting on a table

The Writing That's Missing

Lately I've been thinking about the words I didn't write.

Watercolor illustration of a longhair black-and-white cat

Missing and Heartbroken

This constant state of limbo is incredibly hard.

abstract watercolor illustration of a 6 year old girl standing at the edge of a pond

And Now Six

Sometimes the choice not to continue results in grief.

Abstract watercolor illustration of circles, lines, and other shapes

A Lifetime of Creative Work

I need to find that balance between pushing myself and still enjoying the process.

Watercolor illustration of an empty chair in a doctor's office

We Need Better Care

Stillbirth rates are high in the U.S. We know the risk factors and new legislation aims to address them.

Watercolor illustration of a swirling, dusty wind

The Quality of Air

The air quality in our area has improved and is mostly back to normal. But it feels like a foreshadowing of things to come.

watercolor illustration of a claw foot bathtub filled with water

Conversations in a Bathtub

Talking to my rainbow baby about her sisters.

Watercolor illustration of two women in the distance walking on a winding path through a field

The Winding Journey of Friendship

Friendships are wonderful and hard.

Illustration of tulips scattered on a wooden floor

Unsure of What Comes Next

That's the thing about trauma. It makes you afraid and constantly think of worst-case scenarios.

Abstract watercolor of a blue and rust colored wave

Sad That It's Not Sad

We focus so much on mourning.

Black and white sketch drawing of a writer's compass

A Tattoo of Memories

Seven hours of pain later, I have a new tattoo.

abstract watercolor illustration of a lonely tree near a small pond in a clearing

A Missed Opportunity

Is it worth giving up a potentially uncomfortable moment for so many moments of regret later?

watercolor illustration of a notebook on the ground with a fountain pen and a feather

Consistent and Persistent

I'm not going anywhere.

An old oak tree in early spring with no leaves on the branches, watercolor art

Tangled Branches

My screams are combined with a sobering numbness.

A watercolor image of an open book on a table

Words in the World

I feel like I've found what I'm meant to be doing.

A watercolor painting of a multi-colored birthday cake

The Best Birthday

I was trying to make up for three years of missed birthday joys.

A classroom with desks and a shattered window, watercolor

Intruder

The school may do everything right and it may still not be enough to keep the kids safe.

A bouquet of irises, watercolor

The Ups and Downs of a Week

Last weekend, I had a nightmare.

a shattered mirror, watercolor

It Has Been Seven Years

I write about my pain to let other women know that they're not alone.

A little girl with short dark hair sits on the edge of a pool, watercolor

When a Leap Is Too Much

I was really proud of my 5-year-old for knowing her limits.

a wastepaper basket overflowing with crumpled pieces of paper, watercolor

Stop Publishing Garbage on the Internet

I'm offended by crappy writing.

Image created via Midjourney

My Eyes, My Work

I've realized how much can change in a minute. What if something happens to my sight?

a long-haired cat with black and white fur lying on the ground, looking at something off in the distance, watercolor

Adopting a Cat

I know. I can't adopt a new cat every Christmas. But maybe just one more...