Today's Poem Today Photo by i yunmai on Unsplash. Diet Mentality Why is happiness Tied so closely to a small Number on the scale?
Diet Mentality
Write Your Own Ending
Today's Poem Today Photo by Benoit Gauzere on Unsplash. Write Your Own Ending If how you spend time Creates who you will become: “I’m on my way to…”
Gut Check
Today's Poem Today Photo by Javardh on Unsplash. Gut Check The niggle I feel Genuine, deep in my core I’ll listen to that
Easter
Today's Poem Today Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash Easter Easter dawn rises Bright, blue sky, newly green grass Listen! The earth sings
Return, after COVID
Today's Poem Today Photo by Ben White on Unsplash. Return, after COVID Seeing you at church Filled my longing soul with joy It’s good to be back
Good Friday
Today's Poem Today Photo by Wim van 't Einde on Unsplash. Good Friday How is today "good?" Confusion reigns, yet I trust God's plan for His world.
National Poetry Writing Month
Today's Poem Today Photo by Trust "Tru" Katsande on Unsplash. National Poetry Writing Month A reason to write! A-poem-a-day starts now It’s NaPoWriMo
Anniversary Musings
Today's Poem Today November 30, 1985. Anniversary Musings Blizzard Conditions on the day we were married, we didn't notice. What we didn't know was how much more we could love in thirty-five years. Below is the annual revisiting of our wintry wedding. As I understand it, the year we were married still holds the record … Continue reading Anniversary Musings
Optimism
Photo by Devin Avery on Unsplash. Today's Poem Today Optimism Coffee tells the day We can do anything, so what shall we do first?
Gray Day
Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash. Today's Poem Today Gray Day A rainy morning says, slow down, no need to rush savor this gift
Nesting
Today's Poem Today Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash. Nesting Cool, frosty mornings nudge the nesting instinct, and I must cook and bake
Be Present
Today's Poem Today Photo by Sam Derkach on Unsplash. Be Present Frosted grass sparkles When I look out my front door. I'll worry later.
Sleep-writing
Today's Poem Today Photo by Javardh on Unsplash. Sleep-writing I wrote a haiku in the middle of the night --but I forgot it.
Coffee Date
Today's Poem Today Photo by Zane Lee on Unsplash. Coffee Date Anticipating a visit with a good friend makes a pleasant day
Patience
Today's Poem Today Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash. Patience Quiet thunder rolls Resolving eager tension The teapot is hot
The Aftermath of Pretty
Today's Poem Today Photo by Alex Motoc on Unsplash. The Aftermath of Pretty Sounds of leaf blowers Call out through the morning calm Let's clean up this mess
Missed a Day
Today's Poem Today Photo by Aaron Fernando on Unsplash. Missed a Day A new habit falls easily to the wayside Start again today
Really?
Today's Poem Today Photo by Bookblock on Unsplash. Really? "Out of the habit." My only, sad excuse for, "Why aren't you writing."
Results Unknown
Today's Poem Today Photo by Artiom Vallat on Unsplash. Results Unknown Sun's up this morning Autumn air is crisp and clear Our lives continue
Civic Duty
Today's Poem Today Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash. Civic Duty It's Election Day. Go vote, go vote, go vote -- Go! Vote! Go vote, go vote.
Lazy Leaves
Today's Poem Today Photo by Fatih on Unsplash Lazy Leaves As the trees let go On this crisp, Autumn morning Fat, golden flakes fall.
Revisiting a Similitude of Eternal Beauty
Revisted this week takes a look at love -- what it is beyond initial infatuation, what it is in relation to God. As it reads, I'm fairly certain I was taking a class on the Catholic sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) when I wrote it. It originally appeared in 2014, the third post ever … Continue reading Revisiting a Similitude of Eternal Beauty
Still Biting My Tongue and Finding My Voice
This week's Revisited is as true for me today as it was when it originally appeared in 2014. Since then, I have found that curtailing automatic critique of others has also helped me to find compassion for myself. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash. For the past couple of years, I’ve been working on minding … Continue reading Still Biting My Tongue and Finding My Voice
Always Wondering: Am I Doing God’s Work?
