From the Desk of Pennwell Gray
Daily thoughts. Points to ponder. Soulful reflections. The Musings of E.M. Murphy.
As I was preparing the evening meal, my mind was cooking up a slew of thoughts and memories.
The woman who stood at the counter slicing fresh vegetables to mix with olive oil and a variety of spices and seasonings while waiting for the oven to reach the right temperature was not a stranger to me. She’d always been full of surprises and not one to be easily defined or predictable in nature. In actuality, she was often an enigma even to herself.
Continue reading “The Art of Dining.”As a writer, a topic typically strikes my fancy and percolates. That topic takes a life of its own, traveling with me as my day to day responsibilities and commitments are tackled while the story itself takes shape in my mind.
It ebbs and flows. It is acute and present, then fades and retreats. But all the while, it’s baking and in time, rises to meet that moment when I am ready to put pen to paper – or fingers to the keyboard, playing each letter like a piano concerto, immersed in the melody my mind orchestrates. Continue reading “Woman disjointed.”
It seems people these days are easily inflamed. We see it on the roads, in random stores and on social media. Especially on social media.
During what has been a difficult and tumultuous year for many, we don’t seem to be uniting and finding strength in numbers. We seem more divided than ever and I wonder some days if we will find our way back to a more civil, courteous and respectful society where people actually try a bit harder to get along. Continue reading “If you have something good to say – SAY IT!”
That moment when the start of a sentence is a strong indicator of how it will end.
“I am heartbroken. My Mom, my biggest fan, my partner in so many adventures, the love of my life has passed away.”
Boom. There it is. She’s gone. When? How? Why? What happened? This can’t be real.
Continue reading “In honor of Dr. Barbara, a dear family friend.”Taking a scroll through my Facebook news feed – the equivalent of a cigarette break, if I smoked – I stopped short. Swiping back up the page, it was confirmed that the words I read were correct.
The article was titled Some Moms Are Urging People to Stop Calling Their Pets “Fur Babies”. And let it be known that it was written well, I enjoyed it and it did not bash dog moms. It was an interesting read with thoughtful perspective.
My initial reaction wasn’t based on the fact that my family and I refer to my beloved Vivienne as a fur-baby. Because we do. That along with Dog Mom, Crazy Dog Lady and some other fun labels from time to time. Continue reading “Six reasons why I will continue to call my dog a fur baby.”
It’s always been said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. It’s also been said that April showers bring May flowers.
Given today’s New England temperatures and tomorrow’s forecasted rain, it’s safe to say there’s truth in both statements.
As we embark on this new month, may we contemplate the many opportunities that lie ahead. May we reflect upon our winter days and be reminded of all spring offers to us.
The skies stay light longer and the grass turns greener. The birds sing and the flowers bloom. It’s a lovely time of the year.
What Mother Nature took away, she brings back to life. May we be reminded that like the seasons, we, too, can be born again.
Each morning is a chance to start anew. So on April 1st, don’t be a fool. Awake with hope. Cherish the gift of life. And seize the day.
As a mentor for The Elephant Academy writing course, I crafted this based on the ask for their first assignment. My contribution focuses on home and what it means to me.
There are houses, and there are homes. A house provides shelter to meet our fundamental needs, but a home is so much more.
A home should be one’s refuge. It may be filled with the things that bring us joy and comfort, like heirlooms and photos. It may be sparse, an open space with a minimalist approach that gives us a sense of freedom. We create a home that meets our needs, displays our own sense of personal style and reflects our soul. Continue reading “Home is where the heart is.”
As I rolled over at the crack of dawn, the sound of waves crashing on the rocks was music to my ears. Loud and powerful. Soothing and tranquil. The perfect melody to kick start any day.
But today isn’t just any day. Today marks the start of a new season, one of birth and new life. The darkness of winter begins to lift as shades of green will subtly appear, covering the landscape in preparation for the flowers that will bloom.
The morning was cold yet in typical March fashion, the temperature increased as the hours passed. The bright and brilliant sun made herself known, her heat beating down on our faces. Birds chirped and seagulls lazed on the sands of the shore while the sea buzzed in all her strength.
As we shed the layers no longer needed in the warmth of the day, I was reminded of the many things I want to rid myself of this season and the new life I want to breathe in.
Like the change in season, we, too, get the chance to start anew. It’s a time to leave behind the things that no longer serve us well and welcome – or rather, create – those that do.
So today, plant the seeds of your future. Then tend to them in the days to come so that you can bloom and grow in the months ahead.
Because yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn’t promised and that leaves us with the present – the gift of today.
Happy Spring.
Rolling from left to right on the reformer, crossing one bent leg over the other straightened leg as my upper body stretched in the opposite direction, my mind wandered and I tried to recall exactly when my physical decline began.
At what point in time did I either consciously or unconsciously decrease my activity level? Was it a slow, insidious creep over several months, or was it a sudden stop on one particular day? When did ingesting comfort food replace the act of challenging my body? And who is this out of shape, winded woman struggling to move her body fluidly? Continue reading “Four reminders to connect or reconnect with your body.”
“What do you expect? I’m a man.”
“You women all love to shop.”
“Women are more nurturing than men.”
“Men don’t go to the doctor.”
These are just some examples of what I hear people say when in conversations about men and women.
Continue reading “Men are not from Mars. Women are not from Venus.”
