Last year, my parents announced they would no longer be putting up a tree at Christmas. Both in their 80s, handing down the ornaments from the attic and dragging the tree from the basement had become too much. I was saddened by the news. Since I was a baby, there has been a Christmas tree … Continue reading O, Christmas Tree
Author: MermaidofthePlains
A Grateful Heart
Thanksgiving 2014 is in the books, as they say. It was a quiet day, spent with my husband and parents. Call me crazy, but I somewhat missed having too many people in an already crowded and warm kitchen, precariously stacked dirty dishes, having to place dibs on one of the bathrooms, and the beautiful din … Continue reading A Grateful Heart
November 17
Today, she would've been 36 years old. I remember standing outside the hospital nursery, searching for my niece. Through the glass I could see her tiny red cheeks and black hair. So small, so precious, and yet, so daunting. I was twelve years old when she was born and I could only imagine her life … Continue reading November 17
Last Days of Fall
Old Man Winter has arrived with a vengeance, blowing the leaves off trees, sending them to cower in piles against fences and back doors. The temperature feels more like mid-February than early November. Fortunately, we were able to take a walk through the Pawnee Prairie Nature Trails on Sunday and bask in the late morning … Continue reading Last Days of Fall
Day ?? of Wild and Exciting Little Things: Housekeeping
There was a time I enjoyed cleaning the house. Running a dust cloth over the dining room table, mantel, and bedside tables was therapeutic. My mind would wander, an outline for a new short story created, day old anger vented with a sponge and Scrubbing Bubbles. And at the end of a few hours, with everything back in its place, woodwork … Continue reading Day ?? of Wild and Exciting Little Things: Housekeeping
Day #36 and 37: This Man
Today, we celebrate our 15th anniversary. It's been 20 years since we met on a blind date. I was 16 when I announced to my parents I was never getting married or having children. This man changed my mind: Brad Olmsted 10 hrs · Edited ·Facebook "Once upon a time there was a very … Continue reading Day #36 and 37: This Man
Day #35 of Wild and Exciting Little Things: I Voted
I was home ill on election day. Luckily, I'd taken advantage of advanced voting. Cuddled in bed, body cramping with body aches, I perused Facebook and noted all of the I Voted stickers. No matter the political party, I was glad to see my newsfeed filled with photos of I Voted stickers on noses, foreheads, … Continue reading Day #35 of Wild and Exciting Little Things: I Voted
Day #33 and 34 (day of and day after): The Toy Run
After a two-year hiatus as a rally, organizers of one of the city’s most unsung events were able to bring back the Toy Run. This was my husband’s ninth Toy Run and my sixth as actual bikers, having spent previous years curbside cheering on the motorcycle community of Wichita. Initiated in 1980 by members of … Continue reading Day #33 and 34 (day of and day after): The Toy Run
Day #32 (Saturday) of Wild and Exciting Little Things: Local Artwork
I don't consider myself a connoisseur of art, I just know what I like. I'm drawn to vivid color, depth, and skulls, with an occasional lean towards whimsy and a guilty pleasure of seascapes. I'm especially supportive of local artists. Wichita has an exceptional art community. From the highly trained to the self-taught, from oils … Continue reading Day #32 (Saturday) of Wild and Exciting Little Things: Local Artwork
Mermaid of the Plains 