This week's Revisited addresses an ongoing question for me. It first appeared here in 2019. This Labor Day weekend has me pondering, as someone who doesn’t bring home a regular paycheck, what is the work that I do? How do I -- or am I -- contribute(ing) to the good of society? Most importantly, am … Continue reading Always Wondering: Am I Doing God’s Work?
Revisiting the Peace of Unknowing
This piece first appeared here just under a year ago, before I was posting regularly to this blog. We made our first cruise ever last July, and the feeling lingered long enough for me to capture it in words. I hope you enjoy this week's Revisited. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Photo by Susan Fischbach … Continue reading Revisiting the Peace of Unknowing
Commercial Electric Brand Integrated LED Lights
Too Good Not to Share* available at Home Depot We’ve been sprucing up the place, and after having the laundry room repainted (including the ceiling) we noticed the can lights were looking a little yellowed with age. It’s then we discovered how easy it is to upgrade existing ceiling can lights with Commercial Electric’s LED … Continue reading Commercial Electric Brand Integrated LED Lights
There is Treasure in the Cave of Isolation and Darkness
This week's Revisted takes a look back at a post from 2016 -- only the seventh post to this blog. It has a more formal tone than some of my writing, which I assume is because I was taking a class at a Catholic theology school and seminary at the time. As a matter of … Continue reading There is Treasure in the Cave of Isolation and Darkness
Bug Bite Thing
Too Good Not to Share* You know, sometimes a thing is just what it is -- no fancy name needed. So, it is with Bug Bite Thing. It's just the thing to relieve itching from bug bites. I first learned about this little gadget last fall and ordered a couple, having been drawn in (as … Continue reading Bug Bite Thing
After Rain
Today's Poem Today Photo by Robert Katzki on Unsplash. After Rain A young fox explores. A fresh breeze accompanies The songs of bathed birds.
Being Patient with Feeling Stuck
Photo by Fernando Jorge on Unsplash. One of the benefits of spending years in and out of therapy, processing thoughts through writing, and earning 15 credits taking pastoral counseling classes is gaining an array of tools to help navigate the ups and downs of life -- not only gaining the tools but also an awareness … Continue reading Being Patient with Feeling Stuck
Camping
Today’s Poem Today Photo by Susan Isaacs. Camping Beautiful June night For hot dogs over the fire Sharing time with friends
Cut & Color
Today's Poem Today Photo by Shari Sirotnak on Unsplash. Cut & Color Adventure awaits Anything is possible With a new hair style
Ministry
Today's Poem Today Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash. Ministry We can minister Without working for the church Empathy is key
Poetry
Today's Poem Today Photo by Phoebe Strafford on Unsplash. Poetry Writing gratitude Seeing beauty in the dark As well as the light
RV to the Rescue
Today's Poem Today RV to the Rescue A/C out at home First camping trip of the year Is in our driveway
We’re Listening
Today's Poem Today We’re Listening Humility hurts But not as much as seeing Humanity hurt
Meh.
Today's Poem Today Photo by Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash. Meh. No time to lose heart When you’re tired and uninspired Write something, at least
Rest
Today's Poem Today Photo by Robert V. Ruggiero on Unsplash. Rest The breeze cajoles me -- Let yourself be, just be here With a grateful heart
Late Spring Morning
Today's Poem Today Mug by Prouty Pottery, Rapid City, SD. Photo by Susan Isaacs. Late Spring Morning Writing in the screened porch Gorgeous morning for coffee And introspection
Renewal
Today's Poem Today Photo by raquel raclette on Unsplash. Renewal Morning writing speaks Fresh hope, wonder, potential Not felt at midnight
We Begin
Today's Poem Today Photo source: National Museum of the Netherlands. http://europeana.eu/ We Begin Always we begin again. Always we begin again. Always we begin --Credit to St. Benedict
A Beautiful Day
Today's Poem Today Photo by Susan Isaacs. A Beautiful Day Yesterday was a Perfect combination of Friendship, flying, food
I Dreamed I was Writing.
