by Barbara Smith | Aug 5, 2023 | Understanding the Times
On Human Trafficking We watched SILENT WITNESS— a long-running British forensic science series on Britbox. We are long-time fans — but have learned to pace our selves. It’s not wise to binge watch it! We watch a few episodes and then have to realign our brains and... 
by Barbara Smith | Jul 14, 2023 | Understanding the Times
The Cloistered life Convents and nuns intrigued me growing up. I read The Nun’s Story by Kathryn Hulme and later loved the movie by the same name. The Trouble with Angels also colored my imagination; as did The Sound of Music. In early 1960’s, I could readily... 
by Barbara Smith | Jul 4, 2023 | Understanding the Times
Today’s the FOURTH! Happy Fourth of July! A Bit Late The United States of America is two hundred and forty-seven years young! It was no picnic for those who secured our freedom—after the Declaration’s signing: Throughout the course of the war, an estimated... 
by Barbara Smith | Jun 9, 2023 | Understanding the Times
Masking again? Yes— Now, though, I am masking for outside— not inside. Who knew we could live through a CODE PURPLE weather alert day? Good Grief —It’s a good thing we cornered the market on N-95 masks a few months back. These treacherous smoky skies — blanketing... 
by Barbara Smith | May 7, 2023 | Understanding the Times
So Many Pageants and So Much Liturgy In the past year, we have had quite helping of Anglican liturgy: first, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, then, alas, her funeral and now Charles’ coronation. So much that the press broadcast — sans commercials — was Christian...