Though Weary Evening Eyes Do Get Sunsets…
On the long journey doubts were often my companions. I’ve always admired those reporters who can descend on an area, talk to key people, ask key questions, take samplings of … Continue reading
The Hunger
There is no great difference in reality between one country and another, because it is always people you meet everywhere. They may look different or be dressed differently, they may … Continue reading
Let it Roll
For the final day of a cross-country trip, I had to drive across all of Kansas and through half of Colorado. Just after leaving Kansas City, a motorcycle passed me. … Continue reading
The Vocation
As people merge into a line to board our airplane, a Grandmother steps up and then steps back. She asks the boy behind me if he and I are waiting … Continue reading
God Bless Darlene! :)
I’m excited to share an interview I did with blogger, adventurer, and all around lovely person, Darlene. 🙂 She asked me some questions about my book, my travels, and my … Continue reading
Be Nice To Yourself (As Well)
It’s more like: if you can think of times in your life that you’ve treated people with extraordinary decency and love, and pure uninterested concern, just because they were valuable … Continue reading
Boys with Books
Seven junior high school boys are on a sort of field trip by bus. They chat in small groups, look over my shoulder at my notebook, annoy an old man … Continue reading
A Puzzle
A young man with a shark-tooth necklace, a skateboard, and a black wrist band sits in the Metro and stares into space. One stop later, he reaches into his backpack, … Continue reading
From Glen to Glen
Between the flute, the violin, and the piano, the melody comes together and I recognize it in a few notes. I seem to be the only one to catch the … Continue reading
In Case of a Tie
“Your bow is undone,” her older sister whispers, holding up one end of the blue sash that should be tied at the back of her little sister’s frilly dress. Big … Continue reading
Live Like You’re 70+
“Because I am 84 I am frequently asked, ‘What was the favorite time of your life?’ As though it is all over. I always say, ‘Right now.’ “I mean it. … Continue reading
From Strangers to Friends
As many of you know, I published a collection of my very-short creative non-fiction stories in the winter. I’d always wanted to write a book, ever since the stories that … Continue reading
How They Happen to Love Each Other
During takeoff, a hand appears behind the head of the man in front of me. The angle seems odd. I can’t sort out how he could bend his arm to … Continue reading
Brantley’s Big Adventure
It’s an honor to share a guest post from my second cousin, Nicole. We wrote letters on occasion growing up, and it’s been inspiring to hear about her journey with … Continue reading
Skills and Struggles
One might read the lives of the saints and think: I could be more generous, more loving, more patient, and so on. But, when he think that we have to … Continue reading
Roll With It
It’s a long line at the grocery store on a Friday afternoon and everyone is staring into space, sighing, or frowning–even yours truly. I always get a basket rather than … Continue reading
Budapest Bakery
In the bakery in Budapest, I have to rely on my “have mercy on me” skills. Even when I try to read the tags next to the pastry of my … Continue reading
My Book
So, I wrote a book. I am so grateful for my blog readers who have given me a lot of encouragement in my writing. I’m so fortunate to be a … Continue reading
Solo Flight
The little girl stands on the porch of the family business and talks to herself. She’s in the middle of a fascinating one-way conversation. She waves an imaginary friend over … Continue reading
Big Sister
The morning bus is packed, and I am standing in the baby-carriage corral near the front. There aren’t many parents rolling their babies on board at this hour, so it has … Continue reading
The Nice Thing About Strangers 