Today's Poem Today Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash. I dreamed I was writing. Words marched In precision parade, Each following each, Waiting at the tip of my pen To be revealed -- To fulfill its purpose. Words grew Into a battalion, Proud to stand together, Ready to be struck down To serve the greater … Continue reading I Dreamed I was Writing.
Snapshot
Today's Poem Today Photo by pine watt on Unsplash. Snapshot Haiku as journal Gives a glimpse into each day But only a glimpse
Cloudy Morning
Today's Poem Today Photo by Rodrigo Rodriguez on Unsplash. Cloudy Morning Dawn hit snooze today Snuggled in a bed of clouds She waited to shine
Sunshine
Today's Poem Today Photo by Zwaddi on Unsplash. Sunshine Brilliant morning sun Energizing the spirit Renewing the earth
Day 71
Today's Poem Today Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash. Day 71 Always life unfolds As it will forevermore I’m done counting days
Day 70
Today's Poem Today Photo by Susan Isaacs. Day 70Blew off my routineTo hang out with the hubbyWe're going flying
Day 69
Today's Poem Today Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash. Day 69 Back to church today Training for sanitizing Masses resume soon
Day 68
Today's Poem Today Day 68 The screened porch beckoned Just realized I didn't Write a haiku yet
Day 67
Today's Poem Today Photo by Carolanne Gauthier on Unsplash. Day 67 So sunny and bright I may go do some yard work It’ll shock my husband
Day 66
Today's Poem Today Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash. Day 66 Reclaim healthy ways Morning journaling, fresh air, And meditation
Day 65
Today's Poem Today Day 65 Late to the party Urgent matter to attend Purchased a toilet
Day 64
Today's Poem Today Image by dograapps from Pixabay. Day 64 It's an occasion Our son came for a visit Dinner and board games
Day 63
Today's Poem Today Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash. Day 63 Why, oh, why, oh, why? Why so elusive, dear sleep? I thought we were friends.
Day 62
Today's Poem Today Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash. Day 62 Sunday’s without Mass I miss gathering in our Eucharistic faith
Day 61
Today's Poem Today Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash. Day 61 Saturday Morning Off to the farmers market For local honey
Day 60
Today's Poem Today Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash. Day 60 I’m not sure there’s a poem in me right now
Day 59: Insomnia
Today's Poem Today Photo by Ihor Malytskyi on Unsplash. Insomnia ~ thief of tonight’s dreams and tomorrow’s coherent sentences
Day 58
Today's Poem Today Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash. Day 58 Seeing friends today From a safe distance, of course Still missing the hugs
Day 57
Today's Poem Today Day 57 Weather is warmer Going out a little more ---Sadly puts on bra
Day 56
Today's Poem Today Day 56 Blood donation day Big beef lunch coming right up Juice, cookies later
Mother’s Day (Day 55)
Today's Poem Today Photo by Mike on Unsplash. Mother’s Day (Day 55) Can’t visit my mom So I’ll zoom all my love in Gratitude for hers.
Day 54
Today's Poem Today Photo by Gregory Pappas on Unsplash. Day 54 Beautiful morning Late frost and no alarm mean Snuggling in bed late
Day 19
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic has been a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. This entry is the last in the series, as all others (beginning with Day 16, written on April 1) have been previously posted. Day 19 Morning rhythm off Facebook cut in early so This is my haiku
Day 52
Today's Poem Today Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash Day 52 Dreamed I was taking A poetry class -- “Do it,” You might be thinking.
Day 20
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 20
Day 52
Today's Poem Today Photo by Bence Kiss-Dobronyi on Unsplash. Day 52 Life will feel normal When we can all go to church -- And restaurants, of course.
