“If you want plenty of experience in dealing with difficult people, then have kids.” Bo Bennett, contemporary American author Have you ever felt guilty tossing a poinsettia into the trash after Christmas? I am one of those who has to walk quickly away from the bin or the brush pile lest I hear cries of… Continue reading The little cactus that could
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.
Emergency chocolate
"A lover tries to stand in well with the pet dog of the house." Moltiere, 1600s French playwright "It's my emergency chocolate," I explained as my husband watched me wrap up a tiny square of 85 percent cacao and tuck it into an equally tiny pocket of my purse. "Oh," he said with a… Continue reading Emergency chocolate
Coming apart at the seams
"Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon." St. Francis of Assisi The first time I saw an article of clothing rise from the dead, I was a college student. It was a biking sweater owned by my roommate's European boyfriend. "I know you can fix it," he pleaded in… Continue reading Coming apart at the seams
Nevermindfulness
“What day is it?" It's today," squeaked Piglet. My favorite day," said Pooh.” A.A. Milne Nevermindfulness Some thoughts on a fine spring weekend.... It was 60 when the sun came up, pale yellow and so tempting. My to-do's have now gotten slashed. Today, I must be living. The porch swing's begging "set me free" from… Continue reading Nevermindfulness
Appalachian spring
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” Hal Borland, American author, journalist, naturalist Though members of our household who are not teenagers are still wearing socks, spring has finally come to Appalachia. And, if the past repeats itself, it will come on quickly. Budding leaves held back by the cold will explode. Ice… Continue reading Appalachian spring
Nora Edinger -- JOY Journal 