The Purple COw When I was in ninth grade, I came home to find six nuns in our kitchen. My Gran was serving them tea while my teacher, Sister Mary Margaret, ironed our clothes. Seriously, my teacher was ironing my uniform blouse. She said, “Hello Anne! Come sit with us for a cup of tea.”…
My Yellow Toes
Last year Scott surprised me with a pedicure for Mother’s Day. It sounded very relaxing. He said, “You don’t have to do a thing. I’ll even get the nail polish.” I thought this sounded lovely. I remembered for a minute that he is color blind, but quickly dismissed the thought. When…
Confections And Miracles On Christmas Eve
It was Christmas Eve of 1958. I was six years old. I’d woken up in the dark to pull up my covers closer. The wind was howling as the tree branches smacked against my window. “Dear God, please don’t let Santa freeze tonight,” I prayed. I prayed for everything. Sister Mary Matthew, my first grade…
Winston, Our Royal Fawny
Winston, Our Royal Fawny Every family has had a pet that sets the standard for future pets. If you asked anyone in our family who our most adored pet was, the answer would be unanimous. It was our English Mastiff, Winston James of Gwynedd. He was a huge (literally) part of our family. He…
No Sob Zone
No Sob Zone I thought I could handle it. It was the first anniversary of my mom’s passing. I didn’t want to sit around and cry all day. I thought if I went to my gift shop, I’d stay busy and I could get through the day without tears. To be certain of a distraction,…