Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
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 […]
Nine years into their marriage, my parents remained childless. My father was one of nine children, and my mother, the oldest of five, so childlessness was an unfamiliar place. I’d like to believe they were still holding on to hope, but I’m not sure that was the case. It’s hard to honestly congratulate others on […]
In what life season do you find yourself? I am living in a sweet season. My daughter and her family live nearby. My son and his family just moved back to town. Despite lingering sadness, missing my husband, blessings abound. I am learning to be content with my age and stage of life. Embracing Contentment […]
The origins of Memorial Day date back to the aftermath of the Civil War, when it was called Decoration Day, a time set aside to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. After World War I, Decoration Day was expanded to include those who died in all American Wars. In 1971, by act of Congress, the […]
Do you know people who are fixers? If you mention the slightest something that is out of whack, they immediately begin searching online for a quick fix or make suggestions of things to try. Sometimes, you’re not requesting a fix, but rather simply venting concern or frustration. Yet, fixers jump in without knowing all the […]
Photo by Jessie Modlin Photography The last month involved a series of events, preparations, celebrations, ballgames, gatherings, and travel. All good, but also a little exhausting. It took me a while to realize the exhaustion was emotional as well as physical. Amid times of fun, joy, and celebration, an element of sadness lurked at the […]
In recent weeks, every weather forecast includes mention of our area being in a drought, even after rainfall. Drought conditions exist when rainfall accumulation is below average, stream flow decreases, lake levels drop, and soil moisture is low. Recovery from drought requires a long soaking rain rather than a sudden, short cloudburst. Do you feel […]