One of the simple pleasures of fall is watching the leaves shift into their brilliant colors as the air cools and the days grow shorter. I’ve always had a soft spot for the ginkgo tree. The ginkgo’s fan-shaped leaves seem to lift toward the sky before turning a luminous golden ...
Changing of Seasons
It’s beginning to feel like autumn—maybe a little too quickly for my liking. This summer passed in a blur, with too many sweltering days that kept me indoors, wishing for cooler air. Something about the weather feels different, unsettled, and worrisome. And as often ...
As summer winds down and we head into Labor Day weekend, it’s a good moment to pause and remember the people who fought for the rights many of us now take for granted—safer workplaces, fair hours, and the dignity of a living wage. A visiting minister at church this morning reminded us how ...
We're finally in the midst of spring weather! Beautiful flowers have sprouted like tulips, lilacs, daffodils and the greening of our small town is amazing! We've been getting a ton of rain lately (feels a bit like North Carolina!), but honestly, I’m grateful for it. We just planted some baby ...
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025! What are your New Year’s resolution? Or do you have a different plan? I was watching a video about a woman who doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions but intentions. I love this idea! I especially love the intention of self care. This year I intend to do more ...
Ode to Aging Bodies
Jan Mandell
Aging bodies
wake to blue veins
that pop up
and travel like river tributaries
over paper thin skin
pocked with freckles, tags and blotches
that look like unidentified sections
of abstract art
Aging bodies
Rise up to the chatter and
creaking ...