Bridget Purdome

On an unseasonably early spring day, I engaged in a simple ritual – picking up sticks. While the retreat house lawn needed a good clean-up, it certainly didn’t need me. At the pace I was moving, autumn would arrive before the yard was clear of branches. This was more about what I was needing – […]

I barely knew him, and yet, every Christmas, he reminded me, “You are special.” The third of four children, all born in the span of just 6 years, it was impossible to get any individual attention except from this mysterious and thoughtful man. On Christmas day, the Milwaukee relatives would arrive laden with packages for

“This is the time to be slow. Lie low to the wall. Until the bitter winter passes.” – John O’Donohue It’s time to be slowThe old oak modelsReleasing its leavesJust one at a time. It’s time to be slowThe wet logs cryResisting all attemptsTo ignite into bonfire. It’s time to be slowThe inner voice whispersEncouraging

The Pool. I have been returning to the swimming pool of my childhood this summer as it is only a couple miles from my Mom’s nursing home. “Rec” pool has changed very little in the last 40 years. Even the old popcorn popper in the concession stand looks like it has never been replaced. As

My daughter scanned me from head to toe, as we prepared for a walk in the city. “With your cap, backpack, water bottle, and running shoes, you dress like a junior camper heading off to summer camp!” There is nothing like a fashion critique from a 22-year-old. Hey – maybe I like being a junior

The chain on my bike derailed. Ten miles from home, this could have been a crisis. No worries! I pulled my phone out of my backpack and googled, “bike shop near me.” The closest one was a short walk away. The helpful mechanic did a quick derailleur adjustment, and I was back on my way.

Bursting with buds the towering oaks patiently stand waiting for spring flowers green leaves maybe even a sense of fullness. At this moment they’re content to be right where they are. What are you waiting for this spring? How are you waiting? Copyright (c) 2021, Bridget Purdome, ThePearlDivers.com. All rights reserved.

“What’s so good about Good Friday? Isn’t it a day of death and sorrow?” I paused, as I overheard a colleague asking these questions. “What’s so good about Good Friday?” I continue to sit with this question, as I rest and reflect. First, it’s a paid holiday for me and my co-workers which is a

Yesterday, while taking some “on the cusp of spring” time in Wisconsin, I was stunned to see two men appear outside the window and begin to cut down the big, old maple tree. I had first encountered this magnificent tree more than 30 years ago, when I visited my parents in this same woodsy condo.