Lining Up with the Dogs at the Blessing of the Pets

Lining Up with the Dogs at the Blessing of the Pets

Early Sunday night at the labyrinth, the dogs filed in, from frisky little fur balls to big lumbering black carpets, all wagging and sniffing and licking as their happy people introduced them to their friends, fed them treats, and found seats for the service. Cats...
To Hide It or Not to Hide It?

To Hide It or Not to Hide It?

I used to hide it. I’d put my hands in my pockets or behind my back and hope that nobody noticed. If I had to stand in front of the class and speak from note cards or read an essay, I’d bring a clipboard or ask if I could use a lectern for my papers, so...
Water for Charlotte

Water for Charlotte

If you’ve been following the news, I wonder if you’re sad and angry like I am about the killing of Keith Lamont Scott by police in Charlotte and concerned for the community there, for the protestors marching, the police officers trying to keep the peace, the people...
Childhood, Unboxed, with a Side of Skittles

Childhood, Unboxed, with a Side of Skittles

After church on Sunday, I drove to Raleigh to see my parents. The three of us had such a nice time doing Skaggs-ish things, talking about how hilarious and delightful all the children related to us are, retelling old stories that we know by heart, working puzzles in...
A Talking Stick Speaks Out. Kind of.

A Talking Stick Speaks Out. Kind of.

It was just a stick that had fallen out of a neighbor’s tree and now it laid on their finely manicured lawn, but as I passed it on my morning walk, day after day after day, I found myself giving this stick way more thought and attention than seems normal or sane...