I like to plan things out, every detail. I like to make lists–sometimes adding things after I do them, to just mark them off. I have cleaning and maintenance rotations. I want everything planned out in detail, but I’m learning that life doesn’t work that way. The best laid plans can crumble in an instant. My focus on the details can make it hard for me to dream or keep … Continue reading →
I had never cared to watch The Nutcracker. Ballet to me had always just looked awkward and uncomfortable. But with my position as “Performance Technical Director” at the local charter school, it was my job to know the show well enough that I could direct a tech crew of 7th and 8th graders for this year’s performance. Before I could direct my ‘techies’ I had to figure out the needs … Continue reading →
The text arrived unceremoniously. It was just a beep and some words saying that I had won a contest. I was skeptical at first, but then I remembered that I had gone to a conference the weekend before and had surprised myself by talking to almost every vendor and entered almost every drawing at the place. But I didn’t remember this vendor. Anyway, I had won an hour session of … Continue reading →
When I am looking for a boost of creativity I often find myself pulling out the book, Steal Like an Artist. Austin Kleon’s unique black marker artwork is visible on just about every page. And that alone sometimes is enough to get my creative juices flowing, but the content of the book is invaluable as it pulls back the curtain on the creative process, and teaches you that you don’t … Continue reading →
I sometimes feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what to feed my family as I’m striving to provide healthier options. I had no idea how much our gut health can impact our mental & physical health until I worked on healing my own and saw a huge difference in how I felt. Now I’m working on a gradual transformation of what our family eats. I was grateful at a recent … Continue reading →
Occasionally, someone will give you a compliment that really makes you feel good and means a lot to you. Years ago, I received such a compliment and I decided to write it down so that I wouldn’t forget it. After writing it down, and reading it again, the good feeling that it mustered up inside of me reminded me of another time I had felt that way. It was from … Continue reading →
My 6 year old ran into the room and asked, “Why do you love me? What do you like about me?” Many things went through my mind. I love her hugs, the way she laughs, that she likes to make people happy, her strong will, her gorgeous hair, bright blue eyes, how eager she is to learn, that she is a good helper…I could go on and on. As this list ran through … Continue reading →
I never met my grandfathers. They both died before I was born. My father’s father, Frank, died when my dad was only 4 years old and my mother’s father, Morris, died a couple months before I was born. She was pregnant with me at his funeral. She used to tell me that we had crossed paths going opposite directions. A few months ago, my mother’s father came to my mind. … Continue reading →
I found it shocking the first time my seemingly sweet, innocent child talked back to me. Their words surprised and stung me, and my immediate reaction was to want to fire right back at them (and at times I have). I’ve spent a lot of time reading and praying to know how to handle back talking. Each child and situation is different, and I’m constantly learning and growing myself. These are … Continue reading →
