I approach this July 4th with what can be best described as mixed emotions. Most certainly, I want to celebrate the birth of our great Republic. Oh, how youthful memories flow of those 4ths of July spent at baseball tournaments or family reunions at my grandmother’s. As a young adult, many an Independence Day meant a trek to my … Continue reading Celebrating Freedom
Category: Americana
Good Golly Miss Dolly
Recently, my family spent a week vacationing together in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. And when I say family, I mean FAMILY. All my children, grandchildren, a brother, his wife and son, along with my wife and her grandson — a total of 23 related-by-DNA and marriage kind of people — shared a three-story, cliff-hanging, ten-bedroom cabin … Continue reading Good Golly Miss Dolly
The Warning Lights Are Growing Brighter
A recent Facebook post aimed at the under-50 demographic prompted a smile and a chuckle for its innate wisdom. “Y’all better enjoy your 20s, 30s, and 40s. Because in your 50s, that check engine light is gonna come on.” How true! I might add you can also expect an unwelcome guest to show up — … Continue reading The Warning Lights Are Growing Brighter
What is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
It may come as a surprise to 21st Century Americans that the original official motto of Harvard University, first adopted in 1692, was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, Latin for “Truth . . . for Christ and the Church.” In the 17th and 18th centuries, Harvard students were encouraged to have a biblical worldview and embrace … Continue reading What is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
The Rescue of Two
“Two came in the screened porch, Poppy!” My four-year-old grandson had an urgent sound in his voice. It was mid-afternoon on a lovely Spring day when I sat down on my patio to enjoy a glass of iced tea after finishing some yard work. Confused, I replied with a simple, “Two? “Yes, Poppy, Two … Continue reading The Rescue of Two
Misty Eyes and the Ashokan Farewell Waltz
Music has power — to elevate your mood, lower stress, and even improve your blood flow. Depending on the tempo and chord progression, music can calm one’s spirit or tug tenderly on your heartstrings. I was reminded recently of one melody that, for me, often prompts a search for Kleenex. Three notes and my eyes … Continue reading Misty Eyes and the Ashokan Farewell Waltz
Woke is Broke
I usually steer clear of too much political opining, but a recent Facebook post by a friend prompted me to ponder in writing what it means to be “woke.” Unless you have been on Mars for the past several years, you know that the verb describing the status of sleep has morphed into an adjective … Continue reading Woke is Broke
I Love Pink Balls and I Cannot Lie
Allow me to be more specific. I love pink GOLF balls. Especially the pink florescent golf balls given to me by my granddaughter. For you non-golfers out there, golf balls come in a variety of colors with white being the dominant color by far. Unless you are playing in the snow, then you have bigger … Continue reading I Love Pink Balls and I Cannot Lie
Conversations With A Four-Year-Old
Life is full of tears, fears, and cheers. Hopefully, it is also punctuated with moments of sheer laughter. This post has but one purpose — to put a smile on your face and inspire you to take notes when in conversation with any four-year-olds who inhabit your universe. One of life’s fundamental realities is that … Continue reading Conversations With A Four-Year-Old
Navigating the January Darkness
While there is great debate about when you take down the Christmas decorations, lights, and tree, there is almost universal agreement that once the decorations are put away, the once brightly decorated home takes on the appearance of a barren moonscape. It’s actually rather depressing. The post-holiday home seems empty, dark, and sterile. Christmas and … Continue reading Navigating the January Darkness