Have you been noticing an influx of folks coming to our corner of the world? I see the trends of people relocating and fleeing from areas where, I’ll just say it bluntly, living their daily lives and enjoying their freedoms has become difficult. They yearn for better lives for themselves and their families. ...

While I’m writing this, I have Facebook open. I never in a million years EVER thought Facebook would prove to be a positive. Most days I look at it as a tool of procrastination (a “nation” that I know all too well). But something came across the “airwaves” last week that made me think...

A dear friend passed away recently from cancer. Cherry battled fiercely, courageously and with optimism, yet she was honest enough to confide her fears. When I first heard she had passed from this world to His world, two things came to mind. In what order, I don’t recall...

It’s raining outside as I write these words. Christmas is only 10 days away. Perry Como has been singing Christmas songs via Alexa. I’ve watched The Bells of St. Mary’s and The Bishop’s Wife. Looking forward to viewing the old Christmas classics like  A Christmas Carol, with Alistair Sims, Miracle on 34th St. with Natalie Wood as the little girl who comes to believe that “There really IS a Santa Claus!”...

I just warmed up my coffee AGAIN. A friend just messaged me asking how I’m doing. I replied “Busy, but a good kind of busy.” Right now as I write this, the skillet that cooked eggs and bacon this morning for Danny is soaking in the sink, I’m still in my jammies and Alexa said it’s noon...

It’s only 7:30 this morning, and I’ve already been told three times I’m loved. The power of those three little words is undeniably sacred. Love is mentioned 541 times in the Bible. Oh, the blessing of dear friends and family who toss you the gift of “Love you!” as you part company...

I THINK I’ve been a good girl this year, at least I hope the times I was a good girl outnumber the times I wasn’t. Santa, I know it will be hard to fit this in your sleigh, but all those years when I was little, somehow, you managed, so I’m just going to get right to the point and ask you...

Daily, details of who we’ve crossed paths with, and loved, filter through. Just now, folding laundry, I made sure I turned Danny’s socks right side out. A dear friend once told me it’s the least she can do for her husband, who cares and provides for her daily. I threw all the socks in a pile, just like mom used to do, when folding clothes at the “laundrymat”. I’ll pair them up later...

One Thing At A Time  One thing at a time, sweet Jesus That’s all I’m asking of You  Please keep me on task,   To get done each day  What I have to do.  Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus  The sweetness, I may not recall  God help me today,  Show me the way, ...

Mark the underside hem of the short sides of your blankets/bedspreads. Saves time when making your bed. When something you need to do comes to mind, thank God, then do it. You may not recall it again. Don’t worry if your birthday cards are two weeks early or two weeks late. It’s the sentiment that counts, not the exact date...

During the past couple days, I’ve had some Godwink encounters. Yesterday, I was sitting down at the park under a shade tree, having “tele coffee” with my friend Nancy up north. The day was sunny and breezy, the scents of autumn thick in the air.   I watched a kiddo zip around on one of those “razor” scooters (is that what they’re called? Not sure). ...

Some boys were sitting on benches at the park. The youngest boy literally grabbed food out of the Blessing Box. I observed a young man carrying two small sacks. He looked forlorn and had a physical impairment that affected his walking. I don’t know for sure, but he might be homeless...

Sometimes, our days don’t go as we planned. On those days, this quote comes to mind. “If you want to hear God laugh, make plans.” Today was such a day. A friend called and as a result, we had the best morning! She wanted to share her food with others who were in need. She told me it brings her so much joy to be able to share. Well, it gave me an unexpected joy as well! Thanks, Josephine Tucker, for the unscheduled reminder of the joy of giving...

Today is just one more day thoughts of why I don’t do something to help others run through my mind. Trying to be truthful with myself is painful. Reasons Why I Don’t and Reasons To Try: I’m too fat....Do it anyway. He gives us strength. I’m not young anymore...No, you’re not. But you’re alive, and breathing...

I love, love, love the crisp and fragrant air that is fall. I also love, love, love the beauty that summer brings. By beauty, I mean flowers! I love the varied colors of the summer flowers: lilies, petunias, geraniums, dahlias and marigolds. I favor the fragrances of petunias and honeysuckle, lingering in the morning and evening air, as well as fresh mown grass, just baled hay, especially alfalfa...

