Last week I wrote my first post about Mama's role as The Rawleigh Lady. Her route was in the neighborhoods where Black people lived, the area referred to as "Colored Town" by White folks. One of my readers, MJ commented, "Your Mom was a trailblazer"; and she was right. It's taken me years to realize … Continue reading The Rawleigh Lady: Through Changing Times
friendships
The Rawleigh Lady
Today, I'm remembering Mama and Daddy; this would have been their anniversary and Daddy's birthday. They got married in a double-wedding ceremony on his 30th along with Mama's brother, Cliff and his bride. I remember Mama's quick comeback, around ten years ago, when I told her that I wouldn't have wanted to share my special … Continue reading The Rawleigh Lady
A Journey in Joy
Over the past few weeks, I've had rich conversations with several friends about finding the artist within. Since many in my age group are retired, it's natural that they have more time to focus on creativity. Sometimes people hesitate to speak of themselves as being "creatives"--- as if that's a designation for only a select … Continue reading A Journey in Joy
Riding a New Carousel
Stepping into the fog of this new year, things felt a bit off-kilter for me, like I couldn't quite settle down after my move and the holidays-- still thinking there's "one more thing" I need to get done. But the thing I most needed to do was spend time yesterday with my younger grandson, Parks. … Continue reading Riding a New Carousel
Bittersweet Christmas
It's just a week until Christmas and we feel ourselves get caught up in the anticipation and expectations of idealized holidays. Years ago I realized how difficult Christmas can be. My father died of a massive heart attack on December 13. I was just twenty-two years old, working in my first nursing position after college. … Continue reading Bittersweet Christmas
Fernando: People in My Path
Over the past couple of months, buying and moving to my new home, there have been a lot of people in my path. I've used the services of a realty company, bankers, insurance brokers, Town of Apex employees, many Lowe's Home store sales associates, painting contractor, carpenter, electrician, and plumber. I've learned what it means … Continue reading Fernando: People in My Path
Same Time Next Year
Last Thursday I was honored, once again, to spend the better part of a cold autumn day with my cousin, Danny. I always wanted an older brother, and he's the closest to one I've known. Growing up, I didn't know him well because he's eleven years older than me. But since we started the tradition … Continue reading Same Time Next Year
Faith and Friendship: No Boundaries
In last week's post, Return to Jekyll Island, I'd made a stop in Georgia, retracing steps from my first intentional solo journey, and was headed on to my final destination of Florida. This is how I introduced the reason for my trip: "I'll be reunited with a friend from the Netherlands who I met at … Continue reading Faith and Friendship: No Boundaries
Return to Jekyll Island
It's been seventeen years since I took my solo journey to Jekyll Island, Georgia. That trip followed a triumphant visit with my oncologist. I'd made it to that important five-year mark post triple-negative breast cancer. I'd also made it to my fiftieth birthday and the trip to Jekyll was my gift to myself. I'd learned … Continue reading Return to Jekyll Island
Mattie B : Beta Reader
Last Monday following my weekly post the day before, "Swimming Lessons," I thought about ideas for upcoming posts. I never know when the ideas will come, so when they do, I pay attention. I'd just completed a draft of my preface and Chapter I of the sequel to my memoir, He Heard My Voice, published … Continue reading Mattie B : Beta Reader
Connie Rosser Riddle 