Day 21
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 21
Day 51
Photo by Jenny Marvin on Unsplash. Day 51 Lots of things to do So meditation will be On top of the list
Day 22
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 22
Day 50
Today's Poem Today Photo by Shirley Tittermary on Unsplash Day 50 We’re up and at ‘em I need to write a haiku And sip my coffee
Day 23
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 23
Day 49
Today's Poem Today* Photo by Tom Barrett on Unsplash. If there's not such a thing as a two stanza haiku, I don't know what this is. Day 49 False dichotomy: “Living scared”/ live as before There are more options It’s not “living scared” To proceed in this new world Smarter than before ~Susan Fischbach Isaacs … Continue reading Day 49
Day 24
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 24
Day 48
Today's Poem Today Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash. Day 48 Jesus, Good Shepherd We can be rebellious sheep Thanks for your mercy
Day 25
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 25
Day 47
Today's Poem Today Day 47 A spark of insight Reveals an exciting path -- Possibilities
Over It
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash It’s time for a deeper-level check-in than a haiku. At this writing, it’s day 46 of me keeping mostly to home, so we’ve had more than a Lent’s-worth of shelter in place; but even though the Easter candy is long gone, it feels more like Lent than ever. The … Continue reading Over It
Day 26
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 26
Day 46
Today's Poem Today Day 46 Well, this introvert Has had enough alone time. Who’d have ever thought...
Day 28
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 28
Day 45
Today's Poem Today Day 45 Trees, flowers renew While inside I’m longing for Springtime for my soul
Day 29
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 29
Day 44
Today's Poem Today Day 44 No haiku today I don’t really feel like it Well, maybe just this
Day 30
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 30
Day 43
Today's Poem Today Day 43 Praying for people With mysterious symptoms Lord, not corona
Day 31
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 31
Day 42
Today's Poem Today Day 42 A haiku-a-day Isn’t so hard, you just need To count your syl-la-
Day 32
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 32
Day 41
Today's Poem Today Day 41 Arguing about Nonsense because we’re running Out of things to do
Day 33
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 33
Day 40
Today's Poem Today Day 40 It's been forty days Like another Lent this year We still wait with hope
Day 34
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 34
Day 39 — A & B
Today's Poem Today It's a twofer again, today. I woke up thinking about A, then looked in the mirror and got B. 39A Bad habits must stop Ten o’clock bedtime tonight I said so, that’s why 39B It’s hairmageddon The threat of crafting shears And boxed dye looms near
Day 35
Poems During a Pandemic Poems During a Pandemic is a limited companion series to Today’s Poems Today. Here you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I’ll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get back to April … Continue reading Day 35
Day 37.5 & Day 38
Today's Poem Today This morning's entry is a twofer. Day 37.5 was written during the night as I mulled over the day before. Day 38 is less than 15 minutes old. It would have been more appropriate for Earth Day yesterday, perhaps, but it wasn't raining here then. Day 37.5 Mild anxiety Like a hum … Continue reading Day 37.5 & Day 38
Day 36
Poems During a Pandemic As a companion to Today's Poems Today, I'm starting a limited series, Poems During a Pandemic, where you will find the poems I have written since April 1 (day 16 of my sheltering in place). Each evening I'll post a previously unshared poem working backward in time, one-poem-a-day, until we get … Continue reading Day 36
Day 37
Today's Poem Today Day 37 Bright sun in tree tops Shadows on the grass below Beauty through contrast Today's Poem Today is a new adventure. Since April 1 of this year, I've been writing a poem every morning (often a haiku), then posting a few of them days or even more than a week later. … Continue reading Day 37
Some Good News
Too Good Not to Share John Krasinski, Some Good News. This week’s Too Good Not to Share is another diversion from the constant weight of the ongoing corona virus. Actor John Krasinski is asking himself, lately, a question we have all asked over the years: why don’t we ever hear the good news? Krasinski has … Continue reading Some Good News
Changing Focus
Photo by Romain Vignes on Unsplash. Thirty-three days ago, when I decided to stick close to home (and just days before we were asked to shelter-in-place), the idea of hanging back, stepping out of the rush of life felt not only like a wise choice for my health, but also seasonally appropriate. For Catholics and … Continue reading Changing Focus
Haikus: Day 17 & Day 21
It's a shower day ~ Maybe make-up, too, because ~ Three video calls.