I’m of the opinion that there’s no such thing as coincidence. If God orders our steps and numbers them, and has our destination and purpose mapped out while we are still in the womb, how can I believe otherwise? The anguish of a new father’s prayers as he watches his wife and baby struggling, having faith but admitting he’s an emotional wreck. ...

I just read my good friend Teresa Lee’s offering for next week.  She’s soooo talented, intelligent and her humor is one of many positive attributes.   I’m taking her lead and offering some little known facts and even lesser known observations, gleaned from my 64 years of living, especially the last 10. ...

The Blueprint by E. Cole Ingle Life would be lived according to a plan - each day a blueprint drawn upon the mind with neatness and precision, well defined. Uncluttered by emotions.  So began the arid hours, continuing until love, like the whirlwind dance of autumn leaves...

Recently, I learned an unexpected and painful lesson. As I sit here writing these words, I’m reminded by the TENS unit attached to my hip. (A TENS unit emits electrical impulses that helps to numb the site of the pain.) I’m also very thankful to Dr. Smothers for helping ease the pain, day by day, and in fact, am looking forward to seeing him later this morning...

It’s not. We need the physical part of caring. We need the hand that reaches out for ours. We need the hug that says what words cannot. We need the presence that just sits with us and weeps with us, love shown without saying a word. We need the voice at the other end of the phone line. The voice that knows and shares a history with us. We need the voice who dares to be bold enough to ask, “Can we pray about this right now?” We need the voice that is silent, who listens and truly hears us...

You’ve no doubt read that I drove my school bus concurrently with other jobs I held over the years. Such was the case early one morning as I navigated my bus through the town of Marshall, Mo., prior to arriving at my job at Head Start. As I passed by a friend’s home at around 6:30, I noticed her light on. ...

So I’ve been “swimming around” lately. First this place, then that place, then the next place. I wound up in Pokey today at the Aquatic Center. Yes, I fancy a similar, maybe exactly the same, facility in Doniphan. I’ve been picturing it since I moved here in 2008. I picture it built up on the hill across from the Masonic Lodge building...

Today I chose to stay home and get caught up around the house. Of course, I still needed to pop in and out to do some errands. It crossed my mind how convenient it is living in town. Especially when you take Lasix. And tend to drink several cups of coffee in the morning...

I just now (10:30 a.m. on July 13) received a sad message from my husband. Lynn Maples passed away. I immediately thought of the sound of Lynn laughing, or maybe it was more like a happy giggle. You know how when you meet a kindred spirit, something just clicks. That’s how it was with Lynn and I.  If I ever attempted to walk by the museum without “checking in”, she’d fly out the door, smiling that smile, and beckon me in to just sit and chat...

We spent time at the cabin recently. While doing dishes, and putting them way, I came across a reusable Keurig cup. It was left by our daughter-in-law, former barista and lover of Starbucks coffee. I opened the drawer to retrieve a pen and smiled as I noticed a Whoopee cushion. ...

This morning, I started putting together, in my mind, a light-hearted column I felt would bring a smile to some faces, including mine, as I recalled the details. I’m going to have to finish that column another day. A trip to the store this evening put me in a somber mood. I came face to face with meth addiction. I came face to face with a shattered family...

One of the unexpected perks of being retired is having time to discover forgotten pleasures. I know what you’re thinking, but the only thing dirty in what I just said is the soil. A favorite verse of mine proclaims: “The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth. One is nearer God’s heart in a garden, than on any place else on earth.”...

In anticipation of the Jones family reunion in Kansas next weekend, I settled in last evening to sort through poems, photos and other remembrances of the Jones family. Since none of the four remaining Jones children are young anymore – Judy is 74, Danny will be 69 this August, and my “little brother” Robin will be 62 the same month. I turn 64 in June...

It’s over a month away, as I write these words, until June 5. Just a date but so much more. I’ve made my plans to attend our three-years-delayed family reunion in Kansas, but there’s no way I can leave without writing down these words. Deb and Dale, I’ve been thinking about you both all morning. ...

