It has been such a joy to receive letters from around the world over the holidays, and from such warm places like Florida and California. It did spread some sunshine when we had cold winter days and nights. But now we wake up for soon we will experience the glories of springtime. This past week a beautiful letter came from California. This dear lady faithfully reads the warm thoughts column and it brings many memories of living out here on the prairie near Dolton, when it was a busy city and had a bank and two grocery stores. She shares her memories on the farm, raising her family, teaching school and giving piano lessons to many students. Her retirement now is filled with memories and I hope she writes her story of her life near Dolton to share with her children, grandchildren and others. You are a real inspiration with that wonderful pioneer spirit to keep on keepin on.
Episode 124: An Ode to Luetta →
Among the brilliant readers of this column are retired school teachers. One of these educators is now in her "nifty nineties" and checks these warm thoughts on a weekly basis. She has been quite curious about this little home on the prairie, and recently came to visit over a cup of Christmas tea. She too, appreciates poetry and left her gift with me. And with her permission, I share with you dear readers of this column. She requested that her name remain anonymous.
Episode 122: Love in Every Language →
Since February is national children's month, I thought about writing an essay on what my grandchildren have taught me. They are now in school with children of other cultures. And although they may have graduated from Crayola college, they are colorblind and love their friends from other cultures. Recently, my grandson Trevor was teaching me to count to five in the Japanese language and even write the numbers. Since we will be celebrating Valentine's Day next week, I have researched how to say, "I love you," in 15 languages. (And I, Trina, apologize in advance if I mispronounce any these)
Episode 111: The Purple Hat →
Recently I visited dear friends who are now living in an Assisted Leisure Living Center. Before I left, one of them quoted words from Shakespeare, and another told me about her voice activated computer who gave her information about the purple hat. She shared these thoughts with me and I would like to share them with the readers of this warm thoughts weekly column.
Episode 107: A Job Well Done →
This is a wonderful time of year to travel along the country lanes and see the beautiful fields and the healthful skies above. The green earth is beginning to turn to gold and soon the reddish harvest moon, like a beacon from another planet will beam down on our world.
Recently I received a letter from a writer and poet in Florida. Sarah Gray has given permission to use her beautiful thoughts in this week’s warm thoughts column.
Episode 100: Mailed Letters - A Gift of the Past →
It is such a joy to receive letters from the readers of this column. I appreciate it so much when they include some gems of thought that I can share with you all through this column. In this day of high technology, the fax machine is used to communicate, email, and the computer for our relationships. That personal handwritten letter may soon become a gift of the past. Here is the thought a faithful reader from Florida sent me.
Episode 82: Violets & Saint Valentine →
We welcome the month of February. It begins with National Freedom Day, on February 1 and Groundhog Day on February 2. It is the month for Valentine's Day, the month when our attention is focused on love, and gifts of love are presented to those for whom we have warm and loving feelings. It is the month we celebrate Presidents Day, and have many warm and patriotic thoughts for our beloved country. I recently read thoughts about the story of Saint Valentine. Perhaps it is best understood from the poem Helen Steiner Rice wrote that describes what the real meaning of this special signifies.
Episode 56: Celebrating Friendships →
A recent letter informing me about my elderly friend in Nebraska brought joy to my heart. In the lively 80s this octogenarian, who is 88 years old, was recognized as Nebraska's 1995 outstanding adult at the governor's conference. Many memories came to my mind of how her radiant faith has blessed my life and so many others. She is able to bring rays of sunshine into the cloudy lives of the people she surrounds herself with. She has an encouraging word for everyone, regardless of age and seems to always see a silver lining in every cloud. I am sure she must believe the birds always sing after every storm. There have been the trials and triumphs, and she will tell you that she couldn't accomplish anything without God's help, she gives credit to her faith in God. Cheers, Levada!