When I was growing up, our family tradition for Christmas was to go to Midnight Mass at Holy Trinity Episcopal church in my hometown of Bonham, Texas, then return to our house with all the church people for a big party. This meant the party started around 12:30 or 1 in the morning on Christmas…
Category: Memories
A Deep Sense of Satisfaction
I am sitting here tonight feeling proud. I have all my Scholastic entries in for my students – a total of 25 – and the packet is on its way to New York City as I write. It will arrive by noon tomorrow at the Scholastic offices, a full day ahead of the deadline. Wow….
Lucky
Sometimes people described me as the Marilyn in my family. That is a reference to “The Munsters” from television in the 1960’s when Marilyn was the only “normal” person in a family of vampires, werewolves and several more other worldly creatures. If you knew my family, everyone had a special something that made them unique…
Our “Friday” Thanksgiving
Today was our Thanksgiving Day. I have been cooking since 8:30 this morning. We had a lovely meal with a whole host of family and friends. I am grateful for the bounty in my life. I am now going straight to bed.
Just a Few Photos Over The Years
Len at Age 6 George, Sandra and Baby Leslie Leslie a Bit Older Sarah at age 3 in New Orleans with Friends Len and Girls in 2005 Hutch, Rachael, Ray and Holly, 1994 Ray and the Girls, around 2005 I just happened to come…
Photos of My Beloved Brother, John
I recently came across my mother’s memory book of my brother, John. It contains family photos, several letters from John she received in the months prior to his death, along with condolence cards and letters after he died in 1990. He was 46 at that time. He had been diagnosed with AIDS less than 2…
In Search of the Source for a Dylan Quote
I am listening to Bob Dylan. I have been trying to track down a quote that came from him: “Something large far off, up close ain’t never that big.” I’ve actually found the quote, but can’t find the song it is attached to. So, I decided to listen to some of his songs on Youtube…
A Publication!
I am happy to report that one of my memoir pieces, My Mother’s Pain, has been accepted for the 2014 True Words Anthology. This is the story of my mother’s reaction after she learned that my oldest brother, John, had been diagnosed with AIDS. I am not sure of the protocol of sharing my work…
A Thought-Provoking Question
One of my online writing students posed the question, “Why do we make some of the decisions we make?” She was recounting her early years when she made the decision to go to college across the state, and then moved out-of-state for a job. Her point was that her decision had long-term ramifications in terms…
Today with Luna
Today, Ray and I got to spend a fair amount of time with our little Luna Isabella. I am happy to report that she will be 21 months old on November 4th. Grandma is very tired after reading nearly every book Luna owns to her – many – and singing with her, dancing, playing, then…
20 Minutes a Day 