Author Archives: annalrussell
A Knock on the Door
“I don’t know what to do,” is never my wail. This morning I was asked to help a person get to court tomorrow. Tomorrow is dedicated to final preparation for a writing conference. Is? Was? The balance of “yes” and … Continue reading
Zoned out on a book proposal
Tonight is quiet: Ron is in his room watching ball, I’m typing and the noises of teens are gone for a few days. I’m nearly finished with a book proposal–so why am I typing here instead of on it? ‘Cause … Continue reading
Bed Making at a Hospitality Facility
Elders are full of knowledge, right? An older person has collected a wealth of experience. Ah, but on this day, as Abby, Phoebe and I were making one of fourteen beds I glimpsed my lax habits. “Grams,” Phoebe muttered across … Continue reading
Lessons From Street People
Maggie (not her real name) has imprinted herself in my mind. To you and me, Maggie’s story is unusual. For starters, she was found in a dumpster–a throw-away newborn. I first encountered her as I drove by her in a … Continue reading
Important Teachers from Pomeroy High School
This was printed in The Daily Sentinel [April 2012], serving the Pomeroy, Ohio area where I grew up, with favorable comments. Rain drops from the overcast skies emptied their contents on our roof. The pit-pat-pitty-pat-pat lazied my mind. Who wants to … Continue reading
White Water Walking
Why would anyone want to walk up stream in a clear-water mountain stream? You know, like a salmon swimming against the current. Because I can. Because in the remote Colorado San Juan Valley, the nearest pool is over an hour … Continue reading
A pencil drawer
Why is the content of our pencil drawer important? Soon I will tell you why but first…. Our pencil drawer is under the microwave counter and a few steps from the kitchen table. Easy to reach into for a writing utensil … Continue reading