I am so humbled by the nomination for The LIEBSTER Award by fellow blogger patrickrealstories@wordpress.com. I would encourage you to read Patrick's bog. He writes true life with grit, honesty and truth. Thank you Patrick. I Cannot possibly nominate all of the great bloggers that I interact with who have touched me this past year. … Continue reading LIEBSTER AWARD!
A New Beginning?
Sharon examined the purplish black bruising under her right eye. Gingerly, she tried to dab on her Cover Girl concealer, but winced and drew back from the pain. No tears fell. She had learned long ago that it never helped. Actually, this time was not so bad: a bruise or two, a small cut on … Continue reading A New Beginning?
My Christmas Wish
Sitting on my mother's patio, in the early morning as spears of golden light form bands of simmering art on the concrete, I relish my time alone. The others are sleeping after a frantic round of Christmas gatherings. So much food, presents and general mirth, Christmas has yet to arrive and we are tired. As … Continue reading My Christmas Wish
Miles to Go Before I Sleep
The woods are lovely dark and deep But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep And miles to go before I sleep. Robert Frost We had a snow storm way down here in the deep south. We were expecting just a dusting, so we put on our heavy coats and … Continue reading Miles to Go Before I Sleep
Breathing Under Water
Several years ago, OK...twenty to be exact, some friends and I vacationed on St. John in the Virgin Islands. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. Cruise ships had not yet been approved to dock there, relegated instead to the larger island of St. Thomas. The dearth of tourists allowed … Continue reading Breathing Under Water
The Art of Saying No
Many years ago, when I was a field worker, I had a friend name Della. As a social worker in child protective services, she investigated child abuse and neglect alongside me. She loved the challenge of the job, often expressing that she wouldn't be as happy anywhere else. It was common for us to be … Continue reading The Art of Saying No
Peace like a River
I've got peace like a river I've got peace like a river I've got peace like a river In my soul. Who remembers that old hymn? Peace like a river. But what does it mean? There are multiple rivers in the US. Some, like the Mississippi or the Missouri stretch for hundreds of miles, serving … Continue reading Peace like a River
Cornucopia
The cornucopia. It originated as a goat's horn, filled to overflowing with fruits and vegetables and used in feasts. Today, we typically use a horn shaped basket instead of a goat's horn and place it on the main table as a Thanksgiving centerpiece. However, symbolically, the cornucopia represents an abundance of good things! The … Continue reading Cornucopia
A Servant Heart
Today, I challenge you to develop a servant heart. I know I will get some quizzical looks and some furrowed brows. And yes, I said the word servant. Give me a chance to clarify. It is difficult to imagine willingly putting strangers before ourselves as a general principle. Especially if those strangers dont even want … Continue reading A Servant Heart
Hunger
We all need sustenance. Without it, we would not survive. And within us lives a survival instinct that tells us to eat when we are hungry and drink when we are thirsty. As a matter of fact, the longer we go without food or drink, the stronger the need grows. In the most dire circumstance, … Continue reading Hunger
Water for Camels 