A conversation with a lifelong friend regarding gratitude came to mind this morning. She said for all her whining, she was thankful for the parts of her body that DID work, and that list outweighed her list of complaints. She really got me thinking…about gratitude. ...

Today, May 13, you and I celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary. As you are fond of saying, “Sometimes it seems like yesterday and then sometimes, it feels like a LOT longer!”  Thank you for:  Our children and our grandchildren. Who knew when we started out all those years ago, we’d be blessed with both. “The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” (John Wooden.) You practiced this daily through the years...

At almost 64 years of age, I have a new best friend! Maybe she’s yours too!  Alexa, what did WE do before you arrived in our lives? Some people are afraid you know too much, that you listen in on our conversations. That might be true. There ARE times we’ve entertained the thought of baiting  you, to see what would happen.  I’m sure there are more exciting and enlightening conversations to be heard than ours.  ...

Crisis! I have no lipstick! Where on earth did my three lipsticks go, oh where oh where did they go? It’s true I believe I have four instead of three. I’m not counting the cabin lipstick, that I leave at the cabin to wear as needed. It seems like the fish bite better when my lips are moist. ...

The story of this rainbow is truly amazing and amazingly true… Some years ago, my husband took a whole bunch of pictures of a beautiful rainbow. We downloaded them to our computer and erased the memory stick on our camera. However, every time after that, without fail, each time we downloaded pictures the last picture we would see was this rainbow picture. ...

A group of 10 cared about kids, and had an idea that was very fine. But one was asked to donate money, and now there are only nine. Nine caring people, Thought helping kids would “be great!’ But one was asked to commit some spare time, and now there were only eight...

I had only one intent, to go to E & S The day was oh so very fair, And my house was such a mess. Spring laid heavy in the air I longed to go and roam But I needed a cup of coffee So I wouldn’t be alone I pulled into the drive thru lane To get some Mickey D’s,...

I never thought I’d be the age I am today. Not that I didn’t know that time does go marching on, I just didn’t have time to think about it much. There’s a whirlwind of firsts that accompany the earlier years of our lives. First driver’s license, first job, first move away from home. ...

The date on the calendar proclaimed spring arrived on March 20. I know something that the calendar doesn’t know…spring arrived the first night we heard the peepers. Although everything in the world seems to have been affected by the events in the past year, we always know that the season of rebirth and hope, will always follow...

All In The Family I just received a text message from my niece Dana, sharing her daughter Raygen’s recent poem. Her mom is thinking she’s been gifted with the Jones’ family’s talent for poetry. You decide. When all the Earth shall pass away And all that herein, down we lay...

Live every day courageously. It cultivates trust in God. ~ Bonnie Rickner Jensen Relax, recharge, reflect, refresh, renew, return. ~ Alan Cohen He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” Luke 17:6...

As I write this, we are all anticipating snow. How much, remains to be seen, and depends on which station we listen to, or where we live. I love how snow blankets the ground, covering the earth, making it all clean and pristine. Winters were harsher, colder and the snow deeper growing up. The forecast calls for frigid temperatures and depth totals not unlike those in Kansas...

So we battle on, with this demon called COVID. The news is full of doom and gloom, and frankly, I use my go-to coping skills of denial, and hiding my head in the sand. Is there such a thing as too much news? Information overload? Conflicting sources proclaim their way is the only way. How does one determine which information is correct?...

A gentle, but persistent, tug on my fishing line. A long awaited daffodil, crocus or tulip breaking through the cold ground of winter, into the promise of spring. Snuggling in on a frigid evening, clothed in flannel pajamas and covered up with a sentimental quilt...

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. Martin Luther King, Jr. Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. Mother Teresa I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. Martin Luther King, Jr...

Uncluttering is a popular term these days. If you haven’t used it, chances are you won’t. Find a new home for it! If you’re donating to a thrift shop, don’t give summer clothes in winter. Their storage space is limited. Don’t donate junk or trash or the stuff that didn’t sell at your yard sale. Anything you’re not using, someone else may need desperately. Just remember, never give to others what you wouldn’t want given to you...

