Author Archives: Nancy

MY HERO             As a child, I would visit you almost every day. When I needed to feel safe, you provided the peaceful shelter I needed.             Then I had to return, either to school, or home.             Over the years I continued … Continue reading →

NOWHERE TO HIDE by Nancy Ball Have you ever awakened from a dream profoundly relieved that it was just a dream? I stood there, helpless, in the middle of Africa, surrounded by thousands of guests who came to see their … Continue reading →

I remarried soon after my husband of 20 years left us. Our blended family had 8 children between the ages of 12 & 18. We had many unresolved problems and didn’t have enough money to buy gasoline to drive cars … Continue reading →

“Happy Heart”  A stranger was crying at my mother’s funeral. “What’s your name?” I asked her. “I’m sorry I don’t remember you. Did you work with my mom?” She said, “Oh, I never knew your mother, I went to the … Continue reading →

Recently I noticed that there seems to be a theme of change in my choice of painting subjects. What I produced matched my emotional state/mood at that time. Let me explain. The painting below, circa 1989. Those were bleak years (not … Continue reading →

Sometimes, when we are faced with a long-term situation that looks hopeless, our emotions shut down. Professionals are also trained to remain “detached” in order to maintain the ability to make necessary decisions without emotional interference. After three years of … Continue reading →

I arrived at the Lake Mirror Civic Center one hour before race time, planning my strategy. Four years ago I ran so slow that they didn’t even keep the streets closed for me. This time I felt I was in … Continue reading →

Bad Dogs and Proverbs Each morning I share a scripture verse, via a text message, with my grandchildren, and others.  This started after one granddaughter had asked me to be her Confirmation sponsor. So to follow-up on my responsibility, I started … Continue reading →

I am changed forever…..A Tribute to Jesus and Bob. The following letter came from a young woman in Ufa, Russia. I had been feeling especially sorry for myself. As a lonely widow, I wondered if the years I spent as a … Continue reading →

Appalachian Trail A Journey of Joy The mountains were beautiful that day. My desire to hike to the top of Bald Mountain was stronger than my desire for safety: I went on the six-mile trek alone. In my pocket was … Continue reading →

HAZEL THE BEAR     Hazel was a mean bear. The radio announcer said the tourists at xxxxx Gardens were hiding in the gift shop because the she had escaped. We hopped on our motorcycles and raced the 35 miles … Continue reading →

RESCUER Crisis intervention may be a highly developed skill in those of us who grew up in dysfunctional homes. You may have been the family member that tried to reduce the tension in your home by smoothing things over. You … Continue reading →

While researching material for my book, BEYOND SURVIVAL, I ran across another very small book with 5 little chapters in it, and I’d like to share it with you today. It describes so well what we go through in our … Continue reading →

“My Old Trombone”                                                        It smelled awful! So did she! This pair would soon … Continue reading →

Happy Cows One day, while riding home from a Women’s Aglow meeting with friends, we passed a dairy farm. It was a hot Florida day, and I noticed that most of the cows were obviously cooling off in a small … Continue reading →

WHAT TO DO WHEN LIFE IS A LITTLE HARD TO SWALLOW… When I wrote this book, I thought I had a good understanding of the dynamics of addictive relationships. There was so much more for me to learn. Here is … Continue reading →

Dear Children, The chinning bar is in the door, The boxes on the garage floor. Memories linger everywhere Of happy times we used to share. Dear children, you will never know Of the love I couldn’t show. It wasn’t ‘cause … Continue reading →