A few years ago we were traveling in New Mexico and stopped late at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. We didn’t notice that it was almost closing time. Prepared to buy our tickets, the woman at the front desk told us to just go through. Maybe it seems like a small gift, but we were thrilled. The museum was almost empty of people and we saw all of her glorious works that we love. Easily, and free!

Now, when visiting any museum or paid entry building, it’s always in the back of my mind, “Maybe we can just O’Keeffe it.”

Maybe we really only know someone when they become verbs.

If someone falls asleep in a chair, that’s pulling a Grandma Elsie. If I guess at the measuring for a recipe – a Grandma Elsie. If I take the time to write a letter, addressing it in a careful cursive – this too is a Grandma Elsie.

Maybe if we paid a little more attention to the verbs instead of the pronouns, we would all know each other a little better, treat each other a little more kindly. Maybe that’s just me being hopeful, looking for the best — pulling an Ivy.

The verbs of my grandmother and mother live on.