“Joy is the best makeup.” ~Anne Lamott, novelist & nonfiction writer Sometimes I don’t want to look in the mirror. Well, really, sometimes I look too closely in the mirror and I get all uptight about this wrinkle and that wrinkle and that one there! and there! and there! Sheesh. I’m surprised I don’t go running through the house with …
In Others’ Words: Beauty
“Beauty …. is the shadow of God on the universe.” ~ Gabriela Mistral, Chilean Poet, Desolacion (a poem) One of the advantages of living in Colorado is that I get to savor the most a-ma-zing sunrises and sunsets. We’ve lived here 13 1/2 years now, and I haven’t seen the same sunset twice. The colors are stunning: vivid oranges, startling …
In Others’ Words: Whatcha’ Thinking?
“We become what we think about all day long.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist & poet I was a pretty fearful kid growing up. Sad to say, I dragged some of my fears right into adulthood. What made me change? My first child was born. I remember being at home with my baby boy and the lights went out. It …
In Others’ Words: Etiquette
“Etiquette — a fancy word for simple kindness.” ~ Elsa Maxwell, labeled the “Hostess with the Mostest” by the press in the mid-Twentieth century, columnist & author You hear the word “etiquette” and I bet you groan, thinking “rules, rules and more rules.” Should I offer my seat to the elderly woman who just got on the subway? How do …
In Others’ Words: Focus
“It is wise to direct your anger towards problems — not people; to focus your energies on answers — not excuses.” ~ William Ward, English missionary & author There came a time in my life when I had to face a harsh reality: I was an angry mommy. I had a lot of aspirations for myself as a mom — …
In Others’ Words: Color
“I cannot pretend to feel impartial about colors. I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.” ~Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman Green is my all-time favorite color. Not any-old green — a vivid, forest green. My living room and dining room are both painted a lush green … and I have no plans to …
In Others’ Words: Pleasure
“It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most; it’s making a great deal out of the little ones.” ~ Jean Webster, pseudonym for Alice Jane Chandler Webster, American author My 11-year-old daughter often reminds me to enjoy simpler things like: snow angels snuggles on the couch spending time with family — because her favorite thing in the world …
In Others’ Words: Success
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” ~Maya Angelou, poet & novelist I’m certain we could debate the “proper” definition of success. But let’s not. I like Maya Angelou’s definition. I remember the specific day when I realized that, yes, I liked myself. It was a hard-fought battle, I assure you, coming to …
In Others’ Words: Criticism
“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” ~ Frank A. Clark, “The Country Parson,” journalist, editor & writer It’s the beginning of a new week. Odds are, I”l run into some criticism as I journey from here to the weekend. As a novelist, there’s always a good chance I’ll get …
In Others’ Words: Look!
“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” ~Dr. Seuss, American writer I’ve opened my eyes and seen: Mr. Right walk into my life after I wasted too much time and emotion on Mr. oh-so Wrong. the never-to-be-forgotten faces of my newborns — all four of them. the ugly Truth … and discovered that yes, …