Crooked Creek by Sue Mattingly
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi
Book Review Monday “Reforesting Faith” by Matthew Sleeth, MD This book was a gift from my sister-in-law. When I first saw it I wondered if it was about religion or about saving the trees. It turns out that it is about both. I have read the Bible my whole life, but I never read it […]
The Plant From Hell We moved into our new condo in the spring of 2013 leaving behind a big yard and koi ponds and all kinds of trees and flowers. The condo has a small courtyard with a patio and room for a few plants. When it came to plants my husband never understood “few.” […]
Alyssa Smith was born with biliary atresia, a condition of the liver which would be incompatible with life by the time she was around three-years-old. She needed a liver transplant but chances of an infant donor becoming available were bleak. In those days only a cadaveric donor liver transplant was possible in the United States. […]
People Who Are Hit the Hardest by John Pavlovitz https://johnpavlovitz.com/2020/09/16/the-people-hit-hardest-this-year/
What Are You Feeling? These are unprecedented times of pandemic, wild fires, hurricanes, racial tension and political uncertainty. We experience so many emotions at the same time and we wonder how to deal with any one of them. Perhaps one way to sort out our feelings is to realize that we are enduring profound grief. […]
Book Review Monday “The Daughter’s Tale” by Armando Lucas Correa An eighty year-old woman in New York City in 2015 receives a box of letters from long ago and seven decades of secrets spill forth. The shock of learning about her past was devastating both physically and emotionally. At this point the story switches to […]
I unexpectedly heard this old song today and it struck me as being a good inspiration for the world we are currently living in. In spite of pandemics, raging fires, racial injustice, and political wars we must have hope. We must wait until the darkness is over. WHISPERING HOPE by Septimus Winner Soft as the […]
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit Indigenous communities in the United States the hardest. Just weeks ago, the Navajo Nation had the highest per capita rate of cases in the entire country. Yet in the midst of this unprecedented global crisis, the current administration is seizing the opportunity to open more fracking and drilling in the Greater […]
Are you registered to vote? If not, please consider registering now so that you are prepared to place your vote in November. There have been few times in the history of the United States when a vote was more important. Do your duty as an American, PLEASE. Shamefully in the last election (2018) nationwide turnout […]
A few days ago I heard an alarmingly loud noise and had no idea what had happened. As I walked to the front of my condo I saw that a bird had flown into my storm door. It was lying lifelessly on my porch. Remembering what my husband had done in similar circumstances years earlier, […]
This is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. During this pandemic it is more important than ever that we be there for each other. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Being aware of the signs, knowing where to turn for help are things we can all do for ourselves […]
Today is the Day of the Fillies! The Kentucky Oaks horse race is for female horses called “fillies” and runs each year the day before the Kentucky Derby. https://crookedcreek.live/2020/05/02/this-should-have-been-derby-day/ A few things, besides gender, are different about the Oaks race. The fillies carry 121# of weight as compared to 126# for the Derby and the […]
The Arctic Refuge in Alaska is home to polar bears and migrating caribou. It also promises wealth from oil. After over sixty years of protection, the current administration has just finalized plans to open the area to drilling and fracking. “I do believe there could be a lease sale by the end of the year,” Interior Secretary […]
Several months ago https://crookedcreek.live/2019/11/14/haiku/ we discussed Haiku and I asked readers to submit their original poems. A new reader, Jan Beekman, has done just that and here is her Haiku and her lovely photograph to go with it. The yellow blooms inspired her poetry. Lilies drop petals Long before other flowers Best not to cut […]
Like most other people during this pandemic I’ve been staying close to home. Even family get-togethers are not safe in these COVID days. Once every couple of weeks I drive one mile up the road to pick up my pre-ordered groceries that workers safely place in my car. That’s it as far as going places […]
Welcome Back Readers! I’ve missed you, but I thought of you often as I worked on Crooked Creek, trying to make it better and perhaps more relevant. Most changes will barely be perceptible, but some require an explanation. In the very beginning I declared Crooked Creek to be a “Politics Free” zone https://crookedcreek.live/2016/09/03/declaration/ and I’ve pretty […]
Haven House Mission which I have discussed here on Crooked Creek several times https://crookedcreek.live/2019/07/07/haven-house/ has undergone significant changes this summer. As of this month the Park Memorial United Methodist Church in Jeffersonville, IN has become the new owner. Haven House is now Catalyst Rescue Mission. The Mission Statement is: “to help end homelessness in Southern Indiana by […]
2020 Appointments As we age we have more medical appointments and so my calendar is full of them. Appointments today are nothing like in the past. Thanks to the Novel Corona Virus everything is complicated. And each provider’s office has a different way of approaching safe environments for patients. Some work and some confuse. I’ve […]
Return to Pope Lick Park This year for whatever the reason, I have not been going to the park to walk as I’ve done for the past four years. I’ve missed it and today I returned. It was sunny and beautiful. There is no place I’d rather see the changing seasons. Today was typical August […]
Book Review Monday “How to be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi I’ve wanted to read this New York Times bestseller since I first heard Kendi interviewed on TV. I have now read it and I am disappointed. I had hoped to learn specific actions that I could take as an antiracist in more than name […]
“So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.” John Lewis July 2020 Flag photo by Pixabay
It didn’t happen overnight, but slowly the ideas for blog posts have been reduced to a trickle. There are a few technical problems with the WordPress platform, but if I had more enthusiasm I could, no doubt, work through those. Although I have some serious health problems I’m dealing fine with those. COVID lockdown? It […]
“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng I don’t read a lot of novels, but I am very glad that I did not miss this one. The author, a Harvard graduate, has woven the lives of two disparate families into a web that is forever binding. The story involves teenage love, adult secrets and subtle racism. […]
sanctuary a summer rain blows in during the heat of day and i seek shelter beneath the canopy of a bald cypress waiting for the rain to abate, i examine the trunk from where it rises out of the ground to where it terminates against a sky of gray as straight as an arrow, dressed […]
America has lost a true hero, Rep. John Lewis has left us to carry on his fight for equality in America. It is not enough to grieve his loss. We must stand up, speak up for justice for all Americans. He said it best: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, […]
I like to keep Milk Bone on hand for the neighborhood dogs, especially Bailey the little Westie next door. He is always so polite, begs, sits, and then eats every crumb. I kept the treats in a ziplock bag in a large basket on my porch. That worked for a little while. One morning I […]
Rob Bell is a bestselling author and international teacher and speaker. I was first introduced to his writing by a friend who never steers me wrong when it comes to books. I have read two of Bell’s books and plan to read more in the future. Since the subtitles tell one exactly what the books […]
For almost four months now life has been pretty boring due to precautions around the Corona Virus. No eating out, no movies, no shopping, no family gatherings, even medical appointments are curtailed. One thing that I am thankful for is that I have a front porch. It isn’t large, but 3 or 4 people can […]
“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi If you have questions about life and/or death this book is a must-read. Paul Kalanithi, MD was a brilliant neurosurgeon and scientist who strove to meet his patients’ needs emotionally as well as physically. He had many questions about death while he held the life of his patients […]
Covid Calamity Here we are almost four months in and things are not improving. I’ve posted my thoughts and feelings about the isolation involved with staying safe and I must admit that my resolve to stay productive is waning a bit. As a result, I’m reading a lot of books. You’ve probably noticed all the book […]
Dianne Bynum is the most prolific reader I know currently. I like to include some of her book reviews to give you a look at different genres. She reads a wide variety of books and I think you will enjoy hearing from her from time to time. Here’s the latest: “Carter Beats the Devil” by […]
“A Woman of No Importance” by Sonia Purnell This book is about Virginia Hall, a woman of great importance who rarely received recognition for her accomplishments as an American Spy. She was born of privilege but spent her entire adult life fighting for peace during World War II and the years that followed. In 1942 […]
“Educated” by Tara Westover Tara Westover’s memoir is both enlightening and frightening. She tells the story of her life growing up within a large family of children who were “homeschooled” in name only. They actually had no education at all except what they taught themselves. The author was seventeen-years-old the first time she entered a […]
Do you follow your gut instincts and if so are they usually right? I believe we are given instincts for a reason and I do try to pay attention to what my “gut” tells me. If I am in a place that is potentially unsafe and I have the feeling I should not take a […]
It’s no accident that: We learned about Helen Keller instead of W.E.B. DuBois We learned about the Watts and L.A. Riots, but not Tulsa or Wilmington. We learned that George Washington’s dentures were made from wood, rather than the teeth from slaves. We learned about black ghettos, but not about Black Wall Street. We learned […]
Tonight, the President of the United States will hold a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Many believe the rally should not be held there because of the city’s history of violence against African Americans almost 100 years ago. Tulsa was only one of many cities wherein Black Americans were tortured, beaten, burned, or hanged during the […]
“Pit race against race, religion against religion, prejudice against prejudice. Divide and conquer! We must not let that happen here.” Eleanor Roosevelt Sadly, Ms. Roosevelt, It has. It has.