View from My Window
Too Good Not to Share* View from my window by Susan Fischbach Isaacs. My goal on these Tuesdays of late is to share something to mitigate the stress/boredom/anxiety/whatever-you-might-be-feeling-while-folks-around-the-world-have-gone-practically-dormant, and to also have it be something that costs nothing but a few minutes of your time. Today’s Too Good Not to Share comes from a friend … Continue reading View from My Window
Day 27: An Easter Haiku
Can't go to Mass but ~ Jesus isn't quarantined ~ The tomb is empty
Day 16
Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash. Day 16 Habit tracking is saving me -- Mostly. Daily goals fill the time. Journaling, reflexive now. Seven thousand steps, Nearly a given. Reading, writing, and meditation Battle it out -- almost always make it Except meditation, lately. Newer on the scene, appearing More days than not: Ten hours … Continue reading Day 16
Quarantine Got Your Sleep?
Too Good Not to Share Photo by Elena Koycheva on Unsplash. Some of us are naturally anxious, and some of us have become anxious during these last few weeks of disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s one small trick to help relieve a bit of night-time anxiety: Don’t. Look. At. The. Clock. If you’re … Continue reading Quarantine Got Your Sleep?
Day 18
Desktop morning Mass ~ Spiritual communion ~ Water for parched souls
Stuck Safe
Stuck ~ at home. ~ I feel mired. ~ Can't get into ~ my car and go where ~ I darn well wan to go. ~ Time stands still 'til I'm
Write Now: Exacompta Desk Journal
Too Good Not to Share* In these very unusual days, I've heard it advised that we should all be keeping a record of how we're spending our time. No doubt, these weeks we're passing will become the stuff of Remember When stories and history books; so if you haven't already, you best get to writing. … Continue reading Write Now: Exacompta Desk Journal
Nothing’s Happening but Things Still Change
Photo by Nicolas Moscarda on Unsplash. Over-all, I’d say that sticking close to home these last ten or eleven days has been a good experience. Of course, an introvert would say so, and it’s true that my life hasn’t changed in any dramatic way. Yet it does feel different -- more profound somehow. I think … Continue reading Nothing’s Happening but Things Still Change
Too Good Not to Share: Cooped Up Edition
Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash. A 15-minute walk outside -- who knew? Likely everyone but me; and truth be told, I knew. I mean -- I’ve read it, heard people say it, seen Facebook posts with the photos, and even done it a few times. So, yes, I knew that taking a walk … Continue reading Too Good Not to Share: Cooped Up Edition
Creativity Rising
Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash. Day five of near-isolation. What I’ve noticed to my great joy, and what is not ususally apparent on social media, is that it seems to be human nature to take care of one another. In these times where we’re getting down to what’s real and what matters, our self-important … Continue reading Creativity Rising
Book Review: Me, Myself and Them by Dan Mooney
Too Good Not to Share* Consider the voices we all carry in our heads -- the ones that say we’re not good enough or strong enough, or likable enough. In Denis, we see the effect of those voices magnified as his fairly normal-looking, if oddly regimented, life goes on after surviving trauma that happened years … Continue reading Book Review: Me, Myself and Them by Dan Mooney
My Tiny Editor
Photo from Unsplash.com. My Tiny Editor She nags, wags, frets, flags poo-poos, eschews, says you’re a loser as a poet. She deletes, repeats, never retreats doubts, shouts, thinks about hushes, shushes, says not much is good here and you know it.
