When my daughters were “littles,” I would show them their reflection in a mirror and had them practice saying “I love you” to them. At bedtime, when it came time for prayers of gratitude and lists of whom they loved, I cued them in as first on their lists. There […]
Beth Caldwell – The View From Here
To contact Beth, email her at caldwellandcompany@gmail.com
I looked out my kitchen window earlier this week and there was my black cat sitting like a statue in the driveway—staring at me with her telepathic flat stare that said, “You must let me in.” I think “Millie” is feeling the pinch of neglect these days as I race […]
Charles Schultz once penned, “Life is like a 10-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.” I think I’m a few gearshifts ahead of the game at this point. In the past 29 days, I’ve learned about electrical panels on sailboats, deep cycle and “AGM” batteries, pintles and […]
I stared out longingly at my sailboat on Monday morning. It looked dejected and beaten down by the skiff of snow that covered her like a thin white layer of wax paper that weighed two tons. I’ll bet she, too, was thinking, “Really? Snow? I just want to sail.” And […]
If it wasn’t for lists, I would never get anything done around here. Although I freely admit that sometimes just having a list makes me feel I’ve accomplished something—and sometimes that means nothing on the list really gets done at all. I just look it over, and cross stuff off […]
Someone paid me a heart-warming compliment recently, revealing to me that I enriched life during time spent together. I’ve learned to say thanks for sincere moments of offering like that. There was a time when I would have reduced the accolade with “Oh, don’t be silly” or “I don’t know […]
Do you remember what was in your grandmother’s purse? My Grandma’s purse smelled like “Juicy Fruit” gum and there always was at least a stick or two in there for the little kid I was at the time. I don’t chew the stuff today but if I catch the scent […]
Allan Gurganus is an accomplished American novelist and although I haven’t read any of his books, I came across a quote of his during a recent detective project. “Know what, Sugar? Stories only happen to people who can tell them.” It resounded with me, though I’d hate to think that […]
Did you know that the heart of a woman only weighs about eight ounces? I didn’t. It wasn’t until I recently checked “Google University” that I learned the facts. I was sure mine weighed more like 10 pounds—stone heavy and sinkable. I’ve been away, caring for that part of me. […]
I have nothing to say—at least that is what I’m typing at this very moment. A wise editor once said to me, “Write about the most important thing first.” I heed his wisdom. I have nothing important to write about. My excuses for said nothingness, pathetic at best, are piled […]
I have a tough assignment this week. One of my daughters solicited me for a handwritten list of the best “life” advice I had for her. Don’t get me wrong. I believe I have good advice to give. I’ve had a myriad of experiences and I’m blessed with an open […]
Honestly, this has been the best, most genuinely “soul-filled-with-peace” holiday season I’ve had in years. I didn’t mope about my past, I didn’t pick apart my present day, and I didn’t fret about my future. I, quite simply, was “right here, right now.” I won’t be able to express, within […]
