Tiffany Painter

A True Love Story
I just finished a book and would love to tell you what I thought about it, but I am still deciding. I started out reading This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer thinking it would be just that, a love story. I knew it would have a sad ending because the wife is dying. It was described as a celebration of great love at the end of the fifty years Abe and Jane spent together going to Central Park first as young lovers, then as exhausted parents, and now to remember a life together. The story is told from multiple points of view, including the park itself. I think I went into it thinking it would be a sweet story about a long marriage and the difficulties of saying goodbye. I was wrong, This book showed how messy life and marriage is and how it’s not even the same for everybody involved, including the children. Jane was an artist and carried her own baggage into motherhood after losing her mother at a young age. Abe is conflicted between fulfilling his parents’ desires for him and his own longing to be an author. Max, their son, struggles with his own identity after being raised by a mother who couldn’t find her way as a new mother weighed down with depression and a father who didn’t really know how to help her. By the time I finished the book I felt the exhaustion of the characters. This was anything but a simple love story. Life is messy, so so messy. There is no such thing as happily ever after. People say and do the wrong thing all the time, and it usually has nothing to do with you. Everyday is just a new chance to try to figure it all out and do the right thing. But everyday is a new day with new opportunities to make mistakes. It really is amazing that people latch on to each other and try to get through life together. When you add children to the mix, that just adds more parts to the mess. But really, for most people, isn’t it nice to have these people to anchor to? Even though they will say or do the wrong thing on their own journey, when it comes right down to it, these are the people that will also help dig you out when life gets hard and lift you up when they can. Blunders and all, I’m happy to have my people helping me through my love story, and I think I liked the book after all.
4/9

sunny company
two friends walking together
dog and his shadow
4/12

oh, to be a tree
exfoliate what is old
and start fresh again
4/13

with every new bloom
I feel my soul burst free
shedding winter’s weight
4/18

there’s always that one
willing to be different
secretly revered
4/19

spring has sprung a leak
leftover winter seeped in
sun fixing problem
April 20, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, reading, Walks with Zephyr
A Day for Celebrating
Yesterday was a big day of celebrating. I took my mom to the 94th birthday party of my childhood friend’s mother. When you live next door to your BFF, her mother becomes your second mother. You are expected to follow her rules at her house the way her daughter needs to follow your mom’s rules at your house. All of my friend’s siblings were there with many of their children, now mostly grown as well. You can imagine the reminiscing that went on. The younger generation laughed at the stories their grandmother shared as well as those told by their parents, aunts, uncles, and family friends. One of the birthday girl’s favorite memories from childhood was having tea parties with her miniature tea set. This provided the background for yesterday’s tea party complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones, and miniature sugar cookies. Everyone completed sentences about her life trying to figure out the best or correct answers to a time we weren’t present for. The dutiful daughters tried their best to remember the stories their mother told them, but the grandkids had more fun making up outlandish tales about their beloved grandmother. Some of these stories earned them sharp looks from their parents shocked by what was being said in front of their elder who sat laughing and soaking up the love from her devoted fans. I was aware these festivities were taking place while thousands of people were gathering around the country to protest so many things happening right now. But being at this particular celebration reminded me that life is never traveled in a straight line. The 94 years this remarkable woman has been alive has been filled with so many ups and downs, both on a world level and a personal level. I’m sure when life was filled to capacity with hardships it felt like the end, but here we were enjoying a tea party and laughing together. On the drive back home through a few cities and towns, I was filled with hope. Seeing all the pictures shared by the people who came together at events around the country to bring about change now and seeing the proof that we can live through hard days and still find happiness celebrating with friends and family gives me hope that there will be better days again. Happy birthday, Betty!
3/28