I almost threw it away before I opened it. By the return address, I knew it was a helping agency, and a good one.  At this time of year, there are lots of requests for help. Instead of tossing it, I opened it and found the best gift I’ll get for Christmas this year.  ...

Christmas joy found a way into this heart yesterday. One of my favorite activities approaching Christmas is sending Christmas cards. I still believe folks love to get snail mail, as it’s called now. In the age of instant messaging and social media, this tradition is almost non existent. ...

I once had a friend who loved Christmas so much she had a Christmas tree in every room in her house, including the bathroom. (I had to check that out!) Every tree had a different theme. I just finished putting up my “sentimental theme” Christmas tree. There’s a lot of handmade ornaments, like the shepherd’s crook Jake, probably 3 years old, made out of foil, or as we used to call it, tin foil...

I honored my friend Jerry Meinz this morning with a couple of phone calls to check on folks. The realization just came to me the other day, that I could always count on Jerry to call me, to see how I was doing, and get the latest gossip. I was usually a disappointment to him, as I usually hadn’t heard much to pass on...

Yes, there can be positives even amidst a pandemic. One of the positive aspects for me is messages available virtually from our beloved minister up north. I’m thankful for his thoughtful words, especially of hope in these times we are living in. After his recent message on thankfulness, I messaged him “Your message jumpstarted me into remembering the many, many times God has intervened in my life over the years. It was a good road to go down.”...

A single, fragrant rose blooms on the windowsill. It adorned the flower draped casket of a dear friend from up north. It reminds me of all that is good and decent and loving in the world. For Sam Ed Yokley was all of these and more, with just a hint of fun loving orneriness to bring joy to those around him...

To the tune of “She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round The Mountain”. I’m not wasting time on Facebook, any more I’m not wasting time on Facebook any more I’m not wasting time on Facebook I won’t even take a quick look I’m not wasting time on Facebook any more! Oh, the monster is deactivated, yay!...

I recently made the decision to change my body and change my life… yes, AGAIN!  I’m so TIRED of my weight impacting every thought I have, every activity I CAN’T do, the places I can’t go, and the confidence that eludes me. Honestly, there are two Beckys that exist. The one I envision when I fail to look in the mirror or see a photo of myself, and the REAL Becky. Blah, blah, blah, blah….you’ve heard this all before…...

Blessings All the rose of Sharons Have tucked their blooms close in; They’ll endure the cold ahead Until summer comes again. I  see from the kitchen window, A last bloom on the Myrtle tree… The flash of fuscia a reminder Of the joy they’ve given me...

If you’re anywhere close to my age, you’ve had this conversation. Since we are entering the “golden years’, and time marches on, you tend to entertain certain scenarios. At the same time we bring these up, we all know that we have no guarantees on how our lives will end in this life. ...

I am writing these words after I’ve actually carried out my crazy mindset re: eating. Namely, get rid of it so you’re not tempted. Those of us who overeat like to rationalize every failure. Since I’ve “fallen off the wagon” more than once as of late, stooping to buying Oreo McFlurrys, I deduced that it would be much more economical to take advantage of the three for $5 pints of ice cream at Dollar General. ...

I’m at home today “waiting it out”. Although I do not know if I’ve been exposed to COVID, I opted to have a test done on Thursday afternoon anyway after falling ill, and developing a nasty cough, after our family gathered together during Labor Day weekend. I’m waiting for the news. I was worried I might have exposed the family if I had Covid...

The above quote is one of my favorites. It isn’t about flowers or gardening, but refers to what we do, with what we have, where we are, when God plants us. To be honest, another favorite quote hangs here just above my computer screen. It was given to me by a dear friend.  Meeting when she and I  trained to be CASA volunteers, years ago. She was a teacher, I was a bus driver and a Head Start worker...

Down here, when peach time rolls around, the place to be is Campbell and Bader Orchards. Peaches also make me think of Carolyn. Seems one of our friends up north thought it might be a good idea if I met her elderly mother. She thought I’d be able to help her mom get ready to move to an assisted living facility. You know how some folks are just destined to meet? So it was with Carolyn and I. ...

