As a homeschooling parent, I often fear judgment about my qualifications. A recent encounter with a judge criticizing a mother for lacking teaching credentials made me reflect on my choices. …
Category:
OUR VOICE
It goes something like this: Over time, I could feel the pressure building deep within. Think of me as a pressure cooker breaking down what lies inside. The process is …
First Bet, Not the Last Once I got my first taste of a win, it all made sense. The thrill of a risk being rewarded sparked a thirst for more.
Encapsulation She encapsulates sunrise. She is a time lapse photo redacted Minute by minute, reversing The birth of dawn.
- COLUMNSOUR VOICE
Inspiring Educators, Meaningful Pathways: Meet Professors Shaping Futures at Woodland Community College’s Lake County Campus
At Woodland Community College’s Lake County Campus, students find more than classes; they meet mentors who transform lives. Discover inspiring professors like Dr. Laurie Daly, who has dedicated over 43 …
Is This a Cheeseburger? Is it the paradise I sang about as a child raised by Parrot Heads?
This holiday season, many of us reflect on what we’ve lost—relationships and cherished moments. While navigating the festive cheer, it’s important to honor our feelings of nostalgia. I’m embracing memories …
Darkness, Light Many beautiful things Begin in darkness
It’s a strange time of year when people pull out boxes full of green, white, and red decorations and lights to adorn their homes. Stranger yet, people cut down trees, …
There’s a particular quality to November light—thin and pale, filtering through bare branches—that seems designed for reckoning. Thanksgiving arrives in this stripped-down season, when the earth has shed its abundance, …
“I’ve already jeopardized myself by telling you. So, ask me any questions now before it’s too late,” she says while her bottom lip trembles. Up until two minutes ago, I …
Return Maple, oak, dogwood Yellow, orange, red
Best Night of the Year The moon’s shine off the puddle is my mirror and my reflection sparks a smile. The eye makeup is just right. Thick black rings how …
Thread There is a thread You pull from your soul
The cat knows the rules about being on counters and tables but her greatest joy in life appears to be breaking them when we aren’t looking. She leaves traces of …
Chain As a child I made chains of Small flowers Growing in forgotten Places by the roadside.
Lena is supposed to be doing her outdoor chores, but the enchanting sounds of the creek and deep woods call to her. Ignoring her mother’s warnings, she ventures past the …
Nothing says comfort food more than what comes out of the oven, right? One of our family’s favorite breakfasts starts with a Betty Crocker-inspired Sour Cream Coffee Cake. With the …
The Search I roam these woodlands; I know my way. The scent dusts of ferns and chanterelles guide me; nose to the ground, yet my chin is lifted. With focus …
The Monarchical Confederate From Tudor’s blood, the son of God appeared when the crown was torn to pieces, a regent limped in the rear.
By Grant Walker – Like many social workers, Jealena’s story begins in her youth. She grew up in a family with a history of homelessness, severe mental illness, and substance …
The bell rings, and a familiar voice calls for me. “Hey Brian! It’s Rose. Have any new treats for me?”
I’d say I regret the consistent neglect of my teeth, but I don’t. Every bite of sugar is worth it. The addiction runs deep. My family has owned a candy …
She flips my business card through the fingers of her right hand in the same way a poker player spins a $50 chip. Index, middle, ring, then around her pinky …
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Shakespeare at the Lake, we’re honoring tradition by breaking one. This summer’s Romeo ‘n Juliet won’t sound like the clipped British accents many …