Author: JOY journal

After a long career writing for local newspapers — and, on rare occasions, for publications such as The Washington Post — Nora is enjoying a second wind as an innkeeper. She still blogs and does writing projects of special interest. She lives in Appalachia with her husband and a dog named Finn, who is beside himself with joy when the family's daughters have college breaks.
family life, spiritual life

Time on my hands, weight off my back

JOY journal

Reposting this as it reminds me of a wonderful (pre-COVID) holiday trip. And, that it's time to weed out my baggage once again... "Let it go. Let it go." (Elsa) Sometimes life sends you subtle signals that a season is changing. Other times, it's more like a karate chop. One of the latter hit me… Continue reading Time on my hands, weight off my back

family life, spiritual life

Is your life in pieces?

JOY journal

If your answer is "yes," I hear you. We all hear you. It's that kind of an era. My short response would be: Don't fear -- God is excellent at putting things back together if you'll just let Him. But, while I have lived long enough to know for myself that this is true, sometimes… Continue reading Is your life in pieces?

recipes

Pumpkin palooza — you know you’re ready!

JOY journal

It's fall. Sort of. If you are more than ready, here are a handful of recipes to start the season off right from one of my newspaper posts. Some are from my blog archives -- but one is new and it is my fave of the moment. Nacho Pumpkin Soup is good enough to, say,… Continue reading Pumpkin palooza — you know you’re ready!

gardening

Getting splashy with rain gardens

JOY journal

Just did this story about a type of gardening that helps control the flow of storm water for a local newspaper. If you live in a flood-prone area, rain gardens are an unusually pretty way to keep water from downspouts out of the streets -- and your basement. Read more here. P.S. The garden pix… Continue reading Getting splashy with rain gardens