Francy's New Morning

  Line up guys. You know the routine.   Toes meet toes in my full-length mirror, turned horizontally and angled for best viewing. At least fifteen pairs of designer dress shoes are arranged from lightest pair to darkest. Heavy on the Christian Louboutin with a handful of Jimmy Choos and a dash of Chanel. Judging me by my collection, anyone might think I’m a rich snob, a superficial diva. Anyone would be wrong. I’m not rich. But I do have impeccable taste and know the value of optimal footwear.   I admit to having a smidgen of a purchasing addiction, but these guys are my first step toward getting a job as a fashion designer’s assistant. Everyone knows the sayings: "best foot forward” and “no second chances at first impressions.” I spend a tad extra for quality. But if you could smell that strong leather scent I’m enjoying right now, you would understand my obsession. Brand new Louboutins smell of importance.   Lord, please, please help me pick the right o...

Someone says: It’s beginning to drizzle. Is drizzle past the point of beginning after one minute or five? After how many raindrops is rain past the point of beginning? Pearls of water trickle down a window; It’s raining.                        Like everyone, we blinked, and our plans were changed. We went from telling our son he could take the train home for spring break to texting him we were on our way to pick him up. New York colleges had closed for the rest of the semester.   When Gene and I drove upstate to New Paltz University, we had no idea Elijah was sick until we called him to tell him we were there.   “He-ll-o.” Elijah’s voice sounded stuffy and sleepy as if he just woke up.   “Are you sick? You sound sick.” We expected him to say no, he just fell asleep for a while. Blame it on dorm life. ...

Stephen walking the highway procession to graduation The Graduate! The Graduate with mom and sister The Graduate with Dad Stephen, age one, just beginning his life's adventure Yesterday our firstborn graduated from college. Imagine the band playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” taking pictures outdoors with the sun shining on our son’s cap and gown and smelling the fresh cut grass which brings to mind new growth and new beginnings as our graduate enters the next chapter in his young adult life. Okay, now erase that picture because that’s someone else’s graduation.    Since FIT is in Manhattan, Stephen told us the graduation was going to be at Radio City Music Hall, where it was when I graduated from the same school. We were all set to take the train in and celebrate Stephen’s special day by going out to a nice restaurant after the ceremony. Not sure how or when plans changed, but three days before his graduation, Stephen informed us it was being hel...

Coffee date with my husband. When I remember our love matters more than burnt toast. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  I started my day reading this scripture, one of my favorites because I need it drilled into my brain. My troubles are trivial compared to eternity, so why do I stress about the stupid stuff? Could be because I’m human. I want to be focused on the end of the race and what matters along the way. So how did I do in listening to that scripture today? Hmmm. Displayed morning bad mood when my toast burnt because husband changed the setting on toaster—          it’s too early....

  My destination   I should’ve arrived at Cairn University in Philadelphia in less than three hours. My problem was not listening to that sweet voice speaking from my phone giving directions. The brochure for the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference said take exit 44 off I-95 so that’s the way I wanted to go. I was sure my phone was rebellious and being annoying, insisting I get off at different exits…so I decided to ignore it until I reached exit 44.   My journey began around 1:30 without any glitches. There was the usual sluggish traffic leaving long island and the wonderful smell of exhaust fumes and pollution, but no major problems.   Shortly after crossing the Verrazano Bridge, clouds grew dark grey ahead until they burst. Sheets of rain poured as I drove to a rest stop, but I could relax since I had less than an hour to drive.   The smooth ride slowed down until my car was crawling along with traffic fo...