One of the great treats that comes from my job as a writer are all the wonderful, handwritten letters I receive. Few are typed and though I receive many emails, these scripted letters are always the most joyous.

Over the last few weeks, my girls, Mattie and Makenzie, have been playing basketball at Patterson Baptist Church. Neither had played organized basketball before, but have played t-ball and softball for a couple of years. 

NOTE: Another Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but some things will remain well after the chocolates are eaten and the roses lose their bloom. I first told this story in 2018. Its message is unchanged: Love is eternal.

Here we go again. 

It’s easy to feel insulated from national headlines in our small, wholesome community. We shake our heads at national news of shootings and violent attacks across America, and while we grieve for those involved, we breathe a sigh of relief. Thank goodness nothing like that will ever happen h…

I have never been much on watching the political processes in our nation’s capitol. In the past it was mostly mundane and unexciting. There has always been and will always be those in Washington who do not agree on certain issues, but usually those individuals or groups will give arguments, …

America just celebrated National Pie Day. Or, so I’m told. Who knew there was such a thing? There was no National Pie Day Sale or National Pie Festival or National Pie Parade down Main Street. 

Not too long ago, I was in high school writing research papers in various classes for all sorts of topics. Some were to research events and people who helped shape the United States, while others were to give ideas on what I thought the future might hold. 

Perception is everything  — we’ve all heard that before. 

There are several words of wisdom that have been passed down to me by those I respect, including my parents, grandparents, other family, teachers and friends. I try to utilize this wisdom to be productive in life and generous to others. 

The story of the 2020 legislative session will be the budget. Gov. Brian Kemp ordered some agencies to cut their budgets while others expect increases, the normal rejiggering of priorities under a new governor.

It was a quick, foolhardy decision born of a country girl who wanted to see more of the world than pasture fences, cows and hayfields. I came to regret it during all the nights I cried, homesick for all of that as well as the bullfrogs, crickets and dirt roads.

January 8, 2020:  How are your new year’s resolutions holding up? 

One day not so long ago, when you said the year 2020 it was a far distant concept, way out in the future. 

Most parents of small children wake up earlier on Christmas morning than they do any other day of the year to the sounds of laughter, squeals of delight, and tiny tots bouncing on their beds long before the sun rises.

It is hard to believe Christmas Day is here. The past few weeks seemed to have passed in a moment. As several, including me, are rushing around trying to find that last minute gift, let us not forget the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. 

This column was a favorite of my friend, Otis Brumby Jr., publisher of the Marietta Daily Journal. It is lovingly dedicated to his memory and to all believers.

Last week, I felt like Alex, the title character in the children’s book “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”, except that mine actually lasted more than a 24-hour cycle – or at least it seemed that way. 

You are enough.

When I see the ads about stores being open until midnight and beyond during the Christmas shopping season, I want to cry. Where were these people when I needed them?

Some of you will be reading these words before, some during and several after Thanksgiving Day (like the old British Empire, the sun never sets on this column.) So, we need to set some ground rules: Let’s remember to express our thanks on days other than when our mouths are stuffed with turk…

Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, it isn’t food that dominates my thoughts. It’s cleaning the house.

Thanksgiving Day will soon be here. 

I don’t like confrontation. Who does? Well, I suppose there are some individuals who thrive on the excitement a good verbal spar brings, but I think most shy away from it when possible.

Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled part 2 of his health reform plan recently. Consider it just that: a piece that complements the first part.

You might be interested to know that there have been only 12 lieutenant governors in Georgia’s history, going back to 1947 when the position was created. Four went on to become governor. One became lieutenant governor after having served as governor. Four others tried for the state’s highest…

As often I say, it is enlightening to see the South from a non-Southerner’s perspective. Mainly, it reminds me that what is normal for us is sometimes out-of-the-ordinary for others.

A couple of years ago, Tink and I had the opportunity – which turned out to be an honor and a privilege – to work with Dolly Parton on a television project.

Georgia doesn’t often get to claim a leading role in matters related to health care. At least, not in a good way. That is changing, in a very big way.

Jeremy and I live life wide open, running full steam ahead every minute to keep up with all that’s happening. It’s a wonderful ride even if a bit hectic at times, and I wouldn’t trade anything for it. 

I tend not to worry.

I enjoyed Saturday afternoon’s Georgia-Florida game immensely. Autumn finally arrived after a late last hurrah of summer that saw us reach 90 degrees in October. 

To rise, or not to rise: that is the question.

I bow to no one in my love for and loyalty to the University of Georgia.  I bleed red and black.  I have served as president of the National Alumni Association, have been named the university’s outstanding graduate and today endow a professorship as well as fellowships at my beloved Grady Co…

Before Jeremy and I married, we read two recommended books on achieving a strong, successful marriage. Five years later one concept still stands out for both of us  — Always believe the other person has your best intentions in mind.

One need only check the news, or a Democratic presidential debate, to know student-loan debt is being billed as a national crisis.

Nothing feels better than checking items off your to do list. But, nothing feels worse than watching the list grow longer with every item you cross out. I’ve been reminded of this lately as Jeremy and I head into a busy Fall season. 

What you don’t know might kill you

We all have those people who we make an instant connection with when we meet. You just click, many times making lasting friendships. Those connections can come suddenly or can be made over time. 

Student debt remains one of the most potent issues in America today. Most of the political focus – unsurprisingly, as we enter a presidential election year – is on forgiving debt and/or making public college tuition free.

Who is this person and what is he doing in The Blackshear Times?