Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
“Comfort” and “Joy,” words we often associate with Christmas. But can comfort and joy coexist with loss and grief? Yes, both comfort and joy are sustaining me in this season of my life. Following are among my sources of comfort and joy: Grandchildren My precious grandchildren provide so much comfort and joy during these days […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
In recent months, I have spent lots of time sorting, cleaning out, and throwing away at my maternal grandparents’ home, where two of my aunts also lived. It’s been an arduous task going through the remnants of multiple lives. Sifting through photos and other memorabilia has also been emotionally overwhelming at times. But as I’ve […]
What brings you joy at Christmas? Is it time with family, baking, singing, volunteering your time and talents? Christmas is a time for celebration, rejoicing, and counting blessings, but it’s also a time to brighten the lives of others, and give as your heart prompts. Here are a few of my favorite things at Christmas: […]
Last week, our family gathered to celebrate the life of an amazing woman. Technically, she was my cousin-in-law, but I thought of her as blood kin because she was like us. Any time you were with her you felt special. Her laughter and smile were contagious. She was a great storyteller, but more than that, […]
Have you noticed Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas this year? Everyone is trying hard, but despite early decorating and attempts at festive social media posts, Christmas 2020 just isn’t the same. To say this year has been hard is a massive understatement. And just when you think you’re doing okay handling the strangeness, isolation, and […]
Change is always hard, especially when it involves situations over which we have no control. The restrictions imposed by authorities on state and national levels in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 have changed how we conduct our day-to-day lives. Many are chafing at these limits, but positives always emerge, even in negative […]
Have you ever wished you had something so much, and been so focused on attaining it, you were miserable? Many times, we can’t be thankful for what we have because we’re so focused on what we’re lacking. And sometimes, when we want something we don’t have and can’t seem to get, we’re not only sad, […]