Columns
July 2009
Embracing Life
Anticipation -- Mind Poetry in Motion
Pretend you are a contestant on "$100,000 Pyramid." The host provides the following clues to help you determine the correct SUBJECT: (1) racing heart, (2) upset stomach, (3) insomnia, (4) sweating. Are you... Read More
June 2009
Embracing Life
Almost Mafia
If written, my father's autobiography will be entitled, "Almost Mafia." He declined my offer to be his ghostwriter, saying no one would believe his stories anyway. In fact, until a recent family reunion,... Read More
May 2009
Embracing Life
Tapestry of Life
Imagine for a moment how the threads of your life might look if displayed in a continuous loom illustrating your life from birth to present. Each of our woven stories is as unique and individual as our fingerprints.... Read More
April 2009
Embracing Life
Interstate 75
I ran back into the house to turn off the coffee pot. The one-minute delay may have saved my life. However, my momentary setback was, without a doubt, a divine intervention. God's message was a dramatic reminder... Read More
March 2009
Embracing Life
Jay Travis Jernigan, Expert at Extreme Spontaneity
When our best man decided our traditional wedding cake-cutting ceremony was too sophisticated, he intervened. Without hesitation, Jay Travis Jernigan smeared my husband and me with a sizable serving of the sweet treat.... Read More
February 2009
Embracing Life
Our Earth
Armed guards greeted us on a dark rural road in a third world country. God finally got my full attention. Regular readers know that simple sublime messages usually answer my colossal questions. This time it was... Read More
January 2009
Embracing Life
Am I meek - or weak?
Possessing the assertiveness and self-confidence required to reach my professional potential has been a lifelong challenge. Colleagues continue to encourage my advancement and have faith in my capabilities. Recently, a... Read More
December 2008
Embracing Life
True Colors
Fall festivities were in full swing the day I cast my ballot. Carved pumpkins sat on front porches, while spider webs swayed in the damp breeze and "The Woman in Black" played at The Hippodrome State Theater.... Read More
November 2008
Embracing Life
Communion
My mother taught me the importance of communion even though we never went to church together. She died 21 years ago on Thanksgiving, which was her favorite day of the year. As we approach the upcoming holiday season, I... Read More
October 2008
Embracing Life
Hidden Drawers
My husband only wanted a drawer. Last spring, I embarked on a much-needed home improvement project. Since our children are happily married, it was time to replace the faded furnishings, flowered wallpaper and funky... Read More
September 2008
Embracing Life
Making Memories… With Mollusks
As I write my column, Labor Day is fast approaching. Soon the summer of 2008 will be history. War wounds from an army of insects (ants, mosquitoes and no-see-ums) who ambushed my skin with their poisonous ammunition are... Read More
August 2008
Embracing Life
The Heart of a Horse
Tattered tack is all that remains from my years when owning horses brought me indescribable joy. I really should sell my saddle, as its seemingly sole purpose is to serve as a perch for my cat to peer out of the garage... Read More
July 2008
Embracing Life
Negative Detoxification: the 21-day challenge
I accepted the challenge. On May 4, 2008, my horoscope read, “Rise above the mundane. You don’t need to listen to stories of frustration, alienation and desperation. It isn’t that problems will... Read More
June 2008
Embracing Life
Feeling Forgiveness
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”The above excerpt from “An Essay on Criticism,” written by Alexander Pope in 1711, remains a timeless popular proverb nearly three centuries later. It has... Read More
May 2008
Embracing Life
The Crack House
My son’s salvaging habit started small, but steadily grew. Jeffrey learned from the best, Uncle Jack.Uncle Jack was always looking for a good deal. Classified ads, flea markets and garage sales were venues to find... Read More
April 2008
Embracing Life
Lists
Agendas, calendars, itineraries; lists: address, e-mail and telephone number; birthday, grocery and prayer. Itemizing, prioritizing and scheduling seem to have taken over my existence. Meeting deadlines and managing... Read More
March 2008
Embracing Life
Raising the Sail
Miracles occur daily. Ramakrishna, an Indian saint, said, “The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail.”Raising my sail was a slow process. For years I crawled through life, wrapped... Read More
February 2008
Embracing Life
Trust versus Love
Trust versus love — two powerful components of human relationships. Which is the most important? What an interesting thought to ponder in February, the time of year when Hallmark cards and Valentine hearts are... Read More
January 2008
Embracing Life
Feeling Forgiveness
The above excerpt from “An Essay on Criticism,” written by Alexander Pope in 1711, remains a timeless popular proverb nearly three centuries later. It has taken me more than five decades to fully grasp the... Read More
December 2007
Embracing Life
Kindness, My New Year’s Resolution
Kindness simply means being considerate, sympathetic and warmhearted. Humans cannot purchase benevolence, but can practice and perfect their ability to contribute to the needs of others. Mark Twain said, “Kindness... Read More
September 2007
Embracing Life
Labor Day 1964 — A Milestone Kind of Day
Milestones of our lives are stored safely in our minds. Those memories, like the mile markers along the highways, signify the landmarks reached along our journeys on earth.Recollections of my Labor Day in 1964 recently... Read More
August 2007
Embracing Life
Labor Day 1964 - A Milestone Kind of Day
Milestones of our lives are stored safely in our minds. Those memories, like the mile markers along the highways, signify the landmarks reached along our journeys on earth.Recollections of my Labor Day in 1964 recently... Read More
Embracing Life
Memories of All Creatures Great from Lassie to Chickens to Goats
My fondest childhood memories are of summers in Miami. Enduring months of relentless hot, humid days may not seem like treasured times, but Sundays were saved for family suppers at my aunt’s home and that was an... Read More
July 2007
Embracing Life
Gracious living
Until my life odometer turned over the fifth decade, I considered the above affirmation to be a sacred directive from a divine source. Learning the valuable lesson that receiving is equally important as giving was a... Read More
June 2007
Embracing Life
Rowing may not always occur in smooth waters
Sometimes it takes a catastrophic event to get my attention. Planning and organizing my life and the lives of others are skills I mastered at a young age. Managing every moment, realizing my purpose and being dependable... Read More
