I’m always excited to see a book on our holdshelf with my name on it! Of course, it would be better if both requests didn’t come in at once, causing me to have to choose which one I begin reading first. As much as I enjoy Fannie Flagg’s writing, I can’t help but choose “The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride” by Joe Siple this time due to the excellent reviews it has received. more

I have been fortunate over the years to have two collections of my personal columns published in softcover books. more

In my continuing saga of my Martin family history, James Pinkney Martin and his wife, Elizabeth (my 3x great grandparents) had moved to one of the most isolated areas of the Ozarks to set up a homestead in 1854. They were situated on the Bryant River (also called a Creek at times but river sounds more respectable) section of the White River. more

Dear Readers, more

Oak Hill School was a one-room school located five miles north of Summersville. I have a photo of the school and students from 1915, but I'm not sure when the school was actually built. Many locals still remember attending school and activities there over the years. more

I’ve been a paid writer most of my life — 49 of my 76 years. more

In this column, I am going to pick up with my Martin family history. James Pinkney Martin and his wife, Elizabeth, were my three times great-grandparents and were the fourth generation of Martins to live in the United States. In 1854, they homesteaded land in a very isolated area on the Bryant’s Fork of the White River in Jackson Township. This is near the community of Sycamore and the old Hodgson Mill. They would eventually populate the area with a large number of Scots-Irish Martin descendants. more

Seriously, where does the summer go? How does it always seem to slip by me so quickly? It’s nearly the end of July, and I feel like I’ve barely had time to look up since May. It's like I blinked, and two months just vanished into thin air. No hikes, no river trips, and I’m pretty sure the last time I really touched grass was back on Memorial Day weekend. more

Dear Readers, more

Newspaper reporters don’t typically get much respect as writers. more

Recently, I was told by two different people that they read my column faithfully and really like it. Granted, it was at my church, but I really appreciated their comments. And I have heard this from people who are outside of my church or family. One woman told me that her husband never reads anything except my column. I understand this because my husband never reads anything either- and that includes my column. I would feel insulted, but I know the only thing he reads is an instruction manual or the news on his phone. more

Usually, this little corner of the newspaper is where I share my lighthearted musings, those random thoughts that don’t quite fit anywhere else but still feel worth sharing. Maybe it’s the concert I went to or the memories of my dad. It’s a space for the quirky, the light, and the often “pointless” thoughts that make life interesting. But today, dear readers, I need to veer off that path a bit. Don’t worry, I’m not about to dive into the murky waters of political endorsements or bashing, this column will never be a playground for political nonsense. But I did see something last night that troubled me deeply, and I think it’s worth discussing together. more

A new novel to our branch, “Things I Wish I Told my Mother” is the story of a mother and daughter learning how to love and talk to each other – before it’s too late. more

Some days I want to give up writing, especially in pleasant seasons when I might otherwise be doing something useful outside. more

To call someone a liar in the Ozarks would be not only extremely rude but might be considered “fightin’ words.” But as Vance Randolph said in his book, “We always lie to strangers” Tall Tales in the Ozarks (1951) there is no harm in “spinnin’ a windy” or “sawin’ off a whopper.” He also said that there’s no harm in it “unless you tell it for the truth. Nobody is deceived except for tourists and furinners when a tall tale is told.” more

Progress is a funny word, isn't it? Webster defines progress as "1. : to move forward : proceed. 2. : to develop to a higher, better, or more advanced stage." But progress isn't just about definitions; it's about the tangible changes we see around us and the spirit of growth that propels our community forward. It's about the new businesses that open their doors, the old ones that expand, the community projects that bring us together, and the public art that adds color and joy to our lives. more

Dear Readers, more

You often wouldn’t know it from what we see on TV and social media, but the basics of a healthy lifestyle can be pretty straightforward. Try to walk or do other physical activities, eat a healthy diet of mostly plant-based foods, limit alcohol and, of course, don’t smoke. more

Saturday marked the end of an era in West Plains, as Aid Downtown Antiques closed its doors for the final time. The day was filled with emotion, nostalgia, and a sense of community that is rare in today's fast-paced world. It wasn’t just a store closing; it was the conclusion of a chapter that spanned five generations and left an indelible mark on the heart of West Plains. more

The number of candles on her birthday cake was evidence not only of the many years of struggles she had endured and overcome, but also of the triumphs she could reflect upon. She had remained steadfast through conflicts, poverty, famine, and heartache. She held her head high through the dark times, and her courage never wavered when her family came under attack. Threats to their hard-earned way of life only served to strengthen her resolve to do whatever it took to take care of her own. more