August 9, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
I think I’m getting the job done in the Time of Corona – tending the dogs and the mostly grown kids and the new flower beds, trying to be an encouragement to those around me. Daisy Baby is a big help with the flowers. I’m finding contentment close to home – often – despite the worries and the despair at the ways I fail and …
August 5, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
One problem I’ve solved in the Time of Corona is how to stay busy… her name is Daisy. In truth she creates as many problems as she solves, but on balance – I’ll keep her! Or our daughter Ruth will reclaim her, once Ruth is feeling better. Or my mother-in-law will adopt her. We might share fractional interests in the puppy. It’s also possible that …
July 29, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
My friend and neighbor Mary Jo came over and helped me kill a large bug a few days ago. I could tell it was a smart, savvy, creative insect, and I sensed that it might elude me with its speed and mad skills. It glared at me from a tricky location – where the sunroom wall meets the ceiling. Thank you, Mary Jo, for helping …
July 4, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
Tonight’s interview concludes the 4th of July series at Bacon; thanks for joining me! (I’ll be taking a little time off following tonight’s post – back before long). I’m delighted to wrap things up with Lawson and Mary Lauren Allen and their celebration of the 4th, Center Hill Lake style…
July 3, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
In today’s installment of the “4th of July” series, Dr. Marina Lien speaks her mind, from the heart… I’m in awe.
July 2, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
Today’s post in the “Life in America” series belongs to Brigitte Arenhold Porter, who grew up in Germany during World War II… “I witnessed humanity at its very core when the US Allied forces liberated my old hometown in 1945. The Americans had ordered houses to be unlocked and all inhabitants assembled in one room. When the soldiers left, the black sergeant took the time …
June 30, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
July 4th is an All-American opportunity for the entrepreneurs among us! This year, in particular, many will also reflect on the ways we must continue to improve as a country. On the ways we have failed. Today I would love to spotlight and honor some wonderful traditions, a terrific family, and the beautiful truth – I believe – that we are all in this together. …
June 28, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
This week I’ll feature a variety of folks thinking about life in America in the time of corona, and I’m happy for Kalinda Fisher to lead us off! She has one of the coolest July 4th stories I’ve ever heard. And such an earnest, hopeful voice. Sometimes – in moments I’m not proud of – I am tempted to despair for our country. But not …
June 27, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
“Wherever there are four Episcopal priests, there is always a fifth,” it has been noted, with a sly smile. In particular, Mary Laurie Cece’s father used to say this (an Episcopal priest and college professor himself). Mary Laurie recently recounted this to her four grown kids, living at home. “What’s a fifth?” one of them asked. For those under 25: it’s a handle. These are the …
June 21, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
Three summers ago my parents and I sat on a bench waiting for the theater doors to open in Interlochen, Michigan, where my older daughter was at an arts camp. My dad could still travel and remember his days (and – as a sidenote – I could still fit in that dress). Harder days have come – and stranger days, too. Sorrow comes for us …