Finding hope for our time: Charles Jennens’ libretto for Handel’s “Messiah” was a response to his time — and ours. Read more.
DON'T MISS!
I've written hundreds and hundreds of posts over the years. To help you find your way to the best of the best, I've tagged my favorites "Don't Miss!" Scroll down here to find them.
Another way to locate Riffs on Life that you might enjoy is to click above on your favorite category – "My Ever-Changing Family," perhaps, or "Funny Button." You can also use the search box located way up top to hunt for stories by topic. There's fun reading at "garden," "aging," "kids" and, of course, "Jon."
The Top Religion Stories of 2025 — From Religion News Association
The top religion stories of 2025 from the Religion News Association reflect a world of turmoil — and hope. Read more.
I’m Thankful for a Window. It’s Small, but It Opens Onto . . . Everything
I’m thankful for a window. It’s small but it opens onto everything: a tree. A bird. A squirrel. Not much. But in fact everything. Read more.
Widowed: My Husband Is the Hero of My Next Book
My husband is the hero of my next book. I wanted it all — family and career. And Jon made it possible. Read more.
Widowed: Do I Still Miss Him?
Widowed: Do I still miss him? Not really. Missing Jon is not the shape my grief takes. Most days. Read more.
I’m a Grammar Geek: I Don’t Get Nauseous. I’ve Never Received a Kudo. And I Never, Ever Lay on My Yoga Mat
I’m a grammar geek and I’m old: I don’t get nauseous. I’ve never received a kudo. And I never, ever lay on my yoga mat. Read more.
Instead of My Toys, They Played With Peanut Shells
Instead of playing with my toys, the visiting grandchildren played with a bag of peanut shells — and made tiny peanut people. Read more.