RESOLVE TO TAKE SOME CHANCES

It is that time of the year again. A time for making New Year’s resolutions. If you enjoy wine, please consider this one of your New Year’s resolutions. Try a new wine each month. Like many, I have my favorites, and I enjoy them. Still, I often find myself in a rut, continuously drinking the same... Read More

The Wine Spot

January 14, 2025

SLOW, STOP, SLOW

The new year gives pause for thought, to make resolutions or take a break just to sit back, observe, and enjoy. Sometimes, we take that break on our own; and sometimes, it is forced upon us. This story is about the latter. One day, this past fall, I headed down to Yanceyville to visit with... Read More

Essays

January 10, 2025

Sanctuary (A Mamie and Solly Story)

(Scene: Mamie and Solly are talking while walking in the mall for exercise.) Mamie (dreamily): We’re so lucky, Solly. Solly (side glance): Why? M: People see us. And we see them. S: Not surprising. They have eyes. So do we. M: Of course we do. S (frowning): Why do I think you’re going to tell... Read More

Fiction

January 9, 2025

Movies You Missed from 20 Years Ago: Elektra

Elektra (3/10 Rating) Released January 14, 2005 Streaming on MAX, For rent/purchase on all major platforms. Genre: Gun Fu, Superhero, Action, Adventure, Crime, Fantasy PG-13: Action violence 1h 37m This month we review one of Jennifer Garner’s best roles…the Capital One commercials. What’s in my wallet? At one point, a ticket stub for Elektra,... Read More

Movies You Missed

January 8, 2025

Only

That word suggests ultimate devotion, complete commitment, without fanfare, doubt, or fluctuation. Its focus, sincere affection beyond question, unchallenged by all wavering desires that flutter away, pours like water over stone

Poet's Corner

January 7, 2025

Echoes of a Simpler Time: Joseph P. Lovell’s Journey Back to Sandy Creek

The gentle burble of Sandy Creek still sounds the same as it did in 1958, when six-year-old Joseph Lovell first moved to the family farm in rural Virginia. Today, sitting at one of his favorite overlooks watching the water tumble over rocks below, Lovell finds himself transported back to endless summer days spent swimming with... Read More

Cover Features

December 17, 2024

Make It a Great Year (A Mamie and Solly Story)

(Scene: Mamie and Solly eating out while recapping the year.) Mamie (cutting her salad): Been a heck of a year, Solly. Solly (pouring his dressing): Mamie, I’m glad to be retired. M: You taught in the Spring. S: Started out teaching in person which was great. M: Then, a friend in the Midwest passed away.... Read More

Fiction

December 14, 2024

Our Complete Discourse

What? You ask as if my reply had skewed our conversation, its meaning, its focus on ordinary words, their simple, honest thoughts we’d waited so long to express. Clarity had come as an informant each of us knew yet hesitated to trust with revived affection, its stippled emotions.

Poet's Corner

December 12, 2024

The Bible Raised High

This being the month of December, many will pick up the Bible and turn to the Gospels to read the Christmas Story silently, or aloud to their children. Or they will hear it read to them in church. Sometimes as an accompaniment to a group of fellow parishioners in “Biblical garb” which looks suspiciously like... Read More

Essays

December 10, 2024

May There Be Sparkle in Your Holiday Season

While we’re fans of sparkling wine any time of year, there’s no question that the holiday season is the time to break out the bubbly. From spirited cocktail parties to elaborate dinners with family and friends, the holiday season is about special occasions, and we love celebrating with bubbles in hand. And who can blame us? There’s... Read More