Louise: Se����orita Bell
Mentors are often known for their eccentricities. Zella Bell was no exception. She portrayed the perfect image of an old maid with her tall, lean stature, wire-rimmed glasses and mousey brown hair pulled back in a tight little roll at the nape of her neck. But even though she was unmarried and in her middle…
Read More >Louise: A Dog Named Mona
We should have known that our son, Aaron, was too young for a pet, but being young and naïve ourselves, my husband and I thought the lab puppy would be a perfect companion for our two and half-year-old son. We were wrong. Bridgette was already six months old and had outgrown that cuddly puppy stage….
Read More >Louise: Crossing Over
The Love of a Lifetime
Read More >LTJ: A Million Prayers For a Miracle
I’m veering from my regular column this month to make a request of my readers. Please pray for my husband. On Thursday, May 12, Carl was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. We are stunned beyond belief. Shocked. Devastated. How does such a destructive disease harbor itself in the body? The shortness of breath, weakness…
Read More >LTJ: A Sabbath Rest
I have had a very busy month. Actually, more like two months. During these weeks I celebrated 45 years of marriage, met half a dozen writing deadlines and took my son, Jay, to doctors for a very painful foot which turned out to be a stress fracture—yes, he is in an orthopedic boot. I was…
Read More >LTJ: Happy 45th Anniversary! Cont.
Dear Readers, Last month I wrote a story about my marriage to Carl Jones—yes, that was Carl in the picture, not Joe—and our 45th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, the end of the story didn’t make it onto the printed page. And even though you can read the original, full-length story online at www.edmondoutlook.com, I thought I…
Read More >LTJ: Happy 45th Anniversary!
I needed a ride. He needed money for gasoline. That’s how we met. My friend arranged the ride for me from college to my hometown with a fellow student, and though I was pleasantly surprised upon meeting this dark-haired, blue-eyed stranger, my interest waned when he presented an egotistical attitude. But a ride is a…
Read More >LTJ: What’s my Job?
If you are an Oprah fan, you may have seen her program some months ago concerning “first jobs.” A few celebrities returned to their initial occupations so we might see their humble beginnings. Kirste Alley began her career by cleaning houses. She demonstrated her skill on national TV by cleaning a bathroom with Comet while…
Read More >LTJ: A Special Party!
The New Year sneaked up on me again! Just when I finally relaxed enough to enjoy Christmas, January came skidding around the corner. While the ball was dropping in Times Square, I was wondering where Christmas went. Each year I promise to be ready for both celebrations, but it hasn’t happened lately. And even though…
Read More >LTJ: Silver & Gold
I can’t believe it’s December, with Christmas just around the corner. When I think of all the shopping I need to do and the events I hope to attend, I become overwhelmed. Then suddenly, I hear Burl Ives, that squinty-eyed, smiling snowman, crooning Silver and Gold. I relax and let my thoughts wander back to…
Read More >LTJ: Thoughts of Thanksgiving
I love family traditions. When I was young my grandparents always spent Thanksgiving with us, traveling two hours from their home. My brother, Jimmy and I would run to meet them as soon as we saw their car pull off the road to our house. Grandmama would be dressed in her Sunday best, including wedge…
Read More >