Norpro Egg-Perfect Egg Timer
Too Good Not to Share* Norpro Egg-Perfect Egg Timer. Far from a natural in the kitchen, I was happy to find this handy little egg timer several years ago. It’s low tech, easily washable, and all-in-all pretty straight forward. Just put this little gem in the pan of water when you boil eggs (all in … Continue reading Norpro Egg-Perfect Egg Timer
Caught on the Playground
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash. Caught on the Playground On the monkey bars swinging wildly from insecurity to irrationality to insecurity to irrationality; On the merry-go-round whipping ‘round and ‘round, Now what? Now what? Now what? Climbing the tall ladder of angst to ride the slide into deep despair; Hopscotching over happiness; Then, tagged … Continue reading Caught on the Playground
Let Your Prayer Rise Like Incense
Too Good Not to Share* Perhaps for Lent you have committed to more intentional prayer, and perhaps you saw this recent article from Aleteia: How Incense Can Improve Your Prayer Life. If you happen to be looking for good incense sticks for your practice of prayer or meditation, my recommendation is Kalki, made in India, … Continue reading Let Your Prayer Rise Like Incense
The Lost Needle
Photo by Susan Fischbach Isaacs. The Lost Needle I just lost my embroidery needle: so small I can only thread it by muscle memory or magic, so sharp and fine I wear a leather thimble so the dull end won’t stab my finger every time I push a stitch through. I know I shouldn’t have … Continue reading The Lost Needle
Fat Tuesday: Special Edition
Photo by Susan Fischbach Isaacs. We interrupt Too Good Not to Share Tuesday for a bonus reflection on this Fat Tuesday. Today being the day before Ash Wednesday makes it a good time to spend a few minutes reflecting on how we might make this Lent a spiritually meaningful one. As for me, I’ve fallen … Continue reading Fat Tuesday: Special Edition
Mindful Motivation
Photo by Susan Fischbach Isaacs. I started wearing my Fitbit again this week. It turns out my awareness needs some help regarding the amount of time I spend moving each day. In the spirit of mindfulness that came from the meditation classes I’ve taken recently and also from my reading about intermittent fasting, I decided … Continue reading Mindful Motivation
Coloring Sheet Circle Habit Tracker
Too Good Not to Share* My new favorite habit tracker. This year I’ve been coming to the awareness that there are several things I want to do to make me a healthier, more balanced person. Many of them, like writing, are things I enjoy, but still somehow don’t make regular time for; others, like moving … Continue reading Coloring Sheet Circle Habit Tracker
Not Found at the Card Shop
My Valentine and me. Not Found at the Card Shop You and IWe twoAre balance and counterbalance You stand securePorous stone, able to absorb meWhen I dissolve into tearsIn your arms I stand on the backOf the lawn tractor while youScoop heavy loads of rockFrom the creek
Kitchen Shears
Too Good Not to Share* Photo by Susan Fischbach Isaacs. There’s nothing like having guests in your home to help you see things with fresh eyes. My uncle recently commented, as I trimmed the fat from boneless, skinless chicken thighs, “I guess I need some kitchen shears,” and went on to say how handy they … Continue reading Kitchen Shears
The Perfect Shade of Joy
Here's a new, quick, fun poem from an assignment, “to write about discovering something.” Photo from https://psychologenie.com/the-power-of-colors-their-meanings. The Perfect Shade of Joy There is a joy that comes with a new discovery. Life can be so ordinary and predictable. At a certain age we’ve experienced everything -- or hope we have. We aren’t expecting well, … Continue reading The Perfect Shade of Joy
Write On!
Too Good Not to Share* Image from Staples.com The other day I went into a giant office supplies store for a ream of paper. My husband decided to take his chances and wait in the car even though he’s well aware of how distracted I can get while shopping. He was probably counting on time … Continue reading Write On!
Unread Books
I'll be writing poetry for a class for the next few months. Some of them will show up here as Saturday Reflections. Enjoy. My cairns. Photo by Susan Fischbach Isaacs Unread Books The clean, prairie landscape of her coffee table is obscured by cairns not of stones, but of books: The stack of three, from … Continue reading Unread Books
Dryer Balls
Too Good Not to Share Photo by Susan Fischbach Isaacs Dryer balls -- there -- I said it. I was a dryer sheets girl for more than a couple of decades before I discovered dryer balls. They are available in different materials from rubber to plastic to wool. The only ones I’ve ever bought are … Continue reading Dryer Balls
Thank God. Alleluia! And Amen!
