Monthly Archives: December 2010

Yes, the dogs are loose

Posted on December 29, 2010 by jyourist

One evening, years ago, when Jane Byrne was Mayor of Chicago (1979-83), I had parked my car in one of those “almost” legal spots downtown. Because Jane Byrne lived downtown, the police were especially vigilant about monitoring illegal parking. (It … Continue reading →

Posted in cars | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

I stayed firmly planted in line

Posted on December 28, 2010 by jyourist

I am getting on Amtrak today to go to Ann Arbor to visit my sister. We’re all in a very long line which twists around the waiting room and out into the hallway and beyond. A tall burly guy in … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, transformation, truth | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Luscious inside and out

Posted on December 27, 2010 by jyourist

You thought this was a relish, didn’t you? Or perhaps some kind of  salsa? But, no. This is a hardy winter soup originally created a few months ago by my son as an autumn soup and it is spectacular—not only … Continue reading →

Posted in cooking, family, food, recipe | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Just Kids by Patti Smith

Posted on December 26, 2010 by jyourist

I just finished reading Just Kids by Patti Smith, a memoir of her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe, their coming of age in New York in the 70s, and their ambitions to be “artists.” I was touched by the story and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, artist, books, memoir, music, photography | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

HABIT by Jane Hirshfield

Posted on December 25, 2010 by jyourist

The shoes put on each time left first, then right. The morning potion’s teaspoon of sweetness stirred always for seven circlings—no fewer, no more— into the cracked blue cup. Touching the pocket for wallet, for keys, before closing the door. … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry, truth | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

When is it time to let go of our old car?

Posted on December 24, 2010 by jyourist

Our Toyota Camry is 11 years old. It has almost 160,000 miles. Every time we take it in for its oil change, the mechanics find something new to fix: the brakes need replacing, all the bulbs in the dash have … Continue reading →

Posted in cars, family | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Something orchidaceous

Posted on December 23, 2010 by jyourist

On a cold wintry day in the midwest, the perfect thing to do is something tropical, something equatorial, and, well, something orchidaceous. When the outside world is white, gray, and homogeneous, the soul hungers for color and inspiration.  So, a … Continue reading →

Posted in flowers, nature, photography | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

I transform and am transformed

Posted on December 22, 2010 by jyourist

I am not superstitious. But everyday I carry this sacred bundle in a pocket or pouch. On the outside is a small Avalokiteshvara, the Boddhisattva of Compassion, who has a thousand hands. (Actually he has only 12 here, but they … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, compassion, sacred, transformation | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

A coppery Winter Solstice

Posted on December 21, 2010 by jyourist

A full moon hangs high in the chilly sky, All say it’s the same everywhere, round and bright. But how can one be sure thousands of li away Wind and perhaps rain snow may not be marring the night? –   … Continue reading →

Posted in moon, nature, winter | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

BEST TEACHER of my life — ever!!

Posted on December 20, 2010 by jyourist

I just received this friend request on Facebook: SO amazing to find you here!! You probably don’t even remember me. No worries because I could never forget you! I’ve always wanted to tell you how grateful I am to you. … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, school, Teaching, transformation | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments