Your Turn Creative expression through writing helps us uncover gems of hope and serenity, enabling us to navigate difficult times. Sharing stories with one another fills the space between us, inspires us, helps us forge stronger relationships, and teaches us that we’re more alike than different. In Your Turn, renowned educator Dr. Tyra Manning offers examples of stories from her own life, followed by an invitation for readers to delve onto their own emotional histories, with plenty … [Read more...]
Our Pets Are More Than Just Furry Friends, They’re Family
I’ve found myself thinking quite a bit lately about my beloved dog, Bella, and other late pets whom I miss dearly. My pets were always so much more to me than merely animals that I cared for; they were my family, beings with whom I shared my best and worst days. I think this sentiment is echoed by a vast majority of pet owners, and the more I recount my days with my own pets, the more I realize what an important role pets play in the stories we tell about our lives and families. A newlywed … [Read more...]
Why Relationships Endure After a Loved One Dies
In my mother’s older years, she spent a good deal of her time writing stories about her life with my father who died at 36 of a heart attack in June 1956. At the time of his passing, she was seven months pregnant and just 34 years old. As a single mother, thanks to hard work and determination, she went on to make a good life for herself and her children. She got her bachelor’s degree and became a teacher. Later, she went on to earn a master’s degree and ultimately became the primary school … [Read more...]
I Hope You Dance in 2019!
January is for me a time of reflection about what I’ve learned in the past year, and what’s ahead on my journey in the year that’s before me. As part of that reflection I think about dear family and friends I’ve lost over the years, and thank God for the blessings of newly forged friendships and nascent relationships I hope to build in 2019. For many of you who follow me on Facebook or read my posts at tyramanning.com, you understand how much I’ve always loved music. Often, during critical … [Read more...]
Storytelling for Change
Attending the She Writes Press and Spark Point Studio Conference in Scottsdale Arizona this past week exceeded my expectations in so many ways. The mountainous setting, cacti, and beautiful desert flowers reminded me that Texas, my home state, is not the only place in America that can accurately be described as God’s Country! The conference was well organized, first class and the speakers were phenomenal. Even if the speakers had not been great, it was a terrific experience, in no small … [Read more...]
