Advice from a small town girl

I know this will come as a huge surprise to most of you.

I have a character flaw.

“Only one?” (I can hear you, you know.)

Only one that I’m willing to talk about today. We’ll save the others for another time. Or other times, as it will probably take several.

This particular character flaw became apparent (again) Sunday night, as we were participating in our annual pumpkin-carving party at a friend’s house.

(We started this tradition years ago and have maintained it through several changes in circumstance. And I must say we are incredibly grateful to the teenaged girl who is so gracious as to c...