Mel Grieves

Photo of pink bleeding heart blossoms. 40 Good Things | Day 17 Haiku: Nature and beauty soothe our pain. Still, there are too many hearts bleeding.

ah... memories

Photo of house with light in the window as the sun sets behind it. 40 Good Things | Day 16 Haiku: That time of year when the sky's light starts to linger. Don't forget your clocks!

I have two others also. Periodically I consider scattering their ashes in their favorite walking places. Just haven’t done it yet.

Photo of pink and purple orchid in small pot on desk, beside small painting of my dog Gizmo and his box of ashes, sunshine and blue out the window. 40 Good Things | Day 15 Haiku: Gizmo's orchid blooms each spring. Tells me to reflect, breathe, and let it be.

Photo of white frost on dead flowers and grasses, with green sprouts visible below. 40 Good Things | Day 14 Haiku: Winter's frost, spring's sprouts, fall's leftovers. Is March a concern or chaos?

Since my surgery in November, I've not worn glasses. Yesterday I put a small bandaid across the bridge of my nose so a little scrape can heal and every few minutes I keep trying to adjust and absent glasses. Old habits die hard.

Photo of grey and white tuxedo cat, Benny, sitting in the window next door. 40 Good Things | Day 13 Haiku: Nextdoor neighbors who watch out for you. And even those who just watch you.

Heeeeeere's Benny! My office window faces my neighbor's office window, and her cat likes to check on us each morning. His mom is the best neighbor ever and we really do watch out for each other.

Photo of woman at dog park holding out her hands in the "all gone" position to two dogs in front of her, eagerly awaiting a treat. 40 Good Things | Day 12 Haiku: Dog people who have treats in their pockets, even when they say they don't.

Photo of a painted rock on a trail bench. Rock is painted in green and blue with pink flowers and reads "Peace." 40 Good Things | Day 11 Haiku: Only three in ten support war. When will the true majority rule?

We have community artists who leave lovely painted rocks along the walking trails.

Photo of bumble bee on purple heather flowers. 40 Good Things | Sunday Bonus Haiku: The rabbit couldn't make it for first day of March. Hence: Bumble! Bumble!

I've been told the 40-day lent tradition includes Sundays off, but I couldn't resist when I saw this guy on the heather. Besides, when have I ever followed rules?

I know his spirit was right there with you. ♥️

Photo of brindle whippet, Oscar, lying by the fire with a smoldering look in his eyes. 40 Good Things | Day 10 Haiku: I may be too old for dating app photos, but "Mr. Right" is not.

Making the most of chilly nights as winter edges toward spring.

Photo of rainbow sun beam on bathroom tile floor. 40 Good Things | Day 9 Haiku: On the grayest days sunshine sometimes surprises. Little miracles.

Photo of my house sign, "Athena's Hollow." 40 Good Things | Day 8 Haiku: Folks lucky to have a home should not judge those who are without a home.

It was a thing in our community a while back to name your home and post a sign. I love the owls in the woods here, and I figure we could use some of Athena's wisdom. Did you know the goddess of wisdom has an owl for a sidekick?

Photo of deer in woods. 40 Good Things | Day 7 Haiku: Walks in the woods and meeting new friends. Get outside to change your focus.

Photo of lush, purple heather plant in bloom 40 Good Things | Day 6 Haiku: Hurray for those plants that bloom in winter. I know some people like that.

Depends on the man. hehehe. Electricity is magic, IMHO. I leave it to the experts. Good luck!

We're furious, while we're the one's suffering....organize folks, we need to get this direlect IMPEACHED

Well, I give you lots of credit for your DIY efforts. I would just buy a new lamp. :)

Photo of brown and white, medium-sized dog with fuzzy fur, standing on a grass field surrounded by four colorful balls. 40 Good Things | Day 5 Haiku: How could you pass up a chance to play ball? I mean, just look at that face!

Dogs are always a good thing. We have many good dogs in our community. This is Buddy. After being owned by a fuzzy-faced guy named Gizmo for eight years, I'm a sucker for all those wild hairs.

Origami grapes. New crop!

Photo of all the healthful items in my grocery cart. 40 Good Things | Day 4 Haiku: Making it to the checkout stand with nothing but healthful stuff in cart.

Photo of purple violet blooming. 40 Good Things | Day 3 Haiku: Brave first violet opens after freezing night. Tells us: "Take a chance."

Photo of an alien/spiderman doll on a bench along a trail through our woods. 40 Good Things | Day 2 Haiku: Neighbors who leave smiles for others to find—are they hiding and watching?

Photo of my friend Bill giving a belly rub to his dog Callie at the dog park. Haiku for 40 Good Things | Day 1: There's nothing like a belly rub to calm a girl down. Don't stop, Papa!

Saw an idea to notice the good things in my daily life for the 40 days of Lent. I'm not religious, but I do like tradition. And we can all use some good things, right? I've gotten out of the daily haiku habit, but here goes for the next 40 days. I hope

So hard but true love never ends. I’m sure you feel him with you every day. ♥️

Photo of my guy across the table at Vince's Restaurant. Great Italian food, and the traditional red checked table cloth. Haiku: True love means never wanting a different face across the table.

Love to visit places from our early dating years. Best minestrone, and my true. Great combo!