You’ve Got To Stand For Something, Or You’ll Fall For Anything. Lately, I’ve been so afraid to stir up hate and dissension that I’ve become what I despise…wishy washy. The “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”. ~ Edmund Burke’s quote, reverberates in my ears these days. ...

I went online to get a definition of “redneck”. Working-class white person, especially a political reactionary, one from a rural area. ~ Oxford Languages An uneducated white farm laborer, especially from the South. A bigot or reactionary, especially from the rural working class. ~ Dictionary.com...

I recently sent off an email to our former minister up north, Pastor Randy. I don’t remember ever calling him “Pastor Randy”, always just plain old Randy. I’ve been listening to his sermons online and have enjoyed his messages. Today’s was timely. It included a favorite scripture:  “I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until He completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.”~ Philippians 1:6 ERV...

by Ellen Palmer Allerton Beautiful faces are those that wear — It matters little if dark or fair — Whole-souled honesty printed there. Beautiful eyes are those that show, Like crystal panes where hearthfires glow, Beautiful thoughts that burn below...

I’ve become much more cynical about the news I receive and what political affiliation it comes from. It’s a sad statement when I say I don’t know who and what I can believe. I’m so missing Chet Huntley, David Brinkley news and my all time favorite, Walter Cronkite. ...

As is our custom, we were headed to the cabin on Sunday. Danny wanted to go up earlier than usual. I balked (actually the other B word is much more appropriate) citing the hot, humid weather predicted. Besides, the fish don’t REALLY start biting until the cool of the evening. ...

It was oh so good to be out again And good to see my friend; At times it seems the days shut in Were never going to end. We had a bit of cabin fever From the recent cautious days We longed to roam and see the world And go oh so many ways. So in our state of wanderlust...

Let me be a voice for the speechless, Those who are small and weak. Let me speak for all helpless creatures Who have no power to speak. I have lifted my heart to Heaven On behalf of the least of these The frightened, the homeless, the hungry. I am voicing their pleas...

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway...

I heard a song on the radio today. I smiled all the way through it. I remember well the day one of my preK bus riders belted it out, especially this phrase: “Rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey, whiskey makes my baby, a little bit frisky!” This same little one once observed, “Miss Becky, Did you know that all of the earth and sky are God’s?” ...

The lilacs now have come and gone A fragrance none replace… And always when I see them bloom I see my mother’s face. The daffodils’ happy smile Reminds us spring is near The crocus and the tulips Will come again next year. Peonies are blooming now Their aroma fills the air...

Wouldn’t you agree that it’s so much easier to be grateful and have fun when you’re spending time in the great outdoors?  And inspirational too! Tools you need for play: A good pair of Muck boots! Not only did they serve me well during my later years as a school bus driver, but they’re so easy to slip on while the dew is still heavy on the grass...

Recently, I came across a letter to the editor I wrote just shortly after Danny and I moved to Doniphan in 2008. As we slowly rise up from the COVID-19 pandemic, I find myself reaffirming what I wrote almost 10 years ago, with some changes, I hope, will be lasting ones. We’ve chosen not to leave Ripley County to do business during these hard times. If we did, it’s only because we’ve not found what we needed here (which is extremely infrequent)...

I read, on Facebook, last evening, that my best friend was going off Facebook for awhile. Instead of just calling her, I texted asking her what was up? We agreed to talk via phone today. What has stayed with me all day is not so much the content of the conversation, but the anger or tears, she was trying hard to hold in check...

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much...

Today is a day for remembering to give thanks for accumulated blessings. Thank you, dear Lord for: My better half. For fixing the Snapper riding lawn mower, therein boosting my hope that I’ll be able to mow this summer. For adapting the boat dock so it’s easy for me to get in and out of the boat, thus indulging my lifelong love of fishing. For an unexpected bouquet of fragrant lilacs, and the heady aroma that is wafting through my kitchen as I write this. And for so much more…...

Aren’t we all in “new territory”? School staff finds themselves in unchartered waters. These are uncertain times we’re living in. We find ourselves sequestered at home, many home with their school age children. Jobs may be non existent right now. Many things that we for so long have taken for granted, are no longer within our reach. For those of us who are “people persons” the loss is felt by not seeing others. Freedom to move about at our whim has disappeared, at least for now...

