Author Archive: barrelmakersdaughter.com
The ripple effect
Though my shoe barely made contact with it, down rolled the stone from the walking path into the pond this morning. I never even saw the stone, just felt my shoe brush against it while in mid stride. Down to the water’s edge it travelled and, upon entering the pond, made its presence known by …
In the presence of greatness
We each choose what and who we hold in esteem, that which we deem to be greatness. I was blessed yesterday to be in the presence of what I consider just that: I was privileged to attend a celebration for a 40th wedding anniversary. Given my age and my unmarried status, it is a milestone …
If I let you in
If I let you in, will you stay to hear what I have to say? Will you listen? Really listen? Or will you politely nod and smile, silently considering somewhere else you’d rather be? If I let you in, will you open your soul to me, trusting me to treat your vulnerability with honor and …
Leading with the heart…
…is a great way to wind up with a crushed spirit from time to time. But how could I do anything differently? What else would I lead with? My heart is the true, authentic representation of me. Yes, it is fragile, delicate, and filled with emotion. That’s what makes it special. That’s what makes me …
The proper footwear and a good marching song
It’s turning out to be a job for the hiking boots. I’d personally prefer a cute sandal this time of year, but trying to kick away the vines and foliage blocking the remnants of my deserted path with that footwear would not get me far. So, hello boots. And sing on, Sara Bareilles, pushing me forward …
A novel concept
People often refer to a life path. But most of the paths I have seen out in the real world are fairly well defined, cleared of hindrances, marked with directions, and easy to find. I do not find life to be like that at all. It’s not so much a path through life as it …
Baby-Dog-Whistle Soup
Today was a big day in the life of my older daughter, Brittany. This morning she called to say she had just been offered a job in her chosen field, utilizing the Master’s Degree in Counseling she recently earned. It was her first job interview, and it was a position she really wanted—working with adolescents …
A tiny tree in the forest
Big family trees with numerous branches have always fascinated me. Large families in general do, as well. I can’t get enough of the stories my friends share of reunions, get-togethers and holiday celebrations. I also love hearing of how they gather to support one another in times of great joy and times of great sorrow. Their …
My fiftieth Fourth
I woke up this morning and realized this is my fiftieth Fourth of July. While this one is going to be spent working on a lot of homework, I couldn’t help but reminisce about celebrations past. My primary memories associated with the Fourths of my childhood involve decorating my purple bike each year. I remember …
Fifty Shades of Red
I’m going to admit something that up until now only four people know…I read all the books in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. I went so far as to read them on my Kindle so nobody would know what I was reading. And I read all three books in five days because I couldn’t …
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