We all have flaws, yes? Those pesky parts that demonstrate Our humanness The parts that make us Crimson with shame When we realize what they have revealed to others Our thoughtlessness Our inability to be charitable, kind, considerate, empathetic On a day when we’re overloaded, overwhelmed, Over everything and everybody Who is looking at us…
Combating the Mean Voice in My Head
Dear Mean Voice, I didn’t realize for a long time that you were as active a character in my brain as you are. You were much better then at throwing in a subtle negative comment only occasionally. But now you’ve moved to a new level. You are relentless about tossing in your opinion, which is…
Adding Psychotherapy Back In as One of My Professional Pursuits
As many of you may or may not know, I have been licensed in the State of Texas as a Professional Counselor since Methuselah was an infant. I was an ardent psychotherapist in my twenties, working in several community mental health centers and also on a psychiatric unit. After marrying, I had a small private…
Flash Fiction: Two Different Approaches to Living
The light was soft in the room, and the windows were covered by three lines of bookshelves that allowed the sunlight to come in but also diffused it. A long built-in wooden couch with lime green cushions and splashes of orange and yellow pillows ran right below the bookshelves. Jacob lay sprawled on the couch,…
“Anything Else,” Another Song Collaboration that Brother Sam and I Shared
Here is the link to our song, “Anything Else.” Here is the other song that Sam and I collaborated on. I came up with the hook for the song and Sam and I worked together on the lyrics. He then took the lyrics and created music for the song. From a writer’s point of view,…
25 Things I’ve Learned about Life
I wrote this a while ago, but believe it’s worthy of reposting. If you’re reading it, then it’s because you are a friend or a part of my family. Whatever the case, consider this written for you. To my daughters, their partners, my grandkids, my nieces and nephews, brother, cousins, and anyone else in my…
Poem: I Have Lost the Spring in My Step
I have lost the spring in my stepMy lower back hurts, and it’s no funI think I need to move moreSitting in a chair for hours Hunched over a computer Could be the culprit An occupational hazardFor this writer and writing teacherCurrently, I am standing and typingSeeing if this homemade standing deskMight ease the sharp…
Today at St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood, Where I Served as Sub-Deacon and Ray Spoke as Rector’s Warden
Today, I served for the first time in a while as the sub-deacon in the altar party at St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood. Also, today, Ray spoke to the congregation about his role as rector’s warden. If you’re curious to see what a high Anglo-Catholic Mass looks like (1:58) or would like to hear my…
A Letter To Luna about Her Mom
I wrote this way back in 2013, just after Luna was born, but it seems fitting to post it again since Sarah’s birthday was yesterday. Luna (now 12) reads my blog occasionally, so she might be interested in a letter I wrote to her when she was 5 weeks and 6 days old. Not to…
20 Minutes a Day 