The Cottonwood

The Cottonwood

The Cottonwood At Grandfather’s farm, in back of the house Stood a large, ancient cottonwood tree. How it weathered the years and stood fast in storms Was a wonder and marvel to me. My grandfather said that the tree had strong roots Sinking deep, holding fast to the ground, For the earth never lost it […]

The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat

The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat

  The Duel by Eugene Field The gingham dog and the calico cat Side by side on the table sat; ‘T was half-past twelve, and (what do you think!) Nor one nor t’ other had slept a wink! The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate Appeared to know as sure as fate There was […]

Remembering Daddy

Today is my dad’s birthday. I’ve written about him a lot, both here and in my books. Only, in my books he wasn’t called by his name, Bob Day, rather, he showed up here and there as admirable traits in male characters, especially the heroes, because that’s what he was– my hero. I can’t resist […]

Lost in the Darkness

Lost in the Darkness

Stuffing the phone back into my pocket, and wiping my eyes, I shone the flashlight at walls and ceiling. Nothing there gave me any hope. The beam above me groaned as more dirt sifted down.             How long would it be until the ceiling collapsed? Even though it looked like the builders of this tunnel […]

A Small, Gray Cat

This morning, a small gray cat is slipping quietly through my thoughts. I think of her often, D. C., the cat who was with us the longest. She was actually my son’s cat, but she and I understood each other. She could look at me and communicate that she would like a bite of food, […]

Blessed Be

Blessed Be

For Writers: Blessed be the tongues of writers, never running out of a wellspring of words.  Blessed be our thoughts, that they be open to inspiration and divine guidance and also our fingers, to translate those thoughts into words. Blessed be our computers–may they never fail us, may bad reviews never assail us; blessed be […]