Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
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 […]
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 […]
This week, I attended a cousin’s funeral. While it was a sweet time of remembrance, and seeing other cousins, this occasion was also a sobering reminder of the brevity of life. As an only child, my cousins have always been important to me. I am blessed to have cousins by the dozens, literally. I share […]
Several nights ago, I was startled into consciousness by the sound of something falling. In my grogginess, I tried to decipher the source, finally convincing myself a picture had fallen off my dresser. Yet, the unknown genesis of the sound bothered me. Ultimately, I turned over and went back to sleep, confident that an intruder […]
Despite the prediction of a furry Pennsylvania rodent, I believe we are on the cusp of spring. Birds are chattier. Daffodils poke heads from the ground. Brown yards are tinged with shades of green. Mild afternoons hint at warming. I’m ready for the chill and dreariness of winter to take a back seat to greenness […]
Many years ago, when I was young and unencumbered by aging knees, I climbed out our bathroom window and stood on the sunroom roof. My intention was to wash the windows; however, I quickly realized the power of gravity. I was unprepared for the significant downward pull, prompting a rapid return to the safety of […]
Valentine’s Day 2024 is my first Valentine’s Day in 44 years without my husband. Please do not feel sorry for me. I’ve received unexpected cards, chocolates, and other expressions of love. And I have a dinner date with the cutest, sweetest 6-year-old little man, who looks a lot like his Bop. Jim and I had […]
Last weekend, our family spent an evening at Tweetsie Christmas. Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, has been in existence since I was a child. It’s one of those places you remember from childhood, and later take your children, and this year, our grandchildren. Holiday events, items, and history, passed on to successive generations, […]
Do you have giants in your life you can’t seem to overcome? Right now, the giant we are facing is my husband’s upcoming surgery. Unknowns exist. Some aspects are a little scary, especially since the surgeon gave him a backout opportunity at the pre-op appointment. But we are going ahead, with faith, and trusting God […]