I was impressed the minute the man got out of his truck. My appreciation for him grew by the minute. When the installer arrived, two young boys exited his truck with him. I greeted them and said to the man, “I see you brought plenty of help with you today.” After returning my greeting and shaking hands with me, the installer said, “These are my grandsons. They’re shadowing me today to begin learning the trade.” He then turned to the boys and said in a low voice, “Introduce yo

Recently, I did something I seldom do but that I have determined to do more often: I read a novel. I’m glad I did. Modern society is characterized by incivility, a conscious informality in dress, speech, conduct , and relationships. In a bygone era, civilization meant civility in all aspects of life. I often wish for a return to days of civil order, good manners, and consideration for others. Schlatter creates a microcosm of such a society in Autumn Frost. A troubled young la

Growing up as a kid, I thought that all grandparents–not only my own but also those of my friends–were old. After all, they had white, silver, or gray (or graying) hair, wrinkles, arthritis, and assorted aches and pains, and they couldn’t get outside and play ball or tag with me. I loved Momma Graybeal and the horehound or peppermint stick candy she kept in a crystal dish on a cabinet behind her front door. And she always let me have a piece–for a price. I had to let her hug

In an earlier, simpler time, visiting friends and neighbors was a normal party of everyday life. Sunday afternoons and holidays were special times for visiting, but it was normal for folks to “drop in” on others at any time. It was such a normal event to have people “drop in,” unannounced and without our sending them a special invitation, that people prepared to have it happen. And they wondered what was wrong when it didn’t happen. People tried to keep their houses looking r

By nature, I’m an impatient person. (I know that some of you who know me think that I’m calm and laid-back and that nothing disturbs me, but what you don’t know is that inside that calm exterior is brewing a frustrated, impatient turmoil!) Part of that trait, I think, was instilled in me by my parents, who taught us kids to obey those in authority; to be on time for everything; to reply promptly whenever an adult spoke to us; and, when something had to be done, to “just do it

In this age of “instantness,” however, we’re all tempted to expect things, well, instantly. We have instant coffee, instant tea, instant mashed potatoes, etc., so why not instant writing success? Because it just doesn’t happen that way. That’s the writing life. That said, however, there is something that we writers should be able to expect, and that’s prompt responses from editors. I was looking at my history of article submissions the other day, and something suddenly occurr

I’ve been reminded that this month is designated National Courtesy Month. In fact, September 2 (yes, I know I’m a little late, but I’m looking at the big picture here) is “Bring Your Manners to Work Day.” Shouldn’t we be courteous every day and practice good manners everywhere we are? That’s what my parents taught my brother and me when we were growing up. She drilled courtesy into us. “Speak when spoken to. Respect your elders. Hold the door for the ladies. Give up your seat