Category Archives: Freedom

A Wildflower Running Free

A tribute to my dear sister, Lisa Allen Stanley, who passed away on Father’s Day, June 19, 2022, at the too-age of 63. Continue reading

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Blooming in the Desert Sand

When we are planted in inhospitable environments can we bloom? Continue reading

Posted in Autobiographical, Blooming, Freedom, Friends, Happiness, Ideas, Op/Ed Thoughts, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Victorious ‘Yes’

May my sister Lisa continue to transcend the sorrows of this world, may her strong spirit continue to soar. Continue reading

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Hiding in Plain Sight

Being ourselves is the adventure of a lifetime. We often hide in plain sight, but beneath our disguises we have our own mysterious ways. Continue reading

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Gluing Together Our Broken Places

I got my first dose of the Covid vaccine today in a drive-through operation at Ft. Sanders Hospital West here in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was a flawless experience except they did not set up a second shot right away on … Continue reading

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The Wisdom That Does Not Cry

Wisdom is not a monopoly held only by adults. There is so much we can learn from the deep wisdom of very young children. May we stoop from our greater height, bend our ear close, and listen. Continue reading

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IndigoNation

Nothing compares with this dye’s ability to capture the blues of nature—a midnight sky, early dawn, or an impression of the sea. It can also define a mood—of melancholy, of mystery in the dark hues, or joy and vitality in lighter … Continue reading

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Found Wanting for His Moment in History

Yesterday I learned that Senator Lamar Alexander–one of two senators representing my home state of Tennessee in the U.S. Senate–voted not to call witnesses during the our current President’s impeachment trial in the Senate. I was not surprised, in fact, … Continue reading

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A Man of Value

Values over riches, people over things: remembering my father and dealing with the grief. Continue reading

Posted in Autobiographical, Beauty, Blooming, Childhood, Creativity, Dementia, Family, Freedom, Happiness, Ideas, Knoxville, Love, Music, Tribute, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Coming Home to Myself

For the ones who had a notion,A notion deep inside,That it ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive . . . Bruce Springsteen, “Badlands”, 1977 A few months before Bruce Springsteen wrote his elegaic anthem “Badlands”, I left my … Continue reading

Posted in Alzheimer's, Autobiographical, Bruce Springsteen, Childhood, Courage, Creativity, Dementia, Education, Family, Freedom, Happiness, Home, Ideas, Knoxville, Love, Music, Op/Ed Thoughts, Tribute, Women, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment