“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” (Satchel Paige) Happy birthday to me! Do you like having birthdays? I do. I may not like counting them up, but I do like having them. I didn’t have either of these desserts today, but as pretty as the top one is, I’d take the …
Never Forget 9/11
Twelve years have passed but the day will never be forgotten. There are no words to express the tragedy of that day. The reading of the names, the stories of the heroic actions of those on the planes and in the towers, and the memory of the courage of the first responders bring tears as we relive that terrible day. May …
Jocie in Trouble at School
September 9, 1964 David Brooke here filling in for Jocie who got in trouble at school for eating a Tootsie Roll in class. She claims she just took a little bite in the hallway between classes. It wasn’t her fault that Mrs. Jackson picked on her to answer the very first question in English class and that chocolate sort of …
Stories and Grandparents Go Together
Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, The greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart. ~author unknown Thanks to all …
Christmas at Harmony Hill Celebration Giveaway
I sent out a newsletter Sunday. If you’re on my newsletter list you already know about my new celebration giveaway, but if you’re not, you can find out about it here. I’m celebrating my birthday and the September release of Christmas at Harmony Hill by giving away some prizes. The book is in stores and available online. I do hope you will …
Back to School – Disgruntedly!
September 2, 1964 Jocie Brooke here reporting from Hollyhill. Sadly. Disgruntedly. (That word was in my Learn Ten New Words a Day book. Doesn’t it sound the best? Like a mad pig or something.) I guess I shouldn’t say sadly. The first day of school isn’t really a sad day. Dad says I should try to come up with exact …
Some Gave All – The Traveling Wall
I’ve never been to Washington DC to see the Vietnam Wall, so when I found out the Traveling Wall was coming to a town near me, I wanted to go. I’ve researched several different wars for my historical novels but so far, the closest I’ve come to writing about the Vietnam War was in Jerry’s life testimony story, Angels at …
The 1960’s – Marches, Civil Rights and Changes
In the car on the way up to sit with Mom, I switched on the radio today and tuned in to live coverage of the fifty year anniversary March on Washington. I remember the 1963 March of Washington, but I was young and didn’t pay all that much attention to the Civil Rights movement. Civil Rights were words in the …
A Writer's Dream
August 26, 1964 Jocie Brooke here reporting from Hollyhill, Kentucky. Do you see what’s in the picture? A typewriter! My very own typewriter. Mr. Atkinson, the lawyer in the office across the street from us, bought his secretary a new typewriter and let me buy her old one for twenty dollars. I had to break my piggy bank, but who …
Ready, Set, Go – Winners Picked!
“Good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who wait, and the best things come to those who don’t give up.” This is Riggs, my son-in-law and daughter’s dog. They picked him as a pup because he seemed to be the quietest and listened the best. He must have been on his best behavior that day …






