There’s a saying that if you don’t like the weather (in the Ozarks) one day, stick around. The next day will be totally different. For instance, yesterday, our little niche registered eighty-one degrees. Today, we’re expecting a high of forty-five. Forty-five? Ahh, well. That’s life in the Ozarks. As winds shift and the season grows cooler, the Ozark hills and hollows …
Coffee and Catch-Up… Let’s Chat!
Hi friend ~ It’s great to be with you today! I’ve missed you. Pull up a chair as we catch up over coffee and treats. No calories. No worries. And no bad stuff—because that’s what the news is for, right? Now, for those who’ve asked—yes, I’m still here. Yes, I’m still blogging (though, as I mentioned a few months ago, …
A Dose of Truth for the Weary Writer
I know. But don’t let the blog title fool you. It’s good truth. I promise! Today’s thoughts are all about the love. And who can’t use more of that? Great! Let’s go! {{{HUG}}} As a little girl, I created masterpieces. I rocked my world with art and zany inventions. I made stuff from unusual materials. Egg cartons, fabric swatches, wallpaper samples—you …
10 Ways to Love Those Who Are Different
As a child, I didn’t understand the complexities surrounding those who society deemed as “different.” I didn’t grasp the nuances and innuendo until I was much older. Though things didn’t always work as my five-year-old rationale naturally thought they should, being different seemed somewhere on the fringe. It didn’t affect me like it did others. Now, don’t misunderstand. I wasn’t …
Peace Despite Chaos
Ahh, my friend. Another difficult blog post to write. I debated. I really did. I’ve always said my little niche here is your safe place. Peaceful. Hopeful. Loving. The place where we can chat, share a smile, and part happy as we go on about our day. I still stand by that. The thing is, though, when tragedies like the …
September Update from My Niche in the Ozarks
As September draws to a close, there’s a hint of fall in the Ozarks. Though the metamorphosis is subtle, change is on the horizon as leaves grow restless and weary with the shifting season. It’s the time of year when earth yawns and new colors emerge replacing summer greens and once-vibrant blossoms. Usually, there’s a nip to the air by …
What Stories Matter?
Over the years, I’ve blogged often about story. As you would expect, stories are near and dear to my heart. I love to read them, write them, and listen to others tell them. It’s my firm belief that everyone has a story. Not everyone is a writer, but all of us have life experiences to draw from. We may journal, …
5 Great Things About Today
When we’re besieged with bad news, it weakens our resolve and wrecks our emotions. It challenges us on a whole new level. This is one of those weeks. From fires, floods, and hurricanes to big and small heartaches in relentless doses, this week sucked us dry. And to make sure we didn’t miss a thing, media outlets provided ’round-the-clock coverage. …
Revisiting Hope
Have you ever experienced those moments you knew you’d remember with vivid clarity? Maybe it’s your wedding day. Your children’s births. A family celebration or a special holiday. Maybe, though, it’s more specific than that. Maybe it’s that sixty-second encounter, a fleeting impression, or a few fractured seconds in your twenty-four hour day. Perhaps, it’s that one thing—the thing that …
August Update
Greetings from the Ozarks! It’s great to be back with you today. As you may have noticed, this summer I’ve stepped back from blogging. Other than holiday breaks and a few short vacations, I’ve blogged steadily since 2011. I decided I was long overdue for a sabbatical. Our college gal’s been home for the summer and we’ve enjoyed reconnecting. Now, …