Bloom!

Posted on May 17, 2021May 17, 2021 by Laurel Archer

I’ve been reading The Sign of Jonas by Thomas Merton, a journal of his early years living at Gethsemene Abbey. Not something you’d think would be inspirational to prelude a birthday poem, ... Read More

Covid Collisions

Posted on August 14, 2020August 14, 2020 by Laurel Archer

How are you doing? I’m having little aha! moments. Like when I realize what I’m missing in this season – casual contact with others for example – the everyday connections that ... Read More

Accepting Change

Posted on May 22, 2020May 22, 2020 by Laurel Archer

I recognize that I am drawn to routine and regularity. Even on holiday, I will establish a structure to the days, or carry with me, habits from home to give scaffolding to the new schedule of vacation... Read More

Mother’s Day

Posted on May 10, 2020May 10, 2020 by Laurel Archer

Here’s another Covid first — mother’s day. One of the the most busy restaurant days of the year, after Valentine’s day (official Laurel guess-tistics). Will mom have to cook af... Read More

A Psalm for Covid 19

Posted on April 7, 2020April 7, 2020 by Laurel Archer

I’ve been reading slowly through the Psalms – a few each morning. Not all of them resonate with me. There are the familiar ones that have lines I learned as a child; these stand out. And t... Read More

Holy Habits

Posted on March 21, 2020April 6, 2020 by Laurel Archer

I’ve been thinking about little things the last few days. Like the preposition, ‘everyone’. As a poet every word is important and I’ve given more thought to the choice of a pre... Read More

One Crocus

Posted on February 29, 2020February 29, 2020 by Laurel Archer

It was my next door neighbour Sara who had the crocuses in her garden. I’m not much of a gardener (and by not much, I mean not at all, if I’m honest). I’ve been hopeful of course, I ... Read More

When

Posted on February 22, 2020February 22, 2020 by Laurel Archer

Do you have these moments? It happens inexplicably, in a flash — the whole of your own story washes over you in a way that leaves you kind of breathless? It’s kind of ‘life flashes b... Read More

Twenty!

Posted on December 28, 2019December 28, 2019 by Laurel Archer

How can it possibly be that 20 years have passed since Emma claimed a space in our lives? It’s become a bit of a tradition to write an Emma poem for her birthday. I’m not sure why exactly.... Read More

Family — Road trip days 5 & 6

Posted on August 7, 2019August 7, 2019 by Laurel Archer

As a child I loved the trips we made to visit family. Frequently we drove north through Calgary to Red Deer and Sylvan Lake to be with my Mom’s family, but we also went at least two times a year... Read More