A writers forum I follow posed the question this week— ‘what is your word for 2020?’ People of faith often choose an expression to lead them through the year. With writers it makes sense because those who compose prose are in the business of words. I had to give this some thought. 2020 represents the […]
Where will Christmas find you?
I posed that question to the bank teller this week. She groaned, shook her head, and broke into a dismayed laugh. “I think I’ll fake the flu. I can take my time after the holiday and do it right.” Not the answer I expected. I asked the checker at the grocery store. “I’m ready for […]
Oh Christmas Tree!
Our Christmas festivities always begin with the arrival of the tree. It’s a ritual my family has honed to perfection (and exhaustion) over the years. But this year the tree hunters were met with a surprise. The lot from which they chose to buy had sold out. Its sister location across town had also disposed […]
Oldest, Coldest and Wet
The weatherman predicted a downpour here today for the 67th Springfield Oregon Christmas Parade, an event that boasts it is the oldest and coldest parade in the nation. But despite the warning, people flocked to the curbs along the streets and endured a mild drizzle for about a half hour before the rain gave it […]
When Holidays Hurt
My sister died July 1, 2018. No warning. No extended illness. No freak accident. The only memory that remains is the frantic call from my brother-in-law to tell me the news. Like a pebble tossed on a lake that leaves a brief ripple upon the water, then disappears, the event passed. No goodbyes. No closure. […]
Being Thankful
With Thanksgiving days away, I decided to stop and reflect on what I’m thankful for this season. Friends and family— It’s easy to take things like our family, friends and home for granted. They are everywhere present and with the familiarity comes a decreased awareness of how important they are to our lives. Yet if […]
Thwarting Determination
One morning earlier this week I squinted into the mist beyond my bedroom window, enjoying the colors of fall on my patio. Everything appeared as it should, the quiet of the day slowly rising at the sun’s beckon. My gaze strayed to the bird feeder hanging against the concrete block wall behind it. Except it […]
Smoke Detectors–Safety or Sanity?
The piercing whine coming from the hall could mean only one thing—something I cooked in the kitchen had set off the smoke detector. But what? The bigger surprise came in the when of it all. Our smoke detector had quit working a while ago. When had my husband installed a new one without my knowledge? […]
Stars Wars and Symphony
Last Saturday our local symphony hosted a movie and music event featuring the popular second chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy. The movie played on the big screen while John Williams’ iconic soundtrack was performed live by the Eugene Symphony. Last year fans packed the concert hall for A New Hope the first […]
Make Someone’s Day
Today I stopped to pick up some groceries on my way home from a haircut. The store seemed busy. When I went to check out, I found all available checkers engaged. I pulled into the most likely line to finish first and soon discovered my mistake. At the register stood a woman with a pile […]