Tag Archives: opinion

Essay: Motherhood is an Act of Infinite Optimism

Happy Mother’s Day, y’all! Here’s a gift from me to you: a link to the Mother’s Day newspaper column I wrote for Gannett in 2017. I hope it makes you laugh. Motherhood is “an act of infinite optimism” My eternal … Continue reading

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Springtime in February … and other such conundrum

So, apparently, February is now a springtime month. I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina. My town sits at an elevation of about 2300 feet (higher than Asheville and Hendersonville, N.C.), and it usually–it should–snow. But climate change … Continue reading

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How are we honoring the memories of those lost on September 11th, 2001?

Early this morning in my kitchen, I stood over the makings of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for my older daughter’s lunch, strawberry jelly dripping from my knife, and took a deep breath. My God, how much more American … Continue reading

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In praise of teachers, who are the candle lighters

Well, I had this teacher who ________. This is the start of an answer I’ve given hundreds of times at book clubs or venues where I’ve been a featured author or speaker. Because someone always asks, “What inspired you to … Continue reading

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“You can’t put the milk back in the cow, Opie”… and other thoughts on Earth Day

The following may be my favorite quote in relation to Earth Day: Aunt Bea: “Opie, you haven’t finished your milk. We can’t put it back in the cow, you know.” Happy Earth Day, all! To put it simply: I love … Continue reading

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In honor of International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, here’s the link to a newspaper column I wrote in March 2017: “Holding out for a she-ro” * Note: If you have used up your free articles at the link, … Continue reading

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Some initial thoughts: the recent decisions of the special session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church

If I were still writing my newspaper column, I’d be writing, this week, about the special session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which met over the past several days to make decisions about church doctrine regarding … Continue reading

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New column: “Our children belong only to themselves”

My most recent newspaper column is about a realization I came to after the birth of my older daughter. It shook me to the core, and made complete and utter sense. I hope y’all enjoy it. To read, click here.

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New column: “Make 2019 the year of ‘come as you are'”

If we wait until we’re perfect, we will never do anything. This is a tough lesson to learn–one I struggle with daily. So: that, life, being awkward, scared, and hopeful, and more, in my newest newspaper column. I sure hope … Continue reading

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New column: “‘Mary Poppins’ is just what the world needs”

My newspaper column this week is all about my thoughts on the new film, “Mary Poppins Returns.” And also: childhood, musical theater, and joy. I hope y’all enjoy it! To read, click here.

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