This guest post is written by Dr. Teresa Burns Murphy, one of my former professors who has served as a writing mentor for me for years. I'm so grateful for Dr. Murphy! If you want to hear more about how she's helped me, be sure to check out my podcast about those who add value... Continue Reading →
"Maggie, your sparkly shirt looks so pretty this morning." She climbed over the chest at the end of our bed, the morning sun reflecting off the sequins on her pink t-shirt. Her face beamed slightly, disguising a little smile. "YOU look so pretty this morning, Maggie," I changed my compliment after seeing her little smile... Continue Reading →
A few years ago I selected "placid" as a focus word. Each year, rather than writing New Year's resolutions (which I have never been fantastic at keeping), I select a word as a focal point. Sometimes the word serves as a catalyst. Other times it's a theme. The year of "placid," it served as a... Continue Reading →
Let me give you guys a quick snapshot of my life right now. I'm wrapping up my position as a full-time faculty member at a community college, grading finals like a demon while saying plenty of sad goodbyes to colleagues and students. I receive daily emails which I print out to add to my "kudos"... Continue Reading →
I pulled into the driveway of my close friend’s small brick house one autumn afternoon, the air thick and humid, stuck in transition from summer heat. She wasn’t home, but her neighbors’ kids ran and yelled at one another in the front yard next door, enjoying their first few moments of freedom after school. I jiggled... Continue Reading →
*The following essay was written by one of my students, Samantha Jones, in English Composition I about a place of significance. While this essay is not in letter format, it does pay homage to the memories of her childhood and her sister. For that reason, I asked for her permission to share it with all... Continue Reading →
*One of my students, Jared Tickner, in Comp II this semester gave me permission to share this essay with all of you. This is his first essay for the semester; I read it after reading a stack of other essays that were good essays but didn't quite measure up in one way or another. Some... Continue Reading →
Big thanks to Debra Dickey for serving as today's guest contributor and for another kitten post! I didn’t know it yet, but He was creating, protecting, and instilling a spirit of trust into the sweetest, funniest, prettiest little long-haired yellow kitten that I have seen in a long time, just for me, even before I... Continue Reading →
*Here's another cat's tale from Debra Dickey. This post reminds me of all the fur babies I've had over the years and how much joy they've brought to my life. Thanks, Debra, for the great reminder!* Growing up, my parents didn’t allow us to have inside pets. We had plenty of animals, but because we... Continue Reading →
Big thanks to one of my students, who is a vivacious and wonderful person, Jessica Nicol, for sharing her story in today's post. You know the point in your life where you just don't feel like being angry anymore? I'm there. I've found that in life there is always that one person who you never... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Cup 