Gathering inspiration for the person I want to be.
“This has been “Some Good News,” reminding you that no matter how tough life can get, there is always good in the world.” – John Krasinski A year ago, in the first several weeks of the pandemic, my kids and I discovered something delightful. Our weeks had been filled with bad news: school was closed, … Continue reading Some Good News vs. Toxic Positivity
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." - Anne Lamott National Margarita Day is Monday and I may be celebrating early. Donkey Taqueria here in Grand Rapids is offering these three fun flavors starting today, and I think I would like to try the Thai Basil one. … Continue reading Rest.
Last Friday all of Michigan was a shade of gray, including my mood. It was a heavy-heart week during which I had had some harsh words for God and for some people I care about. I told Jamie that I’d pick up some flowers at Trader Joe’s so we’d have something cheerful in the house … Continue reading How did she know?
It’s getting harder to laugh these days, at least for me. How about you? My oldest son often mentions his favorite teacher, Sra. Triminio from third grade. She is a young brunette in her 20’s with high standards and an easy, laid-back way about her. She began teaching Spanish immersion at Grand Rapids Christian Elementary … Continue reading She laughs a lot.
On December 23, 2013, my dad took me to Meijer. We were due to have our fourth baby in about a week. Dad heard me say that we were ready for the baby, but we just needed one more thing – one of those Velcro swaddle blankets. There was a winter storm going strong outside, … Continue reading Weight.
It was our first full day in Yellowstone on a big “out west” vacation this summer. After lingering in the classic beauty of the Teton mountains for four days – we were ready for the otherworldly variety show of Yellowstone. All morning, we drove and hiked around the steamy, stinky geyser basin where everything looks … Continue reading Joy Imprint.
This morning I was reading by lamplight in our cozy living room, with all the curtains closed. My six-year-old son slid across the wood floors toward the front windows, shouting, “Mommy open your curtains! You’re totally missing the sky!” I was totally missing it. “Sky 2020” has been quite a show, especially this fall. The … Continue reading Sunrise Sacrament
Last week there was an empty Jarritos bottle in the cupholder of my minivan that made me smile every time I saw it. When I saw that bottle, I remembered my son hopping out of the car, guzzling the last inch of fruit punch Jarritos, and saying, “Thanks Mom. Love you,” before dashing back inside … Continue reading Jarritos and Hermitage.
Last weekend, we were driving our minivan home through the Appalachian mountains with the kids. It had been a long day in the van, and fast food was the plan for dinner. We couldn’t agree on one restaurant, so we chose both Taco Bell and McDonald’s, the best options at that highway exit. At the … Continue reading “The Long Cut”
Does anyone else suffer from a vague fear that things are not going to be ok? That suffering is coming? In conversations both in person and online, I am hearing one of two things: blind optimism that everything will be fine, as soon as there is a vaccine; as soon as all businesses can reopen; … Continue reading “Reconsider it pure joy.”
Gathering inspiration for the person I want to be.
author. speaker. loud laugher.
Gathering inspiration for the person I want to be.
Gathering inspiration for the person I want to be.
