even with the wind
we’ve mastered outdoor spaces
and earned this sunset




even with the wind
we’ve mastered outdoor spaces
and earned this sunset




the river’s icy
the current is too strong, son
but no one stops us

i can never look
without wanting to dive in
to fully swim. live.

they get this from me.
these kids who are not my kids.
these kids who are mine.


we swim for ice cream.
for these fleeting memories.
for their childhoods.


a path with a view
a waitress with attitude
a lake with my pup



a man saved my wheel
after a two-mile chase
’cause life’s a cycle


all arguments end
with a smooth lake and mountains
(just enjoy the view)





summer beach farewell
to friends she’ll maintain for life
(love’s in her nature)

that long Kansas road
alleviated by teens
learning to drive home


along a river
this fairy tale ferry stop
has stood a beacon




in muddy waters
kids get to be kids all day
while mamas paddle


nature is our home
found in Kentucky fire
lit by desire



a creek paddle day
brings every boat together
for swimming and grins




if only these pics were perfect
as perfectly peaceful as they appear
and no one lost a phone (and all the love attached) to a lake
and no one said they hated each other
and no one lied to their mother
and no one cried.


but life isn’t this lake
this quiet Kentucky fishing lake that we ruined with six screaming kids and one barking dog
this peaceful lake for paddling or praying or both
this swimmable, all-ours, wake-free lake.

Life is this lake, isn’t it?
Perfect and not so perfect.

nothing like my park
and isn’t that so perfect?
vines, dogs, shade, creeks, peace.


nothing like my path
and isn’t that so perfect?
sun, hills, curves, town, bike.