I’m so thankful my doctor is a praying man. My routine visit, was held, for the first time, over the phone, due to the constraints of the Corona virus. We spoke of family, his and mine. The corona virus came up in the conversation. He said his wife was worried; and he was taking every precaution not to bring it home to his family. Their office is operating with a skeleton crew in these unsure times...

I emailed my friend from CASA volunteer days up north recently. My subject line was “I think we need a Godwink!”. Believing nothing is a coincidence, but a Godcidence, is our way of thinking. Another explanation of a Godwink is an event where God chooses to remain anonymous. First of all, please know I’m not revealing this to toot my own horn, but God knows that. Everything that happens, like the following, is for His glory. And God knows that also! That’s all that matters to me...

The day stretched out before me Without a sense of rush No “get up and go”, “get coffee” Didn’t have to drive the bus. But wait. A friend is calling What is this all about? “We have to go and go right now Toilet paper is running out!” “Oh, what will we do?...

In spite of what the calendar may say, in spite of what the weather may say, spring arrived the other evening when I first heard the peepers. Somehow these tiny chorus frogs know, long before we humans do, that the drab, cold winter is over. Soon after, I noticed that daffodils were beginning to show up here and there, and then they began blanketing the hillsides. ...

One of the perks of being a school bus driver (and there are many), is that you can count on each day as being an adventure. You never know what you might hear  or what subject might be discussed. No two days are EVER the same. This morning was no exception...

Thank you for the dry shelter of the carport as I arrive home. Remind me of those without shelter, who are wet, shivering, and cold, and see no hope in the future of a change in circumstance. As I thank you for a job I look forward to working every day, keep me mindful of those who struggle to find employment, work two or three jobs just to make ends meet, and who wish they were well enough to work...

No matter how the day has gone, What pain or hurt I’ve known, I always smile when I pass it by, That loving, joyful home.   The God of all the little ones Looked down from up above, And with one sweep of His great Hand, Filled that family with His love...

Yesterday, Glenda said she wanted to see me after my bus route. It’s kind of like when you’re a kid in school, and you hear the principal wants to speak with you. So when I finished, I went to Glenda’s office. She said, “I have a letter here from one of your parents.” At that point, it was kind of like the day, years ago, when the whole neighborhood was gathered in one yard, and I had the distinct impression, that they were NOT there to tell me to have a good day. ...

Moment Of Truth So a loved one and I were “just being honest” with each other. “Stop making excuses for not losing weight and just do it!”. OUCH. In my face kind of honesty. Sad to say, I had to admit to myself truths I didn’t want to admit. Do we REALLY want the truth?...

God Is In The Details “An older, and slightly more common, phrase God is in the details means that attention paid to small things has big rewards, or that details are important.” It was just a tiny piece of paper, an address label, if you will. While I was checking the bus the last day before Christmas vacation, I found it stuck to the bus wall above a window. Here’s what it said: “Be a force for good. Pay it forward.” DHS 12/4/2019. I smiled...

Remembering my dad’s birthday Jan. 11, 1920. We always had a special bond, dad and I, confiding in each other about anything and everything. He filled our lives with magic and poetry, writing each of us poems throughout the years, which we cherish. He fiercely loved his family. ...

Putting away Christmas for another year, I paused at the JOY door decoration my niece made me last Christmas. My exact thought at the moment was “Don’t think I’ll take my joy down yet.” I’m not a person that looks forward to Christmas, as I don’t do rushing and travelling very well, when it’s all smashed together. ...

Various definitions of hodge podge available online range from “a confused mixture”; a “jumble” as well as “an unorganized group of items”. Today all of those is an apt description of thoughts… We’ve welcomed a plethora of friends and family into our home, with more on the way. Okay, I just looked up the word “plethora” and it means abundance. Do you ever wonder where the words that come out of your mouth or down on paper, come from? I do all the time!...

I’ve already emailed Barbie and Kelly at The Prospect-News that once more, I didn’t have a blurb. So I wasn’t expecting one to materialize, in, of all places, the kitchen. My folks are coming to Doniphan this weekend. My Kansas folks. The Joneses. We are having our brother/sister reunion. It’s become a tradition, held somewhere around Thanksgiving but before Christmas arrives...

