glimmers

There's signs of spring, glimmers of the cycles turning once again. Robins in the yard. Red finches and black-headed juncoes. Even a few doves, although they were re-thinking their return when temperatures hit freezing last week.

Rick made the first climb of the season today on Dog Mountain. Pretty sure sign spring is near.

School is still my primary focus. My work this term is non-fiction, not my genre of choice. I find myself writing about the twin girls that I relinquished for adoption when they were just 10-days old. It's been 27 years this spring, and yet when I write about those days that followed losing them, it feels just like the present.

I told Rick that I couldn't have written this essay even ten years ago. It must be time. I don't get to pick what comes up for me in my writing. I only get to choose whether to meet it with courage or step away again. Perhaps I've stepped away enough.

The Hoffman house shifted again. Becca moved out with some friends nearby. Two days later, Missy moved back in. Everyone is on their own path, it seems. Sometimes that path leads back to the old homestead. If I pursue the next level of education next year, I may find myself on that path exactly. Wouldn't that be interesting?

Love to you all.

sherri

p.s. Check out Sam's new blog that tells the story of the Christensens in Hawaii. We sure miss them!! samssurfinsummer.blogspot.com

holiday cheer

It's going to be a quiet December compared to the last couple of months. The girls are definitely doing their own thing this year, and the "tree" is non-traditional climbing houseplant.

We're committed to supporting our local economy by shopping local for the holiday. Spent the morning in 33 degree drizzle at Saturday Market. It was worthwhile, but my toes were numb by the time we got back to the car. All good.

Best wishes to everyone for a happy holiday season.

the momgoose

halloween

Seriously. They weren't kidding when they said life comes at you fast.

Worked both jobs today, and it was nearly 7pm as I'm at the store to buy trick-or-treat candy. Watched football curled up on the couch with a migraine, homework undone.

I'm not really complaining. I signed on for it all. It's just sometimes a bit overwhelming.


Best quote from today is from the head-to-toe tie-dyed owner of the embroidery shop in Rainier, Oregon where I picked up an order of hats for the company rebranding project:

"I look out my window this morning, and there's a horse standing right there," she says. She points to the curb in front of her shop where her truck is now parked.

"The sun was just coming through the morning clouds, shining on the river. Tule fog laying in the folds of the earth. And I think, 'life is pretty damn good.'"
Agreed.

Hangin' in.

sherri