Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem — (Matthew 2:1). Today is the day Christians celebrate the Epiphany, when wise men from the east bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, came to find and worship […]

A New and Spooky Look at an Old, Old Song
A re-print from a few years back. I hope you enjoy it, this second time around. This is Twelfth Night, the Epiphany, the impetus for the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. With my family’s help, I added words that might be appropriate for a writer of cozy mysteries. Thanks, Matt, Dawn, Sara, Nathan! A Cozy […]

The Thief of Time
Who is this thief of time, that robs us of the ones we love? This morning, I woke up thinking about time–how fleeting it is. Maybe it’s because of another new year starting; maybe it’s just that something–a memory, a conversation, a passage in a book brings to mind the rush and hurry of time passing, […]

Memories–In the Past or Always With Us?
The morning sky is a quiet, pale blue/gray with rosy tints around the horizon. It is deceptively beautiful because it is deadly cold. I remember other January days when I was a child and the sense of excitement and adventure a new year brought. I remember bacon sizzling in the skillet, breakfast with Mom, Dad, […]

Resolutions Go Better with Hot, Black Coffee
Made any New Year’s resolutions yet? I haven’t consciously made any. One reason I don’t is that it makes me feel like a failure if I break them. I guess my only resolution, actually, is to treasure each day, try to make the most of it, and live with joy. An unfailing depth of joy […]

Oh! My Stars and Garters!
Oh, my stars and garters! Would you believe it is three degrees? Here in NWArkansas, it is Cold. Nemo and I fed and watered the birds. When I stepped on the deck, a floor board popped like a shot. I guess it was in a frozen state and resented being walked on. Today, I plan […]

