Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Our oldest grandson begins kindergarten this week at a new school. Since he was an infant, he’s attended daycare and preschool at our church. Now, he faces the transition to a new school. Anxiety mingles with excitement as he navigates the newness of a different location, new teachers, and making new friends. All of us […]
Last week, we shared days of family time. As expected, all was not perfect—some bumps and scrapes, tears, mornings that started earlier than weary parents wanted them to—yet plenty of moments to treasure. Family is a gift we often take for granted. Following are thoughts on cherishing the gift of family: Ties That Bind As […]
Do you remember crowded stands at ballfields where a snack and drink were referred to as “refreshments”? In our fast-paced, frenetic world, aren’t we all in need of a little refreshment? Refreshment is defined as the act of refreshing; the state of being refreshed. This week, our family is enjoying a time of refreshing, togetherness, […]
A year ago, my 96-year-old aunt “Chinkie” skipped the bonds of earth and entered her heavenly home. She was a huge part of my life and continues to occupy my mind almost daily. Cleaning out her home provided moments of quiet grief, but also periods of joy. I thought I knew a lot about grief, […]
Seven years ago, when I felt the nudge to start blogging, I was resistant. I delayed for months, using the excuse of needing a topic I could sustain for the long haul. Granted, that was an important part of the process, but extended longer than necessary because I dreaded the commitment. Blogging, I knew, required […]
In recent weeks, I’ve found myself repeating the phrase “not what we expected” regarding my husband’s recovery from surgery. The surgery went fine and produced the desired results, but issues unrelated to surgery find us saying, “This is not what we expected!” We all have expectations. Some are realistic; others aren’t. Have you reached a […]
In recent months, I’ve read numerous novels set in World War II and learned a great deal about Adolph Hitler’s reign of terror, the hallmarks of which were fear, uncertainty, control, and loss of freedoms. Hitler’s totalitarian dictatorship from 1933-1945, systematically created an atmosphere of fear and hatred, while invading other countries and taking away […]
Several weeks ago, I heard a loud commotion in our side yard. I followed the sound and discovered two arched-backed, neighborhood cats facing each other. With intermittent yowls, and an occasional swat, they challenged each other over a patch of real estate that didn’t belong to either of them. Eventually, they gave up the fight […]
My father was a builder, so I grew up watching houses under construction. I learned several things: a sturdy house requires a firm foundation, and the “footprint” of a house can be deceptive (during early construction the house looks smaller than it really is). Constructing a solid reputation by the example you set is somewhat […]
Have you learned to appreciate simple gifts? The well-known Shaker song “Simple Gifts,” written in 1846 by Joseph Brackett, puts forth the ideal of simplicity, which was evident in the Shaker lifestyle. Shaker furniture styles are synonymous with high-quality, clean-lined, simple craftsmanship that is as popular today as it was decades ago. Deep within, we […]