Author Archives: sandrapaldrich

About sandrapaldrich

Sandra P. Aldrich, author and popular speaker, loves the Lord, family and all things Appalachian. Isaiah 41:9-10

Life Among the Dinosaurs

Posted on March 4, 2015 by sandrapaldrich

Have you ever experienced a moment when you realized you are older than you thought? I had one of those recently as I read a children’s book from the early 1990s to my young grandson, Noah. One of the characters … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, children, grandchildren, grandmothers, phones | Leave a comment

This Is Not the Life I Asked For

Posted on January 21, 2015 by sandrapaldrich

I’m a transplanted Kentucky woman who was raised to take care of a husband and children, be a good cook and a gracious hostess. In addition to those accomplishments, I earned a master’s degree and taught at a Detroit suburb … Continue reading →

Posted in appreciation, encouragement, God's presence, grief, helping others, single mothers, single parenting, single-parent families, widows | Leave a comment

Dare to be the Bold Button

Posted on December 31, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

What are your thoughts as we approach the New Year? Are you excited about fresh opportunities on future unblemished days? Or are you concentrating on the all too rapid end to another year? Are you determined that this year you … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, appreciation, Bold, button jar, confidence, counting blessings, courage, encouragement, perfection, pleasing others, Psalm 138:3, self-esteem, self-talk, Stouthearted | Leave a comment

Everyday Guilt–and a Cat Named Petey

Posted on December 22, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

How are you at dealing with everyday guilt? If you are a mom like me, you know what I mean. Guilt over not hanging outside Christmas lights. Guilt over giving your child’s teacher a gift card for Christmas instead of … Continue reading →

Posted in cats, children, everyday guilt, single mothers, single parenting, single-parent families | Leave a comment

Believing Makes It So

Posted on December 9, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

Even though I’m a card-carrying member of AARP, I still ponder the wisdom my maternal grandmother, Mama Farley, possessed. The world undoubtedly saw her as a simple Appalachian mountain woman, but her strength and understanding of life rippled out to … Continue reading →

Posted in ancestors, Appalachia, appreciation, confidence, counting blessings, courage, education, encouragement, faith, families, grandmothers, Kentucky, mentors, perseverance, self-esteem, self-talk | Leave a comment

A Cheerful Lesson From an Underground Worker

Posted on November 26, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

Ever feel unappreciated? Ever wonder if anyone notices your efforts? I’m sure all of us have felt that way at one time or another. But the years have taught me that even little actions can make a big difference to … Continue reading →

Posted in appreciation, encouragement, Macy's Day Parade | Leave a comment

What I Wish I Could Ask My Dad

Posted on November 11, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

On this Veterans Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Canada, I’m pondering all my dad and others like him endured as they fought in various wars. And I wish I could go back in time and find a way … Continue reading →

Posted in aging parents, courage, families, regrets, veterans, World War II | Leave a comment

Sweet Birthday Memories

Posted on October 5, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

What special memories do you associate with birthdays? Do you smile as you ponder a long-ago celebration? I like remembering my 34th birthday when my husband surprised me with a gathering of dear friends at our Michigan supper club. How … Continue reading →

Posted in appreciation, birthdays, children, counting blessings, families, God's presence, single mothers, single-parent families, widows | Leave a comment

Thank you, Doris Schumacher

Posted on October 1, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

Has someone ever changed your life with just a few words? Years ago, that happened to me. In fact, a three-minute conversation gave me the vision to get an education. The summer before I entered seventh grade, I met Doris … Continue reading →

Posted in children, confidence, education, encouragement, helping others, mentors, perseverance, self-esteem, self-talk | Leave a comment

Give Yourself a Not-So-Silly Gift

Posted on September 23, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

What are your thoughts about giving yourself a gift? As my friend Marian and her 72-year-old neighbor, Ruth, browsed in an antique shop, Ruth gently picked up a doll with soft hair. “I used to have a doll just like … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, confidence, encouragement, gifts, self-talk | Leave a comment