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Articles by Andrea Elise
The perils of facelifts and whether to get botox | OPINION
That really isn’t a question. Nor does it apply to anyone other than I. (Trying to be grammatically correct with the sentence above, even though who cares.) I again add a disclaimer that this situation is only about me. Someone else could easily have a completely different experience. We have known forever that nebulous society expects us to look as perfect as possible which – for many of us – means getting help from lotions, potions, teeth-whitening and even more invasive procedures.
Why this Boomer feels hopeful about Gen Z | OPINION
Andrea Elise Sometimes it takes a major experience to understand in your core that there are differences between you and others you thought had similar characteristics and values. People often clump themselves into the categories assigned (arbitrarily?) by their ages. Speaking for myself, I'm very aware that I'm a "Boomer," which is, in part, categorized by people who grew up with the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement.
At-gym selfies abound as more people flex | OPINION
Provided picture of the writer in her hippie days. Has anyone else noticed a new-ish gym routine? Sure, I'm in my 70's (may I add "early?"), but certainly I'm not the only one who has recently noticed so many young men standing in a corner or – better yet – finding an empty classroom, taking their T-shirts off and shooting several selfies of themselves in weight-lift competition mode. By that, I mean they are tilted to the side and flexing every muscle noticeable from their chests upwards.
Would'ves, could'ves and the six words I dread | OPINION
The title of this piece has only four words, so one can assume there is a phrase different from the title. You’ve assumed correctly! The six words are: “It seemed right at the time.” I want to pull my hair out just thinking of that sentence.
Elise writes about friendships and love for sale | OPINION
Do we need to “purchase” friendships? A psychologist named William Schofield proposes that we do and gives a reason why.
The high value of 'low' work | OPINION
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News July 9, 2026, 4:45 a.m. CT We’ve all heard adages like, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” or someone “trash talking” another person, or that something is “a load of garbage.” There are many other metaphors for trash. One that comes to mind at this moment is simply, “the trash heap of history.” According to Google AI, there are numerous references to garbage in the Bible, including a metaphorical one, as follows:
Where have all the childhoods gone? | OPINION
“What will become of Chimby? What will become of Chimby?” That was the sentenced I reportedly uttered over and over in Hungarian when I was a toddler in situations where I felt helpless. “Chimby” was a nickname and, from stories I have heard, the sentences were muttered during incidents like getting stuck on a swing set or not being able to get out of a playpen. It’s kind of “cute” now, but the feeling of impotence all those decades ago was not.
Silenced voices, or what AI can and cannot do | OPINION
Isn’t it soothing to hear a familiar voice on TV or radio, even if the person is trying to sell something or giving advice? Several signature voices come to mind: James Earl Jones, Walter Cronkite, Tom Brokaw, Julie Andrews, Meryl Streep, Maya Angelou. The list goes on. What a difference between those voices and an artificial intelligence one. I recently tried listening to several articles in major newspapers, and I could not tolerate it for even 10 minutes.
2026 Summer Read: On I Seek a Kind Person by Julian Borger
On I Seek a Kind Person by Julian Borger By Andrea Elise This is Andrea Elise, coming to you from Amarillo, TX. I’ve never liked jigsaw puzzles. The irregular curves and edges of each piece all look the same, and trying to discover which piece connects to another is a challenge I am not disciplined enough to do. However, Julian Borger’s I Seek a Kind Person makes trying something intricate worthwhile.
The Gift | OPINION
It wouldn’t be unusual to have a moment when you realize, not just on an intellectual level, but also viscerally, that someone in your life knows every inch of you, every side of you, every mood, every thought, every scintilla. More importantly, you understand that this same person loves each iota unconditionally. This knowledge, offered freely and with no catches or obligations, is truly a remarkable present.
