Griffins and Ginger Snaps

I use a box to make my latkes. I don’t do fancy additives – no basil or chives or any of the other things I’ve seen online. I might consider melba sauce, but I haven’t gone there yet. I always go back to Carmel. I think last night’s were my finest. They were crispy on the outside, none burned. I’m a both kind of person when it comes to latkes: applesauce AND sour cream....

Friday Food. Latkes. I use a box to make my latkes. I don’t do fancy additives – no basil or chives or any of the other things I’ve seen online. I might consider melba sauce, but I haven’t gone there yet. I always go b…

I’ve been searching for the write inspiration for December, and this first night of Chanukah brought things into perspective. A little bit of perspective. While the internet and the news are filled with antisemitism and protests from people intent on gaslighting the Jewish experience and deny Jewish people the indigeneity of their homeland, I have been on a quest to celebrate Chanukah publicly....

Inspire. December. Chanukah. I’ve been searching for the write inspiration for December, and this first night of Chanukah brought things into perspective. A little bit of perspective. While the internet and the news are filled…

When I was studying Catholicism and becoming Catholic, I wanted to know which saint shared my birthday. As it turned out, when I discovered that "my birthday saint" was St. Francis Xavier, I was a little underwhelmed. Every time I said his name I thought of Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla, and I thought couldn't I have had a better saint....

St. Francis Xavier Mission Church in Kahnawake, Quebec When I was studying Catholicism and becoming Catholic, I wanted to know which saint shared my birthday. As it turned out, when I discovered that “my birthday saint” was St. Francis Xavi…

(c)2023 On Mark Twain's birthday, I wanted to share some of the photos we took when we traveled to his study's current location at Elmira College in Elmira, New York. The study was originally on the Langdon land where he did his writing in this small building. He wrote many of his classic stories here. I've included an information sign from the site.

Mark Twain’s Study (c)2023 On Mark Twain’s birthday, I wanted to share some of the photos we took when we traveled to his study’s current location at Elmira College in Elmira, New York. The study was orig…

Content Warning: Brief mentions of terrorist acts; somewhat graphic....

Thoughts Since October 7th Content Warning: Brief mentions of terrorist acts; somewhat graphic.

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… Visit the post for more.

I wanted to observe this day of remembrance for the transgender people who have been assaulted and murdered in the last year. I wanted to do this especially this year when transphobic rhetoric has been at an all time high, at least in my experience. This day reminds me of those people lost, and it reminds me how I can continue to speak out and make the world safer for trans people....

Transgender Day of Remembrance I wanted to observe this day of remembrance for the transgender people who have been assaulted and murdered in the last year. I wanted to do this especially this year when transphobic rhetoric has …

Yesterday, we lost a pioneer and advocate in the mental health awareness field. Rosalynn Carter was instrumental in beginning the fight against mental illness stigma as well as growing the awareness of mental health issues. She openly talked about her depression and spoke out when it would not have been in her best political interest to do so. She, like her husband, President Jimmy Carter always did things in a way that worked within their consciences through their compassion, empathy, and faith to make the world a better place, one project at a time....

Mental Health Monday – We Give Thanks Yesterday, we lost a pioneer and advocate in the mental health awareness field. Rosalynn Carter was instrumental in beginning the fight against mental illness stigma as well as growing the awarenes…

The photo below represents both the start and the end of the day. Beginning with the end, I have slept with a Dream Catcher for most of my life. I notice a change in my sleep when I don't sleep with one. It creates a calm and peaceful rest as it catches the bad and lets the good continue through. This particular dream catcher is one I got in Niagara Falls, Canada....

Native American Heritage Month – Beginnings & Endings The photo below represents both the start and the end of the day. Beginning with the end, I have slept with a Dream Catcher for most of my life. I notice a change in my sleep when I don’t sle…

I have not been to Starbucks in quite some time. Today is Red Cup Day, so I planned a quick in-and-out/grab-and-go, get my drink, get my cup, and go home to do some work. On the way out the door I grabbed my pouch and keyboard, just in case. I walked in, and this place is hopping. Seven baristas behind the counter, all moving, creating the dance that has everyone doing their parts, seeing the rhythm that is so natural to them, and yet in that small space, no one is tripping over any of the others, smoothly weaving in and out, and the one barista who seems to be tracking everyone's drinks, knows all of our names, our orders, who's waiting for what, greeting, smiling, conversating....

