Category Archives: Inspiration

Candid Comments

Posted on December 7, 2017 by vanbytheriver

Blog posts are planned, considered, edited. Comments are not, they are spontaneous. That is where the good stuff lives. Did you ever submit a comment, then sit back and wonder how it would be received ? Did I just say … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Technology, Writing | Tagged , , | 129 Comments

The Lady in the Van

Posted on October 16, 2017 by vanbytheriver

“And what I’ve learned, and maybe she taught me, is that you don’t put yourself into what you write. You find yourself there.” Alan Bennett . This brilliant insight comes from the British playwright, author, actor as he recounts the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Education, Entertainment, Humor, Inspiration, Movies, News, Writing | Tagged , | 70 Comments

Crayola

Posted on August 1, 2017 by vanbytheriver

We all started out with the basic 8 colors. That’s all we needed. Introduced by Binney and Smith in 1903, they sold for a nickel, and no doubt had the same fragrance we all remember on opening the box…the smell … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Beauty, Education, Entertainment, Family, Fashion, Inspiration, Music, Technology | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

Into the Storm

Posted on July 14, 2017 by vanbytheriver

I was about 40 miles from home when I first spotted it. It was maybe the darkest cloud I’ve ever seen. In sunshine and blue skies at my current location, I considered stopping the car. It might have been a … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Beauty, Education, Entertainment, Family, Inspiration, Nature, News, Technology, Travel | Tagged , , | 75 Comments

Woolworth’s

Posted on January 16, 2017 by vanbytheriver

As we celebrate another MLK Day, and prepare for a new administration that leaves us with a lot of questions and skepticism, I thought I’d share an older post. I always believed in his message of peaceful protest. I still … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food, Inspiration, News, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 81 Comments

A Better Mousetrap

Posted on January 10, 2017 by vanbytheriver

There were 4 mousetraps set. One was missing. Mission accomplished ? Five hours later, he emerged from under a storage box in the basement. He was still alive, neck was partially trapped, he was dragging it around. It was my … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Entertainment, Family, Food, Home, Humor, Inspiration, Movies, Nature, Photography, Technology | Tagged , , , | 79 Comments

Broken #WritePhoto

Posted on September 8, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Stone, brick, concrete Elements durable Forged sturdy Crumbling still Patterns repeated Exposing a foundation Of questionable strength. Thursday photo prompt – broken #writephoto Comments Closed. Stepping away for a few days. See you next week. Van

Posted in Art, Entertainment, Inspiration, News, Photography, Writing, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Dorothy

Posted on August 28, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It is my real name. The name I never use on my blog. For most of my life, I was certain that I was named for Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz, the classic that now celebrates its 77th year. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Humor, Inspiration, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 123 Comments

Peacemakers

Posted on August 24, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It comes at us from every angle. Negativity, divisiveness, bigotry, false platitudes, outright lies. It infects our thoughts, enters into our most intimate conversations. It affects our neighbors, friends, family. It is exhausting. But only if we let it in. … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Family, Inspiration, News, Politics | Tagged , | 87 Comments

Speeding Ticket ☺

Posted on August 2, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Just a morning smile, in 60 seconds. At first, there is fear. Then, a measure of respect (No, Sir). All followed by a laugh of sheer relief. We need so much more of this. http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/article_1a6d5ef4-567d-11e6-945b-8f129219a71d.html

Posted in Entertainment, Food, Inspiration, News | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments