Yes, it is true. There are too many people who I really could still use in my life. Their years of experience would certainly come in handy, (never mind their love). Personally, I want to ask them for guidance as I navigate the new terrain I find myself walking on. Not that I listened too much while my elders were alive, but their pearls found their way into my major decisions and guided me when my direction was clouded. Beyond my own need for their shepherding, I often pause when I hear something outlandish and wonder what my grandfather would say about the destruction of the Republican party, and their tearing down long-held principles. I know how sick my mother would be over the continued lies bantered about immigrants. My father, an esteemed surgeon, would be appalled by those who turned down a vaccine and instead believed the misinformation spread like a careless wildfire. Daily I wish my elders still sat around our dinner tables so that we could debate and analyze facts derived from reality instead of the lies that now filter our social media feeds and bias our conversations. I do wish I could talk to dead people because I could use lucidity instead of the smoke and mirrors offered. 
Tag Archives: nature photography
Swimmers
I was born into a family of swimmers, destined to dive into whatever body of water appeared in front of us, with little thought about temperature or current or logic, and I must say this one familial trait is one that I am most grateful for on the day to day through all my years. Both my parents were keen swimmers from start to finish and made sure that their whole brood learned the skill, as they did for my children too. Despite all their best preparations, I did almost drown one summer afternoon when I was probably five or six and we were all enjoying Jones Beach on Long Island. I followed an older brother out beyond my own ability, and eventually lost my strength. He buoyed me as best he could until the strong arm of the lifeguard pressed tight across my chest and ferried me to shore where my panicked parents stood waiting. When I recall that singular event I feel no fear only the salt water coursing around me, waves clipping my face, the broad blue below and above equally enticing, feeling safe somehow. I remember the whole experience with love too, water logged love.
Last Looks
Oh Vermont, ours has been a forty plus year love affair which I still cling to even while I prepare to move west. Happy lake time runs from May into October and brings a constant treat. Diving in takes precedence on most afternoons, yet each time I consider myself lucky. There are more than 800 lakes and ponds in Vermont, one more spectacular than the other: I have done my best to swim in lots of them, although I have found favorites they are all fabulous. Of course there is more to my love than one season’s occupation. There is the richness of green hills against the brilliant blue sky, the sweet smell of yellow flowers that run Spring through Fall, as well as the stark black and white beauty of Winter. All an integral part of me now.
As the movers lift the last of our boxes into their truck, I am certain it will all come with me.
Nine Cent Girl 