Paloma Mohn

  Queen of the Tank There’s one Amano shrimp in my tank who has become the true queen of the aquarium, and she’s always a joy to watch. Over time, she’s grown quite large, easily outpacing the others in size and presence. Whenever she emerges from her rocky hideout, it’s like she’s surveying her domain, gracefully gliding through the water with an air of confidence. Her natural coloration stands out beautifully amidst the other shrimp, which have all taken on transparent and brassy tones after mingling with the others in the tank. 

  This is a cozy and quiet spot!!! Zzzzzzzzz

 

From my lookout at La Paloma Observatory, I gaze west, Across Colina del Sol, to where the ocean rests. In sunsets’ golden glow, I sense you near, My sister Michelle, your absence so clear. I miss you dearly, your laughter, your light, In the hush of the evening, and the deepening night. The world feels colder, the days seem long, Without you here, where you belong. Yet in moments of quiet, a tiny bird appears, A hummingbird, bringing whispers of what I hold dear. In many lands, this bird is a sacred sign, A bridge between worlds, the spirit's design. Messenger of joy, of love, and light, With each fluttering wing, it lifts my plight. It dances with the sun, it drinks from the flowers, A symbol of hope in my darkest hours. Michelle, in every sunset, in the vibrant sky, In the hummingbird’s flight, I feel you nigh. Your presence in the twilight, a comforting grace, A reminder of love that time can't erase. I see you in the sunsets, the colors so bright, I feel you in the littl...

  The hallways here were reminiscent of those at the hospital where Michelle had received her care, so she told. The imagined similarities struck a painful chord within me, the déjà vu of sorrow. But amidst the clinical environment, a dark hallway led me to a sculpture. It was of thoughtful form, shaped by hands that clearly understood grief. The piece stood as a silent testament to loss and resilience. In front of this sculpture, I found an unexpected sense of calm. The hands that had created it seemed to hold my sorrow, allowing me to feel less alone in my grief. A wave of peace washed over me, mingled with sadness. I began to cry, a light smile forming on my lips as memories of Michelle's bravery filled my heart. I couldn't tell which came first, the tears or the smile. My sister had been so brave. Her strength and spirit lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of the transient nature of life. Michelle, I miss you every day. Life moves so quickly, in the blink of an eye, it...

  One of the nicest afternoons I’ve had recently was spent with my little buddy, Lucky, an African Grey parrot. I had bought her some Legos, intrigued by the idea of her playing with something that matched her intelligence and curiosity. It seemed perfect for her, so I couldn't resist. We set ourselves up in the living room, music playing, creating a chill atmosphere. Lucky perched beside me, watching intently as I opened the Lego box and spread out all the colorful pieces. She tilted her head, examining each part with keen interest, and I could tell she was excited for our project. As I started assembling the Lego pieces, Lucky eagerly began to 'help' in her own way. While I connected the bricks, she busily worked to disassemble whatever she could get her beak on. It became a playful tug-of-war, me putting parts together and her expertly taking them apart. We snacked on some treats in between, Lucky enjoying her bits of fruit while I munched on some crackers. Lucky’s enthu...