by Susan Mattern | Nov 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
Travel to Africa Series: Part 3 Turkish Airlines had one suitcase delivered! I hoped it was mine. So that Sunday we drove into Cotonou, the capital, where Nzamujo says Mass every few weeks in English. I was thrilled to hear him since I had never had the chance...
by Susan Mattern | Oct 14, 2022 | Uncategorized
Travel to Africa Series: Part 2 When I arrived at Songhai at midnight, I realized something else. Although we had gotten three suitcases at the airport, one of which I thought was mine, as I opened it up and started to empty the perfume and cologne and grape...
by Susan Mattern | Oct 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
Travel to Africa Series: Part 1 “No, I’m not going on a safari!” was my answer to the inevitable question when I mentioned my Africa trip to my friends. “What are you going to do there?” “I’m going with my friend to see his agricultural center in West Africa.”...
by Susan Mattern | Jun 29, 2022 | Uncategorized
I heard unexpectedly from Dr. Michael Shannon a few days ago, my daughter’s pediatrician when she was young. His text reminded me of her mountain lion attack in 1986 and of all the people who helped save her life, but it also brought to mind his role that day. He...
by Susan Mattern | May 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
Maybe it’s the pandemic, or maybe just the lack of human interaction, but my greatest source of inspiration this past year has been a wren. Let me explain. The wrens are building a nest in our birdhouse. They’re slow, loud, and persistent. It’s probably...
by Susan Mattern | Jul 8, 2019 | Kindness, Life
Words can make a difference in our lives. They can hurt. They can make the day special, one we will always remember. A word can change the course our lives. They can change our political and religious views. They can ruin our lives. I remember a day at the playground...
by Susan Mattern | Jul 5, 2019 | Finding Purpose in Life, Human Connection, Values
I belong to Toastmasters, a great organization, and I remember an international speech a few years ago where the speaker stood on stage holding a white piece of paper. In the middle of the paper was a red mark. The first thing you saw was the red. It stood out. You...
