Friends in High Places
Garth Brooks struck a chord with his hit, “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places.” The tune might be catchy, but the lyrics? Well, they paint a picture of drowning sorrows in whiskey and beer, hoping that’ll make everything okay. But let’s be honest — does that really sound like the company you’d want to keep?…
Friends Rub Off On Us Like Chalk
I saw this graphic, then read what it was about. The young students were asked to give an illustrative talk. One youngster came to the front of the classroom, then wrote “FRIENDS” on the chalkboard. Then he asked another student to come up and wipe their hand on the word. The message in the action…
Thankful is an Understatement
Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful for YOU, my beloved family and friends who are ever-afters. What are “ever-afters”? Those are the ones who aren’t with us for just a day, just a reason, or just a season. Ever-afters are those who we grab their hand and shoulder-to-shoulder, heart to heart live our lives with…
Use it or Lose it
I use that phrase a lot these days –- just to remind me I haven’t worked out for a few days and I need to get back to the fitness center. The principle of “use it or lose it” is universal. If we don’t exercise, our muscles get smaller (or flabbier). If we don’t use…
BFFs! I Bring You Tidings of Great Joy!
That’s what I said to my BFFs when I arrived at their home here in Tulsa! Yay! For a few days, I’m back “home” to Tulsa where I have a ton of memories along with a boatload of treasured friends and family that I love so much. Forty years here can sure roll back…
We Need Community
John Donne, an 18th century poet, wrote: “No Man is an Island”. That poem and the phrase “no man is an island” means that no one is truly self-sufficient, everyone must rely on the company and comfort of others to thrive. I’m not one who ever professes to be lonely. As if to pound my…
Let’s Be Different. Let’s Take the High Road.
How “different” are we from what is “normal” to others? Some say: “It’s normal to be stressed, fearful, overwhelmed, exhausted, angry, sad, and even speaking hateful and being mean to others. “Normal” to some is ranting and raving right along with all those who are dissatisfied with politics and politicians or even their own family…
Bentley Proves Relationships Matter
You can see from these photos that I am on grand-dog duty. One of the perks of grandparenting is they come with pets. I am dog-sitting sweet, 12-year-old Bentley. His eyesight is waning, but he sure has a good smeller and hearer. I was warned by my kids that I shouldn’t let him get near…
Hiding Behind our Computer AND our Masks
I have close people in my life who will often Facetime me to show me something or to simply have a face-to-face conversation. It’s a great way to close the distance between us. But I’ll be honest with you — it often catches me off-guard because I’m still in my gown and robe and my…
Today my soliloquy goes like this: “It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday and it’s a MIRACLE! In spite of all the odds, I am still here!” On this my B-day, I’m dog-sitting my children’s 85-pound, Australian Shepherd, Buddy, and their 5-pound Yorkie, Emma, while the fam is hanging out and enjoying the cool temps and…