The Gift | OPINION
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News May 24, 2026, 4:46 a.m. CT It wouldn’t be unusual to have a moment when you realize, not just on an intellectual level, but also viscerally, that someone in your life knows every inch of you, every side of you, every mood, every thought, every scintilla. More importantly, you understand that this same person loves each iota unconditionally. This knowledge, offered freely and with no catches or obligations, is truly a remarkable present.
Give peace a thought | OPINION
How many of you grew up in the era when watching Saturday morning cartoons was the highlight of your week? It seemed innocent enough to be thrilled that Bugs Bunny outwitted Elmer Fudd at every turn and that the Road Runner never lost to Wile E. Coyote.
Ethereal memory, brought with melody and meaning | OPINION
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News April 21, 2026, 4:45 a.m. CT I recently read "The Mary We Forgot," a book by Jennifer Powell McNutt. While I was reading the well-researched and beautifully written volume, several phrases stayed with me. The first sentence was this: “Cultivating spiritual remembrance in the Christian life can powerfully shape understanding of both ourselves and God.” Another was as follows: “Scripture tells us over and over that God remembers us.”
'Sleepy Eyes' and following life's unpredictable journey | OPINION
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News April 7, 2026, 4:45 a.m. CT I don’t often begin a written piece with song lyrics, but I believe this article warrants one. The song, written by Mark Simos, is called, “Sleepy Eyes.” Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum perform an astonishingly beautiful rendition on their album, “The Oak and the Laurel.” I encourage everyone to find the song, close their eyes and listen to it while tuning out the rest of the world.
Language is not like riding a bicycle | OPINION
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News March 26, 2026, 4:45 a.m. CT The other day, a long-time family friend remarked that, “the more languages you know, the more people you can become.” He spoke that sentence after Alan and I revealed that we are in a Latin study group and, sadly (for now anyway), we are not very successful in our comprehension of anything.
A powerful postscript in Eric Dane's 'Famous Last Words' | OPINION Original
If you haven’t seen the 50-minute conversation between actor Eric Dane and screenwriter/producer Brad Falchuk called “Famous Last Words” on Netflix, I recommend that you wrap yourself in a snug blanket, place a box of tissues nearby, and be prepared to think, wonder, feel and tear-up as the interview progresses.
Talk of US annexing Canada draws parallels to 1950s Hungary
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News Feb. 18, 2026, 4:45 a.m. CT How in the world should Canadians propose a different slogan from the one above when the President of the United States insists that Canada should become the 51st State in our Union? Lyse Doucet, an award-winning foreign correspondent for BBC News, spoke recently about the “water cooler” space between different countries.
The before, current, and after in a person's life | OPINION
“Everyone needs a before and an after.” I heard a woman speak this sentence recently. Since I was late to the conversation, I infer that she was going through an important and difficult transition in her life. I do know this, though: if we are judged by what we are doing now, many of us might need reframing for our “before” and even our “current.”
Thoughts on pilgrimage and the mission of Patsy's Place
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News Jan. 29, 2026, 4:45 a.m. CT When you think of the word “pilgrimage,” what images come to mind? A journey certainly, and anything related to traveling. But is a pilgrim simply moving in a direction not to stay still, or is the person headed some place special for a particular reason? In my mind, I see an individual putting one foot in front of the other for a specific purpose, that intention being towards healing, both physically and spiritually.
Thoughts on pilgrimage and the mission of Patsy's Place
When you think of the word “pilgrimage,” what images come to mind? A journey certainly, and anything related to traveling. But is a pilgrim simply moving in a direction not to stay still, or is the person headed some place special for a particular reason? In my mind, I see an individual putting one foot in front of the other for a specific purpose, that intention being towards healing, both physically and spiritually.
Un-friending AI and the dangers of misinformation and robots
It seems I often lag behind the pace where pop culture and language are concerned. I blame this on not having grandchildren but, in reality, I’m probably just not paying attention. This deficiency wriggled out of the sand again when I read an article recently that indicated the most annoying (and Dictionary.com) phrase of 2025 was “Six Seven.”