easy day for me
only job is looking cute
soaking up the warmth
3/29

brothers united
looking out for each other
enough treats for all
4/2

distracted by view
outside my window because
Inside tasks are drab
4/4

moral support friend
gives feedback on downward dog
but prefers sphinx pose
4/6

blue skies overhead
mirrored in water below
place to sit and think
April 6, 2025

change, haiga, haiku, joyful
To All the Women
So I finished a book this week. Nothing new there. But this one really had me thinking because it’s about an issue that still isn’t solved. Not only is it not solved, but has taken steps backwards with the new political scene. The book is By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult and is told in dual POV and timeline. One character is a woman who lived during Shakespeare’s time. She wants to write plays but is forbidden because she is a woman. Throughout the course of the story, and it’s a long one, she experiences highs and lows, all at the whims of the men who are in control. The second storyline is also about a woman but is told in modern times. She also wants to write plays but has found women writers are not produced as often, or even close, as men writers. She is even told at one point that women stories are not as believable to the audience. If you have read a Picoult story, you already know she can write and her stories are believable. My issue is not with her. My issue is with the silencing of women. We are seeing this with our government right now as it erases references to anything to do with our accomplishments throughout history, our medical needs, our contributions to society. This is a giant step backwards. I find myself closing my circle of people because I take it personally that someone would rather vote for a corrupt man than a qualified woman. We should not need a month to acknowledge women because our worth and value should be a given. Rather than sink with despair over the state of things, I choose to sing my praise for all the women in my life. I hear you and hope you continue making the world a better place. I’m sorry this was more political than normal, but sometimes the timing of a book stirs up some emotions. I think I’ll read one of my fluff books on my TBR shelf next.
3/12

water flowing by
around the icy snow banks
captures attention
3/15

ready for action
morning stretches completed
waiting for play time
3/18

oh thief of my heart
looks so sweet and innocent
till the claws come out
3/20

something is wrong here
even I know trees grow up
score one for the wind
3/22

greetings all around
birds calling out as we pass
spring songs brighten mood
March 22, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, reading, women
Here’s to all the Women
Today is International Women’s Day (and my daughter’s birthday). A day to celebrate all the achievements made by women and to promote gender equality. This year this day seems even more important. It would be easy to slip into outrage over the lack of equality going on all around us for everybody not a member of the select group in charge, but instead, lets focus on how great women are. I did a quick internet search and found women are responsible for so many things. Interestingly, a lot of those items are useful, everyday things that make life a little better for everyone. Things like car heaters (Margaret A. Wilcox), dishwashers (Josephine Cochran), electric refrigerators (Florence Parpart), and fire escapes (Anna Connelly). It just goes to show that women are really good at solving problems and helping everyone out. What women have contributed to medicine, science, technology, and the arts could make this a really long post. If nothing else, anyone enjoying a cold beer this weekend can thank women living almost seven thousand years ago for creating it. For centuries only women were allowed to drink beer and operate breweries. So make sure you raise a glass to women today. And happy birthday to one of my favorite women.
2/16

frost covered morning
layered over prickly branch
for sparkly bed head
2/18

just a dog walking
wrapped in his favorite jacket
giving warmth to all
2/22

a girl and her dog
making tracks in the fresh snow
enjoying blue skies
2/24

always a good day
when the trail is freshly groomed
for me and my dog
3/5

unknown rocky path
to secret places below
hidden deep beneath
3/8

enjoying the day
by napping through the morning
big plans for later
March 8, 2025

haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, women
Buckle up for Some Reading
I think I found the perfect reading spot. Imagine sitting in your chair, slightly leaning back, the lights are dim except for the little reading light above your head, somebody coming to you to offer a drink and snack, a tray to place your refreshments, the hum of an engine to drown out any chatter that may be happening near by, and you crack open a new book. You can pretend there isn’t a crying baby three rows behind you or the person next to you isn’t hogging the arm rest. But starting a book at the beginning of a trip while trapped on a plane so nothing else can pull you away is the best. I came prepared with two new books. Picking those two was difficult, but now I can just sit back and relax. The start of a trip is like the start of a book. You are still filled with all the hope and excitement of what may happen over the next several days. Your things are still neatly organized in your bags, clothes are fresh and clean, snacks have not been overeaten. In other words, things are still perfect. Whatever happens later is not your problem right now. You can just sit back and read to your hearts content. The plane provides a reading cocoon. There will be time to read during the trip, hopefully, but other things will be pulling for your attention. It could be family or friends, interesting sights, business obligations, the waves of the ocean, or any number of things that stand between you and your book. But these few hours stuck in one place are a treat worth savoring. When the plane touches down at your destination and you stow your book away again, just remember you still get to fly back home. If you’re lucky, your book might even bring back the aroma of a day at the beach.

What I brought to read: Ban This Book by Alan Gratz. This is a topic close to my heart. Books should be shared, read, discussed, written, but never banned. The kids in this fiction book make be believe their should be a kid advisory group helping those in charge. I think everyone has forgotten to ask the people they are trying to protect how they feel and think. There are far worse things kids are being exposed to that nobody seems to care about.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. This author is a favorite of mine, both her fiction and nonfiction, but I definitely was happy to be traveling someplace I didn’t need to take shots and a regimen of medication just to stay alive. Patchett writes slow stories that give you time to reflect and imagine yourself right in the middle of things. I really don’t think I’m cut out for the insect-invested Amazon, but I love seeing what happens next for Dr. Marina Singh.