My meditation space. Photo by Susan Fischbach Isacs I am not my thoughts. Thank God. Alleluia! And Amen! Especially in the middle of some long nights, inside my head is a pretty rough neighborhood to get lost in; but since I took my first meditation class two years ago things are improving; I know those … Continue reading Thank God. Alleluia! And Amen!
When Life is Draining: Smart Funnel
Too Good Not to Share* Trying to get the last bit of honey out of the bottle or liquid soap out of its container is so frustrating and time-consuming that it’s easy to think it’s not worth the effort -- unless you have a Smart Funnel. This handy-dandy gadget retails for under $10 and saves … Continue reading When Life is Draining: Smart Funnel
Broken Together
Image from Opera Mom Says Tragic is not a big enough word to describe the death of an intelligent, creative, curious soul such as Dimitri embodied. We, on this earth, will never find the sense in it -- why a child who grew up with a loving family in a comfortable home in a safe … Continue reading Broken Together
GRIPSTIC Bag Sealer
Too Good Not to Share* Chip clips, ugh. They take up extra room on the bag they’re sealing, they take way too much space to store when not in use, then, they break. I end up just keeping a handful of clothes pins in the kitchen, but they don’t seal open packages as well as … Continue reading GRIPSTIC Bag Sealer
Too Many Hyphens: Or My Life-Changing, 30-Day, Alcohol-Free Experiment
https://wakinguptheghost.com/the-7-reasons-recovering-alcoholics-drink-club-soda/ On New Year’s Eve I posted an installment of Too Good Not to Share recommending a 30-Day alcohol-free experiment I had done in 2014, with the promise, at that writing, of sharing some of the long-term benefits I’ve enjoyed since then. First, because of the nearly immediate positives of better sleep, younger looking skin, … Continue reading Too Many Hyphens: Or My Life-Changing, 30-Day, Alcohol-Free Experiment
Lazy Kitchen Tools
Too Good Not to Share* https://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Ray-Gadgets-2-Piece-Orange/dp/B001Q6I9WI Over the holidays I spent more time in the kitchen than I had been and fell back in love with my Rachel Ray Lazy Spoon. It’s a straight-forward silicone spoon that’s heat resistant to 500 degrees, and it’s not-so-secret super power is the notch in its handle. This little … Continue reading Lazy Kitchen Tools
When I’m in It
Woman and dog; English studio portrait, c. 1900. Photo copyright Mary E. Thurston, Argus Communications, Allen , TX. It’s hard to see my way out when I’m in it Long, impossible weeks stretch ahead, fatigue, disinterest -- in anything; even my favorite foods don’t appeal I know -- because I know -- that there is … Continue reading When I’m in It
I’m Making 2020 a Year of Playfulness
https://pixels.com/featured/playfulness-carol-stanley.html I've noticed the idea floated in the last week or so not to bother with New Year’s resolutions (which I never have), but instead to pick a word or theme to guide you for the year. That’s an idea that fills me with excitement rather than dread. There is so much potential in a … Continue reading I’m Making 2020 a Year of Playfulness
The 30-Day Alcohol-Free Experiment
Too Good Not to Share This week’s TGNtS is sometimes called Dry January and is touted by the likes of Men’s Health and USA Today, as well as numerous others. While I’ve never done Dry January, I did do a 30-day alcohol-free experiment, which started rather spontaneously in early August of 2014. Because of the … Continue reading The 30-Day Alcohol-Free Experiment
2019, Upon Reflection
In this calendar year several, major, seemingly-unrelated events spurred me to action despite my fears. In the past I would have allowed these fears to paralyze and protect me, but this year was different somehow. Since this is my last reflection for 2019, it seems appropriate to contemplate these events and see if there is … Continue reading 2019, Upon Reflection
Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee
Instant espresso, you say? Why bother to read on?!... I know, I know...I’m clearly not a coffee snob, but I know what I like. For me, I’m often home alone and really don’t need a whole pot of coffee. I just like a cup in the morning. Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee is at the … Continue reading Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee
Waiting or Anticipating?
