Designing a life of peace, joy and laughter.
Can you picture your childhood house? This was mine from age 0-26, in Villa Park,IL. When my parents bought it, my dad said, “Mary, this is going to be your dream house.” Actually, my mom dreamed of a house with a big front porch like the one she grew up in. But year after year … Continue reading Dream House: 505
"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.
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."- John Muir So far, our “out west” National Park vacation has been our biggest, best family memory – confirmed by both of us and all three … Continue reading Memory Makers, Part 2. Out West.
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.
“Don’t Forget: He has most who needs least. Don’t create needs for yourself.”- Josemaria Escriva, 1928 My husband asked me what I want for Christmas. To “make it easier” for him, I decided to list a bunch of things I would like to have and let him choose what to buy. Immediately the following things … Continue reading The Power of Wanting Less
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.
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