Brrr. Here in my little corner of the world, it’s cold! Though we’ve started a slow warming trend, for the past week or so, winter’s locked us in the deep freeze. I’m a born-and-raised Ozarks gal, but I’m not a fan of cold weather. Never have been, never will be. The good thing? It can’t last forever! And despite the …
August Update
Greetings from the Ozarks! It’s great to be back with you today. As you may have noticed, this summer I’ve stepped back from blogging. Other than holiday breaks and a few short vacations, I’ve blogged steadily since 2011. I decided I was long overdue for a sabbatical. Our college gal’s been home for the summer and we’ve enjoyed reconnecting. Now, …
Good News Calls for Chocolate… Take Two!
Ahh… I love good news. And you know what good news calls for, right? Good News Calls for CHOCOLATE… Take Two! *slices cake and passes it your way* Don’t be shy. There’s plenty for everyone. (And no worries. I’ve prayed the calories right out of it!) *tosses confetti* Remember when I announced I was a 2017 ACFW Genesis Semi-Finalist? Today …
When in the Ozarks… It’s All Relative
Here in the Ozarks we’re blessed. Ours is a slower-paced way of life, though, that doesn’t mean we’re entirely immune to busyness. We simply approach it a little differently, and perhaps, on our own terms. Say, after three cups of coffee and a morning chat with Neighbor Nelly or Preacher Bill. Some folks resist change and cling to old ways and …
10 Reasons To Do Sunday Brunch at The Keeter Center
As promised, today I have a delightful treat for you. Be forewarned: eye-candy feast ahead. It *may* induce coveting…and hunger pangs. Belly up to your laptop screen or smartphone annnd let’s go! As you know, one of our family’s all-time favorite restaurants is the award-winning Dobyns Dining Room at the oh-so-amazing Keeter Center (located at my beloved alma mater, College of the …
Writing, Winter, and Ice… OH, MY!
Well, for those who are wondering— What they say about the Ozarks is true. If you’re tired of the weather one day, stick around. Weather here changes on a dime. For instance, on Wednesday my car registered seventy-two degrees. Yesterday? Not even half that. And today… Today it seems we are in for a get-your-blood-pumping-and-slip-on-your-long johns kind of day. In …
Live the ADVENTURE
As we mature (age), the tendency to step outside our comfort zone is greater than it might be versus those angst-filled days of our youth. The first decades of life, we’re more concerned with “fitting in” and we care what our peers and coworkers think. We might dance around the edges of safe and flirt with different, but we’re less inclined to go against the …
The World We Create
As a fiction writer, I’m drawn to stories—different kinds of stories, really, because I realize one way to improve my craft is to understand the human condition. By nature, I’m also very curious and I enjoy people. I want to know what makes them tick. I want to know what motivates them. How choices, lifestyles, and culture influence their decisions …
My One Word for 2017: Persevere
Welcome back! I’m so glad you stopped by. As 2016 drew to a close, I relished a much-needed break from blogging and social media. I savored time with family and friends as we celebrated the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of our Savior. I hope your holidays were joy-filled, as well. Now that another year’s behind us, I’ve reflected on …
10 Reasons I’m Thankful
Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving to you, my friend! Yes, I realize I’m a day early, but today as we reflect on this season of thankfulness, I wanted to wish you and yours a joyous, stress-free, hope-filled holiday—one that brings a smile and a tender thought or two. Wouldn’t it be nice if we celebrated the state of Thanksgiving the whole year through? …