A poem in the “Magic 9” format that highlights the characteristics both positive and negative cultures and promotes diversity.

A bitter and melodramatic mashup of two tiny poems in response to a dVerse Poets Pub prompt about being stood up. But hey, I learned that I can buy my own flowers.

A recipe for Jollof rice, which has an incredible depth of flavor that somehow conjures its long history. This big batch makes enough to do fun things with leftovers. But beware, it is spicy!

Gleaming pictures and a poem about “place”, inspired by the exquisite place settings at Andrew Carnegie’s Skibo Castle in Scotland.

I sacrificed nothing in becoming a parent, a bonus parent, an extra parent. I gained an immeasurable golden-threaded set of blessings that continue to bring riches, the priceless kind.

The blooms at Glover Gardens are bursting with colorful chaos, almost singing aloud their joy at opening their faces to the sun, preening in their magnificence. I can’t go outside without stopping to admire each one, and feeling the peace of nature wash over me like waves crashing along the shoreline.

Reminiscing and recipes for three recent Sandwich Wednesday wins, and a look-ahead to next week’s request: the Tuna BLT Panini.

The tanginess of Greek yogurt is the perfect balance for bright, unctuous chimichurri, and our Zippy Sicilian spice mix adds just the right kick – and you can make this dip recipe in two minutes!

A recipe for simple, rustic, absolutely pleasing, comfort-food-at-its-best marinara sauce: deep red, redolent with garlic, made brighter with basil, reminiscent of summer.

This moist and delicious cake is a dessert for all seasons (not just the fall during pumpkin spice madness), and it is right for a party, a potluck or a picnic, just as it is.

Love speaks even when the person can’t. For Mom.

There’s proof that flowers make us happy – it’s in our DNA! Check out some beautiful blooms and get happy yourself.

A love poem to a special ingredient that rises from slumber and transforms magnificently.

February has been a circle of life month, punctuated by the rejuvenation of the yard with spring’s early onset, birthdays at both ends of the spectrum, and the end of a life journey.

Obituary for Leland Eugene Glover, a wanderer and industrial electrician who loved the Yankees, his family and his lap dogs. RIP, Gypsy Gene.

Joy comes from connecting with other people, especially when you get to participate in their special moments, like my recent opportunity to contribute a vegetable grazing board to the menu for a 95th birthday party. Check it out and learn from my experience.

Bright green herbs with lemon juice and zest make this white bean spread a very fresh-tasting condiment that goes perfectly on a vegetable grazing board and can be used in a myriad of other ways.

This poem was written for my “kids” in response to the dVerse Poets Pub prompt from Laura called Cascading in Fives.

A poem about ripples reminding of those days of cooking and wine, stories and trust, laughter and imagination, acceptance and love.

A gallery of beautiful hibiscus to remember what it’s like when it’s not the dead of winter, and a poem about hibiscus dreams and springtime memes.