{"product_id":"leaf-memories-9798543672402","title":"Leaf Memories","description":"\u003cb\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eI have always loved walking in the woods. I usually explore with my husband or daughter to act as a sighted guide. They find flora for me to touch. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhen I had some vision, they would point out fauna-a deer, or a bird taking flight. At those times, I was lucky to see the white of a retreating deer or hear the sound of wings in flight. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhen I became totally blind, I developed my senses of touch, hearing, smell and taste to see the world.\u003cbr\u003eI incorporated visual memories to complete the picture. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAfter two hip replacements, I could no longer walk the woods I loved. My husband and I became a tandem cycling team. This allowed me to experience nature in a different way. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eI wrote this chapbook of poems after I lost my sight. I found there are many ways to enjoy nature, such as using your hands to explore, along with your other senses. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Reflections\" \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eRain distorts the reflection in the pane.\u003cbr\u003eI contemplate my twisted hold on reality.\u003cbr\u003eMemory of the visual world changes with age, \u003cbr\u003ereforming like a deck of shuffled cards.\u003cbr\u003eThe rain forms tears from heaven.\u003cbr\u003eThey water our souls and spirits.\u003cbr\u003eI take a card to see what memory is on top.\u003cbr\u003eBuilding a story around the thought.\u003cbr\u003eThat story is my new reality.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Independently Published","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50903643881746,"sku":"9798543672402","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_039f6567-d8b4-49f7-8bc8-62cd152018f1.jpg?v=1738501007","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/leaf-memories-9798543672402","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}