I’ve been thinking about…

…A Morning Stroll in Noanie’s Garden!

We are very excited to see this book in print! Jo Ann’s illustrations are gorgeous. What amazing gardens

she has created for Noanie and young Jamie to explore!

I’ve been thinking…

…about holding hands.

As I watched a little 2-year-old springing and skipping and thoroughly enjoying crossing the parking lot, I

realized how holding her daddy’s hand gave her the confidence to bounce along without a care in her world.

I’ve been thinking about…

…turning 70.

Is our age what the calendar says or the age we believe we are?

I’ve been thinking …

…about leaves, and how they mark time.

I’m thinking about….

Hallmark Moments!

Years ago, someone (Hallmark?!) came up with Grandparents’ Day. I had young children — who had grandparents — and I was horrified when I realized I had missed this occasion. Honestly, I don’t think I knew it was an occasion until I was informed after the fact.

I’ve been thinking about…

Gardens!

Now is that wondrous time when all the spring work of cleaning up and planting the gardens is behind us, and everything is in full bloom. The collections of colors and conformations are a feast that feeds the soul. The daily stroll around the yard, the moments of just sitting and soaking it in, even the ongoing chores of pruning and watering fuel a peaceful, contented state of mind.

I’ve been thinking about…

Road trips!

Our whole family — from four states — has a big trip coming up as we get together for our annual

vacation. From points south, west, and east, we will be road-tripping to summer fun!

I’ve been thinking about…

…weddings!

Huge heartfelt congratulations to our delightfully charming nephew Patrick and his beautiful sweetheart of a wife Reilly!

I’ve been thinking ….

…about teachers.

In particular, I am thinking about elementary school teachers. I think they are amazing.

I’ve been thinking…

It is a special day when an author comes to visit.

I taught Reading/Language Arts for many years…

I’ve been thinking about…

Love Languages! Specifically, the FIVE Love Languages of children.

A few years ago, one of my kids read and then shared with us all an article that led to us reading the book by Gary Chapman about his theory that every person has a specific way they connect to others. As with any human psychology, nothing is new, just re-branded.

I never imagined the wisdom of our little kindergartener Cara would, several years later, offer support and comfort to our big girl Cara.

I’ve been thinking…

…about playing games.

We are card players. My mom and dad were bridge players. Dad had his regular poker game with his Lions Club buddies. John’s family were into pinochle, canasta, and a crazy game called “Liverpool.”

I’ve been thinking…

…about the grandparent books.

A year ago, we were in North Carolina to have the wonderful Sally Gupton take photos of Jake and John for the planned grandparent books. Talented Jo Ann had a vision of how to illustrate the stories.

I’ve been thinking about…

…finding stories.

“Historical research” is a stuffy term that does not capture — at all — the excitement and intrigue of what is essentially discovering stories.

I spend quite a bit of time exploring the past, specifically the history of the little town I’ve lived in all my life. Almost seventy years of that “history” are my own memories.

I’ve been thinking about…

…my little friend starting school.

I’ve been thinking…

…about my mom, Mary Runner (Mary Evelyn Gould Runner). She would have been 100 this month.

She died, much too young when Jillian was a month away from making her entrance into this world. I think they met in passing as Mom was going to heaven and Jillian was poised to come here.

I’ve been thinking…

About August.

July is the quintessential summer month. Long days, hot sun, lots of summer fun.

But what is August? The days do seem shorter — no more long summer dusks that stretch bedtimes. And the hot summer sun is displaced by those hazy humid days. Is that a hint of Fall in the air?

I’ve been thinking…

…about summer and in particular, summer reading.

Even in our A/C world where there is no reason to slow down for summer heat and humidity, we still revel in summer afternoons with “nothing to do” but relax and have fun….

I’ve been thinking …

About birthdays.

It is birthday season in our family. When the kids were young, we had big family parties on Mother’s Day to celebrate our two and cousins’ May birthdays.

I was so grateful to have the little ones to focus on as it took away the sting of not having my amazing mom with us.