They say the test of literary power is whether a man can write an inscription. I say, ‘Can he name a kitten?’ ~Samuel Butler Have you had the pleasure of naming some kittens or cats? Maybe a dog? Or best of all, a sweet new baby in your arms? With those babies, you have months and months to debate the …
“Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.” – Ruth Ann Schabacker. December is here. That means Christmas is right around the corner with all the traditional activities. There’s the reason for the season – the birth of the Savior. Shepherds in the field watching their flocks. Angels singing on a starry night. A baby born in a stable …
Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago. ~Tom Baker My son and a couple of my granddaughters came to visit Saturday night and helped me decorate my Christmas tree. I’m not a tree in every room big Christmas decorator. And usually I’m not this early with …
When I sent out my newsletter last week, I asked for you to name some of your everyday blessings. But only if you wanted to do so. I’ve gotten many that say family. I can certainly identify that. Other mentioned the love of the Lord. That can be an every day thing for sure. And many of us named our …
When we adopt a dog or any pet, we know it is going to end with us having to say goodbye, but we still do it. And we do it for a very good reason: They bring so much joy and optimism and happiness. They attack every moment of every day with that attitude. ~W. Bruce Cameron This weekend I …
So you’re a country kid taking a walk in the autumn months and come across a persimmon tree. Older and wiser people are walking along with you and tell you that you have to try tasting one of those persimmons. You note their smile, but you’re a kid and you do want to try everything at least once, right? So …
A book is a gift you can open again and again. ~Garrison Keillor One of my favorite things to do as a writer is talk to readers and other writers. And one of the best times to do that is at a book fair or festival. The Kentucky Book Fair is one of the best in our state. This year …
Writing a book has many exciting moments. First, you have that initial spark of an idea and as you begin to develop your story, characters show up and become good friends or perhaps, a not so good friend if it’s one of your less lovable characters. Many hard moments may follow as you dig words out of your brain to …
I believe in Liberty for all men: the space to stretch their arms and their souls, the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine, and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking, dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of beauty and love. (W. E. B. Du Bois) Did …
The longer you hang in there, the greater the chance that something will happen in your favor. No matter how hard it seems, the longer you persist, the more likely your success. ~Jack Canfield Everybody loves a winner. Isn’t that some sort of saying? Not even sure it’s true. Not unless that winner is somehow sharing his winnings. And what …