You Should Keep Composing
. . . the professor said, “you should keep composing.” His words kept echoing in my mind. Just who was this person? What did he know? Why should his words change my life?
Looking for My Connection
The PBS show Finding Your Roots spurred my interest in learning about my heritage and where I came from. My parents never talked much about their parents, grandparents, or any other relatives—I knew only a few things about my grandparents. Both grandfathers died when I was young—I barely remember meeting either of them. Several years ago, I set out to answer the question: Where did I come from? Looking for my connection to the past seemed not only interesting but important.
Looking Forward and Backward
Do you send Christmas cards every year? I admit that I am not consistent at sending cards. I want to send cards, I think about it, and in my mind I plan to send them . . . unfortunately, some years (most years) it falls by the wayside. However, I love and appreciate the cards I receive from others. They are displayed on the buffet so I can enjoy them during the season. Often, along with the cards, there are Christmas newsletters folded and tucked neatly into the card. Exploits, successes, and vacations are shared—a looking backward at the past year.
Escape Goat
The other day on a local news program, I heard the newscaster say in a report that a certain school principal was an “escape goat.” This brought many fanciful images to my mind. Was the principal a literal goat? If...
Images of Thanksgiving
Often I step outside and take pictures. Sometimes a beautiful sunset lures me outdoors—or the vibrant colors of autumn leaves beckon me to come closer. While I am walking around, I always look for things that aren’t so obvious—something small or hidden—perhaps interesting in shape or color. These pictures remind me of things for which I am thankful. They are images of Thanksgiving and of thanks-giving.
Too Many Books?
Is there such a thing as too many books? I guess it depends on who you ask—ask someone thinking of moving or downsizing—ask someone building more bookshelves. For heavens sake don’t ask anyone with a simple, minimalist perspective!
Gratitude
There have been years when I had little to be grateful for. Yes, I know that ultimately is not true . . . but when everything you have worked and hoped for is taken away, well, honestly, it is hard to be grateful. Your life is turned upside down.
A Reflection
One morning on my way to work, I was driving the “scenic” route. It is a narrow, hilly, curvy, two-lane road through a neighborhood. As I rounded a turn, there was a woman and her dog in the middle of the street. The dog was on a leash and she had obviously been walking him. They were stopped and she was frantically looking toward the other side of the road.
Have a Good Day
It was a busy, heavy traffic morning (as usual) driving to work in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. A yellow school bus pulled in front of me. I was dismayed. It is hard to see around them and it is also difficult to see the traffic lights above them. Before long, we were stopped at a traffic light near the Vulcan statue.
Power of Words
I am fascinated with words. Words can inspire, encourage, entertain, inform, heal, or hurt. Perhaps it is the idealist in me that believes words can change the world. Sadly, sometimes words are used to mislead—witness the use of words in political rhetoric. One faction may use words to paint another group as “other” through name-calling and divisive, inflammatory rhetoric. Never mind that the words are untrue—by being spoken or written, someone will believe them. That is the power of words.
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