Columns
An open window
One of spring’s many joys is the renewed ability to open windows. All winter long, I’ve had my windows shut and the drapes drawn in ...
Karen Bellenir, Author at Farmville - Page 2 of 3
Columns
Putting an end to war
Since moving to Farmville, I’ve learned that Civil War recollections take center stage every April. During my school years in various classrooms located on both ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, April 4, 2019 7:27 am
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A decade
The dictionary says a decade is something in a group of 10, often 10 years. Chunks of time comprising those years often develop their own ...
by Karen Bellenir, Wednesday, February 27, 2019 6:03 pm
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Climbing the steps
I remember standing with my children waiting for the school bus to come. In mid-winter, the mornings were usually dark and cold. The bus would ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, January 31, 2019 7:58 am
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Bundle up and look up
The moon has a special surprise in store. On the night of Jan. 20, and sliding across midnight, North American sky watchers will be treated ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, January 3, 2019 8:43 am
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Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings
“Merry Christmas!” is a traditional greeting heard on many lips this time of year. I, myself, offer it to family, friends, and even casual acquaintances ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, December 6, 2018 9:50 am
Columns
Learning the wisdom of gratitude
One of my favorite hobbies is sleeping in on Saturday mornings, especially during those wee hours before the sun itself decides to rise. This stands ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, November 1, 2018 7:41 am
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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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, September 27, 2018 7:06 am
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The valuation game
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, September 6, 2018 7:28 am
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Bipeds in a cage
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, August 2, 2018 7:20 am
Columns
Let me read your shirt
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. ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, July 5, 2018 7:34 am
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Time for exams
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. ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, May 10, 2018 10:58 am
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Signs of spring
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, April 5, 2018 9:37 am
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What to keep
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, March 1, 2018 9:54 am
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Love your library
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, February 1, 2018 8:34 am
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Filling in the year’s calendar
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, January 4, 2018 7:17 am
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What I want for Christmas
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, November 30, 2017 9:13 am
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Making music with friends
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, November 2, 2017 9:06 am
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Truly happy to be here
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, October 5, 2017 1:10 pm
Columns
In the dark a different light shines
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, August 31, 2017 8:58 am
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The world through my windshield
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, August 3, 2017 9:21 am
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A ‘deerly’ affection to wildlife
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, July 6, 2017 7:59 am
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Ways to ready for the solar eclipse
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, June 8, 2017 8:00 am
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‘Learning about each tomorrow as it arrives’
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. ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, May 4, 2017 8:50 am
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The more things change
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, April 6, 2017 10:33 am
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Answers to your questions
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, March 2, 2017 9:29 am
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Sunshine and shadows
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 ...