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Last night, I discovered the most beautiful dahlia in my garden. It is a small bloom. The outer petals are a mix of pale cream and pink. Some of the pink petals have soft veins of purple running through them. These are followed by rows of peach petals with light mauve edges and purple tips.…
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Dear Grief, You are bossy, unpredictable, and mean. You never show up when I think you will. On birthdays, anniversaries, or any type of celebration, I brace myself for your arrival, only for you to no-show. Then, on beautiful sunny days as I drive with the windows down, blasting Edge of Seventeen, you show up…
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The sun has dropped below the horizon. The sky is filled with hues of pink and blue. She walks inside leaving the heat of the day behind. She undresses in the quiet shadows of her room. The curtains billow, slowly exhaling, inhaling. I run her bath. She slips into the warm water. It smells of…
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Fifty-six years ago today, I was adopted. Every year on this day, my parents tell the story of meeting a beautiful, blonde, chubby baby who was all smiles. Every year, I’ve heard about how cute I was, how well my foster parents looked after me, and how happy I was. I don’t have any stories…
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I see you at the edge of the light. You move in the shadows. There, but not. Others smile and talk. They move easily. You don’t look or sound like them. You are apart. This hurts. The outside is dark. You feel alone. Sometimes you cry a little. Sometimes a lot. What is wrong…
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I stare up into the night sky. The snow falls gently. It melts as it touches my face. I close my eyes. Snowflakes stick to my eyelashes. I exhale deeply. I am so tired. I lay down. The snow hugs my body. I take a deep breath and sink further. The snow begins to fall…
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Every time I put my car in reverse, I get the same feeling. It starts in the base of my neck and moves down my spine. I’m going to be hit. Something is going to hit me. I’m waiting for both mammogram and PAP tests results. I’m an anxious bag of nerves. That must be…
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Last week I was going to write a rant about how much I dislike the word “unchurched.” It’s one of those insider words that church people use, and one I think is out-of-date, overused and offensive. I sat down with someone wiser and more thoughtful than me, who suggested that not everyone is offended by…
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I’m not a new year’s resolution type of person because CHOCOLATE. Also, exercise is icky and gyms are smelly. So no diet or fitness resolutions for me. I’ve thought about trying the #oneword focus for the new year, but I as a lover of words it has been difficult to settle on just one. While reflecting…
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I spent last night with my step-mother. She took me to her favorite stores in search of a dress I needed to wear to a wedding this weekend. We ate food, laughed and talked. So much talking. But it was all a dream. My step-mom passed away almost ten years ago after a battle with…
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Alison McKinnon
Writer of words.
Sometimes afraid.
Mostly okay.
sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows 