As a child, I marveled that for one week, we learned the contributions of Black people, mainly about Harriett Tubman and George Washington Carver. Later, after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. died, nearly every February his life and words were celebrated. I realize that the works and contributions of Black Americans are important for all... Continue Reading →
A Platinum Kind of Guy!
Douglas came home with great news yesterday. He had won his second Platinum award at his job. What this means is that for the second time, he had earned 20 employee awards, a total of forty awards in less than eight years! I am so proud of him, but I am not surprised that his... Continue Reading →
The Lessons of the Storyteller: Three Things Challenge
Karla sat on her front porch waiting for the storyteller to appear. The old woman always wore a sweater embroidered with books. She came each Tuesday afternoon, seemingly out of nowhere, taking up residence in the entrance to a nearby field. The storyteller always had an inviting smile, drawing the children and their parents from... Continue Reading →
We Just Need One Person to Think We’re Beautiful!
This past weekend, we visited with my best friend of over 50 years, and as Douglas found the picture above. He was excited to find picture of me from my younger days. Douglas thought that it was a wonderful picture of me, and he was confused on why I told him that everyone considered me... Continue Reading →
Blessed, and Don’t Forget It!
I got schooled on yesterday to just how blessed my life is. Douglas and I drove to my hometown, which is about an hour and a half away. I went to reconnect with friends and family, two of whom I had not seen in over thirty years. So often we take our physical and mental... Continue Reading →
Watch Your Step: The Three Things Challenge
A haunting memory fuels my philosophy. It was October, 1999, if I remember it right. I was enamored with the man beside me, As we went walking in the moonlight. Looking at him and not where I was going, I stepped on a hedgehog with sharp quills, The pain was so severe and unexpected, That... Continue Reading →
Media-Fueled Anger Divides and Hurts Us
A couple of days ago, I wrote a post on teaching respect is vital, mainly fueled by media accounts of young white boys disrespecting a Native American Vietnam veteran. For the most part, the sentiments of the post are important, particularly teaching children to see the value and worth of every human being, regardless of... Continue Reading →
The Power of a Childlike Imagination
I watched little Ashley sitting astride the broom, Pretending to be a witch who only does good, In her imagination, she is someone very noble, A heroine who treats everyone as she should. In her young mind, she is fearless and strong, Seeing simple solutions to her problems. Never magnifying troubles, as do the adults,... Continue Reading →
The Nosy Traveler
Travelers are nosy people, but in a good way! We love to see what is beyond our everyday existence. Being inquisitive motivates us to travel the world, pulling our luggage behind us. We don't just dream of the places we would like to see, we go for it, uncomfortable plane seats and all. The joy... Continue Reading →
Teaching Respect is Vital!
Looking yesterday at the picture of a Native American Vietnam veteran being harassed by a group of young boys, I felt such sorrow. What is taught to children through the media, at school, and at home impacts not just the student and the teacher, but everyone who comes in contact with that child. It was... Continue Reading →
