They shut off our Zoom link before Zoey and I had completed reading aloud and discussing tonight’s assigned story, “Pumpkinhead.” However, I was satisfied with her effort and pleased to hear her accurately summarize the story’s message. Zoey was smiling. “This is the best story we’ve studied,” she told me. While glad to hear she […]
Miscellaneous
Year End Performance Review
In my working career, I was never part of an organization that utilized performance reviews to evaluate personnel but have many friends and familiars who annually get subjected to this practice. Although I have no business background, it’s plain that a lot of science and research has gone into efforts to develop a fair, unbiased, […]
Winter Break
After last night’s tutoring session, we are on Winter break for the next two weeks. As I wrote back in August, this is my first go-around as a tutor. I thought today might be a suitable time to update you. It turns out that I do have some things I can impart to a student […]
The Trees of Christmas Past and Future
This week I was able to head two hours north to retrieve my Christmas items to bring them to their new home. It is exciting to decorate and enjoy the holiday season in a new space, especially one that lends itself so perfectly to the season. Even without snow, a log home sets it […]
Pushing Comfort Zones
Last night I spoke in front of an audience of 50+ people. Public speaking is not my bag. I prefer the least amount of attention rather than a situation where all eyes are on me. I’m a nervous public speaker, even when it’s a topic I know a lot about. There are always some awkward […]
Getting Back on the Write Road and a Tribute to Lonnie Hull Dupont
As I resettle in to life in to life in a log home in rural Florida, my creativity is encouraged by the slower pace of life and natural beauty of this area. Unpacking more boxes, I recently came upon a stash of books, mostly animal-rescue anthologies published by the Revell-Baker Group to which I’d contributed […]
Optimizing
I’m kind of the polar opposite to my departed spouse when it comes to health. Oh sure, I had some “party years” back when I was younger, but by the time I hit 30, I was pretty much over all of that. Looking back, I honestly think that was a healthy approach to do all […]
Balance
There are times when being someone who is very empathic is tough. Over the years, I’ve learned ways to kind of shield myself and my energy if need be, but when there is so much awful in the world happening at one time, it’s difficult. I felt this way during the start of the pandemic […]
Hiatus
I recently read a post on the Soaring Spirits International Facebook page which now serves as a writing prompt for me as it resonated with me at this stage of the grieving period. Even writing those two words “Grieving Period” is still difficult. That Post was about dealing with Face Book Memories which appear in […]
The Gift of Dog
When I first met my late husband, Rich, I understood that he was a true lover of dogs. And they loved him. He seemed to have a way with them; in command with a gentle touch. It surprised me then, that early on when I suggested that it would be nice for us to have […]
Let The Cabin Chronicles Begin!
As I write this, I’m pulling together the final details for my latest “project”. I know many of my friends and neighbors have learned of my new venture, but as I’ve been cautious to share before I’ve signed on the dotted line, I’ve been concentrating on navigating the challenges of acquiring real estate, this […]
Back-to-School Days
I watch the kids walk by while sipping my coffee on the front stoop. Today, there is a crispness to the morning air that stirs memories of the first days of a new school year. Even if you were not the most enthusiastic student, those first days of school invariably were the most exciting ones. […]