‘Tis the Season I have not been to Starbucks in quite some time. Today is Red Cup Day, so I planned a quick in-and-out/grab-and-go, get my drink, get my cup, and go home to do some work. On the way out the door I …

Experimenting in the kitchen can be very freeing as well as inspiring. I sometimes feel very creative in other areas after making a great meal from scratch. For me, "from scratch" doesn't necessarily mean a two-to-three-hour production. In the third photo below, the rice I used was Minute Rice. Both dishes can be made with leftover chicken. I used baby potatoes, but you could easily take the larger russets or reds and cut them into the smaller pieces, and again it's a great way to finish your bag of potatoes....

Friday Food. Experimenting. Experimenting in the kitchen can be very freeing as well as inspiring. I sometimes feel very creative in other areas after making a great meal from scratch. For me, “from scratch” doesn…

When we visited the Royal Ontario Museum this past August, I knew that I could not visit every nook and cranny as much as I might have liked to. I also knew that with five of us having different interests that we were going to get very frustrated very quickly if we stuck together. Upon entering and deciding who wanted to pay extra for the special dinosaur exhibit, I announced the three places that I wanted to focus on and whoever came with would be welcome, but if they wanted to explore on their own and meet back through texts, that would be great....

The Royal Ontario Museum and Sitting Bull When we visited the Royal Ontario Museum this past August, I knew that I could not visit every nook and cranny as much as I might have liked to. I also knew that with five of us having different in…

These are a few of the things that have inspired me in the last several months and that keep inspiring me. The duality of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Bright and flashy by night; beautiful and awe-inspiring by day (and by night also)....

Inspire. November. These are a few of the things that have inspired me in the last several months and that keep inspiring me. The duality of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Bright and flashy by night; beautiful and a…

Dream Catcher (c)2023 A few days ago, the honoring of Native American Heritage Month began. Like Indigenous Peoples Day, I think this is timed for us to remember that there were both sides to Columbus’ landing in the New World and how we perceive the Thanksgiving story. The Thanksgiving story in and of itself isn’t as problematic to my mind as other European centered celebrations....

Native American Heritage Month Dream Catcher (c)2023 A few days ago, the honoring of Native American Heritage Month began. Like Indigenous Peoples Day, I think this is timed for us to remember that there were both sides to Colum…

I've written before about the saints in my spiritual life. The photo below shows the three I considered for my confirmation saint (next Easter it will be ten years!): Joan of Arc, Kateri Tekakwitha, and Elen of Caernarfon as well as a fourth devotion, Mary, Untier of Knots. I had hoped to have a new prayer for the St. Elen card I sketched, but it wasn't ready for today. I hope to share it in the next week. Who are the saints you ask to intercede for you in prayer?

All Saints Day I’ve written before about the saints in my spiritual life. The photo below shows the three I considered for my confirmation saint (next Easter it will be ten years!): Joan of Arc, Kateri Teka…

Anniversary of St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s Canonization

Anniversary of St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s Canonization Visit the post for more.

Many cultures and religions focus on peace, and with the events of the last couple of weeks, not to mention the last year around the world, it is imperative that we remind ourselves that peace is possible, through us, and around us as we go about our daily lives. Be peace....

Peace is Universal – A Pictorial Many cultures and religions focus on peace, and with the events of the last couple of weeks, not to mention the last year around the world, it is imperative that we remind ourselves that peace is p…

From their website. (c)2023 I’ve mentioned earlier in the year about a retreat I went on in June, which had stayed with me for weeks, and now, for many months. It still reverberates in me. I was privileged to be in attendance as it was guided by Terry and Darlene Wildman. Terry and Darlene are known for their music, which ironically, I did not know until they arrived and began playing and singing....

Terry and Darlene Wildman and Rain Song From their website. (c)2023 I’ve mentioned earlier in the year about a retreat I went on in June, which had stayed with me for weeks, and now, for many months. It still reverberates in me. I was pr…

Indigenous Peoples' Day was Monday, nearly a week ago, but that doesn't mean that now we can forget about an entire culture, language, history, or a people. I usually will say that especially in the Northeast, where the Iroquois, more properly known as the Haudenosaunee lived, we should remember them. There are several things wrong with that sentiment though, and I am embarrassed to admit them....

Kahnawake, Quebec Indigenous Peoples’ Day was Monday, nearly a week ago, but that doesn’t mean that now we can forget about an entire culture, language, history, or a people. I usually will say that espe…

On the Coloring Sheets page, there is a new sheet for Indigenous Peoples' Day which is today. Below I will explain what each square represents. I'm glad that we are beginning to acknowledge the people who were here long before the Europeans arrived and drastically changed things through their way of life, their diseases, their concepts of ownership, and of course, their biases, which for many remain today....

