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Ninety-Nine for a Moment
In this tight experimental form--between prose and poetry--I recall everyday moments related to mortality and life decisions. I may come back and noodle on this piece more, but putting this start forward for now.
Janet Tilstra
May 82 min read
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Good night US
In this piece, I follow the structure of Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon children’s book to explore elements of change in the US.
Janet Tilstra
Mar 201 min read
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Picking up hearing aids (or s#*t happens)
This short piece is a reflection from a difficult day of caregiving which ended with a tiny act of generosity from a stranger.
Janet Tilstra
Sep 4, 20241 min read
14 views
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This is Good-Bye
I recently discovered a genre of writing called Flash nonfiction. Read on about a good-bye party in this form.
Janet Tilstra
Apr 10, 20241 min read
23 views
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Things I didn't know I loved...
These are some sample poems from a poetry workshop prompt: "I didn't know I loved, until...." If you want to open gratitude, try it!
Janet Tilstra
Jan 24, 20241 min read
33 views
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See Me.
For 6 years (2012-2018), I lived with a chronic pain condition, Trigeminal Neuralgia. I told almost no one... Why? Read on for my journey.
Janet Tilstra
Jan 10, 20242 min read
64 views
1 comment


Pantoum Poetry on life, death, and church
My mind has felt messy lately, so I've been experimenting with Pantoum poetry as a different way to process complex thoughts. Try it!
Janet Tilstra
Oct 21, 20232 min read
75 views
1 comment


Pattern finding: A tool for change
My cat Mowgli, is an expert pattern-finder. I too am on a journey to identify and understand my own patterns and how they affect life.
Janet Tilstra
Aug 23, 20232 min read
33 views
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Growth Mindset & Sticking the Landing
This morning, I watched two fledgling Bald Eagles in their flying lessons. Their persistence and the parent's coaching style caught my eye.
Janet Tilstra
Jun 26, 20233 min read
42 views
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Home Thermostats & the Patriarchy
I started to unpack my passive-aggressive approach to heat regulation. Here’s what I came up with. The patriarchy. Wait, don’t leave...
Janet Tilstra
Mar 29, 20233 min read
63 views
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The world is changing one Dayton’s at a time
Post COVID, we’ve landed in a world where institutions that seemed secure and stable feel shaky and uncertain. It can feel unmooring.
Janet Tilstra
Jan 31, 20233 min read
39 views
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Pop-Up Poetry at a Canadian Conference
When I heard about Pop-Up poetry at my conference, I expected to get a lighthearted limerick similar to a caricature picture. I was wrong.
Janet Tilstra
Dec 7, 20222 min read
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Saints and Sinners: A reflection on sanitized church liturgies
All Saints Day in mainline Christian churches offers a chance to pause and reflect, but the liturgies can feel Hallmarky. Read on for more.
Janet Tilstra
Nov 9, 20223 min read
28 views
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Two Truths and a Lie
It’s election time and the world is rife with truth-telling and accusations of lies. Read on for my version of Two Truths and a Lie.
Janet Tilstra
Oct 30, 20226 min read
64 views
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How ARE you?
My mother passed away 2 weeks ago and her soul is free of pain. The grief traditions brought closure and yet layers of feelings linger.
Janet Tilstra
Sep 19, 20222 min read
76 views
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The Neutral Zone
Like many women, I wrestle with changes in my body. I offer the concept of Body Neutrality as a tool for the journey.
Janet Tilstra
Aug 31, 20223 min read
80 views
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Have you met Ted?
When caring for an aging parent...surprising relationships can emerge. In this essay, I reflect on an unexpected friendship.
Janet Tilstra
Jul 21, 20223 min read
67 views
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Twelve Handicapped* Spots at the Medical Clinic Parking Lot
There are 12 handicapped parking spots in front of the medical plaza I use. I once thought this was excessive, but after this week...
Janet Tilstra
Jun 2, 20224 min read
130 views
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The Way You Make Me Feel
Bright red shoes and applied improvisation. Lessons learned from residents of a memory cottage.
Janet Tilstra
May 18, 20223 min read
24 views
1 comment


The Wasteland
An essay mirroring T.S. Elliott's poem, The Wasteland. Living in-between, feeling uncertainty, waking up to grey on grey on grey...
Janet Tilstra
Apr 14, 20222 min read
73 views
1 comment
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