

One more chapter
Last week the harmonies of a sweet voice and three stringed instruments wafted into my consciousness. I was at Belmont University preparing to speak at the Auxiliary Partners luncheon. The program always includes a performance by some of Belmont’s own, and I realized that the group today had a quick rehearsal going on in the next room. And then I realized something else that stopped me cold -- but before I tell you what that was, let me tell you this. I had been invited to t


Wardrobe malfunction
You’re going to think this is about clothes. You know, girl talk. Hold on. Hear me out, actually about yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Tomorrow I get to speak at Belmont University. But today I'm trying to figure out what to wear even though I had that figured out two days ago. Because yesterday, I went to my dermatologist for a routine check. I'm so lucky with my health. I have sun and skin issues from time to time, but nothing major. This time, Doc paid attention to four sp


Provisions for the journey
Did you see the hunter’s moon this weekend? I only know what that is because of my smart Aunt Shirley (well, Charles is her nephew, but I claim her now, 100%.) But hunter’s moon? What IN the world? Turns out, way back when the full moon would roll around in October, that was a signal to the Indians that it was time to start gathering provisions for winter. I love that. We need provisions always of course, but some and some times, are more critical than others. I was thinking


The good lie
There is one lie you should always tell while grieving and maybe during other hard times too. “Fake it ‘til you make it” is not just a clever cliche. There is victory behind that advice. I haven't researched it, but I’m thinking there has to be some science too. And while not strictly meeting George Washington’s moral code for axes and cherry trees, this is less a deliberate lie and more an assumed attitude. There are moments during loss when it is acceptable, even healthy, t


Hurry up and huddle
Even if you’re not a football fan, there might be something here for you. You can certainly appreciate the weather, and there is no prettier setting for college football than a gorgeous October afternoon. The match-up on such a day in Athens this past Saturday was between the Tennessee Vols and the Georgia Bulldogs. My house was full of orange people, and from the moment of kickoff, we hung on every play. Finally, the fourth quarter started winding down and ticking away its f