Asking for a Steadfast and Willing Spirit
I love David’s prayer in Psalm 51:10, 12. These words echo in my mind from my college days when I prayed this for myself over and over again. David cries, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. . . Restore to me the joy of your salvation […]
The Week Ahead for You
I do love the pause of Sunday. I love praying over the week ahead. Think of the days stretching out ahead of you. What will each day bring? What makes you worried, nervous, or exhausted already? Pray for your sleeping, your working, and your eating. Pray for your walking, your talking, and your thinking. Pray […]
A Little Something You Didn’t Know You Needed: Dorat Frozen Ginger Cubes
The other day at Trader Joe’s I wondered where to find the ginger I needed for a Veggie Lo Mein recipe I wanted to try. The sales associate brought me to the freezer aisle and handed me a little square tray of frozen crushed ginger from Dorat Gardens. Each little cube equals 1 teaspoon of […]
The Week I Discovered Nanaimo Bars
I’ve been alive nearly 45 years, and I’d never before tried a Canadian Nanaimo Bar. Our Canadian neighbors delivered a container of these delights as a thank you to my husband for watching their dog, and I can honestly say they are one of the best desserts I have ever had. Ever. Ever! My daughter […]
Autumn in Pennsylvania
Thoughtful Listening
Today, everyone in class agreed that nobody really listened to each other during the first presidential debate. We all agreed, for once, that we miss civility and civic discourse. We miss kindness and thoughtful listening. My students tell me that nobody won the debate; we all lost. Ironically, we all feel more united because of […]
I Suppose I Had Been Worried
My COVID-19 test returned negative less than 24 hours later. I was so relieved! I supposed I didn’t realize how worried I was. After all, I’ve been teaching residentially in a hot spot for over six weeks. I’m on campus 3 times a week; I’ve been in grocery stores; and I’ve even been in Pittsburgh […]
Sitting and Listening and an Update
Lately, students come to my Zoom office hours to talk. It’s wonderful. I sit and listen. I ask all my good questions. I see their dorm rooms or apartments from the square on my screen. I notice that it doesn’t feel so odd anymore. It’s a cozy time as the wind blows outside in the […]
The Home Scents of Autumn: Homemade Simmer Spices
I’ve been making my own mulling spices—or technically simmer spices— for years. I love humidifying my kitchen, too, to help ease the dryer air of both autumn and winter seasons. The house smells so good! This Sunday, I added my favorite combination of ingredients to create the perfect simmer pot: I cut up one orange […]