I cannot remember where I read or heard the saying that life is a drag, but it seemed to be from the 1960s or 1970s. It meant that life is boring or tiresome, and there was a time that I might have agreed with the sentiment. But, now I take every day as a gift... Continue Reading →
My mother was one of the most superstitious people you would ever meet. She was constantly reminding us not to let a black cat walk across our paths, as though we could stop them. Who was going to risk getting their arms shredded to pieces trying to make a cat do anything contrary to their... Continue Reading →
I have always been fascinated by whites and tanning. Being blessed with naturally brown skin, and the discrimination that accompanies it, I always have marveled that anyone would want brown skin. So, as we laid on the beach in Portugal, I kept an eye on the people nearby tanning for hours in the pursuit of... Continue Reading →
A year ago in June, I started this blog post as a way to prepare to write a memoir. I wanted to present stories of triumph in seemingly impossible situations, to encourage, inspire, and give hope to people experiencing like events. I wanted especially for people to understand and appreciate that I knew that it... Continue Reading →
For nearly three years, we have lived next door to a mother and daughter who actually moved in the rental property next door the same week we bought our house. I never went over to saying hello, and they never came over to introduce themselves. It seems like knowing your neighbors is old-fashioned today. I... Continue Reading →
Sometimes one unexpected question can change the way you see yourself. For me, the question was asked after a lecture on domestic violence in one of my sociology questions. A young female student raised her hand and asked, "How did you become such a strong woman after all that you have been through?" I stopped... Continue Reading →
I have often wished for two of me, especially when I have found myself with more to do than time to do it. I would think that it would be great to be able to be in two, or even three, places at one time, so that I could say yes to even more requests... Continue Reading →
When I was a little girl, I had many plans regarding who I would be and what I would become in life. But, often the plans we make in life simply don't end up being the life that we lead. Some people have told me that they were exactly where they had planned to be... Continue Reading →
I returned to work after recovering from the flu. The first thing I heard was that Wayne had passed unexpectedly. Though he was older, he kept working. I immediately thought about Jim, who had retired with plans to travel all over the US. Within a month, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Others I knew... Continue Reading →
