Late in the afternoon at my July 4th family reunion, we joined in a new tradition... a balloon release. Red, white and blue helium balloons, each representing a loved one who has passed away, were loosed, as we said good-byes to grandparents, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, sisters, brothers, cousins and friends. It was … Continue reading Flying free
Tag: childhood memories
Hillbilly
Shades of blue and grey Smoky Mountains call me home Hillbilly at heart * Haiku Friday is hosted by Lou at LouCeeL.
Reconciliation
With all my nostalgia over childhood July 4th celebrations, I got homesick for Tennessee. I’m headed back this weekend for our family reunion, an annual tradition of more than 80 years. Apparently, so may my estranged brother ~ my only sibling. Someone who I’ve gone years without speaking to or seeing. Over the last several … Continue reading Reconciliation
Old Glory and home of the brave
Sparklers, and firecrackers, Black snakes and jumping jacks Rockets red glare Bomb bursting in air Gunpowder smell of sulphur The tang of smoke, stinging eyes Apple pie and blackberry cobbler, Coconut and chocolate, pecans and caramel Hand-cranked vanilla ice cream, Cans of bittersweet Hershey’s syrup Eaten by spoonfuls with cousin Danny Under farm wagons turned … Continue reading Old Glory and home of the brave
Teenage angst revisited: circa 1978
This past weekend my family held a yard sale, our first in several years. After the first hectic hour, I remembered why I prefer to simply donate items to our local Goodwill and church charities. Sketchy people show up at yard sales, and now they all know where I live... Other than the handful of … Continue reading Teenage angst revisited: circa 1978
Like mother, like daughter
Last weekend my daughter marked a very significant milestone. My mother and her husband made the trip from Tennessee to be with her during this important event. Throughout my entire life, my mom has fussed about her weight. In my childhood memories, I saw her as heavy, when in actuality she was average size. Her … Continue reading Like mother, like daughter
Thin spiral notebook 