It all started with a fire. A fire built well enough to shoot out bright orange flames fairly quickly, from a wet log, after that one initial spark. “I used to have to build a fire that would last us all night,” Grandpa said. “That was our only heat.” Stressed all morning, I was desperate [...]
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This is the one that twirls through my mind when I hear the words Christmas party. I remember the room, which is meant to be the dining room. There is Tuscany-colored wall paper, with gold stars. Instead of a table, there is a pool table, and the “wall of fame.” Pictures of college chums; letters [...]
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I wouldn’t want you to miss the blooming of the Lilly of the Valley. The fragrance is not too sweet, like that of the lilac. The Lilly of the Valley smells light, and yet distinctively sweet; better than an expensive bottle of French Perfume. The scent is a brief, once-a-year privilege for walking this Earth. [...]
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The Minister didn’t know her that well. It’s OK — it happens all the time at funerals, I’m sure. He talked about her patience, her talent, — and then he said how she, as a Mother “had to get stern, and tough, sometimes…” That was the red flag. So I asked her son, my cousin, [...]
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My Aunt died today. I’m too tired and worn out to tell you how precious she was to me in beautiful, heartfelt prose. So, instead, I’ll just list what I remember about her. She liked to take me to “town” with her when I was little, and she bought me bags of peanut clusters, in [...]
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I had a real-life encounter with Mr. Rogers, and a post on Just Thinking reminded me of this. He was the guest speaker at a public televison conference I attended. (Former life, former job.*) We thought he was going to teach us about children’s television programming, how to market the shows, and how to create [...]
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I WON! The George Ella Lyons I Am From Writing contest. For instructions for writing your own George Ella Lyon poem, read here: I am from formica counter tops, Sunrise Easter Services, brown cinnamon swirls made from leftover dough, and ice cream socials in the spring. I am from sunburns sprayed with Solarcaine, and homemade [...]
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