Author Archives: clutterheart

About clutterheart

You don't know me, but you will.

We Almost Lived in a Motorhome

We drove to Vermont, where we stayed a few days: frolicked in waterfalls, floated down rivers and slept under trees, before heading out to Cape Cod, a place I had always wanted to see. I ate a chilli-dog along the way. Cape … Continue reading

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A Cure?

In Savannah, Mom asked if she was dying. My heart soured with sadness. “We are all dying, Mom,” I answered. “No, did the doctor tell you that I’m dying?” “No Mom. The doctor did not say that.” This disease forces … Continue reading

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Everyday Update and Warning Signs

Bill is working hard to support our family. He bought us a house. It’s so beautiful. When I look at it, it makes me want to cry. It’s unbelievable, really, and when I walk through and feel its sturdy bones, … Continue reading

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Inner Voice

So much has happened since I last visited with you, and life has moved in fast forward. I asked my father-in-law about life moving faster and faster with time. “It’s true,” he said. “That’s scary,” I said. “It is,” he said. … Continue reading

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Toalla Babies

On the first day, it was peacocks, which were eerie to me because of the curve of their necks and beaks: like cobras ready to strike. I had to tell Billy that the “chicken” on the table was really his … Continue reading

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What Makes a Friend a Friend?

I met her by the poolside my first summer in college. She looked like a friend: long dark hair and a perfect bikini: black and white paisley with a vintage cut. She carried a bag she must have picked up … Continue reading

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China and the Coming Storm

Mom asks a lot about her ‘things’; the china cabinet and china mostly. Over and over, I see the disappointment in her face as I tell her that they are gone, and that there was just too much for me … Continue reading

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Martha’s 99th Birthday

I was out for dinner with family that had traveled in for my grandmother-in-law’s 99th birthday when I looked down at my phone and saw it glowing. Someone had messaged me. I held it just within view underneath the table, … Continue reading

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Things That Help Write Your Thesis

1.) The day off with nothing planned BUT writing your thesis: A friend or two may try to tempt you, not intentionally of course, to wander off track. Stand affirmative that you will be writing and that come May, you … Continue reading

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Adventures In Basement Cleaning

Over the span of twenty years, I’ve dedicated entire weekends to organizing my mom’s basement. I’ve packed its contents into boxes time and time again: three generations of old toys, old clothes, old everything Mom insisted we keep, only to … Continue reading

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