Dilettante Life – A Writer's Space | Site-Wide Activity https://dilettantelife.com/activate/ Activity feed for the entire site. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:21:46 -0500 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 3a4bb53a18011969ca5d01beabfe3b14 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5896 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:17:35 -0400 Advice to Myself I try to tame my wiry hair by running my shaking hand through it.  There’s no way to make sense of this mop.  Truthfully, I stopped trying a long tim […]

]]> 0 58eb6305606ed297ebbf808f2abf9b9d Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5886 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 06:35:47 -0500 I Won't Bring My Black Dress My phone rang at 2:20am.  I had been working late, and just went to bed a half hour earlier.  My phone was in the kitchen as the ring tone repeatedly b […]

]]> 0 a35cb211faa3cbb13d6808d84f4c0e0a Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5879 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 20:04:41 -0500 Sip Sip Knit I take notice of the different stitches that make up my sweater.  A rib stitch, garter, and purls.  I like to look at how things are made.  I want to […]

]]> 0 a9d04fc19720ee644aeb7d3988cd7670 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5868 Sun, 05 Nov 2023 00:55:41 -0400 Beth I was having trouble keeping up with him.  His gate was long and determined the way he plodded and leaned forward into the wind.  It was dark and f […]

]]> 0 573e218db0d2480f393076364d600603 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5859 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 02:14:16 -0400 Thank You Kip I leaned across the table to grab his hand.  He had just told us another wonderful Tyke story and my heart was both melting and alive.  How precious t […]

]]> 0 394d3c3747c252ded61f145060b4488e Susan McLaughlin wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5838 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:47:48 -0400 The Helmet At first, her room looks like a normal young lady’s bedroom but look closer and you get the sense its occupant is not a typical salty t […]

]]> 0 f80d9332360c4496427768edd22c8caf Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5831 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:27:04 -0400 The F Word Faith is a deep, devoted belief in something that can, often, be intangible.  In religion faith is the foundation of everything.  There is no proof t […]

]]> 0 ae42cbb9f9f65505d403405e551ab4f3 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5289 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 02:50:23 -0400 An Unlikely Friendship   I could not stomach it any longer.  This marriage was making me physically and emotionally sick.  I never knew what I was up against from day to […]

]]> 1 45b9bb9a8b769576c645d9bc5a66057f H B Starrett wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5812 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 20:59:52 -0400 The Water's EdgeI waded at the water’s edge Took more time Simply feeling dread Knew I wanted more In life But I stood there and Remained on the shore “The water is […]

]]> 0 5c231c856a9307a43950eb9fad9f54fb katechadbourne wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5809 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:15:29 -0400 An "All is Well" StoryJust a little story today to cheer you. My mother told me that she went out for lunch recently and met a woman who, at age 90, fairly crackled with […]

]]> 0 518073bec812c1ce35f39fad96d6b114 Kevin Murphy wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5788 Sat, 23 Sep 2023 02:40:41 -0400 A Zen Poem         The pains it takes The sage to stage Satori!

]]> 0 b0cfeeb1262b2917676dda159e787fe2 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5783 Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:51:11 -0400 An Accidental Guest I returned home after my early routine swim at the gym as the gray muted dawn was turning to daylight.  Although the leaves haven’t turned colors ye […]

]]> 0 06b9b69f6f47edaa0265b278ab90e1fc Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5774 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 23:24:40 -0400 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 […]

]]> 0 29ddfb066e77a17bc51bbf1f294c8329 Kevin Murphy wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5768 Sat, 16 Sep 2023 16:30:59 -0400 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 […]

]]> 1 f3f691f84288065a4757e6b2702e7fe4 Kevin Murphy changed their profile picture https://dilettantelife.com/activate/p/183/ Sat, 16 Sep 2023 16:15:22 -0400 0 876e16fa9d4fdf658a9148308d02c40c Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5759 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:23:38 -0400 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 […]

]]> 0 f226a9b5af1db82c26019f6bf8153ff9 Jo Toale's profile was updated https://dilettantelife.com/activate/p/178/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:21:46 -0400 0 0a3c9d673a06b2de1cd791def4b0a7f8 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5562 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 23:50:13 -0400 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 […]

]]> 0 39ee9de9273c07f3a16767a69bff1d45 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5554 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 03:37:27 -0400 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 […]

]]> 0 a0841514e5ecbfe82c66e3143b2ade03 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5544 Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:21:27 -0400 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 […]

]]> 0 d3cbc6b781f1e7ac6e60da825a3224a2 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5540 Tue, 04 Jul 2023 20:34:46 -0400 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 […]

]]> 0 20d2c6ac21029008a8383f157878f9e7 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5534 Sat, 17 Jun 2023 04:57:08 -0400 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 […]

]]> 0 19099ab3188999764117bb18b116ca2a Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=911 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:00:35 -0400  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

]]> 0 b49ec0f7b36a1bff888ae21dbf2c1c92 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5505 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:00:06 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 1a01dd35b5827962772689f3780b65d6 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=4528 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 03:21:58 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 1477c1d726972b2edf51e360f5510e8c Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5488 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:14:27 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 a96444fb821e3345844e6ebe8246a274 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5065 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0500 Winter's End on the Lake 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 […]

]]> 0 1c7b8d7ef0e790f97df4a4ba39892243 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5482 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:31:14 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 0cbb13daeb85840eb1d6dd41a90753ab Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5477 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 01:23:33 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 216b55637e13333c12d0e0563164fc99 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5465 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 03:35:52 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 850afdd322fbbe0e879c35ba3c3de128 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5458 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:07:30 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 17dbff60281f2aac19e4c442b703ff2a Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5452 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:59:17 -0500 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 […]

