Perspective changes everything. As my husband and I wandered through a local park early one morning before my daughter’s day-long volleyball tournament, I paused in front of this wire bench. The surrounding trellises were mostly bare. What few leaves remained were brittle and brown. The landscape was awash in grays and browns. And it had its own certain beauty. …
In Others’ Words: Work Hard, Play Hard
It’s been a “work hard” kind of summer. And then a couple of weeks ago, my husband, youngest daughter, and I took a few days away and ran off to San Diego for a few days. To relax. Catch our breath. And that’s where I took the photo of the tree I used in today’s blog post. Well, the actual …
In Others’ Words: When Moments Become Memories
I live in Colorado — a landlocked state of mountains. And yes, I love it here. I remind myself on an almost daily basis to look up and see the beauty around me. The sunrises. The sunsets. The Front Range. Pikes Peak. But oh, how I savor a walk along the beach. The sand shifting beneath my bare feet. The …
In Others’ Words: Just When You Think You Know Someone
March 2 was Dr. Seuss’ birthday — he would have been 111 years old! I’ve quoted the oh-so-creative Dr. Seuss several times on this blog, usually on Fridays when I’m looking for a more lighthearted quote to end the week. I read various headlines about his birthday and the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America week, which was this past …
In Others’ Words: Behave Yourself
I’m writing this blog post early. Come Friday — today — I’ll be in Wichita, Kansas, visiting my “safe harbor” friend, Fran. Technically, I’m going to meet with Fran’s book club to discuss Somebody Like You, my lastest novel. But after that, well, it’s all about time with Fran. I’ve known Fran for decades. Yes, decades. And I have so …
In Others’ Words: Pleasant Truth
Well, here we are again, wrapping up another week. Friday, sliding into the weekend … and then gearing up for Monday and all that next week holds. I don’t know how your week went — how many successes you’re celebrating right now, how many disappointments you’re trying to shrug off. Or pray through. But here’s one thing I do know: …
In Others’ Words: Remembered
I read today’s quote to my husband and asked, “What kind of image do you see with this quote? His immediate response: “The Iwo Jima Memorial.” Huh. Not what I was originally thinking of . . . but then it made sense. The Battle of Iwo Jima took place during World War II from the middle of February until almost …
In Others’ Words: Direction
Seems everyone’s talking resolutions and words . . . hopes and dreams for the new year. I relish hearing about other people’s desires for the next 12 months. Meanwhile, I hung up my “Confidence” quote near my desk and positioned the “Confidence” ornament my friend Shari gave me from the rear view mirror of my Subaru Forester. Yes, that’s one …
In Others’ Words: Nonsense
Sometimes I have to remind myself to have fun. Relax. Stop being so, so serious. Yes, there are deadlines to be met. Children to raise. Problems to be solved. (Insert yours here: ____________.) But there has to be time for laughter. Nonsense. A little bit of “what if” and “why not.” All the “shoulds” waiting for your time and attention? …