Pat Taub
Flowers in Memory of My Mother
I belong to a progressive church in downtown Portland, which mercifully accepts my spiritual confusion. Last Sunday, in memory of my mother, I donated the altar flowers, purchased at the farmer’s market. They were exactly the kind of natural bouquet Jane would have loved.
Flowers in memory of my mother, Jane Conrad First
Garden Angels Update
A few weeks ago in Short Takes I commented on how last summer, when watering my garden, two nurses from the hospital across the street stopped to tell me how much they enjoyed my garden and how they looked after it by removing discarded beer cans and fast food wrappings. This week, in a repeat of last summer I was watering my garden when two nurses on a smoking break praised my garden. I relayed the story of last summer. One of the nurses quickly spoke up, “That was me and Trudy. We haven’t stopped looking after your garden. It’s a bright spot in our lives.” I profusely thanked Emily, the garden angel, while sending off a little prayer of gratitude.
Another Coincidence
A previous Short Takes featured a photo of Francine, a stranger I photographed at the farmer’s market. Her charming original style and full smile called to me. Wednesday I ran into Francine again, sitting outside at the restaurant, Eventide. She was dressed even more spectacularly this time. Once more she happily agreed to have her picture taken. I joked with her that she may become one of my regular street fashionistas in the same way the New York Times street fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, had his favorites.
Francine outdoors at Eventide
Finale of A Handmaid’s Tale
I watched the last episode of A Handmaid’s Tale this week. I won’t give it away, other than to say that it was riveting! Ofred found her moral fiber although the ending is dubious. Fortunately there will be a second season in 2018. I may go nuts waiting that long!
Granddaughter Jane
Enclosing a photo of my granddaughter, Jane at the Oak Park, Ill. Zoo Camp which she and her brother, Max are attending for the third straight summer. Jane has always dressed in her own individual style. For years she has been giving the peace sign when photographed, making her peace activist grandmother proud!
Granddaughter Jane, another favorite subject
Rising Above Political Despair
My copy of Naomi Klein’s new book on resistance, No is Not Enough, just arrived in the mail. I’d like to start a summer study group around this book, using it as a springboard for taking action against #45.
