Plain Thoughts on Freedom

Plain Thoughts on Freedom

  …from  a plain  American woman. I’m not sophisticated or brilliant or particularly discerning. But I do love this country of my forefathers. It is my country too and I would not want to live anywhere else. My thoughts are meandering here and there; so, I’ll just jot them down in no particular order. Tonight when […]

A Tight Grip on Freedom

A Tight Grip on Freedom

  I hate war. I hate the thought of it: the separation from loved ones, the pain and death and cruelty and barbarism. What is at the heart of war? Why can we not live, each in his own country, peacefully? “War is hell,” said General Sherman. He should know. He certainly inflicted a lot of it on […]

The Dying Wish of a Murdered Man

The Dying Wish of a Murdered Man

Oklahoma and Arkansas have interesting, sometimes violent or tragic histories. As my niece, two brothers, sister-in-law and I explored parts of the two states, we found fascinating clues to the past. I don’t know how some folk find history dull or dusty and not relevant. It is part of where we are today and how […]

First Day of Summer, a Cup of Coffee, and You

First Day of Summer, a Cup of Coffee, and You

  My northern family is becoming immersed in Arkansas culture. We’ve been to three museums, to historic places, to fun places, and we have been On-the-Go. Yesterday was no exception. I am amazed at the ingenuity, courage, talent, and optimism of our ancestors and all the people who have gone before us. They have given […]

My Dad, My Rock

My Dad, My Rock

His character was as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.  He was stubborn and he could be stern. He didn’t talk an awfully lot but he had a keen sense of humor and liked a good joke. And whatever he said, I knew was the truth. The whole world might be wrong, but not my […]

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May, 1915 In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, […]