“Non, Soeur! Soeur, Non! Non! Non! Non!! That’s what Steve, my classmate was spewing at our Senior French IV teacher, Soeur Simonne, aka “Sister Simonne.” Every year, Sister Simonne taught a French IV class at St. Francis High School. It was for an elite group of students who could speak, read and write French fluently. … Continue reading Redeemed
Hurricane – Metaphor for Life
Being consumed by all the coverage of hurricane Irma last weekend got me to thinking about life in general. Often, I go about my life from one day to the next, only vaguely aware that anything is changing. The days seem to resemble each other. I am so absorbed in other aspects of my life … Continue reading Hurricane – Metaphor for Life
My Angel
I had somehow gotten to the age of 22 without making enemies. I was the wholesome, fun, pleasant, never critical, girl-next-door type. In fact, I worked hard at being agreeable, and was under the illusion that everyone liked me. That was extremely important to me. I had grown up absorbing the message that what others … Continue reading My Angel
An Expanded Understanding of FAMILY
I recently attended my niece’s wedding in France. What a beautiful gift I brought home with me. Since flying on an economy-flight only allowed for a personal bag that fit in the compartment under the seat, it was a very good thing that the gift I brought home was neatly tucked inside my heart. How … Continue reading An Expanded Understanding of FAMILY
My Oasis
There’s a cozy corner in my room that is all mine. This is where restoration takes place. The back of my glider is kitty corner to two walls and just close enough to the bed for me to use it’s corner as my ottoman. A floor lamp to my right, a little table with a … Continue reading My Oasis
No “Do-Over” …
“It’s terrible. I can’t even remember my own grandchildren’s names,” my father lamented to me. It was only a few months after he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that I sat with him after Thanksgiving dinner. With shoulders hunched forward and tears glistening, he looked on from the dining table as his six rambunctious grandchildren … Continue reading No “Do-Over” …
Don’t Believe Everything You Think
When I was young, I was deathly afraid of using the phone. I found all kinds of creative ways to avoid using it. In my high school years, I would even ask my mother to make an appointment with the dentist for me. Of course, for this to be effective, I would make the request … Continue reading Don’t Believe Everything You Think
Bloom Where You Are Planted
Several months back, while on my morning walk, I discovered a small green shoot right in the center of the newly paved, crevice-free walkway. With three feet of tar on either side, it definitely stood out. Against all odds, this stubborn blade of grass forced its way through the tough surface in its triumphant search … Continue reading Bloom Where You Are Planted
“Cheer Up!”
After a four-day visit with our grandchildren, my husband and I were saying our goodbyes as our son-in-law dropped us off at the airport. Our five-year-old granddaughter, who had been animated just a few minutes earlier, was quiet. I could tell the moment the realization hit her that it would be another three and a … Continue reading “Cheer Up!”
Ready! or Not??
Only in extreme emergencies would I even consider going out without first combing my hair and taking care of my appearance. Too often, I’m rushing about utilizing my last few, precious seconds, taking one last look in the mirror to apply lip color or coax a stray strand of hair as I dash out the … Continue reading Ready! or Not??
In Search of Authenticity 