I’ve never had writer’s block. Sure, there have been times that I didn’t write anything… sometimes months at a time. Just take a look at the gaping holes in this blog. But that wasn’t writer’s block. That was laziness, a new grandson, distraction, Netflix, procrastination, or (more often than I’d like to admit) an all-consuming … [Read more…]
Bringing up children who are morally sound and destined to become productive members of society involves a great commitment on the part of parents. It requires, of course, not just telling them how to behave, but by being a living example of your teachings — “walking the walk” as they say. Parents need to model … [Read more…]
We used to host two big gatherings every year: a huge cookout Memorial Day weekend and a “both sides of the family along with anyone who didn’t have anywhere else to go” Thanksgiving feast. The first and foremost reason for these events was because I love to entertain and truly believe the more the merrier. … [Read more…]
You probably know that last Saturday was Pay It Forward Day, a “global initiative that exists to make a difference by creating a huge ripple of kindness felt across the world.” But here’s something I bet you didn’t know: I invented Pay It Forward. Okay, “invented” may be too strong a term, but before you … [Read more…]
No one would mistake me for a virgin. Even if you didn’t know about my husband and three children, there’s my obvious postpartum physique, which I have not only maintained, but enlarged upon, for over 30 years. And yet, I am a virgin. In fact, this week a bunch of us virgins will gather in … [Read more…]
I’m going out of town Wednesday and thought it would be a good idea to clean out my purse before I left. That way I don’t have to worry about getting a ticket for not stopping at the weigh stations on the highway, since my pre-purge load was roughly equivalent to that of an 18-wheeler. … [Read more…]
My mother-in-law, Juanita Stephans, died on February 24, after 86 memorable years. It was my honor and privilege to write and deliver a eulogy at her funeral on March 2, and I am including the text below. If you weren’t lucky enough to know Juanita, I hope this brief remembrance will provide a glimpse into … [Read more…]
My mother gazed at her great grandson – just a fuzzy blob in the middle of an ultrasound picture – and without looking up from it said wistfully, “I wish I could be here to meet him.” But what she had said wasn’t nearly as heartbreaking as the end of the sentence she’d left unspoken: … [Read more…]
I used to collect pigs. Not real ones. They’re loud and messy and probably wouldn’t get along with our dogs. No, I collected cute, unique pigs… salt and pepper shakers, figurines, perhaps an understated paper towel holder. You know – classy stuff. But here’s the thing about collecting. After awhile, your friends and family figure … [Read more…]
Today only you can buy a $2 bill for the sale price of $15.96 (down from $19.95). And 89% of them are already sold! But don’t worry – if you miss this deal, I have a nickle that I can let you have for $9.99. No limit! Tell your friends!
