There’s been a lot of sadness in the news over the past few days.I wrote this poem as a reminder of what feels especially important right now,given how fleeting life can be. Feel the breeze on your faceNotice sunlight filtering through the treesListen and appreciate boisterous mockingbirdslulling mourning dovesbusy scrub jayscawing crows Breathe in the…
Happy 3rd Birthday, Ethan!
Today is our youngest grandchild’s 3rd birthday. He is the son of our daughter Liz and her husband Ron. Ethan had a big birthday party at his Memaw Cindy’s house yesterday afternoon and evening. Ray and I were there along with Auntie Sarah, Uncle, Gregorio, cousins Luna, Nico, and Lyla, plus Auntie Rachael, Uncle Andrew,…
The Crossing
For my old friend, Rodney. The weary man hears a voice. “Take a step, you can’t stay here. What comes next is on the other side.” A great horned owl appears in the dawn sky, amber eyes beckoning. A guide for his journey. Stepping onto the wooden bridge, the man sees a roaring river far…
Sing to Them in Heaven, Raul Malo
Raul Malo, the lead singer and songwriter of the Latin-country band, The Mavericks, died yesterday of colon cancer at the age of 60. This is very sad news for anyone who loved the fusion of country, Latin, and rock music that The Mavericks were famous for, and also for those of us who fell in…
Until Life Turns a Corner
When I was nineteen, I transferred from the University of Texas to the University of Utah. My sister was getting a divorce that summer and asked if I would come out and be there in Salt Lake City with her and her kids. I was happy to do that since I knew she needed some…
A Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes
When I was growing up, I took piano lessons from Miss Virginia Baird. She lived in a brown-boarded two-story house on the corner of Main and 9th Streets, and she had at least thirty cats that lived in that great big house with her. Miss Virginia loved best to talk about what was happening in…
Agave-Sweentened Banana Pudding w/ Italian Meringue
Since Ray and I don’t eat refined sugar, I am often modifying refined sugar recipes to accommodate honey, maple syrup or agave syrup alternatives. A tried-and-true recipe that I have perfected over the years is my honey or agave-sweetened banana cream pie, which is a family favorite. However, when Ray recently bought a honey-sweetened lemon…
Returning to the Amalfi Coast in 2026
I am looking forward to seeing Positano again in October 2026, when I’ll be traveling to the Amalfi Coast to host my fifth international writing workshop affiliated with Story Circle Network. It will be my third visit to this breathtaking corner of the world, and I can’t wait to spend more time there. Positano I…
“Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Cake Recipe w/ Butter Cream Frosting
If you want a foolproof cake for the holidays with a frosting that’ll knock your socks off, then just follow the recipes below. We substitute honey for ours, but I have kept the original white sugar measurements if you would prefer to go that route. The first recipe comes from the back of the Hershey’s…
In Honor of World AIDS Day
Today is World AIDS Day, and this year’s theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” We are all called to reconsider what compassionate care can look like in our world today. For me, this day is deeply personal. I wrote Hope in a Time of Dying to offer a window into one family’s struggle…
20 Minutes a Day 