I bought a Parker pen in the 1970s. At the time, the orange, black and gold version of that pen was the most popular product Parker sold. The design echoes their Doufold fountain pen of the 1920s. And that in turn is very similar to older pens that were common way before that. I rediscovered […]

As we start this new year, let’s begin with hope. Hope that’s fueled by prayer. My grandmother believed in prayer. She had eight children – that would be enough to drive almost anyone to prayer. When your resources are stretched, you have to look outside yourself for help. Her third-born son was named Paul. (My […]

From Paul: An important part of Advent is giving. True, we are hit on all sides by, “It’s the season to give!” The Salvation Army is outside my neighborhood supermarket. My email and snailmail inboxes are barraged with requests for Christmas gifts – which can be appropriate and good. But what about giving outside your […]