Scrapbook of an Ordinary Life

“Scrapbook from an Ordinary Life” is a collection of writings including essays, poetry, short stories, and letters written over more than fifty years.  Writing helps me clarify my thoughts.  As I write I am continually editing both the content and structure of the piece.  “Scrapbook of an Ordinary Life” illustrates my development as an author and thinker.  Though the basic mores instilled in me by my mom, and reinforced by other influences in my life, have not changed, my understanding of life application has certainly evolved, and continues to do so. 

Mom taught me and my brothers to question everything. “Believe half of what you see and less of what you hear,” was one of her favourite sayings. Mom did not want us to doubt, just to question.  When people in scripture questioned, God explained.  If you are not asking questions then you are not looking for answers, and you will remain static, maybe even become stagnant.  The writings in “Scrapbook of an Ordinary Life” often question societal and religious and political norms but are not by any means a definitive answer that is necessarily correct.  They are my thoughts, from my understandings and perceptions.

Some of the pieces in the book are purely to entertain but others may challenge the reader to think, and to consider new/different ideas.  My goal for including these texts is not to have you change your beliefs, but rather to stimulate questions that will strengthen your personal understanding as you search out your own answers.