Search Results for “julie johnson”

Sidekicks Furrrrever

words Julie Johnson No matter the storyline, when the plot thickens, sidekicks make us braver. If you haven’t yet found your deputy dog, […]
Backtracking to the Woods

We had a decision to make: go through or backtrack and find another option. Because of our disinterest in trudging through winter-cold water, soaking our shoes and socks, and possibly catching pneumonia (says my mom’s voice in my head), we backtracked and hoped for another, better, drier path. If you are hoping this is an…
Lettuce and Peas, Please

Here’s a bright idea: Bookmark this page for updates throughout the season — words + photographs JULIE JOHNSON — Today’s the day, or so says my mom’s printed copy of the 2023 The Old Farmer’s Almanac. If I am to plant lettuce and peas under moon-favorable conditions and timing and all, it’s now or wait…
Move. That. Rock.

When I noticed this barely-outta-the-ground crocus lifting a *heavy* rock into the air, my mind began racing with all the motivational, inspirational, you-are-stronger-than-you-think-you-are words I could type. WHAT IF, I thought, what if I shifted the idea a smidge and said instead, “You are stronger than you’ve been led to believe”? Like, let’s kick all…
Miracle On Cherokee Street

I received my only pairs of legwarmers, one pink and one purple, from my sister Pam. She had been so excited to give them to me; she couldn’t wait until Christmas. Routinely, before we fell asleep in her bed, we would eat candy bars, Butterfingers and Skors. I was the first to know her baby…
FROM THE EDITOR: Mind Your Mouth

On a morning in mid-summer, I found myself listing all the ways in which I was failing on that day alone. I couldn’t care for a flower plant well enough to keep it alive. Literally. It withered up, giving no explanation. I couldn’t tend well enough to a tomato plant to support its production of…
Hummingbird Moth

The first time I saw it, I wasn’t sure I wanted to stick around. Flying insects sometimes come across as bullies, willing to defend their space with actions causing me discomfort, let’s say. Dr. Katie Kilmer, an associate professor of biology and environmental health at Missouri Southern State University, assures me hummingbird moths do not…
PLANTED: Spoon Tomato

Sources tell me the spoon tomato is the tiniest tomato of all. Seed reviewers note the overabundance of fruit overloading the plant, the space around the plant and the time given by the grower to pick the small, little salad toppers. Psshhh*. I hesitate to bring up the drought and 100 degree temperatures we dealt…
From the Editor: Used People, Danger: Ripe Tomato, Planted: Cherokee Sunset Rudbeckia, Jumajo Writing Company

Used People A few nights ago, I finished reading The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, Holland’s first licensed woman watchmaker, born to a watchmaker dad who was born to a watchmaker dad. After her mom passed away and other siblings moved out, she lived in the family home with her older sister Betsie and…
From the Editor: Out of Control, Big Meats, Fassnight Creek Farm, China Jade Cucumber, Write Your Story, Jumajo Writing Company

Out of Control We were visiting my grandparents who lived in rural Missouri, close to the Arkansas border. The small town was one in which McDonald’s caused a big stir when it staked its claim. Growing up, my grandparents were either raising cattle or renting their land for cattle. My grandfather served our country, our…
From the Editor: Eyes on Me, Butterfly House, Planted

Eyes on Me It was the house that would not sell. It was no longer a home, with the highway in the front yard. It wasn’t seen by potential buyers as a business because, well, it looked like a family should be eating together inside. And the year was 2008. My parents didn’t want to…
A Conversation with Author Gabrielle Martin

Gabrielle Martin, executive director of the Burrell Foundation in Springfield, Missouri, is married to her high school sweetheart, Eric, and mom to two daughters, Alivia and Colette. She is an event planner, philanthropist and marketing enthusiast who likes a good challenge and hopes to inspire others to push boundaries and never stop achieving. As a…
A short story written by Julie Johnson based on the March #WordPrompt #Bridge by WordPress.com. Noelle Sampson’s tears were staying in place but threatening to fall again. She and her boyfriend of almost-but-not-quite 1 year:7 months:12 days broke up 2 months:8 days:20 hours:27 minutes ago. The way she tells it, he did the breaking. Noelle’s…
Long Live Love

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I…
Amish Paste Tomato

Amish Paste Tomato I don’t like to eat tomatoes as a side or in a salad. I eat cooked tomatoes in dishes. Until last summer, I grew them in my garden to make others happy: family, neighbors, chiropractor. I grow to give.
Which Hazel?

Which Hazel? Witch Hazel. Last summer, I read about how witch hazel can be an effective reliever of itchy, annoying, aggravating bug bites. Since I am a dream buffet to mosquitoes and chiggers alike, I gave it a whirl. It did assist in helping reduce itching, though I still woke up some nights irritated at…
Lead Yourself Better

Answer me honestly; no judgment here: Do you ever sneak a peek at the advice columns in the newspaper? I do once in awhile. I find the questions posed are easier answered than happenings in my own, real life. For example, I read a column recently where the writer’s boyfriend had called her a “boring…