Indigenous Peoples’ Day On the Coloring Sheets page, there is a new sheet for Indigenous Peoples’ Day which is today. Below I will explain what each square represents. I’m glad that we are beginning to acknowl…

An inspiration and a reminder. Looking forward is great. Remembering the good things from the past is also great. But don't forget that we're here now. We live in the now.

Inspire. October. An inspiration and a reminder. Looking forward is great. Remembering the good things from the past is also great. But don’t forget that we’re here now. We live in the now. (c)2023

From the top, clockwise: Sopapillas; Birthday cupcake; Ice cream sundae with marshmallow topping, cherries, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles; Churros; Spumoni. All exceptional; no special occasion needed.

Friday Food. Treat Yo’Self! From the top, clockwise: Sopapillas; Birthday cupcake; Ice cream sundae with marshmallow topping, cherries, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles; Churros; Spumoni. All exceptional; no special occas…

I don’t even know where to begin with this bu****it. The weakest Speaker of the House in US history has been ousted and the Speaker’s position is vacant for the first time in the House of Representative’s 243 years of existence. Good riddance. Kevin McCarthy is nothing more than a sycophantic, lying, piece of garbage scraped off the bottom of my shoe....

Election Connection – Republicans will Never Change their Spots I don’t even know where to begin with this bu****it. The weakest Speaker of the House in US history has been ousted and the Speaker’s position is vacant for the first time in the House of Represent…

Today is the first Monday in October, and that means that Su***de Prevention Awareness month has come to its conclusion. Now that you won't be inundated with reminders every few tweets or threads to check on your friends, to drink your water, to breathe, it may seem as though you've been abandoned at the seashore with friends and neighbors waving you off....

Mental Health Monday – Onward Today is the first Monday in October, and that means that Su***de Prevention Awareness month has come to its conclusion. Now that you won’t be inundated with reminders every few tweets or thr…

Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. (c)2023 Next weekend marks the second anniversary of the death of my priest. In some ways it feels like yesterday and in others it feels like decades since he’s gone. I don’t know if it’s been a disadvantage or an advantage coming into the church so late in life that I’ve only had one priest up until recently....

St. Therese of Lisieux Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. (c)2023 Next weekend marks the second anniversary of the death of my priest. In some ways it feels like yesterday and in others it …

St. Jerome was known for his writing. He translated the Hebrew Scriptures from Hebrew to Latin, which was unusal at the time since most people translated it from a controversial text called the Septuagint, also called The Greek Old Testament. He is the second most prolific writer of in ancient Latin Christianity. The first is Augustine of Hippo, who actually had no problem with the original Septuagint....

Feast Day of St. Jerome (of Stridon) St. Jerome was known for his writing. He translated the Hebrew Scriptures from Hebrew to Latin, which was unusal at the time since most people translated it from a controversial text called the Sep…

Dianne Feinstein

Dianne Feinstein Photo links to news article.

International Safe Abortion Day

International Safe Abortion Day Visit the post for more.

Today is the observance of Yom Kippur. It is the Jewish day of atonement, a time to think back on the bad we've done and ask forgiveness, and to look forward on how we can be better stewards of ourselves and our time. When I was a child, we were not allowed into the temple. I don't know if that was because the tickets were too costly or if we children made too much noise and fidgeted too much....

Mental Health Monday – Quietude Today is the observance of Yom Kippur. It is the Jewish day of atonement, a time to think back on the bad we’ve done and ask forgiveness, and to look forward on how we can be better stewards …

I published this chapbook, The Travel Organizer several years ago, and I was reminded recently that I still have some copies available for sale. I have a limited number that I'm offering on a first come, first serve basis. What that means is that I would need your name, postal address, email address, and payment, and I will send them out within a few days....

The Travel Organizer – Limited Quantities I published this chapbook, The Travel Organizer several years ago, and I was reminded recently that I still have some copies available for sale. I have a limited number that I’m offering on a…

As I mentioned briefly in yesterday's Mental Health Monday post, September 15th would have been writer/illustrator Tomie dePaola’s eighty-ninth birthday. Sadly, he died in 2020 from complications to a bad fall he had at his studio. He wrote over 250 children’s books, writing full time after retiring from teaching in 1978. His books were a staple in my classrooms over the years, often having parts of the curriculum built around specific books and themes that he wrote about....

