Articles by Shannon Bardwell
Possumhaw: I may be dying
To be honest, I’m not liking this New Year’s Resolution very much at all. It’s been 66 days now since I resolved not to buy any apparel, shoes or jewelry, nothing to decorate myself up with for a whole year.
Possumhaw: Bomb threat hoaxers
I slipped down the back way to Lincoln Road, which runs between Walmart and the shopping center, for my massage appointment.
Possumhaw: Consume chocolate while you may
Wednesday is “Ash Wednesday.” It’s the beginning of the Lenten season where traditionally Christians give up something like smoking, drinking coffee or maybe cussing.
Possumhaw: Felis silvestris catus
Imagine Harry lying cold, alone, and flat on his back as the sky darkened over him. Could he feel the darkness he couldn’t see? His sister, Wilhelmina, was she nearby? Did they nuzzle together crying for their mother?
Possumhaw: Socks, shoes, underwear, oh my
On Dec. 18, 2015, I resolved not to purchase any apparel, including shoes or accessories, for a whole year.
Possumhaw: It was a silent night
The busy holidays had settled down and we were struggling to reclaim our regular schedules.
Possumhaw: Feasting, friends, family and a small fire
Holidays went off without a hitch, well almost without a hitch.
Possumhaw: Beware of grinches stealing cookies
Most of my family members, including myself, and my friends have their annual physicals during the last two months of the year, the holiday months.
Possumhaw: Walking the roadways
A few years ago, maybe four or five, Shirley and I took to the asphalt. Walking’s been a good thing, increasing endorphins, building endurance as we watch seasons change and occasionally solve world problems.
Possumhaw: Splish splash, taking a bath
The rains came down and the floods came up, and I did not complain. The kittens played on the porch to avoid wet grass on their feet, gardenia leaves brushing their faces, and dripping rain on their soft kitten fur.
Possumhaw: Always alone and looking
Last week, rounding the corner of the porch, I came face to face with a young deer lying in the grass, not 50 feet away. We stared; neither moved. She was lying at the edge of some trees, not hidden, even though the sun had been up for hours.
Possumhaw: The memory game
The attorney next to me was having a conversation with his assistant. I listened.
Possumhaw: Starting all over
I don’t often answer the telephone, but that day I did. Probably most people don’t even have a landline anymore.
Possumhaw: Fall is the coolest season
Just when you think you can’t take the summer heat one moment longer, it’s fall. Momma always said fall was her most favorite season.
Possumhaw: All decked out in red
The swarming ruby-throated hummingbirds are declining at the feeders.
Possumhaw: The beauty of color
On occasion, while teaching a class of adults, I would arrive with colored pencils, crayons, construction paper, scissors, glue, sparkles and assorted craft supplies. It was playtime.
Possumhaw: The eye of the spider
Nighttime temperatures fell into the 60s, creating perfect conditions for nighttime walks.
