At almost 91, Mattie Belle is one of my oldest readers. I've known her since I was in ninth grade and became friends with her daughter, Delores. I was so touched when she sent me this handwritten card after she read my memoir. Delores told me that when her mother finished my book, she loaned … Continue reading Just Enough Encouragement
friendship
Friends for This Season
I'm fortunate to have many friends; some since childhood, some from the workplace who've remained in my life beyond the job, some through our common passions of dancing and writing. At times, I've felt I didn't need to make any new friendships because I barely find the time to maintain the ones I have. But … Continue reading Friends for This Season
Rays of Hope
It’s been four months since I learned my marriage would be ending. I look back on all the initial steps through each phase of the grief process. I know that grief is not ‘one and done’ that when we lose something or someone of importance, we work through that for a long time. While you … Continue reading Rays of Hope
Advice from a Sage: Cultivate Pleasure
Months before my retirement from school nursing, I sought counsel from my friend Jennifer. She'd retired from teaching and had a couple of years on that journey into her next chapter. She'd found her way from taking those first awkward steps to arriving at her new life. I shared with her my plans that included … Continue reading Advice from a Sage: Cultivate Pleasure
Share Your Cancer Story
“Come on in and join the party!” my friend Mary, the birthday ‘girl’ and host, welcomed me. She was in the midst of checking the beverage coolers, taking care of her guests. It was Saturday night and I was ready for a break from my growing lists of tasks: next steps in publishing my memoir, … Continue reading Share Your Cancer Story
Connie Rosser Riddle 