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
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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
Bittersweet Change: Time to Stretch and Grow
There are times when change is inevitable but hard to accept. We settle into the comfort of the familiar forgetting that life is not stagnant. When our children are young, about the time we know how to handle a phase, they move into the next and put us at another loss, scratching our heads and … Continue reading Bittersweet Change: Time to Stretch and Grow
Right To Be Wrong: Online Dating
For over a week, I've had conversations and text messages with a new guy on one of my dating sites-- OurTime. I was initially impressed that he didn't want to send the slow back-and-forth messages that seem to be the way for most of the men. Instead, Steve wanted to talk on the phone 'the … Continue reading Right To Be Wrong: Online Dating
To Lose Your Mother
It was a year ago this weekend that we said our farewell to Mama at her graveside service at Shallow Well United Church of Christ. It was a sunny, cool Saturday before Mother's Day and I was touched by the great number who stood in masks around the cemetery. Family, friends, fellow church and community … Continue reading To Lose Your Mother
To Grow Older
I've been thinking a lot about growing older because tomorrow's my birthday; I'll be sixty-six. Does anyone ever believe the age they are? When you're 14, you can't believe you're not at least 16. You say to yourself, "I must really be sixteen because I feel like I should be. I'm ready for sixteen!" When … Continue reading To Grow Older
Hope on the Horizon
This week I've felt that cabin fever common to the end of February-- only more intense after a year of the pandemic. Spring is ahead, less than a month away and that always brings a burst of energy with the emerging crocus and flowering daffodils. Our governor lifted some of the restrictions and that feels … Continue reading Hope on the Horizon
Emotional Openness: What They Had
It's Valentine's Day and I've returned to the love letters that were left by my parents. Last year I'd discovered their treasure trove of correspondence during the late forties when they were 'courting.' Mama was twenty-six and Daddy turned thirty on their wedding day-- February 26, 1950. I pulled out the box filled with their … Continue reading Emotional Openness: What They Had
Soundtracks of Our Lives
When I was a girl, we had a red and white record player. I remember having just a few 45s and albums. With the albums, I'd play my favorite songs over and over, picking up the needle and counting over to the beginning groove of that selection. My family sometimes complained about hearing the same … Continue reading Soundtracks of Our Lives
Going Home for Christmas
We're finishing out the Christmas holiday. I'm struck by how our lean celebration has left me with distinct memories and a restful feeling that I've never had after Christmas. In past years, our family typically had three days of celebration: Christmas Eve with our immediate and church families, Christmas Day with our immediate and Riddle … Continue reading Going Home for Christmas
