On Friday, I headed out around mid-afternoon to do a few quick errands. I’d barely started up the hill when I came face to face with the reminder that everything had changed: the flashing red lights of a school bus. Continue reading
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Flash
As regular readers of this blog have undoubtedly noticed by now, I am not a person of few words. Continue reading
The Joy of the Single Seat
Some outings are better if you go with someone else. Dining out on Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve, for example. I don’t know of anyone who would be comfortable as a solo diner in the midst of romantic-themed menus or couples kissing over champagne. I wouldn’t, in any case. Continue reading
Revelation
Last spring, I applied to a very prestigious writing conference, taught by writers whose work is routinely praised, if not revered, by the literary community. Rationally, I knew acceptance was a long shot. On the other hand, I figured the admissions committee probably wasn’t sitting around at night hoping I might grace them with my presence. The only way I’d have a chance was to apply. Continue reading
How Did We Get Here So Fast?
Hours may drag, but years race.
Somebody wise has probably said something like that. If they haven’t—well, you read it here first. Continue reading
Vinyl
It all started with the “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen.”
On Saturday afternoon, as I sat at my desk working on a client’s rush project, one of my favorite classical stations began playing this delightful piece by Edvard Grieg. I say “delightful,” but for all I know, it could be part of something weird and dark. (After all, Grieg is the same person who wrote the Peer Gynt Suites No. 1 and 2, and Peer Gynt is not exactly a bright and sunny tale.) Continue reading
Tips for a Successful Staycation
I don’t know if anyone’s ever done a study of the most frequently used word in the United States in the summertime, but if they did, I’m betting “vacation” was a top contender, if not the winner. The funny thing is that for all our talk about vacations, we’re apparently awful at actually taking days off work, even when it’s paid time off. Factor in those of us for whom a day of no work is a day of no income, and it’s no wonder that when you ask people how they are, many will say, “I’m so busy, I’m just exhausted.” Continue reading
Vacation, So Far
Around eighteen or so years ago, my pastor told me to take a vacation.
Okay, he wasn’t talking exclusively to me. It was part of his sermon. I don’t remember much now, just that he spoke of the value of rest. Not long after that, I booked a trip to Captiva Island, Florida. Never let it be said that I don’t take direction well. Continue reading
Reclaiming My Life
The past two weeks have been challenging. The funeral of a friend’s mother, who died unexpectedly. Notifications of three lost writing contests. The death of Rachel Held Evans, whom I met once and whose work brought joy and laughter even as she wrestled with big questions and challenged people of faith to learn to rest in mystery. Twenty hours billed in one weekend, with the draft brief finally sent off at 3:30 last Monday morning. A rejection from a prestigious writing conference I’d hoped to attend. Continue reading
What If . . .
. . . Stephen King were pitching The Wizard of Oz to a publisher?
P. Jo Anne Burgh 