Case 1 Several months ago, a college student was shopping at a craft store. She paid with a $20 bill which she had received at another retail establishment. The clerk checking out her order looked at the bill and said, “I’m sorry, but this is counterfeit.” The student was shocked and produced another bill that […]
“THE BODY – A Guide for Occupants” by Bill Bryson The size of this big book might be off-putting but if you are interested in how your body works I suggest you read it. Being a Registered Nurse I wondered if this would be of interest to me since I expected it to be just […]
Here’s a book that I recommend for all citizens of a democracy. It’s cheap, it’s small but it is loaded with information that we need. “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder In the twentieth century, many Europeans saw their democracies yield to fascism, communism, or Nazism. Twenty years into the twenty-first century we have the advantage […]
“The Travelling Cat Chronicles” by Hiro Arikawa When I borrowed this book I was expecting a silly cat story. Boy was I wrong! This is truly a chronicle of a cat who traveled. In fact he traveled all over Japan. The cat is the narrator and he is very funny and wise. His relationship with […]
Do you ever wish you could reboot and start over? I think that sometimes we do and yet maybe not really if you hear the story I want to share with you. I came across a tiny article about Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor that piqued my interest so I researched her and was fascinated by […]
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward toward justice.” Martin Luther King Jr. 1967 How long must people of color wait for that justice? Photo by Pixabay
“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch I just read this book for the second time and still found it very interesting and uplifting. Professors often give a “last lecture” at the end of their illustrious careers. Randy Pausch, a tenured professor at Carnegie-Mellon, gave his when he was in his late forties and dying with […]
Nationwide protests, Do not let the damage hide The genuine issues here. Respect for humans Color and ethnicity All like you and me.
If you could sit down with any influential leaders from any country living or dead; who would it be and what would you say to them? My Answer: These are my top three at the moment and they need no name tags. What I would say would be unimportant because I would be so […]
A Book Review by Dianne Bynum So much fun, a great escape…It’s April of 2020 and the world is in the throes of a pandemic. I’ve been sick for a month with a virus that no one fully understands. I needed a book like The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett. When my fever broke […]
We Know Murdered While he ran. His family grieves We run free. Murdered in her bed She was only twenty-six Her family weeps, We still sleep. Murdered While we watched. On his neck a knee, He couldn’t breathe. It is not about a counterfeit bill, Not about a no-knock warrant, It is not about looting […]
Please read this post from January 2019: https://crookedcreek.live/2019/01/23/pollinators/ Here we are sixteen months later and the EPA has finally begun to acknowledge what research has shown for years: that neonic pesticides pose serious risks to bees, birds, other wildlife — and even human health. But, rather than taking sweeping measures to crack down on neonics, […]
What colors inspire you and how do they inspire you, what feeling do they evoke? My Answer Yellow is my favorite color and I believe that is inspired by the daffodils that bloomed when my daughters were born in March. Daffodils are pure, bright, and beautiful. To me, their appearance in springtime heralds new life […]
Stay inside! Wash your hands! Wear a mask! Stay 6 feet apart! I realize all this is essential. As an extra high-risk senior, I appreciate the guidance, but it is sure getting redundant! I have been mostly inside since March 16th and I am bored. Yes, I need a haircut and a visit to the […]
“We . . . would like to start a petition that all teachers get paid $1.71 million . . . per day.” John Kransinski, after homeschooling. “Use this time to spread kindness, check in on your family and friends, and, of course, no biting.” Arnold Schwarzenegger “We’re realizing how much we need each other, how we’re […]
Various Definitions of Hypnosis The induction of a state of consciousness in which a person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction. Its use in therapy, typically to recover suppressed memories or to allow modification of behavior by suggestion, has been revived but is still controversial. Webster’s […]
Another Poem by Sylvia find me look among my wealth of nature’s bounty… among feathers, acorns, and a harvest of dried leaves… among the marbles and arrowheads that i plucked from the ground… and the skeleton keys and old coins that rose from there as well look among my treasure chest of cherished things… the […]
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey I cannot explain why this book has such a hold on me, but I have read it four times. It was copyrighted in 1962. I was introduced to it by my psychiatric nursing instructor in the early 70s. I saw the movie and re-read the book […]
