Exploring the Third Season of Life

Notes from Vanaprastha

Reflections on Faith, Nature, and Writing

Recent Posts

Greetings

Greetings

As spring creeps up the mountainside to greet us at Vanaprastha, I think about the various ways we say hello and goodbye. A handshake or clasp, palms together as in prayer, a salute or touch, asking, “How are you?” or “Have you eaten?” or in parting, “Until next...

Where food comes from

Where food comes from

Another weekend outing to Davis Creek Farm found us picking up a half hog, patting the mixed-breed hounds and chatting with young farmer Adam again. “Most people don’t understand where food comes from,” Adam said. “One time I was selling chickens at the Farmers’...

Store or Grow

Store or Grow

In the spring of 2010, Keith and I walked the mountain land with our contractor, marking the driveway and house site with an eye towards preserving the venerable oaks of the forest. Our minds envisioned a beautiful completed scene and pondered future projects: a...

People, Places and Things

People, Places and Things

Scene 1: Several weeks ago Person: Sherry, Medical Technician Place: Northridge Medical Park Thing: CheckupS: “Hi, Carole. My name is Sherry, and I’ll be doing your mammogram today.” C: “Oh, thank you so much, Sherry. This is my first time at this facility, but I...

Be Prepared

Be Prepared

Scouts’ motto: Be Prepared. This weekend, snow crept slowly over the mountain ridges filling the valley below, cocooning us in a soft, white lullaby. At risk of being lulled by nature’s beauty, I thought about Lady Wisdom and asked myself, “Am I prepared?” Yes,...

Lead or be led

Lead or be led

There’s an old saying among dog trainers: Lead or be led. When Keith and I adopted a shelter dog a few years ago, I questioned my ability to lead Heathcliff, who weighs almost as much as I do. Even with some good basic training, thanks to the shelter’s Charm School...