NotesFromtheVoices

Memorial Day is always special for me as a reporter and a person. It is a chance to recognize who gave their life so I and others can have the freedom we have.  Normally, I work and get to take Memorial Day holiday on another day. This year, I got a double bonus.  I got to spend the long weekend with my son. Things some how worked that my son’s aunt met me halfway and JJ was able to spend three days in Pickle Land with me. He had a chance to see me working and spend quality time together.   Eating a blooming onion at Outback! Playing videogames! JJ is now 11. He is squarely in the pre-teen world. His voice is changing along with other things. My baby is growing up and it scares me. He got to see my new teeth and loved them. He said it was nice to see me so happy.  We had a chance to talk and just spend some time together. And in two weeks, he returns for a two week involving my week long vacation and a bunch of day camps. It has been a go...

  I write a book column for Duplin Times in Kenansville, N.C. called the Book Nerd. This is my May column, which is about me finally completing my home library. “When all else fails give up and go to the library.” -Stephen King I have always loved this quote, because I have done as he advises hundreds of times. After having a very bad day, I would head to my nearest library for some calming support. But now, all I have to do is go home, and go into my own personal library. This is just a portion of the 2,220 books I own. Ever since I was a young girl, I have dreamed of having my own library. I learned to read at an early age and always had a book with me. Growing up, I always had a small shelf with books on it in my room. In college, I started to collect books. As I got older and moved to various places, there were always bookshelves. When I moved into my current home on May 21, 2016, there were three-bedrooms with a pantry and two living rooms. Yes, two living rooms. I dec...