What I bought and read there: The Beach House on Amelia Island by Hope Holloway. I saw this book at an indie book store on Amelia Island and thought it sounded like a fun, fluff read at the beach, and it was. It reminded me of some of the lighter stuff on Netflix. Some family drama, some romance, and a little bit of mystery. Nothing too heavy. I love finding something local to read while away from home.
2/5

asking sun for help
basking in the warmth it gives
on frosty mornings
2/8

with each crashing wave
breaking against sandy beach
sun raises me up
2/11

resting on a log
time for some turtle yoga
stretching out those toes
2/15

all is right again
those who traveled far away
back where they belong
February 15, 2025

beach, books, haiga, haiku Saturday, joyful, reading
Reading Era
I just finished reading two books that, together, sum up life. The first one was Wellness by Nathan Hill. This book has a lot of great reviews and everyone loved it. It even had Oprah’s stamp of approval. But I had to force myself to read it at times. It had stories of depressing childhoods, family drama, marriage struggles, social media wars, and even scientific studies. It basically covered most elements of life. The writing was good and the plots were creative in the way they came together, but it was a tad heavy. The second book, She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke was a lighthearted rom-com, murder mystery. It was funny and punny in the most delightful way. I loved curling up with a blanket and my cats during the dark days of January to escape into the ridiculousness of this story. I don’t see Oprah slapping her sticker on this one. The lack of sticker is what got me thinking. Why is it that the heavier the topic the more awards something gets, books or movies? Isn’t life stressful enough? Don’t we all crave laughter, fun, and happiness? I read across genres and age categories. I get a solid mix between heaviness and lightness. I must confess, I enjoy the feeling I get from reading fun books more. I will still read the thought-provoking ones, but I don’t want to have to hide my love for what’s fun. Society seems to look down on beach reads, comedies, and rom-coms in favor of the “more meaningful” books, but after the January we just had, I’m tired of deep thinking. I’m off to find another book to make me laugh.
1/19

winter bites my nose
exposed between scarf and hat
alone on the trail
1/29

streaks of warm color
breaks up all the winter white
heats us from above
1/31

month of frigid days
another January
ready for new month
2/1

a lot to be said
for staying indoors, but please
less talking right now
February 1, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, joyful, reading, Walks with Zephyr, winter
Happy With a Book
I just started reading a YA (young adult) book called Being Mary Bennet by J.C. Peterson. The main character is a high school senior named Marnie who in addition to having all the awkwardness of a 17- year-old is happiest in the library reading. None of this is especially original, but when Marnie’s friend calls her a Mary Bennet in a not good way, I took notice. What’s wrong with Mary Bennet? I had to get out my old copy of Pride and Prejudice to place this Bennet sister. I remembered Jane as the oldest and prettiest, Elizabeth as the one who was too proud to admit her feelings for the dashing Mr. Darcy, and Lydia as the troublemaker younger sister. The youngest sister was Kitty who needed to be redirected from the bad influences of Lydia. But what was Mary’s story? Then I remembered. Mary was the bookish one and often considered the boring sister. In most movie adaptations, Mary is a minor character. The typical overlooked middle child. As a middle child who is often reading, I am a little offended at this stereotype. Reading should not be seen as a boring habit or something that makes a person boring. I read across most genres (still not brave enough to read horror) and find that gives me more knowledge of things I may never experience first hand. I can appreciate multiple points of view and, because I read books for all ages, I can relate to people outside my age bracket. Choosing a life with less drama and appreciating a good book does not make a person boring just happier. I’ll keep reading to see how Marnie shakes this stereotype because I have faith that she will, but I think she’ll still keep reading. And so will I.
1/6

living with regret
didn’t leave when had the chance
shivers in the cold
1/8

best of both worlds
longing for blue summer days
finding joy in snow
1/11

found good spot to lie
stretched out by the fireplace
may be her till spring
1/15

