Waiting for a War to End — Hands cracked and bleeding, Aimée looks up from the wash tub to the Gothic window in the house across the way. It never ceases to remind her of L’Église Saint-Maurice, a place she had been certain — up until six months ago—she would find shelter and sanctuary. Aimée cannot help…

It was a risk when he asked me to join my life with his in the middle of the swamp where North meets South. Years ago I walked out onto a floating boardwalk in the middle of a a cypress tree forest. “I’ve brought you to a place where North…

You might find a gift from Popeye — My children wait outside their school building. I know they’re surprised to see me. Usually, their Dad picks them up. I know I look harried. I didn’t sleep much last night, and I’m not sure I brushed my teeth this morning. …

She first heard of the Everglade Enchantress when Gran fell ill. Fearing it was her last opportunity, Gran pulled the girl close and whispered the secret of the swamp woman: “Born on the River of Grass, a young girl learned the secrets of the plants and animals and in turn…

(A Teddy Bear Hunt) —

What is that tantalizing scent that has reached my nose this mid-morning? Sweet potato hash? Loamy soil? Bacon? Sweaty heads in a blanket fort? Warming maple syrup? Nutmeg? Pumpkin pancakes? Could it be? Is autumn here? In the first days of autumn, we’re having welcome cooler weather, and my love…

As a parent, I am awed by our kids’ interests. Their passions often vary from mine.

Do you get up? Have a cup of tea? Try to fall back to sleep. Wake someone else?

Sometimes I am not ready to greet the day.