Weekend Reflection: Thankful

Top Row: Sister Elaine, Nephew Grant, Sister-in-Law Anne, Niece Allison, Nephew Craig, Bonus Son Ryan. Center Row: Wonderful Friend Hiram, Bonus Mom Mercedes, Father Rod (also the photographer–he used a tripod) Front Row: Brother Tim, Nephew Neil, Me, Amazing Husband Rich. A week ago on Thursday, I returned to Laity Lodge and spent a glorious […]


When We Went Down to the River to Pray

[From the archives. I’m on my way back to the river today.] And Talk. And Sing. And Eat. And Rest. Sunday night, late, my dear husband picked me up at LAX. He even parked the car and came inside to meet me at the baggage claim, which I  claim as a love offering. So how was […]


A Book Happened

If you click on the image, you’ll see the Amazon listing for the paperback edition.  Not What I Imagined That’s an odd way for me to put it, isn’t it? Not “I wrote a book,” but “a book happened.” I don’t mean anything clever or coy–honest. I’m still trying to figure out how this book came to be. Not […]


Weekend Reflection: A Brother

Grandpa Downs, Mom, Cousin Marcia, Grandma Downs, Tim. Ca. 1969 Uncle Chuck, Tim, Grandpa Seiler, Dad. Ca. 1971 Little Boy. Big Tree. Disneyland.  Me, Tim, Elaine T., Mom, Grandpa Downs. Christmas, 1970. Tim and Elaine V. June, 1982. New HS Graduate. New Uncle. Tim and Mom. 2007?. Dad, Allison, Mom, Craig, Anne, Barkley? Tim. 2005.  […]


Looming Memories

At a Baby Shower. April 18, 1982. Left to Right: My mother, Marilyn Lee Downs Seiler. August 20, 1936 – September 30, 2008 Me, eight months pregnant with my daughter. My cousin, Marcia Ann Isbell. September 14, 1967 – May 8, 2000 My aunt and Marcia’s mother, Marlene Ann Downs Isbell. August 3, 1938 – […]