That Time the Scary Dude Lunged at Me
He was 6’4″. I am 5’1″. He was screaming a threat too vile to print here. Then he lunged across my desk and landed about
November 16, 2021
Musings
Not Your Usual Ghost Story
Have you ever received communication from The Great Beyond? Has a loved one or other dearly departed person visited you from The Other Side? If
October 19, 2021
Mama & the Therapist
Mama’s last months grew increasingly darker. Fiercely angry that she had not yet died, she became more and more sullen, resentful, and silent…and then this
October 6, 2021
A Cat Tale
My friend and I were sipping mojitos at a noisy Mexican restaurant when she casually told this jaw-dropping story. Despite the racket around us, I
September 19, 2021
House of Waffles
When you’ve been a Waffle House regular for several decades, you hear and see some things. Things that both restore your faith in humanity–and occasionally
September 19, 2021
If I Were the Devil
In 1965, Radio Legend Paul Harvey recorded a piece titled If I Were the Devil. It became his most famous recording. This is my take
September 19, 2021
Mama and the Chain Gang
Mama and the Chain Gang is by far the most beloved story in my book, The Cracker Queen–A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life. As
September 19, 2021
The Moment I Heard the Church Bells Tolling in Memory of 9/11
I stopped in my tracks; removed my headphones; and stayed still until the bells fell silent. I thought about the ancestors. The Irish who could
September 11, 2021
Presence
Daddy shocked my socks off with his appearance that sunny day. How did he know where I was? Why was he asking that question? I
June 30, 2021
Loving Mother-Daughter Phone Conversation
What follows is a transcript of a real phone call held between Mama and me. Mama: Retta, I sure am sorry to hear about your
June 6, 2021