March Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Pet People” — Petting Nugget makes me less anxious. Were you one of the 11 million people who adopted a pet during March 2020 through December 2020 of the pandemic? In August 2020, our family adopted Nugget, the puppy formerly known as Ferret, from Puppy Haven Rescue. “Among people who adopted [during these months], 36% said they adopted to…

Reflections on the Arkansas River — MAY 19, 2020 I woke up my twelve-year-old son, Jaden, this morning at 9:30 and said, “I’m just letting you know that you are going for a River Walk with me today. You can sleep until 10:00, but then you need to get ready.” I left his room and shut the door. …

The dog days of summer: an August photo essay — I don’t know about you, but come August I feel pretty doggone tired (see what I did there?). In Oklahoma where summer is hot, hotter, and hottest with a heaping serving of humidity, curls are set a-frizz and snowcone stands are in high demand. Our summers remind me of the…

Take in your icy wonderland, snuggle under covers, and enjoy life’s suggested pause — I didn’t research this claim, but I’m pretty sure it’s true. I mean going at superhuman speeds can’t be good for us humans. Our bodies are built to go and rest, go and rest. Sleep, you know? Here in Oklahoma in the United States, the weather is a fickle thing…

A 5 things photo essay — It was a humid, October day. I’d been telling myself for weeks that a walk by the river would do my heart, head, and body a lot of good but hadn’t gone on one yet. We’d been basically self-quarantined since Mid-March, with a smattering of visits to close family members…

Five things photo essay — It is said that kitchens are the heart of our homes. They evoke the warmth of the oven and stovetop. They illuminate the happier times of being in a family when people gather for food and enjoyment. They’re often where guests wander to for conversation when we’re hosting parties. When…

A symbol of loyalty, strength, and adoration — I love flowers. If you told me I had to choose only one flower to grow for the rest of my life, I’d choose the sunflower. Sunflowers are versatile and beautiful. There are many different varieties — pollen-full and pollen-less, short and tall, from six inches to over twelve feet…