Author Archives: Lou Ann Thomas

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About Lou Ann Thomas

I'm a retired journalist who feels extremely fortunate to have spent decades writing a regular column and telling other's stories. Having dreamed of being a writer, particularly a columnist, since I was a teenager, I find that retirement has not dampened my desire, often need, to communicate, express myself, tell a story now and then and to write essays. Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.

Not enough friends? Or too much bread?

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Lou Ann Thomas

            A friend recently gave me a bag of starter for Friendship Bread.  I love the easily customized, moist, sweet bread that can be created from the starter, so I was thrilled.              But if you have ever received a … Continue reading →

Posted in Grass & Grain Columns | 2 Comments

Hanging on to the top rungs

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Lou Ann Thomas

             In the past few months we have lost several elders from our community.  These are people I have known my entire life.  Several were “neighborhood parents” when I was growing up.  In small communities like this we had more … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Doing The Stupid helped make me smarter

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Lou Ann Thomas

Over the weekend I mowed my lawn.  It had been over two weeks since I started that project because shortly after I did I accidentally mowed over my dog Sam’s 40-foot tie out cable.  The cable became immediately and tightly … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons from the Land | 3 Comments

Here’s how naive I am…

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Lou Ann Thomas

I thought that the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed by United States forces would bring the country together — for just a moment.  I didn’t expect a complete breakthrough or hiatus from the nit picking and name … Continue reading →

Posted in As I see it | 3 Comments

Unplugging for a low-tech, high wonder day

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Lou Ann Thomas

Last Sunday I unplugged.  I didn’t check my email, update my status on Facebook, or post a single tweet.   I didn’t turn on the computer or even answer the phone.  It was a day of silence and low-tech living. Before … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Go for the chocolate, but enjoy the rest

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Lou Ann Thomas

When I first sent out requests for favorite places in Kansas, my friend Kelley was one of the first to respond.  Kelley knows me well and knew if she mentioned chocolate she would get my attention.  And she did when … Continue reading →

Posted in The Best of Kansas | 2 Comments

Have a little awe for the holidays

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Lou Ann Thomas

It was one of those moments.  You know the kind.  One of those times when you feel completely present and as though you are in the right place at the right time. I had just gathered up an arm load … Continue reading →

Posted in As I see it | 6 Comments

Am I happy?

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Lou Ann Thomas

     People have been asking me lately if I’m happy living back on the farm. It has been about a year since I moved here so that’s also a question I’ve been asking myself, and in that asking I’ve made … Continue reading →

Posted in Transitions | 10 Comments

Tell me where to go

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Lou Ann Thomas

            A local paper included an insert of “The Best of the Flint Hills” this week.  I was so excited to see what establishments had received the most votes.  Where was the best ice cream sundae?  Who had the best coffee?  … Continue reading →

Posted in The Best of Kansas | 17 Comments

The day the cows left home

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Lou Ann Thomas

            Moving back to the farm and being more involved in the day-to-day operations of a farm/ranch operation has been quite an education.  I’ve learned how to watch the commodity markets and place open orders for the crops.  I’ve learned … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature | 16 Comments