Ah, romance. I discovered romance novels when I was in middle school. Does anyone else remember the slim, Sweet Valley High-type romances that were available in the 'Juvenile Fiction' section of the library way back when? I stumbled upon one such novel, couldn't put it down, and in very unremarkable fashion (there were no fireworks, I didn't make a grand announcement, a band was not involved) … [Read more...]
The Many Flags of Texs
I'm not a Texas native, but ever since I came out to Abilene in 1989 for college, I've made Texas my home. I fell in love with this bold land full of glorious sunsets, rugged cowboys, and people who cling to the hospitality of the south. My children are all Texas born and bred, as are my books. The Lone Star State has a proud heritage, being the only US state to have once been an independent … [Read more...]
Writing a {True} Story of Depression and Hope
Like everyone else, I was heartbroken to hear about the death of Robin Williams. I remember first falling in love with him when he played Mork on Mork and Mindy. I remember playing with the other kids in 5th grade saying, “Na-Nu Na-Nu.” Hearing of his death was hard enough, but to find out he died by suicide made my heart ache. For many years I didn't understand the pain of depression, and … [Read more...]
Epitaphs, and having the last word
I've always loved cemeteries. Their quiet. Their shadows. Their reminder of the brevity of this life. This past Sunday, my Dad, his wife, Esta, and my daughter Kelsey and I visited Georgia National Cemetery in Canton where my mom's earthly body is buried. I know we often say where "so and so is buried" when we refer to someone's grave. But the clearer heaven becomes to me from studying … [Read more...]
Cheerful Hearts
Maybe it’s a small town phenomenon. Maybe it only happens in this small town. I don’t know, but my husband and I noticed the difference almost immediately after we moved here three months ago from the Chicago suburbs. The friendliness. The smiles. The way people take time to stop and chat to strangers like us. It began with the morning walks we take every day. The path that goes past our house to … [Read more...]
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