All Posts

Nativity, at Night, A Christmas Poem  Inspired by the Art of the Same Title of Geertgen tot Sint Jans, 1490 (Written for a poetry contest) Dedicated to Dana Adkerson Beneath a Northern star, his life cut short,  Geertgen tot Sint Jans, of Netherlandish sort.  An oak wood sheet, his genius would proclaim,  He built his Christmas mystery for fame.  Inspired by faith, the artist sought to spread  The holy words that Saint Bridget had said.  She saw a light no earthly sun could

Nativity, at Night, A Christmas Poem Inspired by the Art of the Same Title of Geertgen tot Sint Jans, 1490 Beneath a Northern star, his life cut short, Geertgen tot Sint Jans, of Netherlandish sort. An oak wood sheet, his genius would proclaim, He built his Christmas mystery not for fame. Inspired by faith, the artist sought to spread The holy words that Saint Bridget had said. She saw a light no earthly sun could claim, A radiant glory round the Manger flame. "The sun in hea

I was a girl at the First Methodist Church of Griffin, Georgia, when Reverend Kellum told us, one Christmas, the story about John Wesley and a ghost. "A ghost?" we gasped, sitting cross-legged on the rug in the Sunday school classroom. "Listen closely - and I'll tell you the tale. It really happened!" The story stayed in my mind for decades, until I decided to write my own version. Here is the story, based on real events Reverend Kellum cited, told through Wesley's pet, a rea

The Hex of Hadley: A Tale of Mary Webster and Old Scratch The year was 1684. In the small, struggling settlement of Hadley, Massachusetts, Mary Webster lived a life defined by quiet, often weary, virtue. Her husband had passed three years prior, leaving her with little more than a modest cabin, a few hardy hens, and a deep knowledge of the local flora.  She was poor, and in Puritan society, poverty often signaled a lack of God's enthusiastic favor. Yet, she was pious, diligen

The year was 1634 when Anne Hutchinson arrived in Boston, a town newly carved out of the rocky Massachusetts wilderness.  She was a woman of extraordinary intelligence, a sharp mind honed by years of theological debate in England. These attributes, coupled with her natural charisma, were not just rare in colonial women—they were inherently dangerous.  Anne had faithfully followed her beloved minister, the revered John Cotton, but she brought with her a profound, personal theo

Wreath Laying at the Corinth National Cemetery, 2025 by Anne Hendricks, M.Ed. The ground is hushed beneath the winter sun, In Corinth, where the solemn stones all lie. A sacred duty, once again begun, Beneath the vast Mississippi sky. The lines of white, a silent, perfect row Bear names of heroes from a distant fight, From Civil War's long, agonizing woe, To battles fought in freedom's modern light. And here we gather, not for pomp or show, But with the green of life to crown

The Battle of the Bulge stands as one of the most intense and pivotal confrontations of World War II. Fought in the dead of winter, this battle tested the endurance and resolve of Allied forces against a fierce German counteroffensive. The harsh winter conditions added a brutal layer of difficulty, challenging soldiers beyond the enemy’s firepower. Among the key figures who shaped the outcome was General George S. Patton, whose swift and decisive leadership helped turn the ti

The years 1941 to 1944 were a challenging period for Americans as World War II profoundly shaped daily life. Christmas during these years was unlike any before. Families faced rationing, separation from loved ones, and a constant undercurrent of uncertainty. Yet, amid these hardships, Americans found ways to celebrate the holiday with resilience, creativity, and hope. The Impact of War on Christmas Traditions When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, the n

Music played a crucial role during World War II, offering comfort, hope, and a sense of unity amid global conflict. Among the most influential sounds of the era were big band music and the harmonies of the Andrews Sisters. These musical forces not only entertained troops and civilians but also helped shape the cultural landscape of the 1940s. Big band orchestra performing during World War II Big Band Music as the Soundtrack of the War Big band music, characterized by large en