the earth could heal if we were gone the earth could heal we see the evidence now that viral pandemonium has herded us into seclusion nature has begun to breathe again… the air and water have cleared as we have been forced to shrink back in isolation but even after this pandemic has passed will […]
May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Now that warm spring weather is here we see more motorcycles. We also hear them revving up beside us. I used to find that loud sound intimidating but now I know that for the most part they are loud so that we know they are there. Too often motorcycles […]
Do you know the meaning of Cinco de Mayo? Most Americans do not and we probably celebrate it anyway with Mexican food and maybe a margarita or two. Cinco de Mayo actually means May 5. It marks the day of Mexico’s unlikely defeat of Napoleon’s French army in 1862. Happy Cinco de Mayo to our […]
“physically distant” by Pat Bush I plan to stay “physically distant”, Not giving up for a day or an instant. Yes, it is hard and NOT the norm, In any way, shape, or form. My heart is aching for those not paid, For graduations, proms, canceled, or delayed. Yet if we’re careful for some months […]
The Kentucky Derby This year’s Kentucky Derby will be the 146th running of three-year-old thoroughbreds. Known as the fastest two minutes in sports this horse race attracts people from all around the globe. Beginning in 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY the Derby runs on the first Saturday in May. It is preceded by […]
If you are from Louisville you will love this video of great music that also gives a glimpse of what our city is like. If you aren’t from Louisville, I think you might still enjoy the six and one-half minutes of entertainment lead by Terry Abrams, Director of the Louisville Orchestra. https://youtu.be/AcsiqH5AZ7g
If the world was to end tomorrow, what would you do and how would you spend your last twenty-four hours? Hopefully, I would spend it with my wonderful family members . . . all of them together. During the last half-hour of those twenty-four I would eat fried shrimp! Other things I’d enjoy doing, given […]
A Book Review: “The Bright Hour” by Nina Riggs People tease me about being too interested in death and I do see the subject as something to be explored. After all, it is the last and greatest mystery of all time. We won’t know what it’s like until it’s our death and then we won’t […]
Ramadan Muslims around the world began celebrating Ramadan at sunset last evening. The celebration lasting thirty days is a time for reflection, fasting, prayer, and community. It commemorates Muhammad’s first revelation and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan is on different dates each year coinciding with the lunar calendar’s crescent moons. Greetings To […]
thief of lives crossing oceans, an invisible enemy washes up and rises to walk the flourishing earth it rises and wanders among the living… preying upon human weaknesses… exploiting the need for closeness and contact it moves between people from host to host, wreaking havoc on health and emotions thief of lives, but never of […]
Earth Day 2020 Earth Day began as a response to oil spills, smog, and polluted rivers. On April 22, 1970, over 20 million Americans protested the crisis and demanded changes to protect the environment. This first Earth Day launched The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts as well as the creation of the Environmental […]
Imagine that a calamity came along that would wipe out every song in the world except one and that you had the power to choose the one that would remain. All musical compositions would continue, but there could only be one song. What would be your choice to hear for the rest of your life? […]
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller This is such a beautiful story and a joy to read. Circe is one of my favorite books and I was anxious to read Miller’s second novel, A Song for Achilles. I was surprised that it was a love story. I’m also surprised that the book wasn’t narrated […]
If you could communicate with animals, what species would you like to talk with? My Answer: Dogs and Cats I would want to know what they remember, if they can think of the future and whether they get their feelings hurt. I feel sure that they love deeply. Your Answer? “Children, old crones, peasants, […]
New Normal These are unprecedented times. No one living has experienced such a pandemic in their adult lives. Restrictions depend upon where you live, but almost everyone is restricted in some way. Each country’s precautions are a little different and in the US it is up to each state to decide how much we must […]
Easter is a Christian observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether you celebrate this as a Christian or non-Christian it is a time of renewal and awakening. Kids anticipate the Easter Bunny, dye eggs and have fun with many traditions. Easter holds promise and heralds springtime for many. “Easter is very important to […]
How important is writing to you and what does writing do for you? As much as I like to talk it is hard to believe but I would rather write. I express myself more clearly in writing. I especially like to write using the computer. It is clearer, neater, and gives helpful prompts and corrections. […]
What is this place? Masks, gloves, plexiglass partitions What is this place? Tape on the floor where we’re to stand I search the masked faces for a smile. I dread the touch of rubber gloved workers. Do I really need to disinfect my groceries? Has someone coughed on my fruit or vegetables? Do I even […]
