Years ago I knew someone who created an alarm clock which imitated the sunrise. Instead of emitting a loud beep, this clock gradually grew brighter until, at the desired wake-up time, light completely filled the room. This type of innovative, out-of-the-box thinking intrigues me. Sometimes it leads to fun inventions, like the alarm clock. Other…
In a panic, I rushed to purchase a sweater from the store where I worked. Even with my employee discount, the sweater cost more than I wanted to spend ~ especially since I had not planned to give a gift to this colleague. But when my coworker showed up with her gift for me, I…
As I walked through the department store it occurred to me: I am no longer shocked at how quickly Christmas displays pop up. This year, they even began to appear before Halloween. The same is true with the Christmas movies ~ which began as early as October 21st. And as always, I ask: What happened…
Slipping on my robe, I suddenly froze with a new realization. The robe, which had once been tight and uncomfortable, now fit, and even felt loose. This is one of those non-scale victories. For several months I’ve worked at getting back to a healthier weight and lifestyle. I purposely decided against using the scale to…
Stretching contentedly, I glanced down at the puppy curled next to me. This is bliss. I wish I could stay here a few minutes longer. But my to-do list for the day beckoned for my attention. For many years, lists of endless tasks to complete ruled my life. My drive to achieve often took me to…
As I looked out at the pool, I noticed all three lanes designated for swimming laps had been taken by other people. Approaching the lifeguard, I asked if he could rope off one more lane for me. “Usually when the lap lanes are full, people just swim in the open pool area,” he responded. “I…
This morning I woke up with hopeful expectations. But now I feel only acute disappointment. I know the pain of trying my best to do what’s right, but not getting the expected results. A few days ago, I wrote these words in my journal. But they express a feeling I’ve experienced often in my life….
My bathroom mirror has a small flaw. In the lower right corner, I can see a crack the size and shape of a dime. But if I run my hands along the surface, I feel only smooth glass. No one knows how a crack could appear only on the inside of my mirror. But it…
The thundering boom shook the house and broke my concentration. That sounded really close. A quick look out our window showed me just how close. During the thunderstorm, the wind snapped the trunk of a huge white oak tree and knocked it across our road. While electric storms frequently visit Southwest Virginia during these summer…
