All the Wonders

Apr 11, 20111 min

Marty's African Violet

My mom (Marty) and grandma both raised African Violets. I particularly remember the little plant stand in the east window of Grandma Ida...

Aug 24, 20102 min

The Keeper

This was my first-ever published writing -- in the "Patterns" issue of alive now! J/F 1985. I wrote this following my mom's last trip to...

Aug 4, 20102 min

Whispers of Guidance

This week I paged the January/February 2011 issue of Alive Now. "Paging an issue" is when the editor sits down with all the potential...

Jun 20, 20101 min

Where Is Home?

Perhaps it's because of my dad's decline into Alzheimer's, but my return to the family cabin is especially powerful this year. It is like...

Jun 1, 20103 min

Who Are Your Shepherds?

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." - Psalm 23:1, NRSV I wonder -- Who are your shepherds? My dad -- Charles Richardson -- is...

Dec 30, 20091 min

Nativity Surprise

I opened a gift from my brother on Christmas and discovered the Nativity scenes from our childhood. One was the figures we had played...

Jun 16, 20091 min

Naming Lake Joyce

This Spring marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of Penuel Ridge Retreat Center's 25th anniversary. This special place is on...

May 17, 20091 min

Remembering Tigger

We lay Tigger the Scottie to rest this last Wednesday. He died peacefully at the vet, surrounded by strong women who loved him. Two of...

Apr 25, 20091 min

Grandpa's Peonies

Grandpa's peonies started blooming yesterday. My Grandpa Wilson was a gardener. His entire back yard in Norman, OK was dedicated to a...