Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
This week, I had surgery, something I have been putting off for too long. Over the years, as I tried to decide to have this surgery, people told me, “You’ll know when it’s time,” and they were right. When you reach the point where pain and limited mobility cause you to feel like an old […]
Last week, I joined my daughter and her family as we said goodbye to a beloved pet. We knew the day was coming. Sadie was 13 and had liver failure. She hung on a long time, doubtless cherishing the love as long as possible. But finally, her decline required the kindness of relieving her suffering. […]
Last week, as I was leaving a restorative care facility after visiting a friend, I encountered a group of employees in the lobby. “Are you a teacher?” one asked. “You have the presence of a teacher.” I answered “no,” and then told her I am a writer. “For real? What have you written? Do you […]
I’m a creature of habit. Most of us are. I eat the same thing for breakfast almost every day. It’s a challenge for me to step outside my comfort zone on certain things, breakfast being one of them, but recently, I ate something different for breakfast. It was delicious! What holds you back from trying […]
This is a summer of parchingly high temperatures, punctuated by torrential rain. Even with irrigation, sections of lawn appear dry beyond recovery, and then, comes the rain. Often, we experience seasons when we feel parched, exhausted and disheartened by life circumstances. Following are reflections on thriving in a parched world: Sustenance In the last days […]
As a child, I remember a summer when rain was an everyday occurrence. We had a new swimming pool and I longed for sunny days and warm temperatures. But each morning, I woke up to the sound of rain pelting the roof and filling the gutters. Not only did the rain continue day after day, […]
One of my orchids has created an interesting stem growth pattern. Instead of moving in a “normal” direction, the stem branched into a wide arc that continues to wind its way in an ever-expanding, circular path of growth. Sometimes, our journey is similar. We begin with goals and dreams, but often, life unfolds in a […]
July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of freedom for the United States of America. Widespread celebrations will ensue, but behind the festivities, fireworks, and food, is a history of hard-fought effort to gain and ensure liberty. Freedom is something many of us take for granted. Having grown up in a country where freedoms are […]
What does Father’s Day smell like to you? Okay, I know that’s a weird question. More to the point, do certain smells remind you of your father? The Smell of Lumber The smell of lumber, mixed with a little sweat, well, probably a lot of sweat, always conjures memories of my father. Daddy was a […]
Last week, I had a haircut. The new stylist cut my hair short. Very short. Much shorter than usual. So short I almost don’t recognize myself when I look in the mirror. In looking at childhood pictures, I saw how curly my hair was and wondered if it would curl that much now if not […]