writing in the margins of life
Imagine you are a middle aged woman living in Holland on the brink of World War II. Each day, the radio brings news of yet another series a catastrophic political events. Uncertainty is the air people breathe, fear the pillow on which they wake and drift off to sleep on. The world seems as if [...]
Yesterday, I allowed myself to take a trip with nostalgia back to a day that is now a mere memory. I could smell the dogwood flowers blooming, feel the creaky wooden swing holding up my frame, and feel the wind rustle through the trees onto the porch and through my hair. I was fifteen years [...]
When I was a little girl and the thunder would crash outside my window rattling the panes and wooden shutters, I would pull my covers up over my head, tightly squeeze my eyes shut and try to imagine that it wasn't storming. I hated night and I hated storms, and both were closing in around [...]
I was suppose to be at my Mimi's house tonight. My Aunt and Momma would be leaning on the counter in the kitchen talking about their kids. My Dad and Uncle would be in the living room with my brothers and sisters and cousin catching up and laughing. My Mimi and Nana would be laying [...]
The door bell rang yesterday afternoon, which startled me, because as with most of you I'm certain, it's been weeks since anyone came over. On the front step, there was a package addressed to me. I didn't remember ordering anything or winning any giveaways, so I was puzzled. When I opened the box (after Clorox [...]
The window beside my desk is open just now and the spring breeze rustles in. The soundtrack from Little Women is playing in the background and combined with the song of the birds just outside, it is a rather magical atmosphere. It's easy to be thankful in this moment, where beauty and peace seem to [...]
Panic attacks, nightmares, and anxieties surrounding conflict or change have long been large parts of my life. I remember when I was little, I would dream that my Dad would be mortally wounded by an escaped evil warrior with an undetectable poison disguised as a Reese's cup while traveling. (I'd like to take this moment [...]
Life is short, it's true. But boy, it can be hard sometimes. We are living in strange and confusing times. Universities are closing, borders are locking down, and everyone seems to have the answer to all questions regarding the pandemic. The confusing part is that everyone's answers are different and while we all think we're [...]
Before the sun creeps up behind the trees in our yard, she's awake. Some days she's making breakfast. Some days she's reading her Bible. Some days she's rocking a sick baby. Some days she's praying her heart out. Some days, she's just sitting with her coffee on her back porch listening to the birds. But [...]
We were watching The Two Towers last night, and I cried. I don't think crying in that movie is uncommon, especially for my fellow women, but last night was different. I didn't cry for Frodo and Sam, I cried for myself. My tears were for this real world, not for Middle-Earth. I was the one [...]
Madelyn Istrate 