Author Archives: colleendown

If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft, And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left, Sell one and from the dole, Buy Hyacinths to feed the soul. No line of poetry has scrolled through my … Continue reading →

A little over a year ago, we helped my daughter to purchase the camera that she desperately wanted. When we took her to the store we had no idea that within a short time her camera would become embedded in … Continue reading →

For many years, I have posted my thoughts in A View From My Laundry Room. Today, instead of looking out, I am looking in. Today, I am giving you a glimpse inside my laundry room. I choose to write from … Continue reading →

A writer on mythology made the observation that every one has their story that guides their life; everyone has a story that has influenced their journey. Today, we may not be as familiar with the travels of Odysseus or the … Continue reading →

Every day or so, I log into my checking account and I am asked-What is your mother’s maiden name? —Some days it will ask for my maternal grandmother’s name or the name of the street I lived as a child … Continue reading →

First I cried, then I threw a two-year-old tantrum, then I pondered for a very long time, then I found peace and realized how very much I miss having a place to share my thoughts. My biggest regret, though, was … Continue reading →

I was an inquisitive child, even today I can remember asking the “big” questions of relatives, “Why did God make people?”  “Where did I live before I came to my family?”  I took a poll once, figuring that whatever answer … Continue reading →

Coincidentally, my amaryllis bloomed the same week as Amy Chua released her new book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom. My flower remained in bloom for a week, approximately the same amount of time it took for Ms. Chua to … Continue reading →

I began raising my family in the age of BIG. Everything was big. Our hair was big. Our cell phones were big. Tom Hanks was BIG. Our car was big. Our family was big.  (Oh my gosh, look at this … Continue reading →

The sun was just beginning to crest over the red rock hills of St. George, as we entered the Dixie Regional Medical Center. A kind, silver-haired gentleman greeted us at the door, his nametag indicating that, even at this early … Continue reading →