Brenda Wood

Every year, it's the same at Christmas. I make resolutions to shop less, buy less, sign up for less, bake less, wrap less, and eat less. (Sigh!) I make resolutions to place Christ's birthday high on my priority list by … Read more

The hand-painted sign had been leaning against the tree for months: Clean Fill Wanted! Today, in the tree above it, children lined the branches, perched several to a limb, like so many giant-sized birds. As I looked at the sign … Read more

One by one, they slipped out and blew away. The breeze from the open car window was systematically emptying the tissue box on the back seat. Sheet by sheet — and, in my mind's eye, blank page by blank page … Read more

Her body died today, August 26th, at 3:45 a.m. Judy, my sister, is gone. Our shared memories are now only mine. Prolonged illness, painful suffering and an early death at 52 were part of her worldly package. Cancer is so … Read more

Again this year it was my "job" to deliver my young granddaughter to her swimming lessons at the lake. And again it was the most entertaining part of my day! "Fish!!! I'm not getting into the water with no fish!" … Read more

It was about a year ago when his wife was still in the hospital after serious heart surgery. She was slowly recovering, but he looked tired and worn. During the Sunday morning "welcome time", I whispered to my husband that … Read more

She was full of thoughts and prayers for friends, family, the community, even the world, but then she stubbed her toe on the dresser. She yearned to give food to the hungry at the food bank, donate some clothing to … Read more

Nothing tastes as good as a freshly laid, 2-3 minute, soft-cooked egg. Our family calls them "dipping eggs". These beauties take well to a sliver of toast or an English muffin. We are really spoiled! Because we live near a … Read more

He doesn't have temper tantrums. Screaming and yelling are unknown to him. He is a very mild-mannered little boy. Yet there, in the middle of the mall, he threw himself to the floor, flailed his arms and legs, and screamed, … Read more

The snow just won't quit this year. The drifts in our little town are as high as an elephant's eye. Since we are retired, we can plan our days according to the weather. Still, some are bound by work and … Read more