Pat Taub
Good News at Last
A peace treaty was signed between the Ukraine and Russia. Biden has scaled back his military budget to provide money for universal health care. Cities across the country are pledging to shift from fossil fuels to green energy. APRIL FOOLS! If only I weren’t playing a joke but reporting on what actually transpired.
A Caring Community
Last Sunday, at my Portland church, State Street United Church of Christ, members of the congregation were greeted with a smooth stone and a magic marker. As I sat through the service, I tried to imagine what use we would be making of our stones. I got my answer when the minister asked us to write one word on our stone that would offer direction to one lost in the woods. My word was “listen.” One by one we walked with our stones to the front of the church and placed them in a pile. I felt connected to the others in a solemn way.
My Home Altar
In my study, I’ve created a small altar that I can glance at over my right shoulder when I type. It always makes me smile. It’s assembled on a small table, draped with my grandmother’s Victorian shawl. My altar holds a photo of my much younger grands, as a flower girl and ring bearer at their niece’s wedding. To the right is a photo of my mother around my age, the requisite Buddha, and other memorabilia.
Spring Flowers
While it’s too early in Maine for tulips to bloom, I can buy them at Trader Joe’s, filling my home with springtime vibes. My mother was a big proponent of having fresh flowers in the house. I think of her when I buy flowers and especially when I arrange them. One of her rules was that the flowers should match the container, which they sort of do in this image from my living room table.
March Madness
Basketball fans, including yours truly, will be glued to their TVs on Saturday to watch the final four teams. The two teams who win their games will play against each other next week for the 2022 collegiate basketball champion. Duke has made it to the final four; their game will be especially emotional since their coach, Mike Krzyzewski, is retiring this season. All the teams are evenly matched, adding to the suspense.
The four teams who will play on Saturday. Mike Krzyzewski is on the far left.
Sending Prayers for Peace in the Ukraine