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Feast Day of December 12 Upon the hill where roses bloomed, so rare, so bright,   She came with grace, a mother clothed in light. Her mantle shone with stars across the sky, A sign of hope for all who lift their cry. She spoke with love, her voice both calm and true, To Juan Diego, chosen, humble, new. A gift of faith, her image left behind, A mother’s care for all of humankind. On this day’s dawn, December’s sacred flame, We honor her and praise her ho

You might not have heard of the “Ghent Altarpiece,” also known as the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” but it holds a distinction no artwork wants: the most stolen masterpiece in history. Completed by the Flemish masters Hubert and Jan van Eyck in 1432, this massive, multi-panel polyptych is not just a dazzling work of early Renaissance art—it’s a survivor, a national treasure, and the center of one of the art world's most enduring cold cases. Let’s delve into the incredible,

Writing historical fiction requires more than imagination. It demands careful research, attention to detail, and respect for the real people and events behind the story. My newest short story focuses on Mary Webster, a woman from 1600s New England who was hanged but survived. This remarkable event inspired me to dig deep into history and bring her story to life. Here, I want to share how I researched Mary Webster’s story, the methods I used, and why keeping an annotated bibli

Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty that affects writing abilities. It can make handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas on paper a real challenge. For me, my brother, and my son, dysgraphia has been a shared experience that shaped how we communicate and learn. This post explores what dysgraphia looks like, how it affected our lives, and how learning to type on a keyboard helped us overcome many of its challenges. What Dysgraphia Looks Like Dysgraphia is not just messy han

Every December, communities across the United States come together to honor the brave men and women who served in the armed forces. One of the most meaningful ways this respect is shown is through the laying of wreaths on veterans' graves in national cemeteries. This year, the Corinth National Cemetery in Mississippi will host its local Wreaths Across America event at 11 AM on December 13. This gathering offers a solemn moment to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Dedicated to Mrs. Thompson, my speech pathologist from 1980 to 1984, and to all speech pathologists who make a difference! Speaking can be hard... Growing up with a speech impediment shaped much of my early life in ways I did not fully understand at the time. Speaking clearly, something many take for granted, was a daily challenge for me. This blog shares my personal journey, the obstacles I faced, and how I learned to navigate a world where communication is key. Early Challe

Dedicated to Dreamers Everywhere!  A New Way to Keep Busy… The year was 1938, and a profound silence lay over the snow-dusted farm country of New York State. Life in Eagle Bridge was shaped by the rhythm of the seasons - long, isolating winters demanding hard work and deep frugality. It was here that Anna Mary lived, known throughout the quiet community for her generous spirit and, more notably, for her hands. Calloused from decades of farm chores, these hands were also hands

There is a unique kind of pain when your adult child, once so close, suddenly chooses silence. When the warmth of daily conversations and shared moments is replaced by a cold distance, it feels like a part of your heart has been put on hold. This silence often comes unexpectedly, sometimes influenced by new relationships in their life. As a parent, I find myself in a place of quiet hope, much like the father in the story of the Prodigal Son, waiting patiently for my adult chi

The holiday season often brings warmth, joy, and connection. But for parents who are victims of the No Contact movement, this time can feel isolating and painful. When relationships with adult children are suddenly cut off, the holidays may highlight the absence and stir deep emotions. Finding ways to care for yourself during this challenging period is essential. This post offers compassionate guidance and practical self-care choices to help parents move through the season wi

Christmas is a season rich with meaning, tradition, and deep spiritual significance. Writing a Catholic Christmas short story offers a unique way to share the joy and mystery of Christ’s birth while inviting readers to reflect on scripture in a fresh, personal way. This post guides you through creating a story that resonates with faith, hope, and the true spirit of Christmas, grounded in biblical truths. A rustic nativity scene with wooden figures representing the Holy Family

Writing a short story from two points of view offers a unique way to deepen character development and enrich the narrative. This technique allows readers to see the same events through different eyes, creating tension, empathy, and a fuller understanding of the plot. If you want to engage your readers with a story that feels dynamic and layered, mastering dual perspectives is a powerful skill to develop. Two notebooks open with handwritten notes, representing dual perspective