Ahhhh. September in Texas. When the leaves have changed from green to brown due to lack of rain, the temperature has dropped to ninety-five degrees, and the breeze is desperately…
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.” ~Ted Lasso This summer, I’ve…
Ten years ago, I wrote a blog entitled, “A Cheerleader Looks at Fifty.” The name of the post was inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s song, “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” The…
I’ve been in a February funk. Honestly, the only reason for this feeling is the weather and the fact that Spring is right around the corner. I’m anxious. I’m ready.…
I like to write. I’m not sure I’m any good at it, but for me, it’s cathartic and therapeutic. Living in East Texas, the environment is filled with inspiration for…
It’s been while since I last posted. I didn’t realize how long until I logged in to write this post (47 days which is almost 7 weeks). There have been…
This week I threw away all my joy. Literally. Remember the Joy Jar that I started at the beginning of 2022? I had well over a hundred slips of “joyful”…
Last Friday night, I was honored by the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumna (I think that’s the second time in my life I’ve ever written the…
Here I sit, well after midnight, trying to put down some words so I can fulfill the commitment I’ve made to myself to continue this blog. If you’re a dedicated…
Whenever I’m preparing to write this blog, I usually try to find several things that are unalike and connect them in some way. Oftentimes, I try to find words that…
Like all teachers around the globe, I’ve been on a count-down for the end of the year. Not because I’m tired of my job, getting up early in the morning,…
My writer’s block continues, but alas, I am making myself go through the motions. I honestly have no excuse because the greatest material in the world is placed at my…
One of the many things I look forward to each year is the annual Nac Girls Weekend, when a group of lifelong friends gather and spend four days together. And…
On a recent Monday morning, I went to the garage to start my car. It was really cold outside, and thoughts of warm leather seats, and a toasty vehicle made…
I’m always writing in my head. Always. Almost every thought I have is written in prose, and within each thought I am constantly searching for connections between the current thought,…
The other morning before work, I stopped by the gas station to get a fountain drink. Yep. It’s 2022 and I still have a slight addiction. However, giving up my…
Three days before Christmas, Brian and I set out on a mission: to find tamales for Christmas Eve. In the scope of human events, this doesn’t seem like a mammoth…
It’s that time again. The time of the year where everyone is aware of the extra pounds gained over the holidays. If you survived the season unscathed, kudos to you!…
This post is from a chapter of my book Mockingbird Moments: A Memoir. It’s about the first Christmas without my dad. It’s often stated that Christmas is “the most wonderful…
I came across a statement/question this past week that made me chuckle: “I know you can be overwhelmed and underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?” This question made…
This week has felt a little blah. Maybe it’s the post-Thanksgiving tryptophan-induced coma from eating too much turkey and dressing. Maybe it was the way the Aggies lost their football…
It was my intention to share this post before Thanksgiving, and now I’m wondering about my decision to post it now. It’s the epitome of “anti-climatic” and reminds me of…
I’ve always loved the scripture from Psalms, “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Without fail, these words have filled me with hope; the will…
(This post is available on my Podcast—tune in on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Stitcher, Buzzsprout—you can click on the Podcast link on the Home Page for my blogsite) Sports has…
(Podcast is available for this post. To listen, click on the link at the top of the blog site) This blog hasn’t even begun, and because of two words in…
As an elementary counselor, I am reminded daily of the importance of the family unit. Children learn how to treat others at such an early age. Values are modeled and…
Change. It’s inevitable. Nothing ever stays the same, nor is it supposed to. We’ve been told not to fear change, but rather embrace it; that change should challenge us. We…
“Towns change; they grow or diminish, but hometowns remain as we left them.” ~Jayne Anne Phillips For me, the above picture says it all. It is a visual…
I’m extremely fortunate that I have a daughter-in-law who sends me daily photos of my sweet grandson. Although we live hundreds of miles away, these pictures help us to be…
I have a confession to make. I play Solitaire on my laptop. In this day and time, in a world filled with social media and “Candy Crush,” (is that still…
As a mother, I pray often. Multiple times throughout the day. I pray more now for my adult kids than I did when they were growing up. Gosh, after typing…
