August 3, 2023

I seem to go through periods where a certain emotion keeps popping up over and over.

I’ve had extended times of grief, bravery, resentment, creativity, loneliness, being present, overwhelm, passion, disappointment, connected.

Lately? It’s inadequacy.

July 30, 2023

I was driving by myself for a while tonight and had a lot on my mind.

I have some big dreams.

I have the why.

I do not have the what and the how and the where.

July 29, 2023

Last summer, I climbed the steps of the ropes course and froze. I was proud of trying.

This year, I decided to try again and gave myself permission to stay at the top of the stairs again.

But when I got there, something different happened.

July 8, 2023

Trigger Warning: Abuse

I recently came across a news article related to a story I read a couple years ago. It was a local piece highlighting an update to a case where a local church and camp leader was accused of sexually assaulting over 20 young people. The judicial system is not involved because #statuteoflimitations.

July 8, 2023

A longtime favorite spot but my first time for breakfast.

Beautiful view.

Wonderful staff - as always.

Delicious food.

July 7, 2023

Spontaneity is newer-ish for me. I’m trying to let go of some planning and control and go where life takes me. Sometimes.

So recently, I unexpectedly ended up on the porch of a longtime friend that I haven’t seen in over 12 years.

July 5, 2023

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned.

Like when your fourteen-year-old decides to take on her life-long dream of learning how to do a handstand. In the living room. With furniture in the way. (She did move the couch a bit and put mats on the floor.)

June 28, 2023

When your kids insist on dismantling the dilapidated playground with only hand tools.

June 23, 2023

Once I finally learned that feeling our feelings is important, healthier than stuffing them inside, I have embraced crying.

Tears now show up during disappointment, fear, overwhelm, inadequacy, injury, anger.

But they also show up for another reason.

Love.

June 21, 2023

Here we are.

The beginning of the longest day of this year.

And it is magnificent already.

Today we are going to take it all in.

June 19, 2023

Kinda last minute.

But I was just struck with an idea as I am doing schoolwork in my snow globe/porch-gloo.

And I’m wondering if you want to join in.

June 2, 2023

Now, it can be funny sometimes. And sometimes, it’s still not.

How I used to think that as me and my family healed from old beliefs and patterns that life would become a little easier.

When it has done the opposite.

May 30, 2023

The opposite of down is up.

The opposite of backward is forward.

So what’s the opposite of a pink Jeep?

May 20, 2023

For the second time in a few months, we made a spontaneous decision to go see a completely unfamiliar show an hour before the curtain went up.

This time, Six.

May 20, 2023

Current situation at the county championship track meet.

They have been using brooms and blankets to keep the ring from pooling with water.

May 19, 2023

I want to live in a world where,

if a child or vulnerable adult goes missing,

the community in which they live is notified,

and the community members each do what they are able to help,

May 12, 2023

Some stages of life can be harder than others.

And we’ve been in one of those spots for a while.

But they also make the little moments of joy seem more significant.

May 11, 2023

Today was throwback fashion day at my school to celebrate staff appreciation week. And what better way to capture the spirit of the day than with rotary phone shoes, of course!

Schools are made for learning and fun. They are filled with amazing kids and adults who are committed to their growth. They are a place we want all students to feel included and feel a sense of belonging.

May 10, 2023

I have struggled with this post in my mind for a while. It’s been rattling around in there for about a year and I haven’t found the just-right way to write about it even after all this time.

But I’ve decided it doesn’t matter. So here we go.

May 7, 2023

The back of the minivan is no longer empty!!!!

A couple of trip insights: