Jealousy is one of the occupational hazards of being a writer, and the most degrading. And I, who have been the Leona Helmsley of jealously, have come to believe that the only things that help ease or transform it are (a) getting older, (b) talking about it until the fever breaks, and (c) using it […]
learning to color inside the lines
I’m pretty sure my heels left ruts in the red clay when my husband’s transfer pulled us from the Georgia pines to the Florida palms. I was quite happy nestled in my Southern belle box with my magnolia blossoms and sweet tea. With the help of a Country Living featured decorator, I’d finally feathered a comfortable […]
scripture sunday: no need to panic
Dear friend, guard clear thinking and common sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well; they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely; you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry; you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic […]
still saturday: in the stillness
Speak, Lord, in the stillness While I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen, In expectancy. Speak, O blessèd Master, In this quiet hour, Let me see Thy face, Lord, Feel Thy touch of power. For the words Thou speakest, “They are life” indeed; Living Bread from Heaven, Now my spirit feed! All to […]
aging with corn, cars, and snowshoes
Age puzzles me. I thought it was a quiet time. My seventies were interesting and fairly serene, but my eighties are passionate. . . To my own surprise, I burst out with hot conviction. ~Florida Scott-Maxwell as quoted in Mindfulness, p. 93 I’ll call him John. He was a retired minister who lived in the foster […]
scripture sunday: apple
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. Psalm 17:8-9 Stilled and seen, Sandy With Deidra and The Sunday Community
still saturday: slow down enough to notice
“I think Brother Lawrence was a man other men usually miss, typically dismiss. Which is too bad. His quietness was thoughtfulness. And in his quietness, Brother Lawrence discovered one of life’s deep secrets, and he was happy to tell others about it for the asking: God is everywhere. God hovers in the air just behind you. […]
life after art: good enough
My husband would be the first to tell you he is not particularly handy. Even though the Handyman Club of America sent him a card in the mail designating him as a member in good standing. How that came to him is still a mystery. When he was in school, all ninth grade boys had […]
about school shopping and santa
Neither Abby nor I feel good, but summer’s winding down, and we’ve set this day aside for shopping. Time to hit the “cool” stores and try on some “cool” clothes in order to be “cool” during that first week of school. Time to watch mother and daughter do battle between fashion and practical, between appropriate […]
scripture sunday: when you labor, remember…
When you labor, remember… There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens . . . What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity […]
