The feel of summer has already pressed in upon us here in humid North Carolina. After a couple of months of doing a Winter‑to‑Spring dance, it seems that summer has finally settled in for good. I will admit—I love the generous rainfalls this season brings, at least when they are plentiful without becoming torrential. Rainy afternoon - Gastonia, North Carolina Have you made any summer plans yet? As for me, I’m hoping to carve out pockets of time for some creative, restorative

In 1908, Anna Jarvis set out to honor her mother, a woman remembered for her peace, compassion, and tireless service after the Civil War. Legend has it that Anna once overheard her mother praying for a day to celebrate the hard work of mothers. This heartfelt wish, as shared in a documentary about the origins of Mother’s Day, sparked the movement. When President Woodrow Wilson declared the holiday official in 1914, the intention was to set aside a day to honor the steadfast,