Perhaps the timing is not so coincidental, Advent being almost over at this point, but it occurs to me today that I am not good at waiting. When I wait I tend to “piddle around,” “kill time,” and occupy myself with mindlessness like cruising social media or wandering through a department store. I’m not waiting, … Continue reading Waiting or Anticipating?
Chemo Port Access Shirt
Photo from careandwear.com We interrupt the traditional gift-giving theme with a fashionable, functional idea for the person in your life who faces chemo during the holidays and beyond. The Dual Port Access shirt is not only a huge convenience for chemo nurses to access the patient’s port, it also helps preserve the dignity of the … Continue reading Chemo Port Access Shirt
Childlike Joy
Our little, lighted tree on the hill. Photo by Susan Isaacs This morning I woke up early enough (and the sky was gray enough) that I got to enjoy the lighted Christmas tree that we have put up behind our house. It creates a sweet, holiday vignette from my chair in the sunroom, and it … Continue reading Childlike Joy
Sash Bag: No Purse Necessary
Too Good Not to Share If you really want to wow a special woman this giving season, let me suggest you check out the Sash Bag. I’ve been carrying a Sash, rather than a traditional purse, exclusively for a couple of years, and I’ll never go back to the purses I carried before -- in … Continue reading Sash Bag: No Purse Necessary
Freedom from Traditions
One of the blessings, I suppose, of living my adult life away from extended family has been the freedom to do things our own way. As the holiday time of year is again upon us, I am renewed in the sense of gratitude that we’re not tied to any particular traditions that will make or … Continue reading Freedom from Traditions
What is Christmas?
Quilt by Susan Isaacs and Eldora Fiscbach. Photo by Susan Isaacs. This installment of Revisited is my first ever piece of published writing. My poem, “What is Christmas?” appeared in our local weekly newspaper, The Faith Independent, on December 6, 1978. I was 13 years old and had written the poem in my bedroom at … Continue reading What is Christmas?
Low-profile, Hole-less Belts
Too Good Not to Share* GRIP6 Anson Belt & Buckle For the guy or woman who has everything, how about getting them a low-profile, hole-less belt? There are two companies I’ve had experience with, having bought their belts for my husband, and they are both quality products. The companies are: GRIP6 and Anson Belt & … Continue reading Low-profile, Hole-less Belts
Wedded Bliss: 34 Years Later
I'm sharing this again, although I first posted it about five years ago and originally wrote it almost 25 years ago. Today is Dean's and my 34th wedding anniversary. Our story has grown in a myriad unexpected ways that have only made us a better couple through the years, but I will never tire of … Continue reading Wedded Bliss: 34 Years Later
Monk Manual: A System for Being + Doing
Too Good Not to Share* image from monkmanual.com For the next several weeks TGNtS will take a turn toward holiday gift-giving ideas, and we’ll start today with Monk Manual. This is a new discovery for me in just the last six weeks or so, and it’s been the rare healthy habit that I’m actually following … Continue reading Monk Manual: A System for Being + Doing
Being: Waking Up to Who We Are*
*Part 2 of 2 Outside the Tomb of Christ, Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Photo by Susan Fischbach Isaacs I met with a friend recently who, in years past, has so adamantly put herself last that I have left our time together with an uneasy feeling about our friendship. She seemed often to be focused … Continue reading Being: Waking Up to Who We Are*
Folding Travel Hangers
Too Good Not to Share* One of my all time favorite travel products, and one I’ve been using for a few years is a set of folding travel hangers. When sharing a hotel room, whether with my husband or a girlfriend on a weekend getaway, there are never enough hangers in the hotel closet. This … Continue reading Folding Travel Hangers
Dawning: Waking Up to Who We Are*
I’m noticing a trend in the last several weeks where I’m waking up naturally at about 7:00 AM. So far, for the most part, I’ve been rolling over to sleep more -- just on principle. 7:00 just sounds so early. The truth is, though, I’ve been trying to get myself to bed earlier, at about 10:00 PM. I read until I fall asleep, but that’s almost always
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