May 2026--I’ve always believed there are far more good people in the world than bad. We hear so much about the bad and not nearly enough about the good, so this post is about the good. I can’t say what happened to me “restored” my faith in humanity, because instead, it strengthened it. Last Monday morning, I received a call from a wonderful woman at our local State Farm office. My mind started racing—had I missed a payment? Had something changed? I had no idea. After we exc

Our first group shopping weekend December 1999 Dec. 17, 2024 Christmas traditions are just one of the many ways to help keep the...

Oct. 6, 2024 --There are quite a few words I’ve used to describe the people in North Carolina. If you know me, you know I have a special...

Cass County Library District--Howard Township Branch. September 2024 --Funny how I’ve been a writer for so long yet only a reader for a...

August 2024 --If you thought it could be challenging to be a mom—just wait until you become a grandmother. When my kids were younger I...

by jodi marneris February 2023--Every day there are celebrations and observances taking place around the world. Today includes Take Your...

April 2022--The date was April 21, 1967. It was nearing 5 p.m. and I was in the shower getting ready to make my Confirmation at St....

March 2022--I've been a bag of mixed emotions. How can I feel grateful yet a little anxious? Sad yet happy? Excited yet resentful?...

Note: Read with caution. Something tells me you may be humming (or strumming) to a Roberta Flack song or singing along with Foreigner while reading this. June 2021--One year ago today was the first day of my retirement. It was a melancholy day to say the least--happy to be moving forward in my life journey—yet sad to be moving away from something I loved. Looking back, that first day of retirement was the first of many firsts. It was the first time I didn’t have a deadline. I

April 2020--I'm heading into my last days of full-time employment--24 days to be exact. Deciding to retire was a decision I made in the...

March 2020--Like so many across the world right now, I am working from home. I am one of the fortunate ones. Fortunate I still have a...

April 2020--In the midst of all this going on with the coronavirus pandemic, I'm seeing glimpses of people with big hearts. They're...

March 2020--I’ll get this out front and center: I’m obsessed with Hallmark movies. I didn’t used to be. I’ll admit I’m a late bloomer and...