I was a teenager during the 1960s when the world was changing rapidly. I witnessed the Flower Power movement, protests against the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Gay and Lesbian Movement. I was a feminist before I had a name for it. As a girl who had to clean house after school,... Continue Reading →
A Good Book Will Ruin a Good Night’s Sleep
Needless to say, I suffer many a night without ample sleep because I can't rest until I know the end of the story or the culprit. With bookshelves full of hardbacks and a Kindle with over a hundred books, I will be missing a lot of sleep. I have learned not to start a Daniel... Continue Reading →
Unsolicited Advice or Opinions Get My Goat
One thing that bothers me is unsolicited opinions on my behavior. Social media is packed with it, and the ability to remain anonymous has increased the rate of unsolicited opinions given in such hateful and unloving ways to people they don't even know. I don't like it when people think they have the right to... Continue Reading →
Mature Love Makes the Last Chapter So Much Sweeter
Porto, Portugal Love may not get better with age, but having someone love you despite the wrinkles and physical complaints is the greatest joy. We come into the world alone, but our most ardent wish is to share this life with someone before we leave this world alone. In the last chapter, we walk slower,... Continue Reading →
The Year as a Secret Crush Brought Me Joy and Connected Me with Humanity
His name was Lester, and he was a year ahead of me in school. I looked up his family's number in the White Pages (which tells you how long ago). I asked to speak to him, and when he answered, we talked for nearly an hour. Then he had to go to bed. He kept... Continue Reading →
A Washcloth Shouldn’t Be Considered a Luxury, But This Gal Has Got to Have One!
Daily writing promptWhat’s the one luxury you can’t live without?View all responses My husband and I spend a few weeks in Europe every year, mainly because we have three grandchildren in Portugal. One of the differences I find disturbing in European bathrooms is the lack of a washcloth. There are hand towels and bath towels,... Continue Reading →
Having It All Depends on How You Define “All”
Daily writing promptWhat does "having it all" mean to you? Is it attainable?View all responses What is considered all for me may be different from how my husband defines all. For instance, we are traveling right now, and in Vienna and Budapest, I was content with two attractions a day with a day of rest... Continue Reading →
Making Sacrifices for Others Can Change Your Life for the Better
People were shocked that I would give up being childless and supposedly free to do anything I wanted to raise my late sister’s four children. However, making the sacrifices of time, money, and love was the best decision of my life. I was headed to an early grave, drinking beer and playing cards all day.... Continue Reading →
Storytelling Expand the World of Possibilities
Daily writing promptWhat job would you do for free?View all responses When I finish my second Master's degree in May, I plan to spend more time in an activity that I would do for free. I want to return to being a storyteller. I love stories, for they allow us to make the lessons we... Continue Reading →
Children in Their Wonder and Honesty Are a Laugh a Minute
Daily writing promptWhat makes you laugh?View all responses I love the honesty of children! They see the world so differently from adults, mainly because they haven't learned to watch every word for fear of offending one group of people or another. They speak from their hearts, not meaning to hurt feelings but seeking to express... Continue Reading →
Help from Heaven 