It was 6 o'clock in the morning on New Year's Day in 1975 when I was home from my junior year of college for Christmas break. The wall phone in the den just down the hall from our bedrooms was ringing. I heard Daddy's footsteps making his way to the phone. Mama followed behind to … Continue reading Saving Lives: Vets to Vets
faith
I See You: Eyes of a Child
It was a Thursday afternoon and I was keeping my 16-month-old grandson, Parks. He'd just gotten up from his nap and I wanted to quickly check my mailbox. I let him walk on the sidewalk holding my hand, and then picked him up when we crossed through the parking lot to the mail station. He … Continue reading I See You: Eyes of a Child
Shallow Well Church Ladies
I grew up in Shallow Well United Church of Christ that was within a mile of my house and the focal point of our family activity. Besides large extended families on both my mother and father's sides, we had a church family that provided love and stability. The church was founded in 1831 when services … Continue reading Shallow Well Church Ladies
A Flicker of Hope
When I retired as a school nurse in March of 2017, I wasn't ready to stop working completely in my profession. I still wanted to do something to help others-- just not in the same way. After six months of considering my options, an opportunity opened up for me at UNC-- where I had my … Continue reading A Flicker of Hope
Taking a Risk in Kentucky
Lately I've been remembering my solo journey in 2016 that was the longest I've ever taken. That year I traveled to Kentucky, to a rural area that was an hour, northeast of Lexington. There I attended an artist's residency at Artcroft, a program that provided living quarters and studios for artists-- including writers. I'd learned … Continue reading Taking a Risk in Kentucky
Attractive and Athletic: Online Dating
In his primary pic on the dating site, "Gabe" had a profile headshot taken in his designer sunglasses. His head was shaved and showed some gray stubble. His face was tanned and toned and he had a chiseled jawline. Gabe stated he worked out five days a week, as evidenced by his gym tank top … Continue reading Attractive and Athletic: Online Dating
Return to Scotland
It's been four years now since my first trip to Scotland. The previous March, I'd retired from my full-time position as a middle school nurse and wanted to celebrate with a trip to Europe. My husband went with me on the first part of the journey to Paris, London, and then Edinburgh. He returned to … Continue reading Return to Scotland
Dance Lessons
If life is a dance, then I think I've learned some things from my Swing instructors that apply to stepping along this Earthly journey. Even if you don't like to dance other than enjoying episodes of Dancing with the Stars from the comfort of your couch, you might benefit from what I've learned. One of … Continue reading Dance Lessons
Two Views of Old Faithful
This week, through the Facebook posts of my little sister, Peggy-- I've relived my solo journey to Wyoming in July of 2011. Peggy has shared pictures of her time with her husband and friends in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Some of her experience has been similar and some has been in sharp … Continue reading Two Views of Old Faithful
Broaden My Path
This week I finished watching season three of Virgin River. The show drew me as much with its location as the romantic story line. While the fictional town of Virgin River is supposed to be in Northern California, many of the scenes are filmed in British Columbia, Canada. Jack's Bar is on the Sqamish River-- … Continue reading Broaden My Path