Blog Archives

A New Year Resolution

12/30/2025

Happy New Year, blog friends!

A confession...I've never created a list of resolutions. But, a few days ago, I stumbled upon an article in Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper that convinced me to start my list. Her post focuses on Ron Shaich's Pre-Mortem Ritual - "a method that helps him live a life without regrets." Intriguing, right?

The method is simple: imagine your final hours and think about what you truly value or hold dear. Then, with those images in mind, travel back in time and consider how you will foster those values concretely in your daily life. It is a brilliant approach, and I'm a convert. 😊

I'm not a partyer, though I've been to several New Year's events. In the past, I've decided to exercise more, pray more, write more... whatever more. But I've never written down my goals nor taken them seriously. Shaich's approach is thought-provoking and has captured my attention. If you decide to read the article, I hope you'll let me know what you think.

Now for a poem...

This week, Melissa offers a list of resolutions for the Tanka Tuesday New Year's prompt. I've chosen this resolution: write down one thing you're grateful for every night.

My gratitude list is long, and it includes you. My poem ~

photo from Canva

Have a wonderful week, and may blessings abound for all of us!

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The Highest Honor

12/16/2025

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Hello blog friends ~

I suspect most of us are preparing for the holidays. 🎄 Like many, I will be traveling to see family and friends. The car's been serviced, the suitcase awaits my clothes, and gifts mount in a cardboard box.

Wherever you might be this next week, I hope you experience much laughter and precious joy. Holiday blessing to you and yours! ❤️

Willow is the host this week for Tanka Tuesday. She invites us to focus on empathy and compassion for our holiday poem contribution. That's an easy assignment for me.

These past several months, I've focused on a novel featuring Veterans. I've learned immensely since I began this project. For instance, according to the VA News, on a single night in January 2024, 32,882 Veterans experienced homelessness in the U.S., and as horrifying as that is, 5.5 million Veterans have service-connected disabilities--per Global Statistics.

When I read these stats, I was brought back to the early 2000s, when I worked at a college campus near Camp Pendleton. On holidays, I'd invite a couple of Marine recruits to my home for dinner. They'd often share why they enlisted. Most came from a struggling household and wanted financial security and life skills. Yes, they enlisted to serve their country, but circumstances often drove their decision.

A couple of years later, a wave of soldiers and Marines returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and enrolled in the college at which I worked. I saw their struggles and injuries firsthand. They had literally just left the hell of war and were placed on a campus of privileged young people -- two very different realities. I quickly created a Veterans Center, where they could congregate, feel safe, and help each other.

The years assisting these courageous young warriors remain sacred to me and have had a lasting impact. The Vets wrote a letter on my behalf when I retired and referred to me as their mom-away-from-home -- the highest honor I've ever received.

My poem...

photo by Canva

A few great organizations that help Veterans:

Gary Sinise Foundation

Homes for Our Troops

Wounded Warrior Project

Semper Fi & America's Fund

PVA: Paralyzed Veterans of America

I close this post with a thoughtful tribute and my wishes for a very blessed holiday season. God bless each of you. ❤️

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Unseen Gifts

12/9/2025

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Hello, dear blog friends ~

I've been a bit quiet of late, tending to "life" concerns in the extended family. There's been plenty of laughter, but the days have also known many tears. Sometimes, with the mix of emotions, I find peace in silence and tend to rest in that sacred place.

Earlier this week, I learned that dear writer friend, Joan Hall, passed away. We had communicated the day before, and her kindness filled my heart. She was a holy person, someone who pursued and lived the great virtues. I know she rests in peace, for that is how she lived - loving and supporting others through her kindness. ❤️

Yvette offers the Tanka poetry prompt for this week. She asks that participants focus on the word gift. You can read her instructions here. With Joan in mind, I've written a poem about the gifts we don't see but hold dear.

My simple Tanka:

Have a wonderful week, dear friends. Consider yourself hugged. 🤗

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