Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Years ago, when I bought a struggling plant on the sale table at a local garden store, I didn’t know what I was getting. I was attracted to the purply-maroon, triangular-shaped, butterfly-looking leaves, but didn’t know the name of the plant. I later learned its botanical name, oxalis traiangularis, commonly called ruby shamrock, purple shamrock, […]
Last weekend, I taught and met with conferees one-on-one at a writing conference. I always learn at these conferences, even when serving on faculty. Not only do I learn about the craft of writing, but I gain insight into human nature. I see those with deep hurts, quirks, and a desire for self-expression. But I […]
This spring we’ve enjoyed watching our four-year-old grandson play T-ball. Observing four-year-olds bat, tackle the ball, fight over it, forget to throw to base, play in the dirt instead of watching the batter, cry, pout, and announce “I’m done” halfway through the game has been fun and entertaining. As I watched these little ones, several […]
No one disputes the fact that last year was difficult. For our family, as for many others, the hard stuff spilled over into the new year. That’s the way it is. Difficult life seasons don’t follow the calendar, advance with any sort of orderly progression, or resolve in the time frame of our choosing. While […]
Each year, when the third week in June rolls around, I can’t help but think of my Daddy. Even though he died almost 30 years ago, I still miss him. I miss his strong hugs with a jiggly squeeze at the end. I miss his gentle voice, his humor, and his wisdom. My father was […]
Last week, a tornado ripped through my town, leaving a ten-mile swath of destruction in its wake. Trees demolished houses and cars. Roofs, shingles, signs, furniture, cars, and campers ended up in places you’d never expect to see them. But miraculously, no one was killed. Last week’s upheaval caused me to ponder. Following are lessons […]
Last weekend, I spent a night in the Emergency Department of our local hospital with a family member. As we entered, she said, “This was not on my list of things to do!” “A trip to the ER is never on anyone’s list!” I said, as we made our way down the hall. While the […]