when it’s cold outside
hanging out inside might be
most excellent idea
1/18

waiting for a change
warm days, brown land soon to end
arctic air blows in
January 18, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, reading
A Year of Reading
With the end of 2024 came my results for my reading challenge. I set a goal of reading 60 books in 2024 and ended up reading 90 books. They covered a wide range of genres. I read a couple of picture books that caught my attention. The Accidental Hero – A Mostly True Wombat Story by Laura Roettiger (Debbie Palen illustrated) was a sweet little story about a not so sweet big fire in Australia. The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutierrez and Shaian Gutierrez (Gabby Zapata illustrated) taught me about the Day of the Dead and family traditions. Both great picture books but very different. My favorite books to read are in the middle grade category. These are books for kids between 8 and 12 years old. Some of the national authors like Kathrine Applegate, Kate DiCamillo, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Lynne Kelly did not disappoint, but some local authors treated me to some great reads as well. I always love Boulder author Claudia Mills and savored her multi-generational book The Last Apple Tree. The last two books in the Book Scavenger series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman did not let me down for some fun kid-lit adventures. This year I even read some YA (young adult books). Another local author, Ellen O’Clover, entertained me with her awkward summer after high school of self discovery book The Someday Daughter. And I discovered an author who shares the same last name as me, but we don’t seem to be related. Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter gave the same good vibes as all those high school movies from the 80’s. I did read adult books, and lots of them. I proved that I will read just about anything and love to see different ways authors are creative. A few favorite authors from my year of reading include: Ann Napolitano (Hello Beautiful and Dear Edward), Amor Towles (The Lincoln Highway and Table for Two), Ann Patchett (everything fiction and non fiction), Chris Whitaker (All the Colors of the Dark) and even Steven King (On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft). Overall it was a great year to get lost in a book. My TBR (to be read) stack is ready to kick of 2025. First up is Wellness by Nathan Hill, a gift from my son. Happy reading everyone.
1/1/25

clear path to a new year
might be icy in some spots
slow and steady steps
1/2/25

clean slate for a new year
blank page to begin again
ready to leave mark
1/3/25

devoted to you
watching every move you make
a treat would be nice
1/4/25

before dinner walks
always better with a friend
enjoying the day
January 4, 2025

books, haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, reading, TBR
Going Through the Motions
It’s that time of year where I reflect on how the last twelve months went. This year had some challenges and some joys. I suppose that can be said of all years, but the challenges were unique this time, and they did have an effect on me. I found myself doing all of the holiday things but not always fully feeling them. It was more like biting into a KitKat from Japan rather than one from America. Still a KitKat, but lacking the intensity of an American sugar-filled one. I think when life is hard, I tend to put up barriers to protect myself. A better description would be I turtle-up and pull myself into my hard shell away from the harsh world. That works to soften the blow when bad things are happening, but it also mutes the good things. The question to end the year with is this – Is it better to not fully feel the bad and good or is it better to face the bad full on so you can do the same for the good? I think I’m going to need more tea to ponder that. Goodnight 2024.
12/16

unexpected guest
waited up to greet the day
before turning in
12/18

rush to the window
see what colors paint the sky
pink swirls await
12/24

morning promises
endless possibilities
new day to wonder
12/25

before the people
come to celebrate the day
enjoy the silence
12/28

best seat in the house
watching the final number
didn’t need a ticket
December 28, 2024

haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, Walks with Zephyr, wondering
The Real Holiday Magic
Everyone is busy. Enough said there. This year I made a point of making sure the people that matter to me were part of my to do list. I started the month off by scheduling lunch with a dear friend and her daughter. We go way, way back. Our friendship has survived living next door to each other as young children, to going out in the world in different directions, to raising families with a city between us, to now enjoying precious hours together now and again. Before the holiday craziness started, I made sure we had a date set so another season didn’t get by us without a visit. The few hours we spent over a long lunch refilled my bucket and gave me energy to continue with the demands of the holiday. Once that item was checked off my list (with a smile), I jumped onto the next friend event and hosted a cozy gathering with my education/book-loving friends. Seven of us gathered for an evening modeled after the Icelandic tradition of Jalabokaflodid (yo-la-book-a-flot) or Christmas Book Flood. We had warm food, talked, laughed, and exchanged books. These friends have shared with me raising of children, working in education, and now writing as a career. It was a perfect Friday the 13th for me. Nothing is better than a cup of tea, a room full of good friends gathered around the Christmas tree, and new books being shared while old ones are remembered. I know there will be time spent with family, but taking the time with friends is also important. There is something magical about being with people you choose to have in your life. If nothing else, my dog enjoyed all the love shared with him. He may be the reason they all came.
12/5

favorite season
packages left at the door
something just for me
12/7

morning messages
delightful visit with friend
sipping tasty treats
12/8

waiting for Santa
plenty of books to choose from
sitting by the tree
12/11

birds sing from above
cattails welcome new day
bunnies hide nearby
12/14

sometimes a high place
is what’s needed to escape
from little sisters
December 14, 2024

haiga, haiku, haiku Saturday, joyful, reading, TBR, thankful, Walks with Zephyr, winter