The Road —Finally—Taken

On our way to Tulsa recently, my husband and I experienced serendipity. That is, we had a chance, unexpected occurrence that turned out to be enjoyable and, in our way of thinking, an advantage to our well-being. I love that. What happened? We had to take a detour. Yes, as simple and annoying as that. … Continue reading The Road —Finally—Taken

The Poetry of and in November

My November Guest My Sorrow, when she's here with me, Thinks these dark days of autumn rain Are beautiful as days can be; She loves the bare, the withered tree; She walked the sodden pasture lane. Her pleasure will not let me stay. She talks and I am fain to list: She's glad the birds … Continue reading The Poetry of and in November

Make Your Own Writing Retreat (or any retreat)

Writing is a challenge for me, and a joy, and darn hard work, and an accomplishment. I've spent a considerable amount of time writing the last few years, writing what I want to write about and getting back to the creative bent of my younger years before a husband, two sons, gainful employment, housework, social … Continue reading Make Your Own Writing Retreat (or any retreat)

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House

On our recent trip to Wichita, Kansas, my husband drove me over to Allen House, a large, brick, prairie school-style house designed and completed by famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It is a beautiful place. The Allen House is so named for its original owners, Henry and Elsie Allen, who commissioned Wright to design it … Continue reading Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House

Cunning Kitty Cats

My dad often quoted from his elementary primer--at least bits of it he liked to remember. What he remembered best was a ditty about cats. This would have been in the late 1920's. He always said he learned to read to the "tune" of "Baby Ray had three cunning kitty cats," a line from a … Continue reading Cunning Kitty Cats

Talking With Trees

Recently, my husband and I spent a few days in a treehouse. I’d love to claim it was one of those adventurous and romantic houses you or a sibling or a friend built yourself as a child—one you nailed a few boards across on a couple of sturdy limbs and hammered a side to here … Continue reading Talking With Trees