I grew up on Nancy Drew books, and remember those mysteries late into the night, under the covers with my flashlight. Thein, I’d get scared and couldn’t wake my parents. I laid awake wide-eyed listening to the sounds in the … Read More
Snow and cactus celebrations We are in Joshua Tree National Park on the Solstice. The piles of rocks and boulders, some perched at peculiar angles, seem like an appropriate Druidic place to be. Sand, bristly plants, and cacti surround us. … Read More
And a special shoutout to subscribers Writing on a blog started in earnest in January 2022 for me. I discovered Medium, a blog site, and moved relevant blogs to this site on Common Sage. I have been gifted with new … Read More
The writer who wrote about living until her death. The notebook in the log cabin at the writers’ retreat had entries from previous occupants. The immediate occupant before me last summer was Cai Emmons, and she wrote happily about her … Read More
Expressing gratitude is a research-based method for increasing happiness I am grateful to wake up in the morning, refreshed. I am grateful to write at this keyboard, energized. I am grateful for family nearby, to join lives in support. I … Read More
Eliminating martyrdom from tradition The Christmas season was very busy for my father, a pastor. He coordinated extra services, music, stress, and a packed sanctuary for several Christmas services. Mother was baking and decorating and shopping and wrestling four kids … Read More
The Shepherds wield their crooks like jousting swords I sat at the back of the church so I could leave with my rambunctious three-year-old if necessary. He was wearing a cowboy hat everywhere, so he wore his cowboy hat to the … Read More
The Fallen Woman watches the Falling Man I was lying on my back looking at the sky when I decided to move away from Minnesota. The black ice was invisible as I stepped out my door, and the next thing … Read More
Where scenery or time or companions or mentors motivate My writer’s retreat cabin was perched on the edge of a large pond in the high desert. We were a small group, and joined twice daily in meetings in the lodge, … Read More
Inside serenity contrasts with the outside concrete fortress “The mission of an architect is to help people understand how to make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to … Read More