Not living in a day of horse and buggy, we don’t use the word “whoa” very much, though I have been forced to use it with a runaway child from time to time. “Whoa, there, son. You’re going a bit fast.” Whoa is a call to slow down, take heed, be careful. Just when you’re … More Whoa or Woe
Most people who knew me well during my years overseas know me for my routines. I cleaned my house the same day every week. I washed clothes on Mondays, towels on Wednesday, sheets on Friday. I woke up every morning and had my quiet time. You could call me a creature of habit. I called … More Daily Rhythms
I know a lot of people who don’t like the thought of working for someone else. Maybe they’ve tried it, and long for the day when they can be on their own — work for themselves. It’s a nice thought, but anyone who runs their own business will tell you that working for yourself, is just … More For or With?
Faith is a popular word these days, and people aren’t afraid to use it. From actors to politicians to religious leaders, they have faith, and they’re proud of it. But what does it mean? You’re told to believe in yourself or even that God believes in you. You have faith in the American dream. You … More Futile Faith
The passing of time marks so much in our lives — childhood, graduations, new jobs, marriage, aging, and even death. We remember certain dates on the calendar, as they’re tied to specific events. When my husband passed away, I marked a year of Wednesdays, as that was the day he left. Recently, I made a … More 150 Days
I walked into a room of strangers tonight, alone, a bit uncertain if I was comfortable with even being there, yet it was an opportunity to stop the noise of the week and focus on the most important of events this world has known — the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The words are so familiar, … More Not guilty
The recent blaze which destroyed much of the Notre Dame Cathedral in France has me reflecting on the grand works of art to which the masses flock. Many will analyze the value of churches like Notre Dame in light of this loss and the cost required to maintain such large monuments. Though a church, it … More The highest expression of devotion
The flames pushed high into the night sky, inching their way from the base to the top of the spire. Voices gasped, hearts stopped. A beautiful monument was crumbling before our eyes. Standing on the perimeter, watching across the ocean, unable to help or save. It looked like a lost cause, now smoldering, broken, stripped … More Damaged but not destroyed
We can’t avoid being affected by the families we marry into or the countries where we live. I’ve always appreciated the view of my late husband: “I choose to take the best of both cultures,” and he did, becoming an Egyptian in America and an American in Egypt. Most people couldn’t figure out exactly where … More Blended
I’ve become my father — not literally, but by things I catch myself doing. I was already a lot like him, since I take more after his side of the family. I have the looks of his mother and the introverted side he carried. Yet, it’s been in the last few years, since his death, … More Becoming like him
