Author Archives: Joy Clough

Not saying the “C” words

Posted on September 13, 2020

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything!” my mother would repeat most days during breakfast. Never a morning person, I needed her constant reminders to stop belly aching and just eat so I wouldn’t miss the bus. Mean … Continue reading →

Posted in Corona bright spots, Mindfulness, health and healing, Mum & Mac | 1 Comment

A few of my new COVID things

Posted on June 22, 2020

Anyone who’s lived with me for more than a day knows I can’t carry a tune. And they also know that doesn’t stop me from trying. At the top of my lungs. Because singing makes me happy. Or, better said … Continue reading →

Posted in Corona bright spots, Songs of Joy and Tomfoolery | 5 Comments

My college to COVID(eo) composite

Posted on June 11, 2020

“Don’t forget, be here this Thursday afternoon for composites!” one of my sorority sisters would announce over dinner each spring. First time I heard it, I had a Hill Street Blues moment, wondering why we needed an appointment with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Corona bright spots, Family and friends, Mindfulness, health and healing, Mum & Mac | 7 Comments

Pandemic proclamations

Posted on April 22, 2020

“Today, I ate a sandwich.” Not exactly an earth-shattering proclamation. Or is it? Really depends on the context. My step-mom, Prudy, once had a friend say that exact sentence to her, and it was the biggest deal either of them … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Corona bright spots, Mindfulness, health and healing, Retirementality | 16 Comments

Slow, slow riders

Posted on March 24, 2020

Ten winters after putting down Rangeley roots—perennial roots deep in the arctic strata formerly known as our summer waterfront—we put down tracks. Serious tracks. Boldly going where we hadn’t dared to snowshoe, ski, or ice shuffle before. Faster than a … Continue reading →

Posted in Retirementality, Seasonal celebrations and observations, Songs of Joy and Tomfoolery | 6 Comments

Back where it all began (Part Two)

Posted on January 27, 2020

NOTE: The following is a continuation of “Back where it all began,” published in June 2017. I was drifting back to childhood, watching the gigantic Snoopy float hover over the Macy’s parade, when the sound of Jim’s voice took me … Continue reading →

Posted in Family and friends, Mum & Mac, Rooted In Moosehead, too, Seasonal celebrations and observations | 4 Comments

First deer, lasting lessons

Posted on November 25, 2019

NOTE: The following was written by my daughter and first guest blogger, Becky Clough. In early November, while at home in Maine, I shot my first deer. It was a gorgeous, golden fall morning a mere three days into the … Continue reading →

Posted in Creatures great and small, Family and friends, Mindfulness, health and healing | 2 Comments

Last sunset over Sur La Mer

Posted on September 17, 2019

Don’t revert back to island time until at least November. If ever there was a day to honor that golden rule of mine, it was the first of September. One of those bluebird Rangeley days, it was perfect for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Mindfulness, health and healing | 10 Comments

Weather…or NOT!

Posted on July 9, 2019

I’m not sure who the audience is supposed to be for most National Weather Service “special advisories” in my area. Especially this one: Special Weather Statement for Northern Franklin County (June 15): The warm air temperatures this weekend in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Seasonal celebrations and observations | Tagged | 4 Comments

I dream of Genies (remastered)

Posted on March 24, 2019

Green lightSo brightFirst thing I want in sightI wish I may, I wish I mightHave it glow again tonight. I wished with all my heart, clicked my heals together, squeezed my eyes tight then opened them again. Over and over. … Continue reading →

Posted in Camp connectivity, Home working and house making, Remodeling and reorganizing | 7 Comments