I used to facilitate an expressive writing class at our county jail. One of our fun activities involved using something called a story starter. A story starter is a way to give the writer a place to begin. I would give each young lady a slip of paper with a sentence written on it and […]
This morning as I sat in mass, I noticed four sets of parents that I recognized because their kids had gone to school with our kids. I knew one couple because their son and our oldest son had gone to kindergarten together. It gave me a warm feeling seeing those parents sitting in front […]
This past week Nashville’s mayor, Megan Barry lost her son to a drug overdose. Just typing that sentence takes my breath away. Not because I knew the mayor or her son, but because I know that it could have been me. I’ve had friends and family members who have lost children to this […]
My mother used to tell me that we don’t plant trees for ourselves. They are a gift that we leave for future generations. When I posted my last blog, my sister made a comment that encouraged me to keep writing. She mentioned that we never know who we might encourage or inspire and […]
Last year, I completed a manuscript that I’d been working on for a very long time. There was some initial interest, but it ended with a ‘no, thank you’. So, I did what all respectable southern women do…I took to my bed. I’m not sure if you know what that means and perhaps it […]
Paradox is hard to miss here. It forces me to pay attention. Modern high-end resorts sit next to the ravages that Ivan left behind back in 2004. The lovely beaches, I expected. The flood of childhood memories was a surprise. Chickens are everywhere. They announce the sunrise to all who attempt to sleep past the day’s arrival. […]