Author Archives: jthere

Mudita: a Buddhist term for finding joy in the happiness and success of others. Every morning after V gets off to school I spend some time at my computer writing.  My desk is upstairs facing the street with a view directly onto my across the street neighbors, who have been renting an apartment for overContinue reading “Mudita”

I need to escape from the news, which seems to be all bad these days. I need a break from the voting rights act being voted down, the latest on January 6th, Omicron, the Ukraine. I keep up minimally just to stay informed but I really am just skimming the stories as I plot myContinue reading “the great escape”

Next month V turns 21 and no, I’m not preparing a celebration in the way one would for a neurotypical person reaching that landmark. Instead this week I’m scheduling and preparing for a re-do of the comprehensive assessment tool that will determine how much annual financial support V will receive based on how I answerContinue reading “the big kids in the elevator”

Hygge is a Danish term defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Pronounced “hoo-guh,” the word is said to have no direct translation in English, though “cozy” comes close. It derives from a sixteenth-century Norwegian term, hugga, meaning “to comfort” or “to console,” which isContinue reading “hygge-esque”

Another long break. A lot to process in these dark days of December. When days are heavy we need to go inward, to have space and time to heal. We also need escapes, something vivid and enveloping to lift our spirits or at least avoid them as we dissolve ourselves into the lives of others.Continue reading “Getting Back”

A week off from writing for the holidays. B came home for the first time in over 6 months and it was wonderful to see him! He was here last Monday to Friday for a low key and lovely visit. Everytime i see him it makes me realize how much I miss him.  So having himContinue reading “Meld”

Infrastructure: The system of public works of a country, state or region As I start preparing (and worrying) about next week’s holiday: the supermarket was out of canned pumpkin I need for pie; how will V survive his first long car ride in two years? ; best of all B will be home for theContinue reading “an ode to infrastructure”

I just got my hair cut really short to get rid of the last of the colored part up top. Like many women, I recently stopped coloring my hair but it was less about the pandemic and more to try to eliminate the dry itchy scalp I have from years of harsh products. I haveContinue reading “Aging Gratefully”

November is the month for giving thanks and we’ve started early this year. Flooded with appreciation for the 12 wonderful years we’ve had with Ruby. We have unofficially entered the hospice stage. T made the call to the vet to ask about putting her to sleep. Although she might be around for a few moreContinue reading “Giving Thanks and Saying Goodbye”

Changing colors on the trees, crisp air and apples, cool weather perfect for walks. What’s not to love about this time of year? And yet at October’s end I always look with some dread towards November, when we switch the clock back and it’s dark earlier. Although it does have two of my favorite holidays,Continue reading “Late Autumn”