• Perception is Everything

    A few days ago I was stopped for a traffic light at a very busy intersection. I was the first in line, waiting to turn left, and as I waited not so patiently for the green light, I heard the driver behind me honking his horn. I glanced in the rear view mirror and he was gesturing in a manner that suggested that I should go. I was instantly aggravated…didn’t he see that the light was red?? What did he want me to do, run it and risk a ticket? I had not been paying close attention to the traffic rotation, but the light did seem to be taking a bit long to turn. However, I wasn’t about to budge. Finally, the green turn signal came.…

  • Overcoming Fear

    A young male husky mix dog has taken up residence at my apartment complex. I think I glimpsed him about three weeks ago…something white-ish moved in the wooded area behind one of the dumpsters and I just assumed it was a cat — we have several of those running loose around here. Then, last week while I was out walking Zoe, I saw him just a few feet away as he was traveling at the tree line on the backside of the complex. He stopped and looked at me, acting as if he wanted to approach but since Zoe is afraid of larger dogs, particularly the husky breed, I didn’t encourage him. I’ve seen him several other times since then and it breaks my heart…

  • The Heritage of Family Resemblance

    A few days ago I was shopping with my mother in a local store. Mom had meandered to the grocery area and I was cruising the aisles, just browsing while she picked up what she needed. As I moved into an outer aisle, I saw a woman who glanced at me and smiled. I smiled back and continued on with my browsing until I got bored, then headed to see how Mom was faring with her shopping. Rounding the corner, I saw her talking to the lady I had seen. Even with Mom’s memory issues, she seemed to know this woman and was connecting with her, so I kept a polite smile on my face while they conversed. The lady finally turned her attention to me…