this crazy wonderful life

my year so far

2026 has been wild and full
unexpected yet transformative
ricochet a more than apt word
to describe its many bounces

the year began with a quiet
isolated sojourn to the sea
rockaway on the oregon coast
in wintry january

a chance to shed a lot of
very heavy stuff
still weighing us down
from the year before

immediately upon returning
another broken bone
surgery plus physical therapy
weeks cocooned inside

finally emerging from my shelter
to travel to south america in june
falling in love again with buenos aires
exploring patagonian delights

currently wrapped up
in world cup matches
rooting once more (eternally!)
for my gritty argentina squad

appreciating increased attention
to soccer (futbol) in the states
but bristling at the inevitably
inflammatory snark of social media

allowing my mind to roam free
imagining and visualizing
an all-new winter retreat
this time at the pink house

while feeling disconnected and
perhaps a bit misunderstood
the sting of words and gestures
processing, distancing, protecting

that’s life though
one moment easy and carefree
the next confusing and hard
almost always unpredictable

[all three images captured from little book of inspiration by mantraband]