Typically, my blog posts cover the topics of hope, caregiving or the writing craft. But 2020 has forced me into a more reflective and almost urgent mood. For all of us, this year has been difficult. For those who have lost loved ones to COVID — tragic. The grief and certain PTSD will continue into …
During this year of COVID, it may seem odd to cheer for a pregnancy. In fact, when I heard about the youngers in my family planning for babies, I wondered Really? Now? Who would plan for a pregnancy, for a hospital stay with possible complications, for a new babe during a time with multiple COVID …
We are moving toward the Christmas market and ready to leave the year behind. We have reached our annual goals or transferred them to the next year’s editorial calendar. It’s easy to sit back, take stock of the year and start planning for Auld Lang Syne. But 2020 has presented a special challenge — the …
As I stood on my deck, a tree unloaded its entire leaf burden. It was as if God said, “It is now 3:24 on this date I created before the foundation of the world. Disengage.” Within seconds, every leaf had let loose from its moorings. The tree stood naked in the autumn wind. Since then, …
My cyclamen bloomed a lovely fuchsia pink. But I bought it with the understanding that it would produce the dark eggplant purple color I love. What a disappointing surprise as the blossoms opened and showed off a deep pink. But a few days later, the blooms started changing. With time, the cyclamen blooms sported the …
Memories of fun in the past included rollercoaster rides. Those giant metal or wooden edifices roared as the track connected with the train. Hands held high. An unplanned scream. Stomach muscles clenched in a clash between fear and excitement. But today’s rollercoaster comes not from a machine or long lines of customers anticipating the ride …
She knelt beside the gravestone, surrounded by other markers unknown to us. Yet even with the multiple spirits in attendance and angels on guard, she was alone. A young woman seeking closure from the death of her beloved nanny. Decades after the event, yet the pain still as fresh as the day she breathed her …
Writers are thinkers. We spend a great deal of time reflecting on plots, characterizations and the best topics for an online post. So last week, I spent some time thinking about miracles. We’ve all heard about miracles of healing — maybe even personally experienced one or two. And various publications focus on miraculous stories. These …
As an observer of the animal kingdom, my neighborhood provides plenty of reflective stimulation. Dogs, cat, hawks — even the occasional fox or skunk. But it is the feral cats along with my house cat that expand my thoughts about hope. What is it that cats do so well that underscores hope in the time …
Our world is being attacked by a vicious virus. But we are also facing a mental virus that threatens to destroy hope. That virus is dread. Multiple scientists and pundits are predicting the fall and winter of 2020 will be the worst season ever. We will see an uptick of Covid cases coupled with the …