Celebrating Tomie dePaola As I mentioned briefly in yesterday’s Mental Health Monday post, September 15th would have been writer/illustrator Tomie dePaola’s eighty-ninth birthday. Sadly, he died in 2020 from complicat…

I've mentioned before my writing planner - the calendar where I schedule topics to write about. Some just happen, and others reflect items on the calendar. For instance, I'm working on something for All Saints Day as well as my two writing classes (with prompts), although I'm not sure that those will be going off this year. We'll know soon enough....

Mental Health Monday – Time I’ve mentioned before my writing planner – the calendar where I schedule topics to write about. Some just happen, and others reflect items on the calendar. For instance, I’m worki…

Twice a year this shadow of a cougar appears in Arizona as the sun sets. The next time it will appear is next week, so here is your heads-up to look out for it, or if you're in the area of Apache Junction, Arizona, east of Mesa, visit and see it for youself. It appears the third week in September, and the best time, according to those in the know is about thirty minutes before the official sunset....

Cougar Shadow at Superstition Mountains Twice a year this shadow of a cougar appears in Arizona as the sun sets. The next time it will appear is next week, so here is your heads-up to look out for it, or if you’re in the area of Ap…

Fate. Coincidence. Providence. Are they real? Really real? Thinking about them happening, they might be far off and existential and not as real as touch, but when they happen – BOOM! The slight increase in heartbeat, a hitch in breath, the exhilaration of being aware as something remarkable happens right in front of you. I’ve been aware of the spiritual, the extra-natural, and they are few and far between....

Providence Fate. Coincidence. Providence. Are they real? Really real? Thinking about them happening, they might be far off and existential and not as real as touch, but when they happen – BOOM! The slight inc…

In our travels, I've been touched by how other countries have commemorated 9/11. We saw a tree that had been planted on the grounds of Belfast's City Hall with an adjacent plaque that touched me deeply. In our recent tour of the Mohawk village of Kahnawake in southern Quebec, we learned quite a bit about the Mohawk people of the area and their history, including their history of building many parts of New York City....

September 11th In our travels, I’ve been touched by how other countries have commemorated 9/11. We saw a tree that had been planted on the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall with an adjacent plaque that t…

Today is one of those days that needs some extra quiet. I drove my son to work, and then sat in the car for over 30 minutes, discussing what I wanted to eat for breakfast with myself. Having not really decided, I just sat there. I knew what day it was, but it hadn’t imprinted on my mind yet. When it did, I at least understood my unexplainable melancholy....

Mental Health Monday – September 11th Today is one of those days that needs some extra quiet. I drove my son to work, and then sat in the car for over 30 minutes, discussing what I wanted to eat for breakfast with myself. Having not re…

We were staying in a small town outside of Belfast, in Northern Ireland. This was in 2017. It was our last night, and our cousins, who were hosting us had to tend to an emergency in Donegal, and so we were left to our own devices after their taking care of us so diligently, including feeding our brood of five. My husband had been adhering to a policy (and continues to do so) that he termed TSN - try something new - and with this in mind, we discovered a restaurant in town with Istanbul in the name, and chose a sampler of different fried foods that arrived in a pizza box....

Friday Food. Samosa. We were staying in a small town outside of Belfast, in Northern Ireland. This was in 2017. It was our last night, and our cousins, who were hosting us had to tend to an emergency in Donegal, and so…

I was watching The Shuttlepod Show, hosted by Star Trek alums, Connor Trineer and Dominic Keating. It's a conversational show where they invite and talk to a guest for an hour or so, usually also a Star Trek alum. I've seen several, and enjoyed them. There is insight into the actors, behind the scenes, and the world of Star Trek, past, present, and future....

A Deserted Island I was watching The Shuttlepod Show, hosted by Star Trek alums, Connor Trineer and Dominic Keating. It’s a conversational show where they invite and talk to a guest for an hour or so, usually …

Sometimes an inspiration takes on many forms and has many hands to form it. The pictures below are a couple of my visit (pilgrimage, I suppose it could be called) to the Canadian National Shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. I had been trying to visit here for several years. I was hampered from visiting due to their pandemic closure, and then I thought I wouldn't be able to again this year because their opening hours did not coincide with our vacation plans....

Inspire. September. Sometimes an inspiration takes on many forms and has many hands to form it. The pictures below are a couple of my visit (pilgrimage, I suppose it could be called) to the Canadian National Shrine of…