My old friend Shirley Patterson, who now lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband Ray, wrote me an email this morning suggesting the following writing prompt: I remember my second marriage ceremony at George…. Okay, Shirley, here goes. At least part of the story Shirley is referring to pre-dates that “second marriage ceremony” and is…

It is 9:05 pm and I am in the same boat as last night. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero. A blank mind. Tired. Not interested. Whoever said that writing was fun in the first place? Who was that dumb cluck? Surely not ever me, a person who now sits and stares at a blank page and…

I am writing tonight not because I want to but instead because I have a writing buddy and she will check in tomorrow and see if I wrote. I want my answer to be yes so here I am putting words on the page despite the fact that I’ve been sitting here for at least…

It’s hard to believe but these brownies are made with black beans and a little bit of oatmeal, no flour. They sound like they’d be awful, but they are actually very tasty. I used maple syrup as the sweetener. They came out very fudgy and rich. You just throw all the ingredients in a food…

Dear Girls, If Dad and I meet our maker anytime soon, here are a few things for you to keep in mind.

Dear Self,  I am writing to you because I think you could use a little advice. Here is it in no particular order from people you respect: Now, go to bed and get a good night’s sleep. That is another piece of good advice that will serve you well. Your friend, Len

Ray and I could be poster children for the impractical. Our entire married life has been a reflection of this approach to life, from buying and selling antiques early in our marriage – not the most “practical” profession – to moving to Los Angeles from our town of Sherman, Texas – not the most practical…

My parents were very different people. My dad was down to earth; my mother was an intellectual. Their imparted wisdom influences me every day of my life. Here are the primary messages I learned from them either directly through their words or indirectly through their actions. My father: 1) Care about people and they will…

Here is a recipe that is simple, nutritious, and tasty. I made these cookies using peanut butter, honey, and rolled oats. I also added the optional ingredients of vanilla, sea salt. cinnamon, and chopped nuts. No eggs. No flour. No leavening agents. Gluten-free and dairy-free. Quick and easy. Packed with protein and not too sweet….