Mother Nature is Always changing views for us She is a giver “Seems you can’t outsmart Mother Nature.” Mark Hyman Title photo by Pixabay
Poem by Sylvia A million shades of gray Once I thought life was all black and white Half a century now gone by…things have gone from day to night I’ve learned that in the book of life, the words are a colorful array And everything in between the lines is but a million shades of […]
A Book Review by Dianne Bynum I’m struggling with the rating for this book. It was fun and I enjoyed the characters but the writing really got it the way. I’ve read the expression, “This book could have used a good editor.” and I’ve never understood it until now. The plot was imaginative and interesting, […]
John Pavlovitz is a blogger who I follow. His latest post (the link is below) says a lot that is important during this time of physical distancing. I’ve been thinking about blogging about the issues he discusses. He does it so well, please read. Thank You https://johnpavlovitz.com/2020/04/01/dont-quarantine-yourself-from-life/
https://crookedcreek.live/2019/04/01/april-fools-day/ “Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever.” Charles Lamb
“Close Friend Day”
Experts on the Coronavirus have warned that we need to remain six feet apart when we interact to prevent viral spread. This has been dubbed “Social Distancing” but I believe a better term would be “physical distancing.” We need to be socially close perhaps more than ever before. Our social contacts may be by phone, […]
If you were going to spend a week alone away from home and could only bring three things aside from your clothes . . . what would you bring and why? Let’s assume medication and personal items like one’s toothbrush are included in the “clothes” category above. The three items I would take are: iPhone, […]
In the past, we discussed end-of-life decisions. Please review some of the resources and information provided during that series on Death. https://crookedcreek.live/2017/01/25/death-decisions/ One of my readers made an important point in a personal discussion we were having today and I feel it is worth mentioning here. During the current COVID-19 pandemic many more patients are […]
All the world is experiencing unprecedented challenges. We are in a state of shock at what is happening and we have no idea what is next. Global pandemics like the one we are dealing with today are once in a lifetime phenomenon. Can We Still Laugh? Even though people are losing their jobs and lifetime […]
What is the one thing that you don’t eat that you really wish you could and why? My Answer: I really wish I could eat shrimp. Unfortunately I am allergic to crustaceans (shrimp, lobster and crab) as I learned in the 1980s while in Charleston, South Carolina. After eating shrimp all week I went into […]
As we age most of us expect our vision to worsen. We expect to wear glasses and to eventually have cataracts that require surgical removal. Some unfortunate individuals have eye diseases that greatly impair vision, such as macular degeneration. One thing that might blindside (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun) seniors is color-blindness more accurately […]
Annoyed at what you ask? Some officials and other “experts” who hold press conferences about COVID-19! While they announce emergencies and give out advice regarding social distancing and other precautions they stand shoulder to shoulder and shake hands like they are at a political gathering. This is a pandemic and it should not be too […]
I will love the light for it shows me the way, Yet I will endure the darkness because It shows me the stars. by Og Mandino Image Credit: Pixabay
Do you have a bucket list? According to Webster a bucket list is “a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.” That’s a more positive way of saying things I want to do before I kick the bucket. When I think of this I see an actual […]
This is the day set aside to catch up on the one hour lost when we sprang forward yesterday morning. National Napping Day began in the year 2000. I’ve celebrated today, have you? Cartoon by Pixabay
For me, it’s hard to get excited about International Women’s Day. In the United States, women have barely advanced in the past few years, if at all. While other countries have had women as leaders for years, the U.S. seems unable to accomplish this. How many more years will little girls here have to grow […]
A novel form of coronavirus originating in China late last year has spread globally. There is no vaccine for this particular type of corona, named COVID-19. I won’t list the morbidity and mortality statistics here because they are changing by the hour and news coverage is widespread and nearly constant. It is important that we […]
Cliches Do you speak using cliches? You might think the answer is “no” but what if I told you there are as many as 681? These are things we say often without really recognizing that we are using cliches. Because we have heard them our whole lives they come so naturally in our speech that […]
Crooked Creek blog now has 400 followers! This is a milestone of which I am very proud. There are blogs with thousands, but Crooked Creek is a more intimate blog and I appreciate each follower. I also appreciate all the comments and participation of readers. THANK YOU!
