Valentine’s Day Should Be Every Day

Valentine’s Day Should Be Every Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here. Again.

According to history.com, approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.

There are a number of theories as to the origin of this now-commercialized holiday, but most have to do with the birth or death of a sainted fellow named Valentine. Leave it to American commerce to turn that into an expensive show of affection.

Valentine’s Day has to be one of the most ...

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Faith, Family, Holidays, Home, Life

Out To The Outhouse

Out To The Outhouse

Raise your hand if you’ve ever used an outhouse.

During a recent discussion with friends, the topic of outhouses came up. I honestly don’t remember why it made its way into the conversation, but boy, did it ever.

So, I posed the question on my Facebook page, yes or no, have you ever used an outhouse? I was shocked at not only the number of people who said yes, but also at the number of people who responded with comments about their ...

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art, Blog, Family, Farming, Home, Life

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The Gold and Green 70’s

The Gold and Green 70’s

I grew up in the land of harvest gold and avocado green. I can withstand anything.

As a kid of the 70’s, I was surrounded by strong colors and shag carpet. Most kids probably didn’t notice or care how garish our surroundings were, but I did.

What were we thinking?

As a child, I would look at photos from the previous decades and admire the choices people made when they decorated their homes and businesses. Specifically, I was drawn to the Art Deco ...

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art, Family, Home, Life

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Slow Down, Will Ya?

Slow Down, Will Ya?

I used to think that technological advancements were amazing. I couldn’t wait to see what was next. Now, I just want to keep using what I’ve already figured out.

I used to make fun of folks who shunned new technology. “Why wouldn’t you want to learn new and better ways to do things?” I thought.

Not anymore. I’ve become that person.

I realize that things change and improve, but do they have to change so darn fast?

Just when I figured out how to ...

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Blog, Family, Home, Life

Pappaws and Grannies

Pappaws and Grannies

When I was a kid, I didn’t appreciate my grandparents as much as I should have. It’s a mistake I think most of us make.

Grandparents and grandchildren share a bond. Innately, grandchildren know that there’s a special love between them and their parent’s parents.

Your mom and dad had your back, but your grandparents had your mom and dad’s back. You always knew that.

I can remember my grandmother helping me on a school project for history class. I have fond memories ...

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Faith, Family, Home, Life

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Marriage Is A Funny Thing

Marriage Is A Funny Thing

Married folks always have great stories. Some stories are more amusing to one spouse than the other.

Over the Christmas holiday, we went home to Arkansas to visit family. Christmas seems to be the time when everyone whips out their favorite story on another family member, but the stories spouses tell on each other normally are the best.

My mom’s friend is like many women when it comes to automobiles. She knows how to operate one, but isn’t too keen on any ...

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Family, Holidays, Life

Thanks, Billy Joel

Thanks, Billy Joel

We got into my friend’s car and Billy Joel came on the satellite radio.

I began to sing along. It was an album cut. Not one that had been played much on the radio almost 40 years ago.

I knew all of the words. My friend pointed that out.

For Christmas in 1977, I wanted Billy Joel’s new album, “The Stranger”. Specifically, I wanted it on 8-track. I’d been driving for about a year, and no self-respecting teen left home without his or ...

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art, Cars, Faith, Family, Holidays, Life, Music

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Toying With Kids

Toying With Kids

Toys ain’t what they used to be. For the most part.

When my kids were little, Cabbage Patch Dolls were all the rage.

I never understood Cabbage Patch Dolls, or the hair pulling and fistfights that occurred in stores across America over who was going to get the first ones off the shelf when the new shipments arrived.

Think about it. The premise was that each doll was born in a cabbage patch. I’m not sure if the idea was to take a ...

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Family, Holidays, Life, Toys

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Spam Me

Spam Me

If you like bologna sandwiches, you’re alright by me.

If you grew up with a dad who worked, a mom who stayed home, one car, no air conditioning, and bologna in the fridge, then it’s likely you also are familiar with this particular lunch meat and other budget-conscious grocery items.

When I was a kid, you ate what they put in front of you or you didn’t eat at all. Matter of fact, I can remember many an hour sitting at a ...

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Family, Food, Home, Home Cooking, Life

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Yes, You Can Go Home Again

Yes, You Can Go Home Again

They say that you can’t go home again. Last weekend, I did.

I vividly remember the night of my high school graduation. It was very hot and very wet.

Because of heavy rains, we were the first class, in no one could remember how long, to graduate inside the gymnasium instead of on the football field.

It was a Friday night in May, and polyester was still surviving from the 1970s in the form of our shiny purple caps and gowns.

As we all ...

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Life, School

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John is an author of two books, Write of Passage and Write of Passage Volume II. You can learn more at thecountrywriter.com

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