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I don’t pretend to be a saint — Lord knows I have faults — but I try to “see” people. Read more

Rick Watson

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I have a confession: If I had to choose one audience to write for — adults or teenagers — I would choose teenagers. Read more

Kari Kampakis

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At lunchtime the other day, I left my office to attend a Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting. The sky was tombstone gray with light mist falling. Read more

Rick Watson

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When someone asks, “How are you doing?” they aren’t looking for an elaborate answer. They usually expect a generic response that goes down easy and doesn’t create awkward silences. Read more

Kari Kampakis

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There’s a wild crabapple tree down by the barn that has never borne fruit, but through the years, it’s become one of our favorite trees. Jilda has kept her eye on it since early November. Read more

Rick Watson

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I had a funny conversation with an 11-year-old girl. In talking about parenting and children, she matter-of-factly told me, “My dad was really spoiled growing up, and he says he’s not doing that to us because that’s not how the real world works.” Read more

Kari Kampakis

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I’m coming to another intersection in my life, and I need a good thinking place. Read more

Rick Watson

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Boys compete. Girls compare. Wow, isn’t that the truth? Read more

Kari Kampakis

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It was one of the meanest blog posts I’ve ever read — yet I found myself laughing. Read more

Kari Kampakis

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When the Army drafted me in 1971, the roads in my life changed. Read more

Rick Watson

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When I was younger, I struggled with the thought of starting school that first year. I’d been a free-range kid ever since I could walk without an adult holding me up. Read more

Rick Watson

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Unfortunately, rejection is a part of life. The only way to avoid it is to never take a chance, and what kind of life is that? Read more

Kari Kampakis

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We stopped by to see Jilda’s sister Nell a few weeks ago, and during our visit, she told us about her latest kitchen thingamajig. Read more

Rick Watson

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At every age, there will be people who like to belittle you, confuse you or make you feel insecure through their unpredictable behavior or underhanded remarks. Read more

Kari Kampakis

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Under the ancient glider on our screen porch is a plastic tub of toys. We never had children, but we’ve served as baby sitters for working family members through the years. Read more

Rick Watson

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I’ve noticed when teenage girls discuss teenage boys, they tend to group them into three categories: Read more

Kari Kampakis

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My friend texted me at 5 a.m. — then followed up with an email. Read more

Kari Kampakis

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My wife Jilda and I have pictures on our fridge. The photos are of three friends we’ve lost in the past year. They each held a special place in our hearts. Read more

Rick Watson

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Congratulations, momma. You did it. You’ve ushered a miracle into this world. That newborn baby in your arms is a game changer, a tiny slice of heaven and the purest thing you’ll ever know on this side of eternity. Read more

Kari Kampakis

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Something interesting happened to me on the way to work this past week. Read more

Rick Watson

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