(This blog should have been published weeks ago, but- life. I am determined to getting back to regular posting, so please bear with me.) Have you ever had a holiday where you thought, “Dear Lord, we could write a country song about this one!” I’m just going to be honest; this holiday has been a … More Better Late Than Never: Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas
Even after all these yearsit still fills me with joy;the magic of Christmas.The twinkling lights of the tree,the aromas of a special meal cooking,the smiles and kind acts in a frantic world.I am grateful that no matter how many years have passed,we all still become children againeven if only for a brief moment,on Christmas morning.
I am curled up on the couch with Marley this Christmas Eve, Dan in his chair next to the fireplace. We’ve turned off the television and are enjoying the festive lights and relative quiet here in our Southside, Birmingham, neighborhood (other than the occasional fireworks). The comforting hiss of the gas fireplace accompanying the blessed … More Missing Pieces
Even though there are several meetings and some school work left to do, the Christmas break has officially begun after the strangest semester of my long teaching career. I am always excited to get to the holidays, but this year is different. I think we all need a dose of the normalcy of holiday traditions … More A Merry Little Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, Shiva was racing and then she would pounce; On stomachs, on couches, on forbidden dining tables, On Marley, on headboards- even Nativity stables! Marley sighed deeply and ignored the cat’s flight, All snugged by the fire lit by Dan’s LED light. Me, I was fasting … More ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Rebooted
Chilly early morning view from the top deck… There seems to be something in the air lately- or maybe it’s just a combination of the stressful end of the semester, the approaching end of a year, and the sometimes overwhelming anxiety over everything headed our way. Whatever it is, it’s palpable; I can taste it, … More Something in the Air
She walked slowly and with great effort, her walker scooting in front of her, her son walking next to her. I caught her eye and smiled broadly at her, and her face lit up. We were walking slowly, too, as this was Dan’s first foray out into the world since his knee surgery last week. … More Out to Lunch with Heavy D
The View from Here 