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 season of employment that includes blogging and writing projects of special interest. She lives in Appalachia with her husband and a dog named Finn.
gardening, spiritual life, writing

The writer’s dilemma

JOY journal

“It is a mistake to think that moving fast is the same as actually going somewhere.” -- Steve Goodier, inspirational author We have an odd front yard. By a quirk of street layout, this part of our property is unusually long and skinny for our neighborhood, meaning we have the sheer frontage to collect not… Continue reading The writer’s dilemma

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?