Happy first day of winter! This is the shortest day of the year. From now on, the days will get longer and longer until June 20, which is the longest day of the year. It’s like the wise old squirrel told the puzzled little puppies in one of my favorite children’s books, “It’s like a […]

What Is This?
Rain is falling in NW Arkansas, but that isn’t all…hail peppered my deck and rattled against the house a few minutes ago. Lightning, thunder–what is this? Isn’t the official start of winter less than a week away? Doesn’t Christmas wait just around the corner? Could it be that autumn is having a hissy fit at […]

The Comfort of a Dear Friend
Comfort–it’s that feeling that all is right with my world–a friendly arm around my shoulders, a snug blanket on a chilly night. I’ve always found a great deal of comfort in the familiar, predictable things–places I’ve been, people I know and love, and books that bring up happy memories. I’ve finished reading some good, exciting […]

Mother and Daughter Detectives
I’ve heard women say, “I don’t want to become my mother as I grow older.” What? How sad. If someoneĀ tells me I’m like my mom, I consider it a huge compliment. My mother and I were best friends. I think you’d have liked her. If you never had that privilege, you can get just […]

One Woman’s Junk
Yesterday, I dusted my furniture. The wood of piano, tables, bureau, all looks bright and shiny. Why do I put off this chore, since I enjoy the dust-free furniture so much? I’ll tell you–it’s moving the stuff I have sitting on top. Many people would look at all the small objects and wonder why I […]
The Magic of Music
Last night, I was privileged to hear junior and senior high school choirs in their annual Christmas concert. There’s something almost magical about beautiful music. The choirs sang traditional Christmas songs with new and lively interpretations, an excerpt from one of Handel’s oratorios, and a couple of their favorites. The stirring climax came when a […]

