A new name

At an animal shelter, we looked through the glass windows studying the names and faces. Each cubical reflected affectionate looks silently screaming, Choose me, PLEASE! Some dogs had stories, others had no known background. Our gaze met with blue eyes. I chuckled at the sight of him. “Is he a little cross-eyed? He looks like Kevin from the…

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Deeper Lessons Within: The Pharisee and the Free Bird

Buddy and I had a leisurely Southern breakfast. We made a few stops for souvenirs and then we headed to the beach. When we got there, everyone was packing up and leaving. I said to her, “This is great. We will have the whole beach to ourselves.” She pointed to dark looming clouds that were…

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Life lessons from the South

Once a year, I go on a girls trip with my best friend, Julieann, whom I call “Buddy.” We’ve been friends for over 38 years. This year’s trip was to South Carolina and Georgia. Every time I’m with her, I inadvertently learn new life lessons and discover a deeper dimension within. First, the life lessons…

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Sitting in the void

 Zorro, full of life and wearing a black bandit mask, rescued us in 2011. Over a decade of doing life together, he filled spaces in our hearts with love—places we didn’t know that needed tender loving care. So as Zorro’s hips began to weaken over the past few months, David and I honored him each…

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When all joy is lost

Laughter abounded while visiting with my friend.  We shared deeply.  Tears formed. I felt her sufferings. Some I hadn’t experienced, others were close to my heart. Life has an ebb and flow; happiness and heartache. And the two can merge like serene ocean and hurricane ravaged land. It can feel like you’ve lost your joy…

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Mama J saved the day.

On our last visit to Florida, my restful time was interrupted by something that caught my eye…a long black line inside the lanai. But then it moved. My curious stare jumped to the realization that it was a snake! And not just one, but two. Now both were moving in opposite directions. EEEK! I sprang…

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I received a coin

He listened intently as I shared my story. He stepped back into time with me and was there in that moment. I looked at him as I finished sharing. His eyes were filled with emotion. Blinking away tears he said, “You did it. You didn’t hesitate. You didn’t freeze up. You were able to defend…

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Reading each other’s journals

We were headed home from Tennessee, preparing ourselves to step back into reality. Buddy handed me her journal—her heart placed on pages describing our week together. I handed her mine. I cracked open the beautiful book, noticing her incredible penmanship. I sunk into my chair knowing that mine looked like scattered thoughts, scratch marks, and…

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Saying Goodbye

Looking over the Tuscan Hills, I breathed in the majesty of the view. It was my last day in Italy and the sun leisurely set in the sky. I didn’t want to leave. I pondered how I could stay, if just for a while longer. Italian living…so simple…peaceful… I yearned to bring it home—the only…

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A Celebrity Roast

When you have the nickname ‘Emoney’, what else can your friends do but throw you a celebrity roast, surprise 50th birthday party? Whispers peppered the room in anticipation of Emoney’s arrival. When his car came into sight from the eye of the living room window, a hush gave way to silence. We waited. This moment…

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