Christmas is not a time for rules and judging and competition. It is a time for self, family, and friends. Feelings surrounding Christmas are the most valuable. Feelings evoked from the songs, movies, colors, lights, bells, cards, eggnog, hugs, and the aroma of sweets can trigger an inside smile or a visible skip in my step. It makes me feel good all over. Christmas brings … [Read more...]
The ROOSTER Bully
My first understanding of how bullying feels came from a rooster my eight-year-old daughter caught at the county fair. Since she picked the one with the $5.00 bill around his leg she also “won” the rooster. The rooster liked everyone but me. I became a prisoner in my home. When I went outside the rooster would strut up to me; circle me, and attack; fly at my face with his … [Read more...]
Pearl Harbor Baby
Born at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I was raised on a farm with a younger sister by our widowed mother who had a limited education, I vowed to get an education beyond high school to provide for myself, thus I became a teacher. I never really gave thought to returning to rural life but that is exactly what I did with teaching several years in a couple of rural … [Read more...]
Dr. J’s Mini Life Story
My parents wanted a boy. I was disappointment number four, with number five still to come. I tried to be a boy for my dad, but I was truly a girl with curls and ruffles and giggles. My parents argued a lot, and to this day I avoid conflict. It is one of my least healthy traits. Wanting people to tell their stories is rooted in not always having the safety to verbalize what I … [Read more...]
What I Left Behind
What I Left Behind I remember a line for a popular song—“…you got to pick up on one and leave the other behind.” I don’t remember the context of the song, but that line has been echoing in my mind for some time now as I have struggle d with choices about work, my life’s work., my mission in this life. I wanted to be an artist. No, that isn’t quite right. I knew I was an … [Read more...]