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, women

When C+ is enough

JOY journal

“Rest and be thankful.” William Wordsworth, British poet  Once, when I was just old enough to read but not old enough to do much of anything else, I loved poring over household hints in magazines. The kitchen violets are so very pretty. Sunlight reveals my terrarium-cleaning skills are C+ at best. So it goes. Now,… Continue reading When C+ is enough

recipes

Souped-up rice

JOY journal

“I like rice. Rice is great if you're hungry and want 2000 of something. ” Mich Ehrenborg, author  It's a mystery comparable to why single socks go missing. Every time I make soup, which is often this time of year, we wind up with about one cup left over. It's technically enough for a snack-sized… Continue reading Souped-up rice

recipes

Vegan hot chocolate for 2

JOY journal

“You just need a little perspective. Warmed chocolate can give you that.” chef Giada De Laurentiis, Paris There are two new mugs in our cabinet. They match in ways -- same size, same outline of mountains tracing around the same white exterior. They don't match in others. One has deep blue on the inside and blue… Continue reading Vegan hot chocolate for 2