If my grandmother had had her way, my name would have been Allison Beth. Allison is still a question mark to me, but Beth was most certainly a way to carry on her legacy long after Elsie Elizabeth was gone. Yet when it came time to name their daughter, my mom and dad had dreams … Continue reading Namesakes
Red Light
I did the math. Approximately 19.8 years of my life have been spent either pregnant or nursing one of my seven children. I don’t need a Mother of the Year Award to remind me of this incredible feat. I have seven pretty special reminders who make it time best spent. Yet as one might imagine, … Continue reading Red Light
Give Me Away
The number 13 has been among my list of the luckiest numbers. Both my husband, Kip, and I were born on the 13th day of the month, although he entered the world on a Friday, a fact which honestly leads him to feel all the more lucky. Some may disagree. Paraskevidekatriaphobia is indeed the fear of Friday … Continue reading Give Me Away
Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway filled my summer with hours of the finest page turning. The lure to Papa and his stories began a few summers ago when a quite lengthy Hemingway biography found its way into my wheelhouse. There are no small volumes that could fully embrace his life and his legend. My friend, Kate, recalling my … Continue reading Hemingway
Lost & Found
I have lost many things in my life…phone numbers, IDs, keys, earrings, and sunglasses to name just a few. There is a basket in my laundry room solely for the purpose of collecting lost socks. Sadly they pile up on top of the dryer, a basket full of hope and a yearning for purpose to fulfill. … Continue reading Lost & Found
The 48th
Today marks my 48th year. I have loved each and every trip around the sun, but this year just feels a little different. I have felt every bit the 10-year-old as the texts, calls, cards, and hugs started pouring in from far and wide. I am certain that even my dog smiled at me this morning. … Continue reading The 48th
Mustard Seed
I do appreciate new technology. I am Team Macbook in the laptop department, but Team Android when it comes to cell phones. I can order anything, from Christmas gifts to tonight’s dinner, with a few taps of a finger. My Roku streams movies, TV shows, and how-to videos on demand 24/7. I even learned how to … Continue reading Mustard Seed
Astral Plane
I like those few days in the south when the snow or ice leads schools to cancel and affords some of us lucky ones to work from home in our pajamas. It’s God’s way of saying “Slow down. You need the rest.” A few weeks ago I was gifted such a day. We didn’t get … Continue reading Astral Plane
Hunger Pangs
I am a foodie and fast becoming a real, genuine food snob. I’ve always had a deep infatuation with food. I ate my way through my childhood. The kitchen pantry was always full. Being a latch-key kid in the 80s, there was rarely anyone around to smack my hand as it reached into my mama’s … Continue reading Hunger Pangs
My Backyard
Someday I just might write a book about backyards. I took my very first steps in mine, and it was there that I blew out birthday candles, taught myself to swim, and made countless wishes on starry, starry summer nights. I even first heard the sound of my own heartbeat right there in the oasis … Continue reading My Backyard
Fields of Poppy 