When I was a kid, we had no television. My parents did not approve of television, and in some ways, they were probably right. In the 1960s and 70s, they thought that TV was a bastion of evil. However, my grandparents, God bless them had television. When we went to visit once a month, we Read more about Commercials![…]
During the last few weeks, I have been thinking about the American obsession with rights. What rights do we seek to claim? Here in America, we have the right to vote, the right to worship, the right to assemble, the right to speak freely, the right to own property,and other important rights that we claim, Read more about The pursuit of happiness[…]
Saving money on airline tickets is a real game. I carefully scrutinize Kayak for the best prices, determining whether it is worth the value to leave before the crack of dawn or take a later flight that might be nonstop. While I am seeking the best bargain, I often forget about the hidden fees and Read more about Up in the Air.[…]
Christmas time is such a wonderful time of year. We muse on the joy of the season as we listen to the jingling songs, gaze at the sparkling lights and shining decorations, smell the aroma of baking cookies, taste the flavors of seasonal vegetables and meats, and feel the heat from Yule logs roaring in Read more about Family memories[…]
In the last few months, I have had reasons to take two trips by myself. Both of these trips relate to study that I am doing for my master’s thesis on Edward Taylor, a colonial poet. I will tell you about one of them. Shortly after my husband died, I planned to make a trip Read more about Solo road trips[…]
How much do I dislike Halloween? Let me count the ways. Halloween evolved from a Celtic ritual to a Catholic holiday to what we have now. “Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating” (History.com). Halloween does not strike me as a “secular” holiday. It strikes me Read more about Halloween. Kid-friendly?[…]
One week ago, I watched my sons carry the casket of their oldest brother from the church to the grave side. After one year of suffering, my son died, leaving behind him a wife of ten years and three small children. How does this happen? Why does this happen? We may never know, but we Read more about A Tribute to a Life Well-lived.[…]
In the last eight years, my life has changed dramatically. Cancer appeared unexpectedly and has taken center stage. Two of the dearest people in my life have endured the ravages of rarer forms of cancer. Watching them suffer through their ordeals has opened my eyes to suffering in ways that I have not known before Read more about Cancer.[…]
Everyone, this is an exciting day for me. LifeRich Publishing has released an author interview video for my book, Pappy Loves Braydon. This is the story of a little boy and his ailing grandfather. Throughout the book, these two characters, Pappy and Braydon, engage in activities that build memories. I believe this story is helpful Read more about Video Interview[…]
Do you remember the blog that I posted early in the spring on gardening? Well, here we are in the heat and heart of the summer, and my garden has lost its mind and gone crazy. Dear Phil came and rototilled the garden back in the spring, turning under the soil mixed with an aromatic Read more about Reaping what you sow[…]