When I was growing up we called daffodils “March Flowers.” I don’t know it that was peculiar to the country or the era. Now I know they are daffodils and I look for them as soon as March appears on the calendar. I love this month when three of my four beautiful girls were born. […]
Today is February 29th, a day we only get to experience every four years. Those born today will not have a birthday for four whole years. All this so that the calendar harmonizes with the solar year. February has some fun dates like my brother’s and granddaughter’s birthdays. There is Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day and […]
“What does your music taste say about you?” I like just about all types of music but I love Rock & Roll! I love the beat. I love memories connected with it. I love the performers. What does it say about me? It says I am young at heart. How about you? What does your […]
only for a day sometimes i want to go back… to days gone by… to times held precious… now existing only in photographs and in my mind i long for those years, those days, those still frames of life that are such a part of me… but that i’ll never know again… if only […]
I’ve just finished reading a book that was very informative and inspiring. The title is “The book of Gutsy Women” by mother and daughter Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. When I first heard of the book I wondered how they would mesh their writing but it worked very well. Each take turns discussing the women they […]
Ever hear of a Pangolin? Me either, until recently. We might never have known about this unusual animal had it not been for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) sweeping China since December of 2019. These unusual mammals are scaly anteaters who curl into a ball when threatened. Various species live mostly in Asia and Africa. As potential […]
Time I remember when my mother at about my age talked about time being on “fast forward.” That was during the days of cassette tapes and when she said that I could picture time chugging ahead at full speed. I agreed with her that time was flying by. Sadly when she was a few years […]
Of my nearly four hundred readers I know there are all ages. While this post is about old age, please read on even if you are young. I’d like to hear from all demographics. At what age are you old? I’ve heard that 70 is the new 50. I’m not sure what that means but […]
“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” This book was a fun surprise. My friend got me interested in this book when she asked me if I’d ever heard about the Blue people of Kentucky. I had, of course, I’ve lived in Kentucky my whole life. We’re known for moonshine, young brides and horse racing. The […]
Recently I attended three funerals in one week. Each deceased person was different in so many ways, e.g., age, interests and family unit left behind. But one thing was consistent, each left a hole in the hearts of those surviving. When someone we know dies we are usually shocked. We use words that mask the […]
I’ve said here on this blog that people are good. https://crookedcreek.live/2019/04/02/people-are-good/ Today I want to tell you about one of those good people. Recently, a neighbor called me who is having serious health problems, but she didn’t call me about that. She called to see if I still “go to the homeless shelter” and I […]
My family has teased me because I say that things always happen in threes. In general, I mean bad things, e.g., deaths, appliance and other household problems, etc. Well, today I strongly hope that I am right because I’ve had three mishaps with my new car. For as long as I can remember I wanted […]
Happy Groundhog Day He definitely saw his shadow here in Kentucky. What a beautiful sixty-four degree day!
