Mom would select a Saturday afternoon in early November for an appointment with Canajoharie’s photographer, Maurice LeBel. He arrived with his tripod, fancy camera, flood lights on poles, [...]
Christmas gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some have ribbons and some have bows. I wrote this story in 2012 about one of the best gifts I ever received. My story appeared in three holiday [...]
Candles are perfect for the dark days of December. Their warm glow softens the harsh shadows of winter. Throughout my childhood in Ames, my family dined by candle light in the dining room. At an [...]
Christmastime is full of memories. And so my tree reflects the presence of special people in my life. They are in my heart forever. The first ornament placed on my tree commemorates the birth of [...]
(Now as we go to the second verse, keep in mind that I grew up in Ames, New York where the snow comes early and stays way too long. Cabin fever can set in and outdoor fun needs the right [...]
The upcoming holiday season provides numerous opportunities for family gatherings. When nostalgia becomes an accelerant, we can fall victim to unrealistic expectations. So stay alert and keep it [...]
Halloween in Ames, NY in the 1950’s and 60’s was simple, yet memorable. For me, the focal point of the scary season was the anticipation. Once the leaves started to fall and waist-high orange, [...]
“Mimi, I want to go parasailing with you. I think Max does too.” I embraced this leap of faith request from my seven-year-old granddaughter. She knew how much I enjoyed the summertime [...]
The shell Craig picked up was the biggest in my collection. I happily added it to the others. When Craig came into our family, I gained a son-in-law, a husband to my daughter, a brother-in-law to [...]
The view on the beach of my son and daughter playing with their own children mirrored my life of three decades ago. I thanked God for the reflection. Ocean Whisper: The ripples of my life pool [...]