Opinion: Marking what would be a 100th birthday with cogito, ergo sum
So, here we are. You would be 100 years old tomorrow. Don’t think I have forgotten. You needed only 4.5 years more to reach that milestone. Not many can declare that. Perhaps the years of no smoking or drinking helped, or maybe longevity was on your side. Cogito, ergo sum, you would say. If not those exact words, then something similar and surely in Latin. All of your children, middle-aged and older, would know exactly what you meant. That’s how they were taught.
Opinion: When 'advert' means life as seen in 'I Seek A Kind Person'
I’ve never liked jigsaw puzzles. The irregular curves and edges of each piece all look the same, and trying to discover which piece connects to another is a challenge I am not disciplined enough to do. However, Julian Borger’s "I Seek A Kind Person" makes trying something intricate worthwhile. Julian takes on the interlocking and absorbing task of finding, not only his own relatives, but also seven others who — as children — were dispatched to families outside of Austria in 1938.
Martha's Home name doesn't do nonprofit full justice
Sometimes the name of an association easily describes its mission, vision and purpose. With the non-profit “Martha’s Home,” the name does not do full justice to the mission and vision of the agency. If we step back from the commotion of our daily lives and learn about this unique and commanding force in our community, we understand the scope of its resonance in Amarillo and the Panhandle.
Columnist shares harrowing skydiving experience
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News This story is not about heroics. It is not about being brave or even strong. This tale will, I hope, illustrate what can happen when one has not researched or otherwise prepared for what many people would consider an adventure. If this narrative helps only one person avoid what the writer experienced, it will be worth reading. The scene: A small county airport in a township in the middle of Colorado.
Opinion: Why we need the hurdy gurdy
It never hurts to iterate the phrase “Op-Ed” at the beginning of articles in this section. It may help us (in this case, I) remember that the writer is not an encyclopedia or – to be more current – does not use Artificial Intelligence as inspiration. My husband and I recently attended a fantastic talk and performance by Tomás Lozano, a world-renowned musician, singer, composer and scholar, who was born in Barcelona, Spain and now calls Bloomington, Indiana his home.
The various uses of rope over the years and tying knots
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News How about if I offer to pay $5 to the first person who can name the singer who made the above-referenced country song a household phrase in 1967? Rules apply: no search engines, no library books, nothing. Just name that singer now. Hint: it was the person’s only hit. Now that I have your attention, I’ll move on and outline what I learned about rope recently and why we might even care about something so mundane.
Amarillo Symphony: Braw, Bonnie, Maiseach!
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News America. What adjectives can we conceptualize? Eager? Fresh? Innovative? Rugged? Energetic? Diverse? Intense? Beautiful? Fearless? Complex? Imaginative? Essential? Twelve words do not begin to cover the swath of language and feeling we can attach to this country. But it’s a start. I experienced feelings evocative of the United States during the Amarillo Symphony’s initial program of the 2025–2026 season. Looking for a free mini puzzle?
Peace Be With You
This book may contain language, sexual content, and themes of grief and loss, which may be challenging for some readers. Reader caution advised. Peace Be With You by Andrea Elise Hello, High Plains. My name is Andrea Elise, coming to you from Amarillo, Texas, to say a few words about the 2023 memoir by Diane Foley (along with collaborator Colum McCann) called American Mother. The memoir begins when Diane, a 73-year-old woman, travels to Virginia to face her son’s murderer.
Opinion: Is this week, like, ever gonna end?
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News Calling all Communication majors! Can you think of something that would make the title of this piece better? Maybe you need to read further to decide. Let’s see. Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and before pterodactyls developed their full wings, I joined a Toastmaster Club in Seattle, WA.
Elise column: Goodbye, red-bricked road
My jaw dropped when I saw her. Gone the lovely lilac corona that enveloped her almost year-round. Missing the juniper, boxwood and Texas sage that welcomed family and friends as they trod the cobbled stones. Why was the custom-made mailbox, so quaint yet elegant, removed from the side of the building? And why did the bricks look like rubble when this proud, noble structure had withstood almost 80 years of gentle care?
