2021 has been a year of waiting; the coronavirus has forced changes around our world, impacting us collectively and personally. We've waited for news of improving conditions, for the lockdown to be lifted, flights to open up. We've waited at bedsides, outside of windows of elderly nursing home residents, at the safe-six-foot-distance in grocery lines. … Continue reading Year of Waiting
faith
Bandstand or Soul Train?
When I was a teen, Saturdays were spent doing chores and waiting for American Bandstand to come on television. Watching that show, I got my first dance instruction-- like most kids back then. Wikipedia describes the show like this: "American Bandstand is an American music-performance and dance television program that aired in various versions from 1952 … Continue reading Bandstand or Soul Train?
Happy Divorce-ary
It's been one year since our divorce was granted. Recently, when I was looking through greeting cards at Walgreen's, it occurred to me that there are no cards for acknowledging that benchmark in your life. There are Happy Anniversary cards that celebrate another year of making it in a marriage-- but nothing to note the … Continue reading Happy Divorce-ary
Saving Lives: Vets to Vets
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
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
Connie Rosser Riddle 