Many of our classrooms had no air-conditioning — and this was in Florida. The “delicate” children of today with their worrywart parents and lawyers would surely melt under these conditions. But we were tough . . . and we didn’t know any better. We were busy having fun and learning at Myrtle Grove Elementary School.…
It’s a small “do-it-yourself” booklet. Printed on a copy machine and stapled together by hand, and yet, it offers the comfort and style of a professionally bound classic. “Paper Flowers” is a collection of short verses, deep thoughts, funny sayings and poetry, written by a cousin of mine, Laura Nell Harrison. Laura Nell was actually…
After spending the last 10 years writing a weekly newspaper column, it seems strange not to write my usual Christmas story. Now that the weight of a deadline has been lifted, I’ve been able to focus on a few other projects like . . . a Christmas BOOK! Yes! Plans are underway, so we’ll see…
Here’s the interview I did with Andy Andrews on his podcast, The Professional Noticer. We discuss the many things we have in common in addition to writing and storytelling, and since this was made, we also realized Andy’s mother and I were both born in the same tiny town of Florala, Alabama. We have to…
I’ve been dying to tell you about my new project, and now it’s time! Introducing, Wisdom Harbour – a new web site from Andy Andrews. It’s been a long labor of love for sure— not by me . . . I’ve had the fun and easy part. But New York Times best selling author, Andy…
This recipe is so strange – almost like a science experiment, but it will be the easiest, and most delicious dressing you’ve ever made. Your guests will love you. I’ve had stuffing in a turkey — once. That was enough for me to add another reason why I love living in the South. There’s nothing…
Always wanting to be properly dressed, I searched my closet for a replica of what Lucy wore when she and Ethel stomped grapes. It was the closest activity I could associate with my first olive harvest. Planted in my backyard in humid Alabama for less than a year, I didn’t expect the little olive tree…
Those seated near me in church surely thought the Holy Spirit was doing a number on my heart, when in reality, the vintage earbobs I wore were doing a number on my earlobes. The pain, pinching and pulsating pressure sent tears streaming down my face. Once belonging to my grandmother, the tiny enamel bouquet of…
This was a feature story I wrote that appeared in the Sunday, August 15, 2021 edition of the Mobile Press-Register, Birmingham News and The Huntsville Times. It wasn’t included in their on-line site, and many of you contacted me, unable to read it without a hard copy of the newspaper. Thanks for your patience while…
In the photo on my desk, my son Joe was 9 years old, wearing a baseball cap twisted backwards and baggy old hand-me-down jeans. Flip flops finished his scruffy-kid look. In his hands, he clutched a bouquet of red camellias picked from the neighbor’s yard. There was a soft almost embarrassed smile on his face.…