Years ago when Mama went to Parkview and we were cleaning out her house, we sorted the contents of her closets. Mama was never one to throw anything away, especially not cards or correspondence; the same had been true of Daddy. One box proved to be quite a treasure: letters Mama and Daddy sent to each … Continue reading Love Letters Straight from Their Hearts
Mercy at the DMV
It was Tuesday morning. Better than Monday or Friday the news coverage had advised when they showed the long wait at the DMV-- Department of Motor Vehicles. I couldn't believe I was having to subject myself to the pain of standing in that long line. I'd sent in my renewal form earlier than usual. But a … Continue reading Mercy at the DMV
To See Her Face
Over the past few months, it's been harder to visit Mama. I don't know how I'll find her-- if she'll have that sweet smile we've come to expect, or if she'll be bent forward in her wheelchair, at times with a forlorn expression. It's difficult to see her that way and you don't know what … Continue reading To See Her Face
Bare Trees: A Season of Rest
My favorite thing about winter is the silhouetted beauty of bare trees against the light of dawn. I love the shapes of the branches and how they reach heavenward as well as the negative space between the limbs-- forming sky-colored puzzle pieces of emptiness. The quietness of the season comes as such a relief from … Continue reading Bare Trees: A Season of Rest
I Don’t Have Time for That
It was a Sunday night and I stood at the edge of the dance floor next to Dee. She'd recently learned about my separation and told me about a support group, DivorceCare for people going through divorce. "I think you'd find the group really helpful. I've been leading the one in my church for years … Continue reading I Don’t Have Time for That
We Are Created to Thrive
Recently when I was in Asheville, I visited the studio of Matt Tommey-- a basket artist and founder of a mentoring program for Christian artist. I subscribe to his podcast-- The Thriving Christian Artist and find the episodes to be encouraging of my writing and my faith. His studio is in the River Arts District … Continue reading We Are Created to Thrive
Write Your New Story for 2020
Stepping into 2020, a New Year, a New Decade I can't help but compare how different I'm starting this year from last, this decade from the one that started 2010. I'd assumed that my life would continue on the same trajectory that I'd anticipated of growing old with my husband and being married until we … Continue reading Write Your New Story for 2020
Sisterhood of Support
Yesterday I saw the movie, Little Women. I've enjoyed that story in book, play, and now, movie forms. It resonates with me as the middle of three daughters-- especially since the main character is Jo March-- the second oldest, the writer, and the one who stirs things up. It was interesting to see each girl's … Continue reading Sisterhood of Support
My Christmas Guest
Last Monday, we sat together in a visiting area on the fourth floor of the UNC Cancer Hospital. My friend Delores and I talked, away from her sleeping husband in a room down the hall. I hadn't seen her since my Book Launch on April 6th. That day, I was surprised and thankful that Delores … Continue reading My Christmas Guest
Silent Night
Last week, I had the treat of attending Christmas by Candlelight at the Duke Homestead, the residence of Washington Duke. The house was built in 1870 and the festivities included the old-fashioned traditional Victorian Christmas activities like his family would have experienced. The night was perfect with a chill and slight breeze, enough to feel … Continue reading Silent Night
