Daily writing promptWhat’s the best way to meet new people while traveling?View all responses When traveling, organized group tours help people meet a couple of goals. First is a tour guide knowledgeable about the place who handles all of the small details, like lunch, particularly if you can't speak the language. Second, they help you... Continue Reading →
Walking Through A City Reveals Its Secrets
A Paris Street, 2024 I shun the on-and-off tour buses in new cities I visit because I believe the best way to know a city and get a feel for its people is to walk through different parts of the city. For example, Paris is best seen as you saunter along the long avenues over... Continue Reading →
A Black Doll in a Blue Gown Helped Me Believe I Was Beautiful, Too
One of the few Christmases I remember in my youth was the last one before my mother moved to New York to look for work. I must have been about 6 or 7. I had only seen white dolls, but my sister and I awoke to find two beautiful Black dolls, dressed as though they... Continue Reading →
As the Matriarch, My Mission is Encouragement and Faith Building
I am stunned to know that I am now the oldest generation of my family. When I was younger, I liked sitting beside or on the lap of the older women and listening to them gossip about their children and neighbors, while passing along to me, maybe unknowingly, behaviors that were unacceptable or unglodly. I... Continue Reading →
The Past Warns Us that Our Future is Either Looking Good or Grim
When we think about what we would like to accomplish in life, we use the past as a barometer of what is possible for us to achieve. It may be a parent's past revealed many times over, until you hope never to hear it again, that reminds you that if they could survive the bad... Continue Reading →
Reading a Book Brings the Joy and Sense of Freedom from the Cares of the Word That Play Does
Daily writing promptDo you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?View all responses Give me a good murder mystery, preferably located in an English village, and I am as joyful as anyone playing outside on their bikes or jogging. When I am encased in a good story with characters I have come... Continue Reading →
When The Grocery Store Ladies Know Your Name, You Might Go to the Store Too Much
My husband goes to the grocery store or Costco near me every day! I am amazed when I accompany him to Kroger that the women who work the self-checkout line know him so well. It is like they are old friends, and he knows their names and asks after different ailments. My daughter says he... Continue Reading →
Learning to Let Go of the Unfair Standards for Women Freed Me to Stop Judging Other Women Harshly
Raised in the 1950s and 1960s, there were standards for how women dressed and carried themselves to be viewed as a "good" girl. Any violations of those standards subjected young women to awful name-calling, and their reputations were ruined. I did not want to be viewed as a "bad" girl. I dressed modestly, I didn't... Continue Reading →
I Hope My Love For Humanity Comes Through
Daily writing promptTell us one thing you hope people say about you.View all responses I love people, not in a romantic way, of course, but I hopeit shows in my actions. That means being compassionate, caring, helpful, and remarking on people's value and worth. I hope that my smile relays to others I meet that... Continue Reading →
A Walk in the Beauty of Nature Keeps Us Grateful and Joyful
I had back surgery on November 24, and yesterday, the staples were removed. The doctor advised me to take small walks; just don't overdo it. In two weeks, I can return to the gym, but what I have missed is walking on the hiking trails near my home. I want to hear birds sing and... Continue Reading →
