I’m sorry I missed blogging on my birthday over a month ago. Now the climate in our country has changed, and it feels frivolous and irresponsible to chat about my life when life has been seriously disrupted for so many. While some are happy for what’s going on, I am not. As a Christian, I …
Jungles, Mountains, and Rivers
I’m on my way home now— over 2,000 miles across the Pacific from the Hawaiian Islands to LA. This Viking cruise was literally just a taste. I remember our first trip abroad was called The Taste of Europe. The idea was to sample several countries and then return to the favorites for an in-depth look. …
The Aftermath of Moving – Part One
Last night, I looked at a recent doctor’s report. I was surprised to find, due to transcription error, I was either 8 or 80, neither of which is true. I marvel now, at almost 83, that I’ve survived my move but may not survive this aftermath. A few examples: I had to move a chair. …
The God on the Mountain (and in my valleys and yours)
Last time I wrote, 9/24/24, I promised at the end of the reblog of my friend Marianna's account of our trip to Chicago, that I would write soon about my move and my trip for my high school reunion. Soon is now! This morning, Saturday, I woke up with sobs in my throat. As is …
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Catching up! A Repeat Chicago Trip and a Move
I'm happy to repost my friend Marianna's account of our recent Chicago weekend. We had to repeat last year's trip to Printers Row Lit Fest, minus my face plant on Michigan Avenue, so we'd replace the unpleasant memories of that earlier trip. We had a marvelous time! Back to Chicago: A Second Chance My friend Lois …
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Iowa Summer Writing Festival – the Work and the Surprise
My friends and family know I love to take writing classes in Iowa City. A few weeks ago, I took my nineteenth course. I specifically looked for an easy class, because I didn't want to churn out several pages a day or give written feedback each night to my fellow eleven students. So I signed …
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Dr. David Fletcher’s Review of “Marv Taking Charge” – In Appreciation
Sitting at this delightful coffeehouse in South Haven, Michigan, is a memory I want to commit to the page. The door is open with fans circulating the warmish air. Another place where I stopped was so cold from the A/C that I simply couldn't stay. I've hung out here in other years when I've come …
Continue reading Dr. David Fletcher’s Review of “Marv Taking Charge” – In Appreciation
Black Plastic Glasses and Other Blessings
Summer time, especially today with overcast skies, merits a trip into family nostalgia. Look what I found on an old external hard drive: A delightful sibling memory! From the file: Lois Roelofs/Stories//10-25-2001 You have to meet my sister Rose. She can change your life if you’re not careful. Recently, I made a major career …
Guest Essay: Marianna Crane
My long-time nursing friend, Marianna Crane, deals with the uncertainty of aging like most of us in our 80s. I'm reblogging her blog post because we can learn from her experience and learn about a benign brain tumor most of us have never heard of, but, if present, greatly hangs over one's life. Traveling with …
Lightbulbs, Voluntary Trees, Rental Units
It's been a few weeks since the April A to Z challenge, and I'd like to say that I've been reclining on a chaise lounge, reading inspirational romance novels, and sipping chamomile tea served with clotted cream on homemade scones. But I'd be lying. Instead, I apparently betrayed my body that was trying to tell …
Write Along with Me 