The Christmas soundtrack in my head contains a heaping helping of Classic Country holiday songs. Some are happy, some are touching, all of them are guaranteed to get you singing along. Here are my top 10 favorites. 1. Christmas Time’s A’Coming by Bill Monroe: Your Christmas soundtrack might include harps, violins, cellos, and piano, but … Continue reading Christmas Time’s A’Coming: A Holiday Soundtrack
Category: Holidays
The Holly Tree
The holly tree stood alone in a little clearing. It was as if the clouds had parted and a ray of sunshine pierced through the pines to illuminate it just for us. Resplendent with its emerald leaves and bright red berries, it was the very picture of all that is Christmas. Granny had sent Baw … Continue reading The Holly Tree
The Best Thing About the Holidays
Late afternoon cocktails. That’s one of the best things about the holidays. Well, aside from the birth of Jesus, watching the children's eyes light up in wonder and joy, and peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Yes, cocktails come in about number four. But ... there’s also the love of family, and giving beautifully … Continue reading The Best Thing About the Holidays
Words of Wisdom from Our Fathers
It’s almost Father’s Day, the day we celebrate our patres familias — the men who raised us, the men who moulded us, the men who influenced us. Here's 50 pieces of fatherly advice from our dear old dads.
Because I Said So — 50 Maternal Admonitions
Sometimes I hear a voice in my head. That voice tells me what to do, what not to do, when to talk, when to keep my mouth shut, who to trust, who to avoid, why things happen the way they do, and on and on and on — all the things that keep you on … Continue reading Because I Said So — 50 Maternal Admonitions
Reflections on being a Mama
For seventeen years I have been someone's mother. I find that very hard to believe. I am someone's mama. The kisser of boo-boos. The holder of a little hand. The wiper of snot and other, much grosser things. Responsible for his formation into a productive member of society. Responsible for keeping him alive, clean, and … Continue reading Reflections on being a Mama
Seasons greetings…at least according to me
May all the magic of the season be yours. Wishing you a world glittering with beauty, a season sparkling with wonder. I am reading these sentiments out loud to Husband as we stand in the long aisle of Christmas cards at Target. I am looking for the perfect card, just the right one to send … Continue reading Seasons greetings…at least according to me
There’s always room for one more
Brother balances the tinfoil-wrapped plates on his lap while I crank up Mama's big Mercury, even though I'm not quite old enough to drive. The smell of turkey, dressing, and sweet potatoes fills the car. Brother looks a little scared as I mash the pedal to the floor slinging a little driveway gravel as we … Continue reading There’s always room for one more
The pearl handle pocket knife
The pearl handle pocket knife. Once Christmas long ago Granny gave Baw a pearl handle pocket knife. A gentleman's knife, it was a fine little thing, a knife you could take to church. No, it's wasn't any ordinary everyday knife to scrape the dirt from under one's nails or sharpen a pencil. It was fancy, … Continue reading The pearl handle pocket knife
You can’t fake funny – OR – The New Year’s blog post that wasn’t
For a couple of days now I have stared blankly at the computer screen trying to think up an amusing and entertaining New Year's post. I talked about the traditional foods a couple of years ago and I don't have much truck with resolutions, so for the first time in a great long while I … Continue reading You can’t fake funny – OR – The New Year’s blog post that wasn’t