Written by RF Wilson – “Ya know, some people swear this house is haunted,” the man said to his companion as they pushed through sprawling boxwoods that had begun to conquer the front walk. On the phone, she had introduced herself as Phyllis Nyswander of the real estate firm Nyswander andContinue Reading
Written by Phil Okrend – Being vulnerable is difficult for many people. It can conjure up intense feelings such as fear of being judged, loss of control and weakness. When we want to project a certain image to the world, we may try to avoid vulnerability. It is as though beingContinue Reading
Written by Nina Silver – Preface – The Aztecs believed that butterflies are the souls of our ancestors coming down to earth to be with us. I read that a few years after my father died. It gave me a start and then I smiled. I remembered an incident that happened aContinue Reading
Written by George Ellison – When the old man and his dog wandered into town it was just after nine of a Saturday morning. “My bird,” said the old man as he sat down beside me on the bench at the Bryson City depot, “don’t know but just one song. MostContinue Reading
Written by RF Wilson – The cars of serious buyers and treasure hunters, speculators and the idly curious, inundate the neighborhood. The tree-lined streets are ablaze with orange and red and gold, redolent of football and bonfires, hinting of winter. By 6:30, people are knocking on the door at 136 MaplewoodContinue Reading
Written by Sandee Setliff – As an artist who normally works in a studio by herself, it is always a novelty making eye contact with people while being creative. I don’t mind it actually, but I’m just not use to it. We rely on eye contact to communicate and connect withContinue Reading
Written by Jason M. Hilliard – On a foggy, misty morning in a sleepy mountain town Two twin boys say “Hello Day!” with shrieks and leaps and bounds. Adventure’s on its way! Happy feelings grow! Jammies off and make the bed, Daddy puts on their clothes. Daddy wipes sleepy eyes andContinue Reading
Written by Phil Okrend – A few weekends ago, I had the privilege to attend a workshop at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. Omega is a wonderful retreat and educational center offering courses on personal and societal change from some of the leading authors, speakers and educators in theContinue Reading
Written by Terry Ward – Mr. Leon Franklin, our Scoutmaster, had just left the campsite, having reminded us that canned foods were not allowed on Troop 27 camping trips. Ever since I joined the Boy Scouts, this had been an ongoing, unchanging rule. No cans? No problem. We had gotten prettyContinue Reading