Out of all the days of the week, I like Tuesdays best. Sure, it goes without saying I love weekends, but on the days I work, Tuesdays are my favorite.…
I awakened early today. Not surprising since that seems to be my modus operandi. The time change has me pretty wonky, but getting up when the time says 6:00 a.m.…
I’m sure that when writing this weekly blog, I repeat myself. In fact, at times I wonder if most everything I write seems redundant, as specific themes and lessons seem…
I don’t consider myself to be high maintenance, but after a week of dealing with the obstacles that Snowmaggedon 2021 dished out, I’m reconsidering that statement. Not only did this…
This past weekend, we diligently prepared for the snow storm that was headed our way. We bought food, water, supplies, and firewood. We went to my mom’s to pick up…
I’m in the process of “purging” extra stuff from my house. I’m focused. On a mission. I’m trying to put my emotions aside. Trying to do as the bestselling author,…
Since the last blog post, my life has been filled with a bunch of stuff, as well as stuffing that has come unstuffed… We have been keeping our son’s dog…
I’m tired. Plain and simple. No hyperbole or theatrics. I’m just plain ol’ sleep-deprived-dog-tired. If I had to describe how I’m feeling at this moment in a hundred words or…
When I taught freshman English many years ago, I remember reviewing the concept of abstract nouns—words that exist in thought or as an idea but don’t have a physical or…
Welcome to the United States of Anxiety! I would love to say that I coined that phrase, but alas, credit for the clever title goes to one of my favorite…
Well, that was a little CrAzY! But, hey! We survived 2020! And to use a tired and trite phrase, (and the title of a Kelly Clarkson song), “What doesn’t kill…
I heard the sad news last week that Charley Pride, one of my all-time favorite singers, passed away. Not only did he have a voice like no other, but he…
I like to believe I’m a free-spirit in some ways, but when it comes to certain things, I’m a purist, plain and simple: not wearing white after Labor Day or…
Last week’s blog was about grief. I recalled my journey through it and the lessons I’ve learned from the loss of my father twenty-eight years ago. In my conclusion, I…
Sustenance is defined as “the maintaining of someone or something in life or existence.” It can also mean food and drink regarded as a source of strength and nourishment. For…
I have to admit, writing this blog during the Pandemic was much easier. I had endless time to brainstorm topics and ideas and then more time to actually sit down…
After I graduated from Texas A&M in December of 1985, I ventured off to Washington, D.C. to try to find a job on Capitol Hill. My parents weren’t too thrilled…
I love the word fortnight. It sounds so much classier, and fancier than saying “two weeks.” I’m just sorry the game, Fortnite, has besmirched such an elegant turn of phrase.…
Some of my favorite memories are of the days I spent at Camp Huawni. The time spent there represents the most carefree experiences of my life—non-stop activities from sun-up to…
When I was in second grade, my dream was to go to Hollywood and become an actress with my best friend, Mary Elizabeth Pierce. We had it all figured out.…
It’s remarkable how memories about a person or place can remind you of something completely unrelated. Every four years, when the Olympics roll around, I always think of Lovis Owens,…
As I was quietly sitting in my chair early this morning, sipping coffee, and organizing my thoughts for this blog, something happened. My intention was to write about my favorite…
CLICK HERE to LISTEN to my PODCAST I’ve had the title of this blog running around in my head for quite some time. I just couldn’t figure out exactly what…
A letter to my grandson, July 14, 2020 CLICK here to LISTEN to my PODCAST My dearest Cooper, As I write this, my heart is filled with unsurpassed joy,…
“Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s what’s in the middle that counts. So when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up.…
“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” —Brodi Ashton, Everneath As he drove away, I was reminded of all the things…
This is the fourth chapter in the series, “Re-Belle Like a Chevelle.” Whenever my family gets together, you can rest assured no one’s dignity is safe from the ravages…
When I was twelve years old, Olivia Newton-John released a new album called, “Clearly Love.” I have always been a huge fan of Olivia–I actually saw her in concert at…
In the fall of 1990, we buried my grandmother. Grandma Smith lived in a small community outside of Hallettsville. Her service was held at the funeral home in town, but…
“Well behaved women rarely make history.” ~Laurel Ulrich When I was well into my forties, I was visiting with my mom one afternoon and somehow the conversation evolved into…
I am starting something new with my blog. Several years ago, I began writing my memoir, Becoming a Chevelle. After sending several chapters to an editor, I was told that…