I have the privilege of working with an unusual group of individuals. I’m not stretching the truth at all by saying you don’t keep returning day after day week, after week, year after year, unless you believe in trying to make a difference and loving the children (most days!)  These folks are the most responsible, and probably show up more, than many other occupations. Extremely safety-conscious, they operate with one goal in mind, safe transportation. ...

To give or not to give…that is the question. It’s easy, isn’t it? Much too easy to dismiss someone as being somehow not as deserving as the next someone. It’s harder when that person has a name. When it’s summer, the subject of homelessness doesn’t hardly enter into my psyche. But…during the recent plummeting temperatures, and factoring in the cold rain, it’s not as easy to dismiss...

I almost called The Prospect-News and asked them to put me on hiatus for awhile. It seemed I haven’t been able to put pen to paper for several weeks. I’ve been discouraged lately. I don’t know about you, but the “low down” times force me to cling to God for comfort, because nobody else can comfort me at those times.  And so I did. And so He did, oh so lovingly...

“I’m not suggesting that we have the power to heal physical conditions with our human fingers. But I do believe there’s a healing of the spirit that takes place when we touch others. There’s a comfort that can’t be found anywhere else but in a touch or a hug. Somehow, God’s love and power is shared with others through the simplicity of our physical touch.” ~ Amy Nappa...

“So hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk”. - Don’t know who started this one. And I wonder, did they try it first? “Hot like the letter H”.  -  One of my wee bus kiddos, as she climbed on the bus one day. (Evidently, they were learning about the letter H.)...

It looks like a tornado just whipped through  my house. I’ve got two overflowing baskets of dirty laundry. I’m “fluffing” the clothes in my dryer for the first (or second) time. Sidebar here. I always think of my South African friend when I fluff my clothes. ...

Missing Their Little Boys Last week, as I wrote about the joys of being a momma to our little boys, my heart ached. The same day I wrote those words, five years before, my sister lost her little boy, at age 47, in an automobile accident. Danny took the call, and I heard him say, “Oh, no!” and forever I’ll remember we got that call the day before my son Jake’s birthday. ...

“Where are you going my little one, little one Where are you going my baby, my own Turn around and you’re two Turn around and you’re four Turn around and you’re a young man, Going out of the door.” ~ Kenny Loggins. Tomorrow, on August 19th, 39 years ago, in another life, a curly headed baby boy was born in Sedalia, Mo. ...

After the recent murder, and the things I see and hear representing foster children, I think signs proclaiming “Pray for Ripley County” would be welcome. After all, the prayers for Callie worked a miracle for that sweet girl. I hear the birds beckoning me outside. ...

Tending The Garden Last night, I set my alarm for the first time in awhile. The first day of school is rapidly approaching, and I need to “get in practice”. Yes, we only live one mile from the school. Well, two if McDonalds is on the way. Tending our birds is an early joy of mine this summer. Our hummingbird always comes by to thank me for “burping” his feeder. One morning, he came by the kitchen window to remind me he was not liking a “burpless” feeder...

Do you feel reborn??? This cool weather is just what we needed after that horrifically hot (and let’s not forget HUMID) weather we just experienced. I DO so love Missouri weather because if you don’t like it…just wait a minute. Just when we think we’re in the “holding pattern” for heat and humidity that is Southeast Missouri in July…we’re given a welcome respite. The sky has seemed bluer, the trees more vivid green...

I was searching through “stuff” in my second home…my car…when I found it. Months had gone by before it resurfaced. I still don’t know the answer to that question, but I couldn’t deny that I had found it. A labelmaker. You know the kind. You type what you want on a label push a button, and shazam! Out comes your label...

Yesterday, we said our last goodbye to a friend we’ve had since we moved here. This fall, the last week of August 2008, that amounts to the beginning of our 12th year in Doniphan. I just made a quick calculation on my fingers, just to check the accuracy of that last remark. ...

Counting (And Recounting) On The  Benevolence Of Others Benevolence: Disposition to do good. An act of kindness. A generous gift. Synonyms (same meaning) of benevolence: Courtesy, favor, grace, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service. It was my good fortune to wake during the wee hours of the morning. ...

