SimplyLife

This weekend we remember the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country by laying down their lives for freedom, for the defense of the United States of America.  Those lofty ideals upon which this country was founded are under massive attack today as they have been in every generation. Religious freedom, individual responsibility, freedom of speech are in mortal danger as we look across the political landscape that promotes government intervention and control over every aspect of our lives. Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address is more relevant today than ever as Americans fight against each other, making ideology more important than doing what is right. I can picture our 16th president, lanky, gaunt, incredibly sad, but still determined as he stepped to a podium to deliver this two minute speech on November 19, 1863.Our country was suffering great loss--beyond imagination and the president carried the burden of death, conflict, and the hope of r

It's almost here. It's on the horizon, even closer than that. It's been a dream and now it's a reality. For those of you that know me, you've guessed already.  The "it" is a book. One with my name on it, officially published, and you can download it to your Kindle or buy it in softcover. I've been writing since I was a kid. One of my earliest attempts was publishing a neighborhood paper for East Koy--that little intersection where there are more cows than people. I handcopied about five one-page editions and sold them for a couple of pennies each. I can't remember what news was worth printing at the time, but it was East Koy, so it might have been about the cows that got out or Mrs. McGowan baking a special pie. Then there was high school as editor of the literary magazine for two or three years. There have been lots of stories started and stopped over the years, most have gone in the round file.  The dream dissipated during the real life drama o

It's hard to believe, but I've been a mother for almost 32 years.  It's the job you never retire from and you really can't resign either, although there were a few days it crossed my mind.  My own mother has had the title for over 50 years and she'll tell you that although the job description changes some over time, it's a job you have for life.  So would I change anything?  Not a chance. This weekend I enjoyed being a mom and grandmother.  Our youngest daughter set her wedding date and we talked about music, her dress, the reception, and all those exciting things that go into putting the biggest event of your life into place.  Today I talked with our oldest daughter and grandsons.  I'm grateful to be past raising small children, but exceptionally thankful for grandchildren.  As the saying goes, they're the reward for not killing your children.  Now it was never that bad, but there's nothing like grandchildren. They are a great reward and it'