Opinion: Look through any window and 'Joe Harry'
Readers who are Boomers might think the first four words of the title above refer to the hit song by The Hollies, a band from our youth. Think Graham Nash and Allan Clark in 1962. I don’t know what anyone will make of the reference in quotation marks below those four words. Since the verse after “look through any window” is “what do you see? Smiling faces all around, rushing through the busy town,” it is a good guess to pay tribute to The Hollies. However, that isn’t the allusion this time.
Opinion: The tiger rags and rages
I recently read an Op-Ed column by a woman I find to be a unique writer and satirist. She commented on the perils of showing even a hint of sarcasm or poking fun at the current leader of this administration. In other words, once you poke the tiger, you best be careful. The tiger will feast on you. One example she noted was CBS’ firing of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show after Colbert mocked the settlement of a lawsuit filed by the government in connection with CBS’ plan to merge with Skydance.
Elise writes on kayaking class through Amarillo parks and recreation
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News Can anyone guess what the following numbers have in common: 8, 9.5, 10 and 71? If anyone thinks the digits are attached to physics, such as motion (velocity, acceleration, displacement); forces (gravity, friction, Newton's laws); energy (kinetic, potential, power): and properties of matter (mass, weight, inertia), that person would highly over-rate this writer. I didn’t even know that the “c” in physics’ terms is related to the speed of light.
Opinion: Living in the magical, mysterious, or mythical places
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News This is a sacred place. The explosion of chamisa and purple aster, The table of rich penistaja soil beneath, The frosted Sangre de Cristo peaks glistening in the East: Heaven is just a foothold away. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. This is a lonely place.
Opinion: Waypoints, a glance at an immigrant story
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News Once upon a time, in a decade known (at least in part) for the Cold War and two-parent families, there lived a senator from Wisconsin who terrified citizens with his infamous list of people who allegedly supported communism. This senator made the lives of many people miserable with his threats, intimidation and menacing. To be on the senator’s list was a danger to the person and his/her family and career.
On The Universe in Verse: 15 Portals to Wonder through Science & Poetry
On The Universe in Verse: 15 Portals to Wonder through Science & Poetry by Andrea Elise Hello, my name is Andrea Elise and I live in Amarillo, Texas. When we think of science and poetry, we often attribute one discipline to our left brains and the other to our right brains. But what if there was a way to explore both of these avenues of thinking by looking for the intersection between the two? What if inspecting this offers insights into the magnificence of the universe?
Opinion: The octopus and us, as seen from 'The Universe in Verse' book
When we think of science and poetry, we often attribute one discipline to our left brains and the other to our right brains. But what if there was a way to explore both of these avenues of thinking by looking for the intersection between the two? What if inspecting this offers insights into the magnificence of the universe?
Happiness According to Niall Williams
Happiness According to Niall Williams by Andrea Elise Hello, High Plains Public Radio listeners. This is Andrea Elise coming to you from Amarillo, Texas. Have you ever read a book that considers the dilemmas and questions we encounter almost every day while, at the same time, delivers the promises of a generation? In his magnificent novel, This is Happiness, Irish author Niall Williams tackles a myriad of issues we face daily.
Opinion: Mystery of remnants, relics and what matters, as seen from a Catholic church
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News I never thought I would use the word “relic” in any context, and certainly not to relay that my husband and I drove across town to see small altars full of them in various “containers” at St. Lucien’s Chapel on May 22, 2025.
Opinion: Bad experience with pharmacist leads to musings on 'a pretty girl'
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News I penned the four stanzas below after an inexplicably bad experience with a “professional” at a local store. I dedicate the words, along with the accompanying essay, to all the women and men, to all boys and girls, who are treated badly because they don’t look, dress or sound the way a so-called expert requires. When you are a pretty girl Life is measured out for you in platinum spoons Big ones, mostly, but if you desire smaller, Need a break?
