Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Years ago, I traveled to New Mexico each year to teach at a writing conference. One year, as the plane banked for landing, the woman next to me sighed and said, “Isn’t it beautiful!” I managed a nod, but what I saw was bleak, barren, dusty, reddish-brown desert. Conversely, she saw the beauty of a […]
While on our trip to Italy, Turkey, and Greece, we visited many ancient sites and viewed everyday items archeologists managed to unearth and piece together. As I looked at these items, I realized these broken vessels are our window to the past, a snapshot of the life and times of those who lived long before […]
Last week, I did a major clean out of three closets. As I worked, I was surprised to discover clothes in a little-used closet that dated back to my college years, almost five decades ago! Although I’m still not finished, I am happy with my progress. Cleaning out isn’t limited to clothing or household items. […]
While on our Mediterranean trip, I made an effort to adjust my perspective beyond what was immediately visible. When we visited historical sites, I made sure I looked below and above. Often, we see only what is right in front of us and lose perspective because we don’t grasp the full picture. Following are thoughts […]
Both of my parents loved photography. During World War II, following the departure of all the male photographers, my mother became the photographer for the local newspaper. She was on call 24/7 and learned a lot about telling a story through pictures. My father also enjoyed photography and owned a variety of cameras, including movie […]
This year, in our area of the country, fall has been slow in coming. The trees remained green long after other areas. Then, seemingly overnight, the leaves turned, providing a riot of reds, golds, and oranges among the green. Sometimes, life seasons are slow to come or slow to leave. When you’re longing for a […]
For the last few months, I’ve dreamed colorful dreams and remembering those dreams the next morning. Sometimes, those dreams linger all day and pick up again that night. I’m sure abundant research exists about why we dream and what dreams mean, but here is my take on how dreaming affects me. Dreams Change Perspective We’ve […]
One of the advantages of having grandchildren is the joy of looking at the world from their perspective. I did this to some extent with my children, but grandchildren put a whole new spin on a child-eye viewpoint. What we learn through the eyes of little ones, enhances forward motion. Following are some of the […]
Last week, I learned of several in our community who died from COVID-related complications. This week, I know those who are struggling with multiple health conditions or new diagnoses. I look around me at church and count multiple people who lost a spouse or other family members in the past year. Honestly, as we near […]
Many people love fall because it heralds cooler weather and the upcoming holidays. Yet others view autumn with dread because it rolls into the cold, bleak, darkness of winter. Life is a succession of changes. Life seasons come and go, just as they do in nature. How we view seasons of personal change has an […]