I sometimes wonder when I sit down to write — am I too much of an optimist? Am I too hopeful? Too trusting? Is my writing too nice? Read more.
Barbara’s Riffs on Life
For the Kids: An Obstacle Course — Or a Fairy Circle?
Widowed: Jon’s Memorial Tree Is Thriving — Both of Them
The memorial tree planted in my husband’s honor is thriving — both of them. Madrones are fussy, so we planted two to be on the safe side. Read more.
Tending a Friendship — I’m on Her Calendar and She’s on Mine
Tending a long and deep friendship — we’ve done it by setting a hiking date once a month, without fail, so that I’m on her calendar and she’s on mine. Read more.
Help Me Be a Fun Grandma. I Need Ideas for My Babysitting Week
I agreed to provide child care for a week this summer. Help me be a fun grandma. Tell me, how do I keep two kids, 8 and 5, entertained? Read more.
A Brutal Forced March Across Germany — A ‘Wrestling with God’ Story
Decades after he endured a brutal forced march across Germany, World War II POW Robert Tharratt told his story for my book, “Wrestling with God.” Read more.