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 ...
Karen Bellenir, Author at Farmville - Page 2 of 3
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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
Columns
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, February 2, 2017 9:02 am
Columns
Ho, ho, ho, it’s a new year
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, December 29, 2016 8:57 am
Columns
Instant messaging
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, December 1, 2016 6:06 am
Columns
Rolling at last
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, November 3, 2016 8:31 am
Columns
What comes next?
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. ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, October 20, 2016 7:34 am
Columns
Planning things out
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, September 1, 2016 6:02 am
Columns
Feeding the hungry
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 ...
by Karen Bellenir, Thursday, August 4, 2016 4:59 am
Columns
Summertime tasks
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 ...