Grandma – shannon p. laws

Vignette: Mimi’s Closet

Mimi’s Closet by Shannon P. Laws The door at the end of the long hall stands open The third bathroom is in there Sent to the room by my mother’s voice busy behind the door of the second common bathroom, the guest bathroom Go use Mimi’s I obey The faint gold light fromContinue reading “Vignette: Mimi’s Closet”

Rant: Judged Conversation Overheard on the Bus in August

Judged Conversation Overheard on the Bus in August by Shannon P. Laws The sidewalk on Magnolia sticks to my shoes Maple Tree sap bleeds from the high branches It’s not enough to stop me I have a bus to catch It’s early morning-cold. Crisp air flies in from open slit of bus windowsContinue reading “Rant: Judged Conversation Overheard on the Bus in August”

Time for Ham

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 2013 marks the fifth anniversary of my blog “Madrona Grove”. In a moment of reflection I found much to be thankful for, and did not need to look far to find faces of many good friends who have blessed my personal timeline. Life is a journey, always better withContinue reading “Time for Ham”

Poetry: Refugio’s Hair

One of my favorite poems… Refugio’s Hair In the old days of our family, My grandmother was a young woman Whose hair was as long as the river. She lived with her sisters on the ranch La Calera– The Land of the Lime– And her days were happy. But her uncle Carols lived there too,Continue reading “Poetry: Refugio’s Hair”

Shut Ins

There is a growing concern on my mind about the condition and mentality of our elderly that I must address: Shut-ins. Sparked by a recent incident, the following rant is an attempt by me to process the barbarian social cycle Americans have created. A cycle that involves the elements of the high cost of healthContinue reading “Shut Ins”

Kidnapped

This time of year I often think about my Grandma Mimi. In April 1998, my cousin Susan called late in the evening with the news. Before I could say one word she cried out “Grandma was kidnapped!” My cousin went on to give me an account of events: early in the morning grandma had aContinue reading “Kidnapped”

It’s Time for Ham

OK, true story: One holiday four generations of family are all gathered together in the youngest daughter’s new home for a rare time together. This is her first time hosting a family dinner. Her mom is helping her with the ham. The daughter plops the large ham into its pan and asks the mom, “OKContinue reading “It’s Time for Ham”

Kidnapped

Spring always puts me in a sentimental mood. You know, it’s all a part of that inane idea to get rid of the old and bring in the new; spring clean the garage, backyard and the soul. Some projects take up so much time I feel like they’ve kidnapped me! During the tedious task ofContinue reading “Kidnapped”

Holiday Ham

Happy Thanksgiving all! Thanksgiving is all about the traditional turkey dinner, but this year we are serving up ham. This is the third posting of the “Mom’s Holiday Ham” story. Hard to believe my “Madrona Grove” blog has been up so long! For that I am thankful.Whether your ham is smoked, honey glazed, bone-in, and/or spiral cut- Continue reading “Holiday Ham”