Isabella Bird Miscellany

Dame Henrietta sits ostentatiously established on the sofa in my living room.  There’s a mood about her as she looks down her nose with a saucy expression on her face.  Henrietta is a stately old broad. Now, I’m not being disrespectful here.  Henrietta is the name I’ve given to the sultry, sassy ostrich on a pillow that rests all plucky next to some other cushions.  I like her.  She is bold and brash and especially tough, resilient and strong.  Dame Hetty personifies some traits that I do not possess. Henrietta’s feisty style and attitude will put you in your place, if need be.  She has a confidence that comes with being comfortable in her own craggy skin; all while being outfitted in grand ostrich feathers.  A chocker with a single drop bead circles her slender ballet pink neck, while elongated plumes embellish her headdress.  Her shoulders are demurely shrouded with soft, downy naps. What do I learn from Dame Henrietta the Os...

Young eyes, twinkling with mischief I was given the privilege of writing an obituary for my father-in-law this last week.  It seems like I have a theme going here, but it is all good.  This is a reminiscent rendering of the official account.  Dad Kitchell was a good man and will be missed by people around the world.  He travelled to 48 different countries, spreading the good news of great joy.  That is how I choose to remember him as well…full of lively merriment! Jim Kitchell lived. He was more than statistics on a page; a man of the cloth, an adventurer; my daddy-in-law’s commanding presence filled a room. Jimmy, as his mother called him, was born on October 30, 1929 in Denton, Montana to Dewey and Ruth Kitchell.  They named their baby boy James Bruce.  He was surrounded by four sisters:  Gayle, Virginia, Joanne and Jeanne.  He delighted in pestering them with his antics.  His quick wit and endearing smile charmed all....