Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
January provides the opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to begin again, to make forward motion with plans and accomplish goals. But often those plans fall by the wayside with the first obstacle and goals are put aside when the hurdles are higher than expected or life intervenes. Sometimes the hurdles that halt forward […]
Ready or not, the new year is here. How do you approach it? Many are happy to put the challenges and heartaches of the old year behind and look forward with expectancy to the journey ahead. Others cast a backward glance, clinging to what is behind, hesitant to step onto the road before them. Following […]
I remember one Christmas Day, when our children were small, our daughter stood in a sea of ripped wrapping paper, lifted some of the larger pieces, and exclaimed, “Is that all”? We had been to multiple family celebrations over the course of several days. Each included a time of opening presents. Now, after much gift-opening, […]
Have you ever known someone who is an unwilling recipient? I’ve encountered a few such people, and at the time, I found their reaction difficult to understand. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a gift? But sometimes, those who do not receive well are averse to accepting anything, whether gifts, help, or advice. Here are some […]
Last Christmas, we received a poinsettia via a harried florist deliveryman. As he thrust the plant into my hands, I noticed several branches were damaged; others, thin and weak. I propped the damaged branches and petted the plant through the Christmas season and into the first month of the new year. By mid-January, the plant […]
In the last few weeks, I’ve talked to several friends who are caring for aging parents. One described a day when she needed to be with each parent in a different location, with one being an emergent situation. The other friend mentioned how caring for her parent changed the landscape of her weekends. I reminded […]
One of my greatest blessings is spending time with my grandchildren. Sweet smiles, snuggles, new words, waves, blown kisses, and first steps are among the joys. Recently, our granddaughter started reciting the names of her loved ones when we gather for a meal. Mommy and Daddy are first, followed by others at the table—Glam […]
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 to the sounds of rain pelting the roof and filling the gutters. Not only did the rain continue day after day, but […]
For years, I’ve walked our neighborhood, stopping at times to talk to neighbors along the way. I remember a conversation once with a man about his family. He mentioned his brother lived on a street at the entrance to our neighborhood. “It must be nice to have him so close,” I said. “Well, we never […]
I’ve enjoyed watching my grandchildren grow and reach developmental milestones, among them, learning to crawl and walk. Each had a slightly different method of getting to the point of locomotion. One grandchild initially propelled herself forward with a scoot-crawl. She planted one foot and then swung the other knee forward. Her method looked awkward, but […]