Rich: My regret

Fifteen years ago, I wrote a column that I came to regret as soon as it was published.Whenever I hear someone say proudly that he has no regrets in life, a string of regrets runs through my heart and quickly humbles me (‘umbles as we say in the mountains).

Rich: The South’s ways – Charlotte radio show

Excitedly, many years ago, I was a young girl who was a novice author, publishing with Penguin-Putnam, one of the world’s largest publishers.

Rich: The joy of leisure

On summer days, our swimming hole stays pretty busy. In fact, Tink has taken to keeping a calendar of who wants it when.

Rich: I called Mama

The weekend morning was close to becoming afternoon when I pulled myself out of bed and headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.It seemed as if the entire house came to life. Tink came bopping down the stairs from his office, and the dogs eagerly joined us.

Rich: The beautiful sisters

When I was in junior high, I discovered three beautiful sisters in high school. Connie, Sharon, and Vicki.Occasionally, I had a class in the high school hall and one of the beauties would float by while I, clinging to my books, stared, star-struck.

Rich: The dinner table

It’s just a memory now.And, perhaps I won’t recall it precisely because of the decades that have passed, but I will tell it as best I can.I was what people used to call a “late in life child,” so my siblings were much older.

Rich: The family we became — part 2

Nashville suburb, the two superbly talented families came together and produced a night of such startling magic that I frequently held my breath. Guitars were pulled out and blood harmonies — a sound created only by people who share the same DNA — twinkled like crystal through Becky’s living room.

Rich: The family we became – part one

During the years of our lives, we will know extraordinary days sprinkled with laughter; ordinary days touched by a blessing or two, and, less happily, days that are filled with tribulation or just plain annoyance.But, the magical days?

Rich: What a year

A new year has begun, and this makes me very happy. Good riddance to 2025.The Good Book instructs, “Pride goeth before destruction.” My pride almost killed me this year.All my life, I have enjoyed good health. Yet, I never appreciated it as it is meant to be appreciated. In fact, I bragged about it.

Rich: Special occasions

I never knew my friend’s Aunt Elsie. Still, the valuable lesson she taught me will never be forgotten.Miss Elsie died a while back in her tiny Alabama town, having lived to be 81. Her grandest adventure happened over 30 years ago when she went to see a cousin in Memphis.