I was introduced to senior discounts when my mother retired. Momma would get so happy when we would pick up a quick bite to eat from McDonald’s. She would seem to stand straighter and, with a big smile, say, “I want a senior orange drink.” more

It was in the early 1990s, at a quarterly meeting of the Ozarks Writers League at Branson that I was approached by regional publisher W.C. Jameson about publishing a collection of my newspaper columns. more

I suppose this column should be about New Year’s resolutions. I just can’t stomach that this year as I watch the temperature go from 75 to 32 degrees this week. But if you are still making resolutions, good luck with that. more

In December 2001, when I was pregnant with our first son, I carried around a tangled mess of emotions — excitement, gratitude, hope, fear, joy, anxiety, and a certainty that the smell or sight of cooked chicken would make me gag. (Thankfully, the chicken thing was a temporary aversion, which is why I now make almost daily trips to Chick-fil-A.) But what I remember most about that pregnancy and the subsequent pregnancies with his younger brother and sister is that I loved walking or waddling around, knowing I was part of a miracle. more

I am a nerd, enjoying learning new words more

For the first 22 years of my life I was always home for Christmas morning, “home” being the current residence of our family. more

Though I don’t think of him often, every December my thoughts turn to my baby brother, Stephen. more

Saturday at the Christmas Parade, my social club, Bubbly Red Hat Divas, had fun riding through town clad in our red hats and purple accents. Around a red Christmas tree, the ladies sat, throwing candy and enjoying the cold morning together. more

I have kept a page from a little book I bought years ago. The page reminds me to take a day (or weekend) of solitude a month. This time of year can be full of noise, traffic, deadlines, parties, family and friends and sometimes total chaos during the holiday season. Stress increases along with the pressure to be in so many places and be there for so many can be overwhelming for some. Even if you enjoy every minute, everyone can use a little downtime. Sometimes it seems there is no time to rejuvenate and relax before the next event starts. more

Until now, I thought hiring professionals to string Christmas lights was all about convenience and saving yourself the time and risk of being up on the roof. But a recent DIY attempt has shown me the (literal) light. more

Last week, I traveled to Aurora, IL, with a delegation from Legacy Baptist Church to inspect Operation Christmas Child (OCC) boxes. Every box sent by individuals from all over the country depends on these inspections to get through each country’s customs officials. more

It's time for some sweetness! If you’ve read any of my articles, you know that I love working out and taking care of my body. But I also love baking! It doesn’t matter what: cookies, brownies, scones, pies, cinnamon rolls. Basically, anything sweet. Here are some of my tips for making sweet treats that everyone will love. more

I’ve been contemplating my pursuit of happiness. After all, one of our country’s oldest historical documents states that happiness is a right. more

Each year for the past several years we have placed 3 lit crosses on the bluff above the river at our place. One large one and two smaller ones on either side. It is a symbol of hope and gratefulness for me. It is the acknowledgement and reassurance that I never have to travel through this life alone. more

Harold Hamilton has been gone 20 years. more

When we talk about influencers today, TikTok stars come to mind with thousands of followers on social media. In my youth, an influencer was someone who helped guide your course to adulthood. One would try to mold their actions and attitudes to mirror those of people who made a difference and whose advice was valued. more

Thanksgiving dinner is coming up, and as in many seasons past I look forward to the task of cooking up Thanksgiving fare. more

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the family’s traditional food served up for the most enormous feast of the year. Admit it, something is going to be on the table that soothes the heart and lightens the spirit. more

Some years ago, I prided myself as an ace squirrel hunter. Many a fall day would find me in the oak woods scanning limbs for the flutter of a red tail in the breeze or the scurrying of a fuzzy fox squirrel around a red oak trunk. more

The holiday season can be a challenging time for many people. This time of year, losses seem greater. Sometimes isolation with pain can be easier than talking about the loss or depression a person might be going through. There seem to be many losses this time of year, and this may be the first year of not having a loved one with them to celebrate the holidays. more

As I reflected on the events of the past few months — honoring our veterans and celebrating my constitutional freedoms — I started thinking about the Pledge of Allegiance. more

I sat in on a Sunday evening service a few weeks back in which the preacher offered suggestions on how to better read the Bible. more

Yay! The holidays are right around the corner. In the season of extra sugar, extra calories, and less movement, here are some tips to help you stay on track with goals! more

My heart was brimming with delight on Saturday after watching baby Bison kindergarteners try bouncing balls in a skills league. If you’ve never had a chance to watch this age being coached, stop by the Buffalo High School basketball gymnasium at 8:30 a.m. on any Saturday in November. more

Melanoma is one the most common types of cancer according to the National Cancer Institute. more