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Island of “Misfit” Toys: Are we?
We all have our own quirks and Rudolph moments. The underdog, who makes it good. The hero, who overcomes all odds and transforms a weakness into herculean strength. The moments we live for, where a cathartic moment in time feeds our soul and reminds us of why we are alive and why who we are…
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Dorothy, Michael Kors, and Mary: Finding the perfect fit
Tornadic weather? Ruby red slippers? Twisters of change? Yeah, that about covers it for why this simple picture of a pair of well-worn designer shoes represent the same kind of change Dorothy experienced in traveling to a foreign land only to realize she already had everything she ever wanted in her own backyard. Okay, maybe…
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Ripe Tomatoes and Blackberry Jelly?
Today held great promise when I jumped out of bed around 5 am. I waited for daylight, so that I could work in my garden and get some things done outside. When it was light enough to get a move on, I sprang into action with my loppers and basket to work on my blackberry…
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I Owe You
My mom passed last week after a long struggle with dementia. A few people asked that I post this online. I’m not sure how much it will resonate because it is so specific to my relationship with my mom, but sharing in case helpful to anyone else: I’ve been going through mom’s pictures this week.…
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Offer Up?
No, no. Not the app that lets you sell anything and everything. I’m talking about the hard core Catholic dogma where you offer up all your suffering…only difference is no one is interested in buying it! I have to laugh remembering a conversation with my nephew’s then fiancé (now wife) last summer after my brother…
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Post 2020 Part II: Recovery
I recently wrote an article about the surprisingly positive aspects of Covid-19 (link at end of article). While it was rewarding and uplifting to hear about how families pulled together and relationships that had been floundering finally thrived, there was this lingering feeling that the case numbers and death tolls were more than statistics and…
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Taking Root
I’m not sure there’s room for one more opinion. Like a lot of people, I’m watching things unfold and I struggle to strike the right balance, where I can observe and be aware without becoming consumed and anxious. I’ve shared pictures of spring, my garden, plants I’m growing…a few funny songs and memes. Pretty much…
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How Many True Loves Can We Expect to Find in This Lifetime?
Had a chance to put something out there on one of my favorite websites. Check it out: https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/11/how-many-true-loves-can-we-expect-to-find-in-this-lifetime-mary-niehaus-ralles/ Well seasoned and well traveled along the road of life, A wise person stopped to ponder a question many often ask… “How many chances do you suppose life has to offer…in matters of the heart?” Having gone…
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A place to BE
I drift into my secret place Just shy of sleep, yet not truly awake Visions of things that may come to be Lucid dreams and future synchronicity Silent whispers nearly gone Just before the morning dawn Sunrise and sunset are both a welcome sight A perfect balance for dark and light I am energy I…
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Hooker Line Proves Profound; Pretty Woman Pretty Smart After All
Summer is finally here and the longer days are consuming more of my time outdoors and in the garden. I don’t want to waste a second when there is so much living to do…and for maybe the first time in my life, writing has taken a backseat to the actual insights of living being served…
Monarchs in the Making…every day treasures.
