People tell you to show a little backbone When you're struggling with much pain. Buck up, stop whining, and be strong Are words they say over and over again. But, in this life, there comes a time When you just need a little bit of help. No matter how hard you've tried, You can't get... Continue Reading →
I played hooky today! I didn't think my fragile ego could survive another student walking out of class during one of my lectures or showing up over 20 minutes late. I didn't write consequences for this behavior in my syllabus, not having dealt with it in other colleges and universities. So, I will have to... Continue Reading →
We are so painfully divided as a nation. I just want to hang my head and cry. Somehow we must find common ground, So with other Americans we willingly identify. Nothing should separate us from each other, Not race, ethnicity, or political ideology. There must be ways to disagree peacefully, Without hating those who share... Continue Reading →
Knocking on the tree. Nature serenades my heart. A woodpecker's song. I thought up this poem as I walked through the woods last week and heard knocking against a tree. I asked Douglas what was the sound, and looking up into the trees, he spotted a red head moving back and forth on a nearby... Continue Reading →
On yesterday, we entertained the our grandchildren from Douglas' daughter. It was an opportunity to get together for food and laughter, as they were with their father's family for Thanksgiving in another state. It was also the birthday for the oldest child, a boy, who turned 12! I am still stunned by how fast they... Continue Reading →
It is official: I am a professor again! I will start on January 5, 2020 teaching once again. I had some reservations about returning to teaching, mostly because it's been two years since I last was in front of a classroom of students. Do I still have the passion to teach? Will the students think... Continue Reading →
Don't let those pesky imaginary worries derail your peace!
My daughter, Jan, had a crush on little Bobby Bird, who lives down the street. They attend the same school. I caught her trying to write him a letter, and I realized the seriousness of her infatuation by the copious sheets of balled up paper in the wastebasket. I said to her, "Jan, darling, you... Continue Reading →
Katie knew that her mother thought she was doing what was right for her precious daughter. But, she wrapped Katie in a bubble of fear, not allowing her to experience the real world, unlike the other children playing outside their windows. Some days, Katie wanted to scream at her mother to let her go outside... Continue Reading →
He was a little nerdy guy, With his ruler in his pocket. Every day he seemed so jittery, Like his hand was caught in a socket. Even with a pimple on his nose, His personality was awfully kind. So, I chased after him shamelessly, Determined to make him all mine. It was a brisk and... Continue Reading →
