Although we are several weeks past the beginning of the new school year, fresh school supplies still tempt me. I remember shopping at TG&Y with Mom, imagining what the new school year might bring. Would this be the year she would buy the box of 64 crayons with the sharpener on the back? Alas – …
With all the natural disasters we’ve seen in 2017, I’m re-thinking the topic of hope. Not that I have abandoned its importance, but rather thinking how it presents itself and how we react to it. All this reflection has led me to believe hope exists in layers. Layer One: The everyday expression of hope. We …
Nothing is the same. Not even the joy of retail therapy. Too much has changed, coloring my world from a different viewpoint – leaving confusion in the “What do I do now?” question. This week, I tried to go shopping – but failed. It is not the same. Without Deb and our usual routine, I …
He was a beautiful young man – Native American, tall and proud of his heritage. An athlete, a musician, a college student – gifted in so many areas. Then someone murdered him and dumped his beautiful body into the Kansas River. A hate crime? Certainly. Justice was never served. The perpetrator was never caught. We …
On a cool fall day – as the leaves began changing their seasonal clothes, I joined a friend for Sunday service in a country church. The white clapboard exterior adorned with an iron bell, calling the community to gather. An open door – both figuratively and in reality. All welcome. All embraced. Picture the TV …
They swooped into the ICU, a gaggle of church women – loud, excited, demanding. Their leader shouted, “I believe in a God of miracles.” So do I. Shut up! They swarmed into a circle, grabbed hands and entreated God to do something NOW – to bring back to wholeness my precious friend. Certain that raw …
How wonderful that in the middle of August’s dog days we find a spark of fun! School supplies are on sale. I remember shopping at TG&Y with Mom, imagining what the new school year might bring. Would this be the year she would buy the box of 64 crayons with the sharpener on the back? …
He was young and bright – this college student who wanted to pursue creative writing. We met at a local coffee shop, two creatives sharing a gift – though decades apart in age. The hazelnut blend he drank mellowed the atmosphere while I played with the tail end of my English Breakfast tea bag. He …
How is it that an ethereal quality can somehow find its energy through a concrete object? Either the process has emerged through my own visual creativity or it exists within the spiritual realm I cannot see. For whatever reason it begins, hope is empowered within the realm of nature. When I cannot stand to watch …
Five years ago, my first author pictures were taken by a good friend and wonderful nature photographer, Ken Ratzlaff. It was time for an update. An author photo plays many roles. It has to suggest my brand, exude professionalism yet introduce a friendly style. At the same time, it has to look good on social …