Living into the sacred space of God's everyday grace
“What’d you have for dinner?” “Meadles and nootballs,” I answered. Giggling ensued, as well as the beginning of what I later learned to be my tendency toward spoonerisms. Another time, the table was filled with a dozen or so packets of wrapping paper, the result of a school fundraiser when my nieces were young. We… Continue reading On Becoming Fluent in Dogspeak
While many are perfecting their breadmaking skills these days, I’ve turned it into a spectator sport with Great British Bake Off (now Baking Show). The accents alone, and the cheeky humor (yes, I now toss about British phrases, complete with a bloody brilliant accent) keep me all in. I had already watched the PBS series… Continue reading Leavening Grief
Back in high school, I remember cringing when I learned the most popular boy was in my driver’s ed group. He was the quintessential jock—star quarterback, best basketball player, and he dated the head cheerleader. The first time he got behind the wheel, I was surprised to see him timid and fearful. After a few… Continue reading Even the Cool Kids are Afraid Sometimes
My mom says she named my brother and me after a 1950s movie starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, called Pat and Mike. While I never liked my name, it didn't take me long to realize how many variations exist. When I was little, my mom would sometimes call me Patty Ann (because I swear… Continue reading Called by Name, Known by Heart
This facebook memory makes me laugh. And then it makes me sob. I had to say goodbye to my beloved boy a month ago today. Along with losing Henry, it’s also the seventh month my mom has been in a physical rehab facility after breaking one leg and severing a kneecap tendon in the other.… Continue reading When the New Year Still Holds Old Sorrows
My first newsletter is out! How do I feel about that? Not "fine," that's for sure. Why a newsletter? Well, it's a way for me to connect with folks a little more directly than here or other social media. This first issue tackles my thoughts on the simple question, "How are you?" I'd so appreciate… Continue reading How Are You?
I'm at SheLovesMagazine today, writing about what happens when I try to be my own architect, laborer and general contractor all rolled into one. A small suburb of my hometown contains several homes designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. They were built in the 1940s when the area was completely rural; getting there meant you… Continue reading Wild Landscapes Wanted — a SheLoves post
I'll be honest. The concept of hospitality tends to make my eye twitch. It brings to mind big tah-dahs and endless lists of to-do's. I have to clean the house until it's spotless. I have to spend money on special groceries I can't afford. I have to make a guest list that includes people who… Continue reading An Invitation to Hospitality
There’s only one place busier than a restaurant after church, and that’s a grocery store. I grabbed what I needed, headed to an express lane, and that’s when I spotted them—a young couple from my church who had become first-time parents six weeks earlier. I avoided eye contact but not until after I noticed the… Continue reading Sorrow Doesn’t Wear A Watch
I'm featured at Kindred Grace today, where I admit that one particular Scripture has often made me roll my eyes. Credit: JenniMarie Photography My four-year-old niece was spending the weekend with me. Whatever I did, she wanted to help. Including when I began loading several large tote bags into my car. She wrapped her arms… Continue reading The True Meaning Of Casting Your Cares On Him
Patricia Alderman 