Storms are a common occurrence in the south. A blue sky suddenly grays, darkens to black, and produces a storm that includes thunder, lightning, and high winds.  Often the storm is over in a half hour or less. The sun reappears and there is “enough blue sky to make a cat a pair of kitten […]

Although this week officially ushers in spring, we’ve experienced spring-like weather for weeks here in South Carolina. Our climate often mirrors the phrase, “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” because frequently spring temperatures span a 50 degree range within a few hours. But there is one thing I’m reminded of every year: […]

Recently, I participated in a writers’ conference. Conferees gathered to learn, gain inspiration, acquire information, and access publishing opportunities. Appointments with editors, agents, and professional writers occurred. Manuscripts were critiqued. Excitement was palpable. Over the years, I’ve attended and taught at numerous writers’ conferences, and at each one, editors and agents report only a small […]

It’s interesting, yet incredibly sad, how often you hear of fractured family relationships or long-standing friendships that suddenly dissolve. What causes that to happen—a perceived slight, deliberate wounding, abuse, indifference, thoughtless words or actions? Whatever the inciting incident, unresolved hurt shapes lives. Let’s look at what happens when you don’t deal with hurt: Anger controls […]

Recently, I saw a social media post that included a picture of various bottles, pills, and paraphernalia, along with an involved description of the medical prep and a procedure the person was to undergo the next day. I’ll hark back to a word from my teen-hood to convey my reaction—GROSS! After I got over my […]

I entered a new phase of life this week. With the birth of a precious baby girl, Emerald, I became a grandmother. She is healthy and beautiful, a perfect blend of her lovely mom and handsome dad, the product of their love. As I held this little jewel and looked into her serene face, I […]

On Valentine’s Day, I thought of those for whom it was just another day, or a dreaded day. For some, it brought bittersweet memories of a lost loved one or a failed romance. Or perhaps it was a  reminder of a love that was cut short or never acknowledged. Sometimes a holiday or anniversary causes […]

All of us encounter adversity at some point in our lives. It may come in the form of a person, an adversary, but often adversity is a difficult circumstance. We’re rarely patient with adversity. In fact, the more common response is anger, a desire for revenge, or a woe-is-me attitude, replete with complaining. So how […]

Many years ago, a man who worked for my father used the term “disremember.” He’d apologize when he failed to do something by saying, “I disremembered to do that.” While this terminology brings a chuckle and stretches the bounds of made-up words, it’s actually not a bad idea to stop ruminating on certain memories and […]

Following the inauguration, a segment of the population made their displeasure known, yet again, by marching, demonstrating, and ranting, ad infinitum, on social media. While they are totally within their rights to voice their opinions, I’m beyond ready to just get on with life. I’m tired of verbal fingers wagged in my face, being called […]