It’s strange–the things which have no physical substance but which affect our lives. No one would doubt that shadows exist. When the sun shines on an object, that object casts a shadow. We can’t pick up the shadow or smell it or hear it, yet it is there. When I was a very small girl, […]

Sticks and Stones
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me” is an old English nursery rhyme. Probably it was coined for children who faced taunts and name calling, to encourage them not to resort to physical force but to walk away and ignore the ignoramus who was doing the taunting. Adages and their […]

Reading, Writing, and Rain
The first cup of Folgers is always the best. I like the fragrance of fresh-brewed coffee as well as I like the taste. Rain drips steadily from the eaves. The morning is dark and damp. It would be a good morning to go back to sleep except I have things to do and once I’m up, I’m […]

The Mystery of September Rain
·What is it about a gentle rain that is so calming, soothing, and better than a lullaby for putting a person to sleep? Rain drips from eaves and leaves; the morning is dark and thunder rumbles softly somewhere in the distance. Maybe nature is tucking her children in, getting trees, grass, and plants ready for […]

A Safe Place
·Everyone needs a safe place, or maybe more than one. In this section of the country, we all need a safe room or a cellar when tornadoes threaten. In church Sunday, we discussed the word “Sanctuary”. To me, that has always meant a safe place. Maybe that’s why we call the part of our church […]

One Faded Road
·The other day, I happened to be in an area that contained a lot of history: a house that was once the hub of a community, beautiful, old trees that had looked down on violent actions and peaceful scenes, and the remains of a very old road that once led to Tahlequah. This track led […]