Thanksgiving week – a time of year I try to reflect on all those things I’m grateful for, and this year is no different, but truthfully, I’m having to dig a bit deeper. I lost a friend from my writing circle this past weekend, and sadly, she’s the second our group lost in 2024. Yet I’m grateful for the joy and love and wisdom they each shared that will continue to surround all of us who knew them. Both, shining lights. Another dear friend recently received a lousy health diagnosis, yet her Continue Reading
My Night with the Psychic
A week ago, I was part of a large audience (200-300 people) who had each plunked down some cash to hear Mollie Morning Star. Yes, that’s her real name. And I’m not sure if hear is the correct word. Maybe see, definitely experience. It was part of the book festival I was attending in my small Wisconsin hometown. When my sister asked me if I wanted to go, I didn't hesitate. This would be great writing material. Plus we were both interested in seeing the lovingly restored Temple Theater where I Continue Reading
Spring Training – Long Gone
Baseball. A long-time sign of spring as much as early crocus, sneezing, and if you live in the north, a snowstorm. The crocuses will make way for other plants, the sneezing will wane, and the snow will melt. But baseball is just getting started and for the month of March, spring training is our tease of the promise our favorite teams might hold for the upcoming season. I have just concluded my first year as a volunteer at the Surprise, Arizona ballpark, spring home of the Kansas Continue Reading
Life in a frying pan
My friend, Karen, gets up at 5:00 a.m. to drive her dog to a patch of grass two miles away. He does his business, then runs around like crazy for a few minutes. The rocks and sidewalk around her house are already too hot for his feet. At 5:30 a.m., Kathy leaves the house in the golf cart for a 6:07 tee time. Her cooler is stocked with sports drinks. I hear the neighbor’s outdoor workmen who begin 6:00 a.m.. By 7:00 a.m., I’m grocery shopping. I smooth out the reflective screen across Continue Reading