]]> 0 2cee9aa776bc48d78669e6cada3477e3 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5444 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:47:32 -0500 I feel foreign in my own house.  My body feels like nothing is familiar. My mind is on everything and nothing at all.  Opening the refrigerator, I take out a can of seltzer and slowly move to the table.  My kn […]

]]> 0 e1e9824c7b52a220a9b0d9a2add91b1f Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5438 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:23:45 -0500 The sound of the oxygen machine was lulling me to sleep.  My eyes were getting heavy, but I stayed focused.  I laid on my side with my folded hands tucked under my chin and my knees bent resting next to his f […]

]]> 0 faf545fb5ae0fcfb255c5f168a48ebc1 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5429 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 02:38:49 -0400 Death is an evil muse, an uninvited bitch, tearing our fragile heart out without a thought. Emotions can be like a roller coaster climbing to highs of comfort and acceptance, then down with the sweet memories that […]

]]> 0 249941500ef04c4fdc33897a4ef8e0d5 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5414 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:57:03 -0400 You died on a Monday.  I saw you that morning struggling to breath.  I’m so thankful to have given you a kiss as you slept.  The last kiss I would ever give you.  Oh, how many times had we kissed and embra […]

]]> 1 5d11120f4459d074090e72f1ab702eb4 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5406 Fri, 09 Sep 2022 03:25:41 -0400  

How come you ask nothing of me?
I say, “let me know if you need anything?”
Do you think that is just polite?
Is that empty to you?  Am I not in some small way, a
part of your precious life?  Am I over […]

]]> 0 64ec0289f4fd9b1dbd35390f090735f4 wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5400 Wed, 07 Sep 2022 22:49:26 -0400 Haunt me,
taunt me,
indulge me.

Tease me,
appease me,
indulge me.

Gratify me,
fortify me,
indulge me.

Unleash the bonds of restriction,
let me yield to my suppressed desire,
relinquish this […]

]]> 0 2f612de5652a0f07e8ee9ab03a8f0734 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5392 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 02:20:30 -0400 She was very knowledgeable about her business.  Holding the ring, she pointed out the uniqueness of the setting as she rotated it in her fingers.  The stones were exquisite as their brilliance would light up w […]

]]> 0 762bbc1cfe398f3eb1772d42c7611114 wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5368 Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:23:12 -0400 Indulge
the bulge,
tempt me
with one more
piece of chocolate,
oh, chocolate.

A tempered delight
of smooth meltaways,
or delectable crunchiness,
heavenly, nuts or not,
divinity combined with
a caramel […]

]]> 0 c1cb6c715f6519d782938621ce6840e7 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5359 Sun, 21 Aug 2022 06:09:18 -0400 We lugged all the beach gear from the trunk of the car, moving away from the hot concrete parking lot toward the sandy shore, a brilliant horizon of blue with white.  Bright colored striped chairs, thirsty […]

]]> 0 60ab7630e142398f9afbe45b0d70d559 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5353 Fri, 19 Aug 2022 05:53:30 -0400 A familiar road can go unseen.
How many times have you
been there?  Let your passing
slowly unfold its intentions.
Focus your eyes.

Make notes, climb trees, recite
poems and stand tall.  E […]

]]> 0 61c3a6d992d2d0c0bab216b1e925e176 Ehancock wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5348 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 20:13:38 -0400 My senior year in high school was, shall we say, adventurous. I was not a popular, cheerleader type but I wasn’t totally unredeemable either. Me and my clique of six swam in the middle. I liked that; it was s […]

]]> 0 8a6ff2106d122654c6a0529e68af2dab Ehancock wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5343 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:32:47 -0400 She had packed, re-packed and packed again.  The day was finally here.  At the last minute she grabbed a rayon dress and rolled it and slid it in the side of her one piece of luggage.  Just in case.

The big da […]

]]> 0 59bd07a40b7593ed97a7d9688d5af150 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5331 Wed, 10 Aug 2022 23:06:23 -0400 Parties can cause me slight anxiety as I circulate about and “work the room.”  Mingling is essential to having a good time, an art if you do it right. Having a few drinks helps me to be more confident and rela […]

]]> 2 df17798a0925ae42dd206fd66ad940ab Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5325 Tue, 09 Aug 2022 04:37:44 -0400 The skin on his hands were pale and paper thin
showing a tangle of blue veins.  Fingers longer and
thinner than I remember.  I stopped and stared at
the age spots and bruised skin of purple and b […]

]]> 2 114407818caabd71b2b68b52e4ffb217 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5314 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:04:20 -0400 I laid on my belly and made my 9-year-old body as flat as possible.  Trying not to breath, I would only inhale and exhale very slowly causing as little movement as possible.  My heart was pounding out of my c […]

]]> 0 5d1ad847671cc61d4cb45956841e49b4 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5300 Wed, 03 Aug 2022 22:21:47 -0400 I once read that the average person lives in 8 homes in their lifetime.  As I started counting my many dwellings on my fingers, memories of each seeped into my thoughts.  This was the place I lived when my son w […]

]]> 0 712d73d8bfc5d92801f4a165e208682c Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5294 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:15:17 -0400 My whole life I wanted to be a writer, not a ballerina, teacher or nurse, not even a Mommy, just a writer.  To be capable at an art form that can releases myself from myself.  However, it can be difficult t […]

]]> 3 a2773bc465c383f558df3e3b9c595258 Jo Toale wrote a new post https://dilettantelife.com/?p=5282 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 21:04:24 -0400 Leaving the Cape successfully takes an act of God combined with a little fortune telling, and some traffic savvy.  Let’s take a look at a typical scenario.  You’ve had a great weekend with a lot of beach time […]

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