Dear friends, I am sitting at my desk overlooking my flower garden right outside the window. I concluded that flowers make summer endurable. The heat in the South can get to you, but the dewdrops on flower petals seem to calm everything. We all like certain parts of every season, but we have our favorite. That’s the way life is. …
What Is My Worth?
I have watched the most amazing TV commercials lately where women are encouraged to be ahead of everyone, leader of the pack, room mother extraordinaire, best laundress in town, at any cost. I just chuckle when I see this as it perfectly describes being a woman . . . but the question is posed as to our worth. We women …
Be a Shining Light of Encouragement
It’s a new year, and I am already late on my first post for the year. January was a blur. But February is here, and we are enjoying these beautiful days. It’s still cold, but the light is brighter. Our Ribbon group is very special to me. I love your notes and emails. You are so encouraging. Together, we can …
Finding Joy & Looking Ahead
As we are ending 2022, I thank you all for your lovely emails, texts, and cards. It was a hard year for our family, as Mom passed away this summer, and many of you know all that entails. I still struggle with this rare anemia, and you have offered up meaningful prayers for me, and I thank you. Still fighting …
Peacock Blue Ink & Trying New Things
Happy New Year again! Last time I wrote about things I wanted to accomplish in the new year, and I am sure your list is full, too. I do want to share a story with you, as this morning I did something that I have been wanting to do for years. First let me give you the backstory. When I …
New Year, New Beginnings
Happy New Year! A new year…something to ponder again, isn’t it? I am good at pondering. Every time I read in the Bible that Mary pondered things in her heart, I am reminded that I do, too! Pondering is not worrying; it is weighing things out in your mind or reflecting on things. I have perfected worrying, but that’s another …
Create Joyful Moments This Christmas
Christmas is here, and all the children are running on adrenaline. I remember that feeling well. School is almost out for the holiday break, and kids are counting the days. In each of our magazines, we celebrate the holidays in different ways. We feature fun Christmas outfits to make in Classic Sewing, delicious treats in Bake from Scratch, and divine …
Celebrate ‘Friendsgiving’ This Thanksgiving Season
Thanksgiving. To each of us, that word has different meanings. What we are thankful for differs as well. And as we age, I think it takes on new meanings with the passing of time. What used to be the traditional large family gathering—women in the kitchen, men by the TV watching football rivalries, and kids playing outside until the dinner …
Autumn and the Things That Matter Most
November has arrived with all the beauty of an autumn season. We usually don’t get the gorgeous leaves until November here in Alabama. Some of you have had them for weeks in your area of the country. And some of you don’t have any at all…beach friends! But this season is always special. Thanksgiving was always a special time for …
Creating Special Memories
Autumn has arrived! First, let me thank you for all your lovely emails of encouragement regarding my anemia! You all are the loveliest people. What a blessing. I am sitting by the window that overlooks my walled garden. I marvel at the dahlias that are blooming. I planted several varieties and didn’t realize some of them get as large as …