Love (Birthday Edition)

#EnVie (which sounds like ennui when I say it)

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Please Make This Stop

Why does this song follow me around the 90s, 2000s, alt, and pop channels and the supermarket too?

Staaaahpp.

#NoMeansNo
#VeryVeryNo

Overheard at the Bookstore

The sweetly giggly baby dykes are practically snuggling on the couch as I pass through the section. I'm avoiding eye contact--trying not to make them feel uncomfortable. As I get closer I try not to smile as I overhear them protesting to each other about how bad they are at flirting "I'm the worst!" "OMG, have you seen me, *I* am the worst!"

Some furious whispering.

And then sudden silence.

I look around and they're both looking directly at me. I raise my brow and ask: Is everything ok?

In chorus: "We love the buttons on your purse!"

Don't know why, but that just made me smile for the rest of the day. I'm such a fan of young people.

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Who Am I?

I spent three hours in the mall today waiting to pick up Big A's birthday gift. I browsed nearly everywhere but    did     not     spend     a     single     dollar.

I'm sure I wasn't this focussed and responsible even five years ago.

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The Woods Are Lovely

Not sure why my sweet walking friend L took this picture, but here it is.

This is Bakersfield Woods, and for someplace right on campus, it sure is mysterious and beautiful.















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Company

I start with the titles of food
attaching surprise ingredients
until label matures into recipe

Tomato-cucumber-salad with
cumin-roasted eggplant + feta
layered on a spring mix base...

Sadly like a mom, I bring jokes:
autumnal hope springs eternal--
I say--before everyone leaves.

_________________________
At went back to college yesterday, and three other students driving back up to Alma stopped to have dinner with us.

In Autumn

My hands are birds praying
in time to heart beat, my feet.

Fingers flying across the open
face of my phone, I am looking

for you in a midwestern town
where you have never lived

I am looking for my father
I am looking at my father

I am writing our name in pain
even as the pen runs dry, dies

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*This was supposed to be a picture of autumn tones in Bakersfield Park, but my phone died as I tried to take a picture. As best as I can tell, it died... from the cold? Apparently winter is coming for more than just tropical me.