Jodi Hills

So this is who I am – a writer that paints, a painter that writes…


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Ponies and dragons.


The star attraction on the playground of Washington Elementary was the jungle gym with the giant green dragon head. I could hear the call from the street level where the bus dropped me off. “Climb me!” It shouted from above. I raced up the stairs. Dropped my homemade orange corduroy book bag and rung by rung, began my ascent. Up and around. Getting higher. Closer. Of all the gifts they gave me in school, and there were many, this one, beginning each day at the top, was one of the finest.

As we wander the country, I can still hear the call. From the World’s biggest Bowie knife, to Longhorns frozen by the river, or horses statued and waiting for Wee-chi-tah! Their words ring in my heart’s ear, and I have to climb!

I suppose that’s why I write every day. Each word a rung. Maybe today I will turn that perfect corner, step up just a little, climb the perfect sentence, and reach higher. I owe them that, the teachers that gave me the chance, the desire. I owe it to myself. Not to waste any of it. Some days I may only ride the small pony. But one day, the tallest dragon! There will be joy in it all! And so I climb…


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Aloft.

Soaring birds that wish to stay aloft without flapping usually fly INTO the wind for lift.

I suppose that’s the goal, isn’t it — a lot less flapping, and a lot more lift. And I mention it only as a reminder to myself. Oh, it’s so easy to get upset over the little things. “But they did this! – again…” and “she always does this – every time,” and “look at that, c’mon!” (So much flapping.) 

And we all know the goal. To get higher. But ooooh, those words — when someone tells you “to just get over it…” I’m not sure why exactly, but they sound like fighting words. Like it’s all your responsibility. Like why do I have to do it? Why do I always have to go higher? (Oh, that flapping!) So I tell myself in different words, be the soaring bird. And my heart stops fighting the wind, but using it. To glide. Higher. And I always feel better. Always. 

I’m so human. I learn the lesson over and over. But I’d like to believe I become the bird a little easier, a little more quickly, with each passing lesson. I hope so. Because the view! Spectacular! 

Maybe you’ve already mastered it. If so, I say bravo, little bird! And I make you this promise (me, too often here among the flappers) — I’m learning — and I’ll see you up there!