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  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 3 days, 13 hours ago

    Sink or Swim 5:50am.  I struggle to catch my breath when I reach the edge.  Lifting my head out of the water on the final stroke, I swallow a small amount of w […]

  • THE SEVEN PAGES OF STAN All the world’s a Screen, And all the men and women talking heads; They have their platform removals, pending drops; And Stanleys […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 2 weeks, 5 days ago

    Queer Eye I’ve never been much of a social person.  In fact, being in the “out” crowd is perhaps where I belong.  I’ve been called weird and strange s […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 1 month ago

    The Craftsmen style porch is solid and new with the signature Cape Cod shakes on the outside and fresh white trim. Rocking chairs as well as overstuffed chairs line the inside making it an extension of this […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 1 month, 2 weeks ago

    What can I say about JP?  Well, let me introduce you to one of the most admired persons in my life.  He is not only kind, considerate and loving, but he has overcome obstacles of which many of us have never e […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 2 months, 2 weeks ago

    My attention span is short at best.  Like a dog, if I see a squirrel, I immediately divert my energy.  I find myself scrolling through Facebook and all the “squirrels” have me bouncing around.  I’m noticing […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 2 months, 2 weeks ago

    I stood in the back of the church, tucked behind the side of the windows that look out to the pews.  The flower girls and maids of honor had stepped forward and paced their steps down the aisle to the music.  L […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 3 months ago

    I believe that I’ve found my prince charming.  I kissed a lot of frogs to get here.  I’m now with someone I never thought would happen to me.  We are in sync as we step through the challenges of our life togeth […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 6 months ago

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The ice crashes into the glass, soon to be submerged with my thoughts.  Drown it al […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 6 months, 2 weeks ago

    The blank page is intimidating.  The hollow compliment is confusing.  The echo of doubt is disturbing. How can we follow a path with obstacles or contempt?  Jealousy, ego and loathing can block good in […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 6 months, 3 weeks ago

    You think when you’re 21 that you will live forever.  Life seemed simple, as you did anything you wanted. If you gained a little weight, all you’d have to do is skip a meal or two and the pounds disa […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 6 months, 3 weeks ago

    It was the first visit without Dad.  They always came in a pair except now she’s “flying solo”.  I wonder if she can navigate without him.  Entering the room, she says a quick hello and rushes to the bathroom […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 6 months, 3 weeks ago

    The Lake in Winter (photo credit Eric Vickery)

     
    The rough texture of the sun-soaked ice is deep shades of gray and white with small mounds of snow scattered, showing weeks of thawing, and freezing.  T […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 7 months ago

    If it wasn’t bad enough surviving an abusive marriage, now I’m forced to recount it for others outside my circle of friends.  This stuff is private and hurtful and sensitive.  However, there it is in a list […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 7 months ago

    The once buried autumn leaves were scattered throughout the trail, dried out from the last snow fall.
    Scattered winter branches and twigs littered the path.  Tree roots peeked through the leaves which could […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 8 months, 2 weeks ago

    Staring into the darkness, I can make out some light coming from the sliders and the shadow of a tree.  The moon is full, accenting the shadowy clouds with a glowing outline.  I reposition myself to sleep, then o […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 9 months ago

    I’m told it’s something you never get over.  I’ve relied on advice, webinars, articles, and common knowledge to cope.  Friends have been supportive through hugs and coffee.  Daydreams come mostly at night when I’m […]

  • Jo Toale wrote a new post 9 months, 1 week ago

    Slathering the grey cream all over my face, I give myself a facial that will turn green on contact.  A goolie look I must admit.  All to make my lines, sags and wrinkles disappear from this 59-year-old facade.  Ca […]

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