Passover and Poetry
Monday Morning Musings:
“And when our children tell our story. . .
They’ll tell the story of tonight. . .Raise a glass to freedom
Something they can never take away”
–Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Raise a Glass to Freedom,” Hamilton
This past week of cooking and cleaning
of family and friendship
of war and words,
of stories and rhyme–
the tides of the river
the flight of a crow
the raising of glasses
the flow of time
We celebrated the launch of River Ghosts at William Heritage Winery
as we walk and talk and sing
the love we bring
to the table
even as we miss absent faces
we find traces
amidst syllables we utter
through the clutter
of the everyday.
What we say in tears and laughter—
flies on heart-wings from here to here-after,
becoming another story—added light–
to all the stories of tonight.
I’m sorry if I’m overwhelming with photos in this post. Friday night was the start of Passover. Our older child is here, and we celebrated “our” book River Ghosts being out in the world. (They designed the stunning cover art.) We had some summer-like days this week and some beautiful spring days. We’ve also had thunderstorms, heavy rain—and this morning, I had to turn the heat back on.
On Passover, we are commanded to tell the story of the Exodus as part of the seder. Let’s just say, we are not traditional. My talented children wrote this year’s Passover play—the best one ever—over glasses of wine Friday night and coffee on Saturday morning. Where do they get this last-minute writing under pressure thing?
My siblings could not be with us on Passover, but it was still wonderful to have my children here and my sister-niece and her family. This was our first Passover together since the pandemic. Today is the two-year anniversary of my mom’s death.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Family time! And what a wonderful one you have. (K)
Thank you very much, Kerfe. We are very fortunate.
Yes, I feel that way too.
what a beautiful celebration Merril. Thanks or sharing your amazing family with us and congratulations to all of you on the book. What an incredible feast and in food, story and love. 💖💖
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and words, Cindy!❤️
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Congratulations to the launch of “River Ghost”! I hope you had nice festive days, and enjoy the good weather! Best wishes, Michael
Thank you so much, Michael. I appreciate the kind wishes. I wish you all good things and pleasant weather, too.
I just found this comment in my spam folder.
What a wonderful collection of some of your favorite things. You are blessed with your children, your wonderful new book and of course the meal shared with family. I enjoyed the tomfoolery too. 😀
Thank you so much, Marian. I remembered to take and post a few food photos for you. 😀
We’re a goofy group–you can tell my two children are siblings. 🤣
I’m happy you enjoyed Passover with your family, Merril. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. Congrats on the book!
Thank you very much, Jill! 💙
Such wonderful images. Happy, beautiful people sharing time with each other. 🙂 Congratulations on your book!
Thank you so much, Robin! It was so good to see everyone. I know you just saw some family, too. 💙
I did, and as you said, it was so good to see everyone. 🙂
💙
Wonderful smorgasbord of life in lines and photos, all so lovely and congrats on the book
That’s so kind, Paul. Thank you very much!
Very welcome Merril
Love all your photos. Looks like a great family gathering!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Dwight, and leaving such a lovely comment!
You are welcome!
It sounds and looks as though a wonderful weekend was had by all, Merril!
Thank you so much, Ingrid! It was fun seeing both my children, and they got some time together, too–and we also got to see other family members.
Awesome photos! Your hubby and you are so cute! 😍
Aww–thank you so much, Tricia! ❤️
💓
Congratulations again on River Ghosts, Merril! I love all the family photos, particuarly the ones outside, just having fun goofing for the camera!
Thank you so much, Liz!
We like to be goofy. 🤣
You’re welcome, Merril!
What are you apologizing for! Share photos! We all love them, I have zero doubt. So much joy in them, to boot 🙂 And such a talented group.
Love that you had a wonderful celebration with your kids.
You are so kind, Dale. Thank you my friend. 💙 I did have a great time being with my kids. They’re visiting my mother-in-law today, so that’s nice for all of them, too.
That’s fantabulous! I had Easter with my family last night. We were only missing one of the nieces. (Lucky brat was still gallivanting about New Mexico!)
I’m glad you got to spend time with your family, too. It was a shame my siblings couldn’t come (health issues and other things).
Since our Christmas was cancelled, it was all the more special.
It’s hard to get together at the best of times!
Yes, I understand.
Merril, your photos are wonderful feasts (some even literal feasts) for the eyes. It’s always a joy to see your beautiful, happy, talented family. I received the print copy of River Ghosts this weekend. I marvel at the cover … so lovely! And I’m indulging in your poetry 🙂
That’s so very kind, Marie. Thank you!!😊
Not forgetting photography. A lovely event, despite the absences
Thank you, Derrick.
Simply marvellous! I’m so happy you had fun with family!
Thank you, Resa! I did! It was great spending time with both of my children, and seeing some other family members, too.
xo
💙