He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
In the midst of praying, a voice murmurs, "Really, now... you actually believe God cares about THIS? And really, now, has God truly forgiven you for THAT?" My prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling. One would think I could squelch this voice - being a decades long follower of Jesus. Lately, however, I've discovered... Continue Reading →
In the movie, Phenomenon, George, played by John Travolta, is attracted to Lace (Keira Sedgwick) who makes rocking chairs out of branches and twigs and tries to sell them at the local store. The chairs are uncomfortable and don't sell. So George, unbeknownst to Lace, goes to the store once a week to buy a... Continue Reading →
When I was 10 we moved to Florida. My father, newly retired, was in charge of carpooling - and when Dad was at the wheel you knew we were going to stop at Dairy Queen for swirrly ice cream cones dipped in chocolate. But better than even chocolate dipped cones was the fact that after... Continue Reading →
"Flare" This word was idly tossed my way by a writing teacher whose name I have forgotten. He was referring to a poem I had written - the subject of which I have also forgotten. But I internalized this casual observation. I wasn't exactly sure what "flare" meant, but I took it as high praise.... Continue Reading →
My mother was fond of saying, "That Betty (or Sally or Suzy) is SO attractive." That meant Betty was pretty and thin. Most of all it meant she was pretty and it left me wondering (short, tubby me with pigtails), Was I attractive? Mom had a habit of giving you a once-over and commenting on weight,... Continue Reading →
There were only two words on that 1965 postcard. OV OU. On the back - a glistening ski slope, an impossibly blue backdrop, spearing sunbeams. My parents and older brother had gone skiing in Vermont and I was (inexplicably) left home with Mrs. Tidd, the babysitter. OV OU? Then it came to me. OV was... Continue Reading →
Things I try to avoid -- public speaking, mingling at a work-related social gathering, introducing people to each another (when the name of your best friend of 30 years inexplicably flees from your brain). Team building, role-playing, and of course, karaoke. I admit it. I want an Easy Life. A fulfilling job with moderate stress.... Continue Reading →
"Being a mom can be so isolating," Margie shares. The heads of other fresh-faced moms are nodding. Then Christie, of older years, adds, "Just wait till they leave the nest. That's when you'll really feel isolated." Several women chuckle. Myself included. Whether you're overwhelmed by non-stop toddlers or transporting pre-teens to impossibly long swim meets... Continue Reading →
Brett is looking sharp in khakis and a button down shirt, his tie bearing Floridian brightness. My brother, Charles, and his wife, Jil, are also in country club attire. I have on a black dress - a safe choice. I'm wearing that pearl necklace Mom gave me. Nice touch. We are aggressively sipping white wine... Continue Reading →
In our younger years we imagine Big Things. Publishing a book - followed by a book tour. Securing promotions and sizable salaries. Becoming competent in a field with initials after our name. Alleviating poverty, improving literacy, advocating for the downtrodden. Magnificent marriages and perfect parenting -- our children "rising up and calling us blessed" (a... Continue Reading →
I was a chubby kid with too-short bangs (mom, what were you thinking?). I lived in the shadow of my center-stage brother who called me "B-Fink". Not a term of endearment I'm fairly certain. (I adore him now and we are very close.) School was not a place of refuge. I was a slow reader. ... Continue Reading →
My mother spoke with a British accent, though American born. She sipped gin and tonics, partied three times a week, picked at her food, shopped only at Saks, wore heels 24/7, and in her 90s arranged for a college professor to come to her living room to lecture on the Renaissance - so she could... Continue Reading →
I am an introvert. Shy from day one. An 8th grade report card said I was an "enigma" - which I had to look up (not a compliment). If class participation was factored into a grade, I was destined for C's. As functioning adults, we introverts don't have the option of being selectively mute. Our... Continue Reading →
Mine is the woulda-coulda-shoulda variety that blares its voice at 4AM, revisiting the previous day. And it's not congratulatory. You should have handled that conversation better. You should have spoken up at that meeting. Remember that Ben & Jerry's you devoured at 10pm? Your arm flab has a life of its own. (Your accommodating narrative provides... Continue Reading →
I am a fear-ridden flyer. I gaze out the window on high alert for birds (and now drones), other planes, dark clouds. I study the flight attendant's demeanor for signs of pending disaster. Is there relaxed banter? When they ask us to find the nearest exit, I'm counting rows and assessing the skill level of... Continue Reading →
Shadows and Shelters 