Author: astahl609

As we start to look forward to lessening the shelter-in-place orders around the country, our children are coming out of their homes looking upon a very different world from when they entered them over two months ago. They miss their friends, activities and even classroom discussions. But it’s the Class of 2020 who will mourn… Continue reading A Message to the Class of 2020

My oldest son is on an amazing once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe, and while he could have chosen the “rest and relaxation” route of tourism, he set a course to find out more about a man he never met.             This man was once a boy just like him. They just happened to be overseas at… Continue reading Meeting the Man Who Was His Age

After celebrating Mother's Day last week, my thoughts turned to my grandmothers. I am lucky enough to be (well) over the age of 40 and still have one feisty grandma living close by, losing my other grandmother only three years ago. And while remembering all of our years together, I realized they, along with my… Continue reading Grandma’s Advice

So, here's the thing. I've gone by many names in my lifetime. My family calls me Amy ('A' from Anne, 'M' from Marie, add a 'Y') to distinguish me from Grandma (Anne). I was referred to as Anne Marie at work because a woman in the business office (Ann) had already claimed that name, so… Continue reading What’s in a Name?

The idea for Tea Leaves and Trouble came to me like a flash of lightning from the sky one evening while watching my son's baseball practice. And as any good writer, my notebook and pencil were sitting nearby. As the boy gathered up his equipment and the team mates said their goodbyes, I realized that… Continue reading Nature’s Inspiration