“What TV show, past or present, do you wish your life was like?” I guess it would have to be “Mayberry RFD” mainly because of the innocence of the characters. Life was simple then, but there was also Barney and other foolish folks to keep things amusing and imperfect. What would be yours? Photos […]
“A Gentleman In Moscow” by Amor Towles I recently read this book and found it very interesting. I will remember this as one of my favorite historical novels. Here is an excellent review from Goodreads by Dianne Bynum: There is value in examining a life well led. The hero of our story leads a full […]
The coronavirus is all over the news today. It is important and it is wreaking havoc in China, but I wonder why it is of more interest in this country than plain old flu. Many people refuse to be vaccinated against the flu for various personal reasons. I think seasonal flu needs more respect in […]
Just when I think I’ve heard it all . . . I hear there is more ridiculous stuff to learn. Sourtoe Cocktail has an unbelievable ingredient: a human toe. I kid you not! You won’t find the Sourtoe everywhere, but if you are near Dawson City, Canada drop into the Sourdough Saloon and order one […]
The writing prompt today is, “What is your idea of the perfect summer?” I will share my idea of the perfect summer first and look for your ideas in response. The Perfect Summer First, there would be lots of sunshine, of course, but also rains. I love to hear it raining, whether a pitter-patter or a […]
the key to wisdom fresh and clean we’re born into the world… our hearts, open windows… our minds, empty slates we have an innate thirst for knowledge… making a perpetual effort to quench it… we muddle our way through adversity… pick our way past chaos… acquiring knowledge… gaining experience… developing judgement… creating a unique law […]
I love to write but once in a while, I seem to slow down to the point of having nothing to say. I’ve told other bloggers that I do not like to use writing prompts for my blog, but I’ve recently changed my mind. My Granddaughter gave me a book entitled “300 More Writing Prompts” […]
In My Experience Depression is a thief. It robs one of blue skies, the songs of birds, the warmth of authentic hugs and most of life’s simplest pleasures. It is more than a “down” day. It is life-changing and it is painful beyond explanation. All the medications, treatments and counseling in the world sometimes barely […]
Book Review My close friends, family and regular readers know I have a fascination with death which includes careful reading of obituaries. I don’t see it as morbid. I see it as a window into life, but be that as it may, it is no surprise that I received the book “Mobituaries” for Christmas this […]
Pitching Plastic Years ago when I traveled in my job, I was a frequent hotel “guest.” Like everyone I collected those little individual use toiletries. There were plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion and sometimes body wash. There was always more than one could use, so I’d cart them home in my suitcase. Pretty […]
“Little Women” 2020 Style Most women and girls have read the book “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott and many of us have seen the movies that followed. This past week, my daughter and I went to see the latest rendition of this popular movie. It was beautifully done with great acting. I recommend this […]
May your New Year be one of your happiest and most rewarding. Remember, 2019 is as yet “un-lived.” Choose each day to make the world a better place. Graphics by Pixabay
Faster Google Searches Searching on Google has become second nature for all of us but there’s still a lot we can learn about how to search faster and more effectively. Here are some of the key tips from an expert: Think an extra second about what it is you are really asking for Here is […]
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or some other special day, I wish you a very happy time with those you love!
Originally posted on Crooked Creek by Sue Mattingly:
Carol of the Brown King by Langston Hughes Of the three Wise Men Who came to the King, One was a brown man, So they sing. ? Of the three Wise Men Who followed the Star, One was a brown king From afar. ? They brought fine…
I’ve been making these cookies since the 1980s and they are still a family favorite. The recipe was given to me by a sweet elderly neighbor, Helen Peters. I think of her each time that I make them which includes today. They are easy. Give this recipe a try! Forgotten Cookies 2 egg whites at […]
at my feet in a postage stamp yard behind a small bungalow i have the world at my feet “my world”… of speckled starlings and common house sparrows… Carolina wrens and cardinals… chipmunks who scurry about beneath the fern fronds and boxwood… and families of gray squirrels who travel the branching highways of the mighty […]
The Good News Bees have been declared the most important living being on the planet by the Earthwatch Institute. Seventy percent of the world’s agriculture depends exclusively on bees for pollination which enables plants to reproduce. A study conducted in Chili with the support of the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA), concluded bees are the […]
Why Own a Dog The most obvious reason is that they are wonderful pets who bring immense joy to one’s life. As pointed out in an earlier post https://crookedcreek.live/2019/03/06/staying-alive/ owning a dog may help you to live longer. This is strongly indicated in a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal “Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes” of the […]
Homemade Egg Nog For the past fifty or so years I’ve made Egg Nog every Christmas. Most of my family and friends love it. Once in a while someone says, “Oh, I don’t like egg nog” and I always assume they’ve never tried the homemade kind. What one buys in the store is nothing like […]
Thanksgiving has always been special in our family. We enjoy being together, we love to joke as evidenced by the turkey in the video below singing about his “mother-in-law.” Yes, it was a gift to me from Floyd one of my sons-in-law. And, I must say we also like to eat, but Thanksgiving, the American […]
Thank you to the readers who took the Haiku challenge! You did a superb job writing your Haiku and it was fun. Imagine if your dog could talk to you. Or even better what if he/she could write Haiku like you? One reader pointed out the book below written by Jamie Coleman. I took a […]
Sylvia Mattingly is my niece and friend. You know her from reading many of her poems on this blog. Syl jumped in with her Haiku which tells exactly who she is, a nature lover. Sylvia’s Haiku Lover of nature I venture through the woodlands And leave my heart there.
