West Texas Wanderings

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher A couple of summers ago, Lisa Ann and I ran away from home.  Granted, we didn’t realize at the time that was our intention, but as circumstances allowed, that’s precisely what happened. Lisa Ann had to go to San Antonio on business, so naturally I tagged along, which...

The Dark Side of Romance

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher The older I get, the more I appreciate the dark – or at least extraordinarily dim lighting.  I tend to appreciate the nuances of not being able to see much, especially my own reflection.  It’s all because I look AMAZING in the dark.  I know it’s true because Mr....

Weight Loss 101: The Glossary

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher Well, I’ve finally done it.  I’ve enrolled in a “program.”  Now I know what you’re thinking:  It’s not AA.  It’s a program to get rid of these final 20 extra pounds that have stuck to me like the smell of cheap perfume for nearly two years now. Granted...

The Mousetrap

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher It appears that I have a rodent issue.  Now this is not breaking news; this has been an ongoing issue for a while now. I also have an issue with slightly damaging things.  Mr. Kaminski says “break.” I prefer a more genteel description as befitting a Southern...

Winter Wisdom

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher This wild, wacky winter weather – at least according to literally every meteorologist in the state of Texas – is on my nerves.  Or maybe it’s the frigid freeze forecast or the bone-chilling blizzard blast.  Either way, I am over the hype. The cold I really don’t...

Privacy in Purchasing

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher I don’t advertise my purchases.  I have a job, and my credit cards work; therefore, I feel a limited at best obligation to share my shopping soirees with Mr. Kaminski.  Sure, there are times when I will provide cursory details to the money man, but all in all, I keep...

Embracing the Different

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher I’m different.  I’ve always known that. Mother always said I was “special,” but I know that’s code for odd.  I like things that most people don’t.  I certainly wear things that most people won’t.  I read things that most people would absolutely refuse....

A Pioneer Christmas

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher Literally since 1865 when New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley coined the phrase, “Go West, young man,” heading toward the Pacific and all parts in between has been a desired destination.  But I’m here to tell you despite it being 2023, this life in the West...

The Holiday Hustle

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher I understand that despite the concept that math is hard, there is a finite number of days in a year – 365 to be exact.  I also understand that 359 days in each and every year, the same thing happens:  Christmas.  What I don’t understand is despite that fact that I...

Christmas Champions: Ho, Ho Happy!

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher December has only just begun, and the joy of Christmas is already well underway!  I’ve heard a lot from my friends about their Christmas wishes – time with family and friends, a new household appliance (I question that), a break from the daily grind (I get that),...

Talking Turkey

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher Every few years or so, the idea of me actually cooking a significantly sized foul rears its ugly head.  I thought I had clearly and succinctly obliterated this lofty notion, but somehow, every so often, the idea of me trying to prepare a turkey around this time of year...

Life Without a Manual

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher It continues to perplex me that as we reach particular milestones in life, there are no instructions.  No booklet, no pamphlet, no next chapter that says “this is how you deal with this situation as it’s coming.”  Nada. I felt like that when I had Kassidi.  Sure,...

The Daylight Saving Dilemna

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher Seems like just when I get my groove going, something changes that stops me cold.  This time of year, it’s this falling back situation with the time.  Yes, I know it’s coming, but it still feels like a freight train has run smack dab into my mojo.  Granted...

A Bundle of Joy – or Two

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher I was quite certain my days of going to the OB for prenatal check ups were over, but a week or so ago, I found myself right back there at Dr. McDonald’s office listening for the heartbeat of an unborn baby – times two! Praise the Lord it’s not me birthing the twins...

Kindness Begets Kindness

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher I truly believe kindness begets kindness.  If you come into a situation hot, you’re going get burned.  But, if you approach the same situation – regardless of the issue – with kindness, you’ll likely get kindness returned. Now there are those circumstances where...