Columns
Ghosts from my past
A couple of months ago, the Waterworks Players announced auditions for a forthcoming production of “Blithe Spirit,” a comedy by Noel Coward that was first ...
A couple of months ago, the Waterworks Players announced auditions for a forthcoming production of “Blithe Spirit,” a comedy by Noel Coward that was first ...
A recent post making its rounds on social media was probably supposed to be motivational. I found its conclusions disturbing. According to the post, a ...
Trees surround my home on three sides. A small yard serves to separate the walls from the wilds. I enjoy the setting because it lets ...
One of summer’s subtle joys is the unwrapping— losing the woolen shell required to combat winter’s chill—to reveal more of who we truly are underneath. ...
All around Farmville, students are preparing for final exams. In a show of support, I’d like to offer everyone a chance to take a test. ...
Early last month, I had a conversation with a winter-weary soul about signs of spring. She had noticed an abundance of robins and wondered if ...
When my husband and I purchased our home in Farmville, it immediately offered many things we loved. The open floor plan felt spacious. The windows ...
Several years ago I read “Cryptonomicon,” by Neal Stephenson. In the book, I met a character named Lawrence who served as a cryptographer in the ...
In preparing to welcome 2018, I purchased a new desktop calendar. It has a page for each month, blocks for marking commitments and space for ...
Members of my family always ask me what I want for Christmas. I have a well-rehearsed list of things I’d like: World peace, an end ...
On a sunny Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, I attended a performance by the Heart of Virginia Community Band. I arrived a half-hour early ...
The title of my column, “Happy to Be Here,” tells you how I feel about the Farmville community. Today, however, I’m reflecting on my gratitude ...
My husband and I just returned from a trip to Franklin, North Carolina where we went to view the Aug. 21 solar eclipse from within ...
I drove back to Farmville on a recent sultry day. Gratitude for my car’s air conditioning kept me in good spirits as I watched the summer ...
I arrived in Farmville eight years ago with sentimental ideas regarding deer. My impressions had been formed in suburban neighborhoods where people decorated their homes with ...
When my husband and I lead astronomy events at High Bridge Trail State Park, I occasionally ask participants a tricky question: can you name the ...
One morning a couple weeks ago, I woke up with a crick in my neck, a pain in my back and weariness in my bones. ...
A Longwood alumna who graduated a little more than a decade ago was recently back in town for a short visit. She commented on how much ...
Last month, when I confessed my love of Groundhog Day, I did not include details on Punxsutawney Phil’s current prognostication. I couldn’t. My column deadline ...
Groundhog Day is my favorite holiday. It marks the halfway point of winter and the turning toward spring, at least astronomically speaking. During an annual ...
I’m not sure whether 2016 was especially challenging or if its press agent simply chose to portray it that way. In either case, I’d like ...
On a Sunday afternoon not long ago, my daughter called to chat. My phone provides the option of assigning photos to specific people, so when ...
I haven’t had many opportunities to ride my bike this year. One early obstacle was the bike itself. After years of faithful service, it started ...
As I type these words, the vice presidential debate is still in Farmville’s future. By the time you read this, the debate will be history. ...
I’m the type of person who likes to plan things out. I want to know what’s going to happen and what will be required of ...
I think I’m a reasonably generous person. My husband and I contribute to several worthy causes, and we volunteer for a few community organizations. In ...
I use to-do lists to help me remember things. My list of routine household chores (make the bed, cook dinner, do laundry) is short enough ...