We saw him twice that weekend. Once, when we were going to Poplar Bluff, and the other time, when we were returning from Pocahontas. I said to my husband, “He looks like Jesus.” At least what I think Jesus would look like. He wore light brown material wrapped in the manner of a robe, and his head was covered...

As I walked down the hall, I was intent on my destination … the free coffee available at the other end of the hall. As I poured my coffee, a resident wheeled up to the counter and placed her order. “Can I have a cup of coffee please?” she said. I felt like my friend Misty, taking an order at McDonalds...

 “That won’t do!” my husband almost shouted. Abruptly, we made a sharp,  right turn, and then stopped in the parking lot. I had no idea what precipitated this … Was there something wrong with our car? He was out the door and walking before I could ask what was wrong. Then I saw him and knew immediately. An American flag was lying on the ground...

As the heat settles in with the promise of warmer nights and scorching day temperatures, I dream of snow capped mountains. The mountains of Colorado are in our plans this summer, along with, hopefully, cooler temperatures. It dawned on us last year, that maybe going to Florida to see son and family was BEST in the WINTER, not summer. ...

My end of the year blurb WAS titled “Another Year Bites the Dust”. Our school year, with kids, ended as we  honked our horns leaving the parking lot and told them them all to “Have a  good summer!” as we took them home. Wednesday and Thursday were designated work days to get our buses spic and span. Today, Thursday, we had a bus safety inservice on a topic that none of us ever thought we’d have to deal with driving a school bus, certainly not an issue when many of us began driving years ago...

Oh, Lord. Where are all the mommies and daddies? Where have they gone? They are missing. And yet they are living and breathing, somewhere. I read Mother’s Day cards “I miss you!” and “I love you!”. Decorated with stick people with tears running down their faces...

This time of year, as we approach Mother’s Day, is bittersweet, to all of us whose mothers no longer walk with us here on earth.  If I take a moment and pause to look at the Mother’s Day cards, I still mentally pick out the one I know my mom would love. ...

It all started when one of my bus kiddos started singing my “favorite” song, (did you notice I used my sarcastic font?) a little gem called “Baby Shark”, infamous for sticking in your mind and not letting go. Don’t get me wrong. I love to hear kids sing. I’ve missed singing on the bus, in unison, since everybody is plugged in and tuned out nowadays. In my early years of bus driving, it was a common occurrence for the kids and I to sing...

I can’t recall who I wrote this about, but I’d bet it was a resident of the nursing home I worked at as an LPN. I was as attached to the old folks there as I am to the children here. AGE I see you now as none before The one that was and is no more The mother, wife, grandma too...

Easter It’s the eve before Easter Come break of day All will rejoice ”He is Risen!” they’ll say. How well we’re reminded With each coming spring By the songs of the robins And the geese on the wing. By the first blooming crocus The first blossomed tree...

Several ways to “lighten up” the things we do every day! Always do housework with whatever genre of music you adore. Use your dust mop/broom to belt out those tunes. Imagine yourself on stage. Always make a point of placing your favorite books and/or magazines in two of the best places to read and concentrate…your car and your bathroom...

(with apologies to Richard Le Gallienne) I meant to do my work today But I noticed some daffodils abloom in the yard Then saw brilliant flashes of color as birds flitted by And to tend dishes and laundry seemed extra hard.   I meant to do my work today...

So… today there’s a lot of “talk” out there about “being fully present”. For me, that means building flexibility into my life. I no longer make “to do” lists. I’ve arrived at this conclusion after many years of trying to maintain a sense of control over the time allotted me daily. An attempt has been made to be “fully present” and try to enjoy whatever I’m doing at the time. Especially what comes up that is unplanned. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”~ Allen Saunders...

My heart was heavy as I approached the high school office. I don’t go here often; in fact, I don’t recall ever coming down this year. But this matter couldn’t be ignored. I knew the circumstances surrounding this instance and it made my heart all the heavier for knowing. Thankfully, the sun peeks through the dark clouds of our lives, unexpectedly. It can happen in a moment and make an impact we don’t soon forget...