Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Often, we use the word “love” loosely. We tie “love” to a certain food, a coffee brand, a song, a clothing line, and many other things. Then, we use the same word when we refer to people. But love is deeper than things, attraction, or passion. Love is based on foundational elements that allow love […]
I found last week’s helicopter and plane crash upsetting and disturbing, followed by a second crash and more lives cut short. The reality of the instantaneous loss of that many lives clung to me all week like a cold, wet blanket, heavy and oppressive. Perhaps, the fact that the emotions felt so familiar factored in. […]
Sudden death is, by its very nature, unexpected. We all think we’ll have the next moment, hour, day, month, year to express feelings and speak the love we hold for those dear to us. January 3, 2024, ended my chance to say, to my husband, words left unsaid. I was rushing that day, in a […]
Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Pre-Black Friday. Early Cyber Monday. Extended Cyber Monday. What used to be single days has turned into weeks, or a month, of special deals. At this time of the year, we are bombarded with incentives to purchase gifts—the right gifts, the perfect gifts. But have you considered that the best gifts […]
Forgiveness is an elusive concept, its path circuitous and rocky. Staring boldly at forgiveness, it appears to require more than anyone should be asked to give. Although I’ve chosen the path of forgiveness often, I sometimes select it reluctantly, like a child grabbing the doorjamb and screaming “no” when being put down for a nap. […]
Most of us like for unpleasant or painful situations to resolve quickly. If we have surgery or an injury, we often chafe at the slowness of the healing process, wanting to hurry everything back to normal. We want the same rapidity with emotional healing, often stuffing hurts into a protected corner of mind and heart […]
Last weekend, I taught at a writing conference. As I met conferees, reviewed their book proposals, and talked to them about their ideas, I was reminded anew that writers often write from their hurts. Difficult, challenging, wounding life experiences are the fuel that drives many to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. But […]
This week, with the approach of Father’s Day, I’m thinking of my daddy. He died much sooner than I was ready for him to, 30 years ago this year, and I still miss him. He was a good daddy, who knew how to give good gifts. I don’t necessarily mean material gifts, although he was […]
The month of February is associated with love. Hearts abound: decorations, in advertising, and on clothing. The bakery section of grocery stores is filled with heart-shaped cookies and cakes, and florists garner some of their biggest sales in February. But while many celebrate with great joy during this month, others are dealing with hurting hearts. […]
This week, my husband and I celebrated 40 years of marriage. When my parents reached their 40th anniversary, we had been married a little over six years. At that point, I could hardly fathom all the highs and lows of that much time together, but decided to pay more attention to what made their relationship […]