Thank you readers! The responses continue to the Haiku Challenge https://crookedcreek.live/2019/11/14/haiku/ The latest is about my Grand-dog, Hawkeye. Hawkeye’s name is bigger than he as you can see here. The Haiku is by my daughter. Dianne’s Haiku Tiny puppy dreams Little feet run, he squeaks, snores His dream squirrel is tiny too.
A blogger I follow is Christine Goodnough. I recommend that you take a look at her beautiful blog “Christine’s Collection” https://christinegoodnough.com that often includes poetry. Christine was quick to respond to the Haiku Challenge https://crookedcreek.live/2019/11/14/haiku/ with a meaningful poem. Christine’s Haiku lighthouse a steady glow in the darkness your friendship Christine went further and offered some advice and […]
Pat Bush is a faithful reader and frequent commenter on this blog. She was quick to answer the Haiku Challenge https://crookedcreek.live/2019/11/14/haiku/ with excellent poems. Here are Pat’s six Haiku. Pat’s Haiku The noise and the News. I long for quieter times. Silence is golden. Feeling cold. I’m old. Body aches and pains abound. Better sore than […]
More Reader Haiku Bill is a friend who I didn’t even know was reading Crooked Creek, but he quickly took the Haiku Challenge https://crookedcreek.live/2019/11/14/haiku/ and here are his poems. I love them, Bill! Bill’s Three Haiku Star hanging as fruit beneath the scimitar moon. The tree boughs in praise! Tried to write Haiku But decided […]
The responses to the Haiku Challenge https://crookedcreek.live/2019/11/14/haiku/ were many and I am so proud of each reader who has participated. You’ve done an impressive job and there’s some good poetry here. Instead of printing all the poems together I think they will be more appreciated if they are posted a few at a time. I’m […]
Okay, I did it. At least I think that I did. Below is my final poem, but first I’ll share some of my initial attempts. 1. My love of nature has grown slowly year by year. Now it is so dear. 2. Haiku is silly. No fun in this […]
Haiku Do you know what a Haiku is? Do you know what Haiku are? Both questions are grammatically correct according to the dictionary. I checked with Grammarly which does not agree. What can we depend upon? It seems with Haiku there are as many questions as answers. Surely someone out there can help! Poetry was […]
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on November 11, to honor persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This holiday marks the anniversary of the end of World War I which occurred at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This day was […]
“Fifty years ago, two letters were transmitted online, forever altering the way that knowledge, information, and communication would be exchanged,” wrote Joshua Bote in USA TODAY October 29, 2019. Those letters were “l” and “o” and perceived as “hello” when the system crashed before the word “login” could be typed. They were sent by a professor at […]
“One Hundred Years Of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez This is a difficult book for me to review. As so many of my favorites I’ve read it twice and still cannot say that I fully understand it. In 417 pages Garcia Marquez has presented one hundred years in the life of a prolific family living […]
Tuesday morning, I will vote. I’ll go by land, or go by boat. Whatever it takes, I’ll have my say. Wouldn’t consider any other way. I’ve studied hard, seen where they stand. (It’s always good to have a plan). No more questions or second-guessing. The choice is mine. I’m not stressing. It takes less time […]
A Poem by Mattie Stepanek Making Real Sense of the Senses Our eyes are for looking at things, But they are also for crying When we are very happy or very sad. Our ears are for listening, But so are our hearts. Our noses are for smelling food, But also the wind and the grass […]
Happy Halloween! Title Graphic by Pixabay
