Dry Erase Marker, on a Mirror in the Women’s Restroom, in a Local Coffeehouse: Day Ten

This post is part of the Secret Messages Project.  Every day for thirty days, I’ll leave my words in places where they might be found — or might never be found at all.  I hope you’ll join me.  Earlier this week, I wanted to say something to all of us ladies who lean into the bathroom […]

A Revelation, Tucked in a Box Left on the Herbert Davies Memorial Bridge: Day Seven

This post is part of the Secret Messages Project.  Every day for thirty days, I’ll leave my words in places where they might be found — or might never be found at all.  I hope you’ll join me.  * The mockingbird warbling in the bush beneath my window — surely he never stops his mouth […]

Instructions, Tucked Between Two Books in the Public Library: Day Five

This post is part of a series.  To read more, click here. * First things first:  English teachers of the old-school Orthodox variety, gifted literary critics, and serious professors of poetry and the analysis thereof:  for your own sanity, please avert your eyes. Okay then… * A few weeks ago, I had a funny conversation with my […]

Words, Taped to the Underside of a Table at a Blacksburg Pizza Parlor: Day Two

This post is part of a series.  To read more, start here. * Today, Thomas and I drove back the way we once came. We steered the car onto I-81, south toward the New River Valley.  Eight years ago, when we were newlyweds, this place was our introduction to Appalachia.  It was a season of my life that […]