It’s Okay to be Sad

My mother died this spring. I’m sure you know that if you aren’t new here. She lived a wonderful, long life and died surrounded by love. We all felt privileged to have belonged to her. Grateful for her life. We were so glad she had entered Glory and was...

Why I Write Books (instead of baking cookies)

I would like to tell you that I write novels to share a timeless message with the world. Or to contribute to the greater good. I hope my books accomplish those goals. At least a bit. But the truth is I write books because I’m a much nicer person when I’m...

To the Class of ’74

I’m not sure we will have an official 50th-class reunion this year. We are all busy, and most of us live a long way from the little school where we first met. So, I decided to host a celebration on my blog. Here’s to us, the Atlanta High School Class of...

Three Pieces of Advice

No one has asked me to give a commencement address. If they did, I think I’d say three (very short) things. Here is my best advice to the graduates of 2024 – and all the rest of us. It is ancient wisdom originally written by a Jewish prophet named Micah...

A Song I Can’t Sing Right Now

There are some songs I can’t sing right now. You probably understand. I thought it would be the hymns at my mother’s funeral. When the time came to sing with my siblings and our children and our children’s children, I thought I would ugly cry. I...