My granddaughter Lilly’s fine hair is often tangled. I used to comb out her tangles with a fine-toothed comb. (See the light blue comb in the photo above.) No matter how gently I combed, Lilly pulled away even when her hair was not tangled. Finally, I decided the comb’s teeth were too sharp for her … More Lilly’s Logic
When my first child was a baby, I noticed a pattern of behavior. At developmental stages my baby fussed for several days. Nothing I did comforted him. Then suddenly he would learn a new skill. He rolled over, or sat up, or crawled. Unseen by me his little mind had worked until it mastered his … More The Pattern of Struggle
My two-year-old grandson was very proud he could carry his own backpack. He strutted around with a big grin on his face every time he walked to the car. On a recent visit, he stayed overnight with us at our hotel. The next morning, I was in a hurry. I gathered all his things and … More Soul Strain
Two and a half years ago our neighbors were transferred to another state for a job that would last approximately two years. They sold their house and said their goodbyes. Fast forward to fall 2020. One day I saw her walking in front of their old house. “Is that you, Cece?” I asked. “What are … More ASK!
I love the photo above. It represents much of the beauty and stillness I associate with the best of Christmas. For me, stillness often equals peace. As for beauty, is there anything more beautiful than a snowy landscape? Judging by the Christmas cards I’ve received over the years, I’m not the only who likes a … More Merry Christmas 2020
Tonight is your chance to see the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. The orbits of the two planets align approximately every twenty years, but this year we can see it during the early evening. The last time this astronomical event was visible was in 1226, nearly 800 years ago. Since this year’s event coincides … More The Great Conjunction or Christmas Star
Every family has favorite Christmas traditions. One of our favorites is when the entire family gathers at our house to celebrate. When adult children marry, another layer of complexity is added to family traditions. It’s important to consider everyone in the planning. We usually compare schedules to come up with the best day for everyone. … More Christmas Plans Change
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941–a date that will live in infamy…” President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated in his speech after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The anniversary of the attack is today. Remember and honor those who served. My friend, Karan Klassen visited the memorial site of the USS Arizona in Hawaii. Her photo with the … More Flowers for the Fallen
Given the current publishing market trends, many writers pursue self-publishing through Amazon’s KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). I recently joined their ranks via my book: Grandma Brain, Hope and Humor for the hopelessly addlepated minds of grandparents, parents, and other childcare givers. Before I began my journey I sought insight from others who had already traveled … More Trials & Tribulations of KDP
While you’re preparing your grocery list for Thanksgiving give some thought to relationships. There’s more to the day than food and football. Consider relieving the things that stress you out. We’ve all had enough stress this year. One of my friends complained about a previous Thanksgiving. “We went to my husband’s family. The … More Prepare for Thanksgiving
