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.
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."
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.
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.
Getting Older: I’m Not ‘Keeping Busy’
I’m getting older and older. I’m not ‘keeping busy.’ I’m busy, which is not the same thing. Read more.
Widowed: My Husband Is Missing Out — On the Sight of Two Galaxies Dancing in Space
I’ve been widowed three years. My husband has missed out on a lot in that time, including a parade of images from the Webb Space Telescope. Read more.
Widowed: Marriage Mistakes — If I Could Have a Do-Over, Would I?
Widowed, I think often of my marriage mistakes. Did I leave too many tender words unsaid? Too many small kindnesses undone? Should I have mated his socks for him after I took them out of the dryer? Read more.