Soul Runnings

 Hi Friends! I'm back. In a much timelier manner than usual!  I have a few more short stories featuring the "Zma in the Hood" today.  But first, the return of the "D" word.  Depression has been a companion of mine my whole life. He comes and goes. I've learned to accept it. This morning I woke up feeling blue, struggling with depression and anxiety. I know the feeling well:  It starts in my head. A low level throbbing around my temples. Then it radiates to my eyes. I feel tears "behind my eyes". Then the sensation travels to my gut. I feel queasy and uneasy. My pulse usually quickens. I am short of breath. But behind it all, is that empty, achy cavernous feeling around my heart. How's that for a description of depression? Well, that is how it feels to me at least.  This morning while I was airing out the apartment, trying to cool it off enough for an afternoon of teaching, I could feel it coming on strong. It actually started last night. A bit ...

 Hello Friends! Yet again I must apologize for my absence. There are times when I just cannot form meaningful words. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.  In my experience, eventually the fog clears. And just now, it has started to lift.  So here I am!  Where do I begin?  Perhaps, as I usually do. Just start typing as see what comes up! I am sitting outside my humble little abode right at this very moment. It is 10:11 p.m. It is currently 84 degrees fahrenheit.  We are in the midst of a heat weave.  The high was 97 today.  The low is only expected to reach 66 degrees. Tomorrow and Friday the forecast is 101 degrees.  But come Monday, the temps will descent into normal Portland readings.  Hopefully we'll even get a smidgeon of rain! I'm not really complaining though.  I am a bit of a rebel, if you haven't noticed.  I rarely complain about the rain.  I get a bit snooty or in German: "Ich bin  hochnäsig", ...