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.
recipes

African sweet potatoes

JOY journal

“There is no such thing as too many deviled eggs.” Jan Karon, "Come Rain or Come Shine" You've got to love a potluck dinner anywhere in the U.S. Where else are you going to come across something like hummus tacos? Along that line, this recipe from Africa has been playing a starring role in our… Continue reading African sweet potatoes

family life

I married a Boy Scout

JOY journal

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin, American founding father One recent afternoon, I not-so-innocently remarked that our crock pot lid was not long for this world. My husband slowed, glanced toward the appliance and moved on without saying a word. I was in no way surprised, however, when I opened… Continue reading I married a Boy Scout

books, women, writing

Got build?

JOY journal

"Be patient! The Great Wall didn't got build in one day." today's actual fortune cookie wisdom God certainly has a sense of humor. If otters weren't enough to prove that, my odd career trajectory would. There is absolutely no other way to explain why, almost four years ago, a journalist would sit down to write… Continue reading Got build?

community, spiritual life

Standing with Tree of Life

JOY journal

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1 Our city is close enough to Pittsburgh that few people here are more than two degrees of separation away from the Squirrel Hill neighborhood that experienced a mass killing at a synagogue this weekend. One neighbor's sister lives… Continue reading Standing with Tree of Life