Until about 6th grade, I grew up in Small-town USA. It was a sleepy, little town defined by traditional values and faith. With a reverent sense of hearth and home, we had our share of eccentrics and ordinaries. Everyone knew everyone and we knew all the juicy tidbits about everyone whether we wanted to or not. We knew who our …
The end of January is next week. Can you believe it? For some, New Year’s resolutions are already distant memories. For others, those heartfelt intentions are quickly losing some sparkle. You may remember, I don’t make resolutions, but I do set goals. (That may sound like a little matter of semantics, but I’ve often heard it put this way: One’s …
Dreams are the pieces of our soul, I think, that reflect our deepest yearnings. Sometimes, we speak words of affirmation to those yearnings and give wing to our secret desires. Other times, we ferret away vestiges of hope for fear of what folks may think. I’ll use writing as an example. As a little girl, I knew I wanted to …
Today’s is a short, fun Friday post dedicated to my pet-loving friends. You may remember me mentioning that we recently added a furry new addition to our family. “Miranda” the kitty found a forever home with our family the weekend after Christmas. She’s about 18 months old, white with gray markings, and she’s a sweet little thing. (We’ve not had …
In today’s world of go-go-go it’s easy to place ourselves on the back burner. I know I’m guilty of this at times. I’m a wife. I’m a mom. I’m a writer. I have multiple commitments with limited time to get everything done. Sometimes, I’m so focused on taking care of others’ needs and must-dos that I forget to nurture myself. …
Mondays are challenging. It might have something to do with getting back in our groove after a relaxing weekend. At our house, we have a system. (For parents with school-age children I think routine is important. It lessens the stress when kids know what’s expected.) Our Mondays (and other work/school days) look like this: My husband and I rise early. …
Many years ago, our then five-year-old son trudged into the kitchen, “I don’t wanna go back to school.” He dropped his Ninja Turtle backpack on the floor and crossed his tiny arms to emphasize the point. “Mrs. C doesn’t like questions and she doesn’t like teaching kids either.” Surely, he’d misjudged Mrs. C. The teacher we’d just met at Open …
I know. My blog post title seems like a no-brainer because why on earth would anyone do something he doesn’t absolutely, unequivocally love—given he has a choice in the matter? Well, I suppose the answer to that is obvious, too. A lot of times, folks may not have a choice. Take for instance, one’s career. Sometimes, that job isn’t …
Hello Friends! Can you believe 2013 is now a memory? Perhaps that comes as welcome relief. Maybe it’s met with regret or tinged with sorrow. Maybe… the passing of yet another year is mingled with burgeoning hope of possibility. Whatever 2013 held for you, I pray 2014 will be a bright spot on your life calendar. IT’S A NEW …
Beginning today through January 3rd, 2014 I’m on a blogging break. I’ll miss you! The winner of my December giveaway is: Andrew B. Congratulations, Andrew! Please contact me ASAP with a mailing address so I can get your fabulous goodies in the mail to you. To My Readers… 2013 has been a busy year. I started new writing projects and …
