Jill Robinson

You Can’t Judge a Ship By Its Sail

One of my favorite activities at the lake is watching the sailboats. Once the breeze picks up in the late morning or early afternoon they come out in droves. If conditions are right, races take place on the weekends. I grew up in the middle of cornfields in Illinois. I don’t know how to sailContinue reading “You Can’t Judge a Ship By Its Sail”

Stay Flexible

Fads come and go, social tastes wax and wane. We can clench our fists and rail against the tides of change, we can lament the way things used to be or we can be grateful for the continued march of progress. Instead of digging our heels in and holding tight to the past we canContinue reading “Stay Flexible”

Take Your Time Growing Up

Last night my youngest was upset that he still needed me in his room at night to tuck him in. He felt bad that he still worried about monsters under the bed, even though he knew such a thing did not exist. I asked him why he was upset, I didn’t mind being there forContinue reading “Take Your Time Growing Up”

Silver Lining

I’ve been sidelined again from running on the path in our neighborhood forest preserve. It’s one of the things that helps keep my head clear and my anxiety in check. I’ve been forced to slow down, to walk instead of run. I’ve tried to be pragmatic about it, to be grateful for what I canContinue reading “Silver Lining”

Mug Shot

My favorite coffee mug is a lesson in personification. It holds the ones I love. It is worn down and imperfect. Life has made its lasting impact on the surface. Despite it no longer being new and perfect, it functions just as well and is just as capable. Its value doesn’t come from perfection butContinue reading “Mug Shot”

A Walk in the Woods

Empty, past sad and lonely. My thoughts silenced, no energy to compose. Head quiet while walking in the shadows. The cottonwood puffs drift by soundless, play some music to fill the space within. People pass by unaware of the void inside. A break in the trees ahead, sunbeams fighting through. Do I try to walkContinue reading “A Walk in the Woods”

It’s OK, Make a Mess

Facebook memories get me every time. I could get lost in photos of the past. Seeing random moments of my babies, captured and returned to me, sends me off down the rabbit hole of memories reaching out to bring anyone nearby down with me. The photo with this post is one of my favorites. ItContinue reading “It’s OK, Make a Mess”

Last Words — Heartland Society of Women Writers

By Jill Robinson You’re so beautiful: The last words he ever spoke to her, not that he knew who she was anymore. As his memories slowly dispersed, like dandelion seeds in a soft summer breeze, his love for her remained. The young child she brought to visit, snow white hair and deep blue eyes, almost familiar, a vision in […]Continue reading “Last Words — Heartland Society of Women Writers”