(Photo by Betsy Biddle Lange) Saturday dawned crisp and new, infusing life into our summer weary bones. After a long hot Southern Summer, even the trees seemed to sigh with contentment as a soft wind danced giddily through their limbs. Autumn, which had been scheduled to arrive a month ago, finally made her grand entrance … Continue reading A Season of Hope
Hang In There
(Photo be Betsy Biddle Lange) A few years ago, I counseled with a young man who came to me for advice. He graduated from college with a degree in criminal justice and landed a job in the social service industry. Determined to succeed, he arrived to work early and stayed late. He asked for the … Continue reading Hang In There
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
You may be able to tell, from my blog, that I feel very strongly that: Social Workers are special individuals. They have chosen, not only a profession, but also an exhausting, demanding lifestyle. Social workers do not work the typical 9 to 5. Often, they are called out at night and holidays. Leaving their own … Continue reading Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
Covering the Blemishes
Photo by Betsy Biddle Lange Recently, while on a lunch break at a national conference, I visited the exhibit hall for vendors. There, I found smartly clad experts in technology hawking the latest "must have" gadgets and programs. There were experts on HR and office machines; staff appreciation gurus and even a dog petting station … Continue reading Covering the Blemishes
Rebuilding a Crumbling Wall
Keurig is the perfect coffee machine for me. My daily routine of downing two cups in the morning is made easier by popping in a Kcup instead of brewing an entire pot. Plus, the Keurig is rather inexpensive (mine was 79.00). Of course the price of the Kcups is the "gotcha". Some brands charge 12 … Continue reading Rebuilding a Crumbling Wall
Cheering for Your Team
Anyone who has ever met me knows that I am a huge college football fan. Most notably, I proudly proclaim myself a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide. I am not a bandwagon groupie, who just started cheering for the tide when they became National Champions. No, I even rooted for the Tide during the … Continue reading Cheering for Your Team
Packing Light
As a social worker, I attend several conferences a year. Bowing to an underlying fear of not having the right outfit, I used to grossly over-pack.. For example, if I were attending a two day conference, my suitcase would likely contain: Dresses for 2 days; Pants for 2 days in case It rained or was … Continue reading Packing Light
Finding the way home
Growing up, my family moved a lot. From my recollection, we moved 8 or 9 times prior to my high school graduation. As a child, it seemed to me, that I was constantly having to adapt to different surroundings, different schools and different people. Looking back, I can now see both the positive and the … Continue reading Finding the way home
When it all Comes Crashing In
What an exciting day you've had! It has been one of those days that kept you running from crisis to crisis. Your adrenaline valve wide open, you're operating on a combination of energy drinks and determination to save the world! Each averted crisis fuels you on to the next until the waves of urgency subside … Continue reading When it all Comes Crashing In
The Sins of the Father
Why do people hurt the ones they love? After 31 years in the Human Services field, I am no closer to the answer than I was when I started. The speculation differs from person to person based on the narrative in their head. From working in both Mississippi and Alabama, I have heard all of … Continue reading The Sins of the Father
Water for Camels 