“I sing in the shadow of your wings,” said a king a long time ago. He was in a tough place at the time and though incredibly strong—even known for slaying giants and outmaneuvering the most cunning and treacherous opponents—this time was different. He could feel it. This time HE was on the run and … Continue reading In the Shadow →

Sending out this singular thought: Don’t be alone today. You might be in a crowd and feel it. You may be on your own without another person around and feel it more on this day as we celebrate family and friends and relationships. Find a way—a small way—to connect with someone. For you and for … Continue reading Reach →

The US Navy field glasses sit on display in their well-worn case, near old photos and antique books on my shelf. Out of commission now after years of service but what battles they observed in their time! And what they’ve seen that you and I never will —never wanted to. They traveled to Japan during … Continue reading What’s Within →

How quiet is it with the students gone from campus? There’s no singing, no laughter, no ruckus, no happy sounds to be heard. But then . . . what’s that? It’s a circling hawk spotting supper; it’s the squirrel on a branch plowing through pine cones till every last seed has been munched; it’s the … Continue reading So Quiet →

There’s that saying to “fake it til you make it” - you hear it a lot being said to new classroom teachers and others who’re just launching out. Its not that a seasoned instructor is encouraging anyone to get in front of their class and be phony. Its not that. Its like someone backstage, in … Continue reading Just Three Words →

Ah, the Sunday morning solitude! For many years now I’ve enjoyed starting my day in the dark and quiet moments before the dawn. Before the house starts creaking, while the street sounds are silent and the ticking of the clock is all I hear. Before anything or anyone else is up and about—THAT is the … Continue reading Sunday Morning Solitude →

That’s me, the mobile mama. At least that’s what Maria called me when I told her my plans for our break. Thanksgiving over there then a Black Friday road trip up the the coast then a Christmas flight to Texas ought to do it. I’ll be making the rounds to spend time with the ones … Continue reading What Happens Next →

Waiting rooms. What a difference there is when it comes to the spaces dedicated to the purpose of “the wait.” For a hair style or an oil change or a diagnosis . . . we wait. The environment itself, in a perfect setting, conditions us for what’s to come. The proprietors do their best (or … Continue reading Waiting Room →

Grandma’s hand worked lace went out of fashion multiple decades ago. It has a new life now as a lampshade adornment that I enjoy—not a use she would have foreseen for this collar made to embellish the neckline of an otherwise plain country dress. Otherwise plain. Makes you think if you have the time to … Continue reading She Remembered →

We were in a good sized assembly of more than 500 others and it was “High Five Friday.” The guy a few seats down the row from me didn’t mean to do anything more than what we’d been instructed. We’d just high-fived each other in the noisy energy of the room when his extended arm … Continue reading Voice of Pain →