Personal tribute to Pope Francis notes humility, tolerance, mercy
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News Tens of thousands of individuals did not need to cry on Saturday, April 21, when they heard the words, “todos, todos, todos” spoken earlier by Jorge Mario Bergoglio. But when people think about the message behind those words, they understand how those who were (and still are) marginalized in cultures around the world find it rare and special to be included in the simple word repeated three times: everyone, everyone, everyone.
Opinion: 'Thou mayest' and thoughts on choice and free will
By Andrea Elise Special to the Amarillo Globe-News Who uses the above words in the year 2025? When a tween asks her parents if she can go to the movies with a friend, do they answer, “thou mayest?” Doubtful. The two words sound senseless in 21st century parlance. However, when we learn the original meaning of the phrase, as I did recently, one of the basic tenets of being a human being appears in sharp focus.
Opinion: Tohubohu - confusion may be another stage of grief
We all know the five stages of grief outlined by Swiss-American psychiatrist, Elizabeth Kübler Ross in 1970. She spoke about these stages, elucidated in her best-selling book, "On Death and Dying." The stages, as she noted them, are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance (DABDA). What may not be clear is that grief enters and abducts one in ways outside of death and dying.
Opinion: Acquaintance among those fired, graduate's work sidelined by DOGE cuts
I Listen to the Wind ... ... to the wind of my Soul. The singer-songwriter formally known as Cat Stevens performs this beautiful lyric from his “The Teaser and the Firecat” album released in 1971. He continues with, “where I end up, only God really knows.” Stevens examines spirituality and fate, listening to the wind of his soul to find direction. At the time, he was exploring Eastern philosophy, following a life-threatening bout of tuberculosis.
Opinion: Death by Papaya extract, or words unsaid at the drug store
If readers are expecting a nail-biter or even a “Murder, She Wrote” companion mystery, they will be sorely disappointed. This piece is not at all mysterious; it is just puzzling. Let’s start with a question. Have you ever felt “off” and had no clue why? You have no specific symptoms; it’s just that your body and mind aren’t in sync. You’re tired but you you’re not sleep-deprived. You feel heavy when you really aren’t. You can’t concentrate but there’s nothing bothering you.
Elise commentary: Patrons of everything?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being human is our desire and capacity to learn every day. Even if we think we are well-versed in a subject, there is always something recently-developed or freshly-opened to absorb. I was raised a devout Roman Catholic in the 1950’s and 1960’s and went to Catholic schools beginning with kindergarten through high school. I even lived with the Incarnate Word nuns in San Antonio my junior year in high school.
Elise: Confessions of a septuagenarian musical theater dance wanna be
With so much confusion and turbulence in the country and world, it is important to stay focused on what we can and cannot do; to speak out when we can; and, of course, to maintain integrity. However, sometimes even a small break can do wonders for our exhausted spirits. Realizing that fact recently, I turned to an acquaintance’s comment that reflects one of her Buddhist beliefs: “action absorbs anxiety.” Any action can work, but those that shove you out of your comfort zone may be more potent.
Elise commentary: All we are
While pedaling the unnecessarily evil stationary bike at the gym the other day, I looked up and saw a Nature program on the TV in front of the bicycles. The show featured a young puma in castles of snow, desperately searching for sustenance. In the distance, she saw a cria herd, the technical name for a group of llamas, and sprinted towards them, hoping for a meal. Despite her possible 50 mph run, she was not able to catch up to the herd.
Opinion: Melting of horizons
Not long ago, I heard a visiting conductor from Ireland speak about an aspect of music I had never heard of before. Maestro Peter Shannon discussed mind/body connections when considering various tropes in music that result in a “melting of horizons.” If I understood his explanation correctly, there are “figures” in music that engage our minds in consequential ways. Figures are short sequences of notes that create a distinct idea.
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