It seems my grandson Cooper has found his voice. The pediatrician warned them this was coming, but I’m not sure his parents were ready. Cooper seemed to be in a…
I can’t help but be amused when I reflect on the myriad of combinations of ideas and objects that come to mind when I begin writing. Many times, the items…
I have always been proud to be an American. That doesn’t mean that I think our country is flawless. We are flawed in countless ways, but the great thing about…
Throughout our lives, we dream of special moments: Graduation, College, First Job, Wedding, Becoming a Parent–and then experiencing all those things again with your children. Rarely does life ever goes…
I have great friends. I’ve said that before, but I feel during such stressful, uncertain times, it bears repeating. I have great friends. Case in point: Sunday night, I received some…
Saying that the coronavirus has changed our everyday lives is like saying water is wet. Everyone has been affected in one way or another. As I navigate through this unprecedented…
Life as we know it has changed. We’re living in a new world where words and phrases like “unprecedented” and “social distancing” are included in everyday conversations. Although schools are…
I’m in shock. Completely speechless. Well, maybe not completely. I have a few words left, and I will be using them to express my sadness. It may be shallow to…
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO PODCAST I have a very dear friend who moved back to Nacogdoches several years ago. He attends all the SFA home basketball games, so I…
I have always felt incredibly fortunate to have been born in the 1960s. It was such a significant and pivotal time of transformation in our country. I was blessed…
I hate to say this, but we live in an angry world. People are overwhelmed, frustrated, disappointed, disillusioned, mistreated, misinformed, and apathetic. It’s hard to say how we got to…
For me, there are certain things that are a part of my Southern heritage. Things that I do without even thinking: 1. Saying “y’all” 2. Adding “bless your heart” to…
Have you ever thought about the concept that everything is relative? How meaning is applied to people, things, and events based on differing vantage points and concepts? It goes without…
It’s around 5:30 Thanksgiving morning, and I have a lot to do to prepare for the day. Our celebration will be a little disjointed, as my adult boys now have…
The book, A Southern Girl Re-Belles, began with one character, Abigail Anne Winchester. When I began writing, I had no idea of the plot, or who the other characters would…
Whenever things change unexpectedly, I am reminded of the words of Robert Burns in his poem, “To A Mouse”: “The best laid plans of mice and men, oft go awry.”…
I’ve often heard the above quote, but had no idea who said it. I was thrilled to learn it was Theodore Roosevelt, whom I’ve always admired. TR was president…
Dear Dad, Hey! How’s it going? I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked. Twenty-seven years to be exact. There’s so much to tell you, I’m not sure where…
All week, I’ve bounced around some ideas about what I would write in my next blog. While others are figuring out ways to establish world peace, or experimenting to find…
When Christopher was in 7th grade and we were discussing his future plans, he stated his goal was to play basketball in the NBA. I’ve always tried to encourage…
“Like I said, things never turn out exactly the way you planned. Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day, you’re in diapers; next day, you’re gone. But the memories…
Today begins a new adventure. At this point in my life, I have done the usual rites of passage with my kids: high school graduation. Check. College. Check.…
I was just moments away from completing my blog for this week, and somehow, I deleted it. Every bit of it. I blame it on these fake nails (powder-dipped) that…
Like most things in my life, even my exercise regime is complicated. We live in a beautiful subdivision on the lake, but there are a couple of drawbacks as…
I’ve got to be honest. Writing is hard. I’m not complaining, because I love to do it, but it’s either feast or famine. At least it’s that way with me.…
Whenever I think of the quintessential southern belle, Julia Sugarbaker comes to mind. Yes, I know she is just a character on my all-time favorite television show, “Designing Women,”…
My life, just like this title, is all over the place right now. Another school year is coming to an end, my youngest son is getting married next week, and…
(A Cheerleader Looks at 50) “Every time I say ‘sure’ when I mean ‘no,’ every time I smile brightly when I’m exploding with rage, every time I imagine my man’s…
Unpacking From the Motherhood Guilt Trip: An Addendum to my Mother of the Year Application They say it takes a village to raise a child but no one ever tells…
I grew up in the era of Watergate, when it became a household word, identifying a scandal, and not the hotel that was once a hot spot for both democrats…