Everyone has a place in the village. Many are moving into Pagosa. They are running away from the rat race of the big city and wanting good things for their families. But for the betterment of the village and themselves, by virtue of living here, they have a purpose and a job to do. People live longer when they find their sense of purpose. Finding purpose can add up to seven years to their life. So, what is their job in this village of Pagosa? My daughter and I talked about how to keep my Sweet A…

When I heard God’s love is an all-consuming fire, I had a negative perception of God. After years of searching for truth, the dross and waste of wrong information has finally been burnt out of my heart. Through trials, hard knocks and living, I have come to know that God is truly a loving God and He desires to have a relationship with me My Sweet Al and I came from a church whose Sunday morning message was Hell, fire and damnation. We shook in our boots, fearful and terrified we might do somethi…

We identify September with changing colors, football games at Golden Peaks Stadium and ColorFest. In our family, there is one who starts his journey in September and ends with his midnight ride on Christmas Eve. When I saw my son-in-law’s grizzly face and a full head of white hair, I chuckled, “It looks like you’re getting ready for Christmas.” He nodded and grinned. My daughter rolled her eyes, shook her head and formed a scowl. “He promised me he’d shave and get a haircut the day after Christm…

This article goes deep in my heart and I can’t let it go. Maybe writing and encouraging others will give me closure. Losing someone, saying “Goodbye,” is hard when we still need them. I’ve attended more than eight funerals in the past 18 months and my heart still hurts. I read in the SUN newspaper that my friends lost their daughter. I grieved and prayed for them. I can’t imagine the hurt to lose a child. Another friend lost her husband and I wonder what I’d do without my Sweet Al. A friend’s da…

Have you noticed the yellow tips on the trees? A change of season is upon us. John Burroughs wrote, “How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” Before long, summer will be turning to autumn. The bright red and yellow leaves, brittle and crackly, will fall to the ground. This season of falling leaves is my favorite time. I want to embrace them and soak up every moment of their luscious colors. My children’s annual shrimp boil happens every year around thi…

Our season is changing once again. Have you noticed how yellow hue is tipping the tree tops? Hunting season is around the corner. My Sweet Al’s gun is ready. But reality is setting in and he’s facing the next season of his life. “I can’t hunt any more. I need to hang up my gun.” His statement made me sad. I always prayed he wouldn’t get lost, fall in the forest or get shot, but the hunt was his moment in the sun and I honored his special time each year. He enjoyed getting up at 4 a.m. to beat th…