cultivating the beautiful ordinary by sharing our tales and our tables
“Auny” was part godmother and part adopted grandmother to me. She had a pet name all of her own, as she held a treasured and unique place in our family. She worked as a hostess in my grandparents’ midwestern Chinese restaurant. This was in a time before friendship between races was considered acceptable. For decades, she rubbed…
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“Curiosity killed the cat” is an aphorism that warns us to stay safe at home. It suggests it is dangerous to dream, wander, and explore. All exploration is a call to enter mystery that may intrigue but also harm. We know the greatest mystery is the thin realm that divides what can be seen from what is unseen. Romans…
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Many times, I’ve told myself that I’m my own worst enemy–my own harshest critic. Perfection has been my goal for as long as I can remember. Sometimes this exaggerated need compels me to stop short of completing a task because I know, just know, it won’t be perfect. The roots of this behavior are multi-generational.
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“I wish I had more to tell of my grandmothers. It is terrible how much has been forgotten, which is why, I suppose, remembering seems a holy thing.” —The Red Tent, Anita Diamant As a lifelong Southerner and book lover, I am captivated by the works of Southern writers. My dream course in college was…
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Wear something you feel magical in. I read the invitation once more before blankly staring at my closet. Weeks away from graduating with my master’s degree, I was feeling physically exhausted and emotionally drained. There was very little I was feeling magical in, aside from, of course, my bed.
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Trails of Tears. Residential Schooling. Ground stolen by trickery. Deceit. Betrayal.
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God always comes through for me. Not always when I think I need Him. And certainly not always in the ways I ask or demand.
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I was in my wedding gown, veil in place, bouquet in hand, just minutes from my walk down the aisle when Mother entered my dressing room.
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T’is a mother in my life who feels all alone waiting for something completely unknown
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The day was Tuesday. I remember it well.
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