“September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.” -Geraldine Brooks Quilting Precious Tyes-Blogger The idea of viewing quilts created for 9-11, one of the most life changing events in American history, filled my heart with curiosity and apprehension. […]
“I think a perfect-color scarf really brings out your whole skin tone, lip color and everything else.”- Jessica Jung It has been a long, cold winter. One day slogs into another with nothing but more snow, icy roads and a shivering of the body. Even in a library or mall, the feeling of warmth is […]
Class of One By Cleo Lampos The superintendent of theNew Orleansschool district sat in his seat behind his desk. His offer of a teaching job for first grade atFrantz Elementary School produced only one question in Barbara Henry’s mind. “Will the school be integrated?” she asked. “Would that make any difference to you?” The […]
“For who hath despised the day of small things?”- Zechariah 4:10 A pastor who preached faithfully met with his denomination’s supervisor for a review of his year’s work. During those 52 weeks, only one person had been added to the church rolls, and that was a mere lad. The pastor allowed the discouragement to wash […]
“An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.” – An ancient Chinese belief A new baby in the family. Joy bursts untethered as the parents, grandparents, extended family, and friends prepare for the arrival of the […]
“All I want is to share a lifetime with you.” – Vern Lampos Like every bride, shopping for the wedding gown morphed into a major event. As a second year teacher in an urban setting, my bridal budget resembled an ostrich egg. My mother, a retiree living on social security, insisted on buying my nuptial […]
“I am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel. – Florence Nightingale She is known as “the Lady With the Lamp” and the “Mother of Nurses”. In the late 1800’s, Florence Nightingale valued […]
Never Underestimate For five years I taught in a school district that was an hour away from my home. I spent two hours a day driving. Three Wednesdays out of the month the school had mandatory staff meetings that lasted an hour and a half. That put me home at sixty-thirty on those […]
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt The brisk winds of March howl around the house, pressing on the window panes, seeping cool air into imperceptible cracks. Cuddled in a quilt, the winds of remembrance swirl in my mind. In the warmth of my home, I contemplate the […]
My mother, Edythe (Bergstrom) McAlllister, died in July of 1950, two months before I started first grade at St. Sabina’s grammar school in Chicago. She died from a blood clot after a gall bladder operation. I was devastated. My brother, Danny, and my dad took over the household duties. In the summertime my Aunt Margie […]