Saying goodbye after 31 years is hard — Last week, the final Santa Claus believer in our house hung up his red hat trimmed in white. Our 11-year-old son and his father had a man-to-man talk on their way to the grocery store. …

Perimenopause and menopause impact the brain too — I just turned 49 years old. The last stop in the decade before I stake my claim on half a century of life. Every birthday is a gift, which is not something I take lightly. The years also bring surprises along with more candles on the cake. The Times They Are a Changin’ My body is…

These words never get bleeped — In a world of negativity and unkind words, it’s easy to veer off a positive path. I recently got to thinking of all the beautiful four-letter words we could choose from to cultivate a joyful life. Enjoy. Move When I move, I feel happier. Whether I walk, hike, or swim (all…

Advice from Robert Benson on setting boundaries with ourselves — I recently attended a writers’ conference where I received a book recommendation from one of the faculty members. As shared with her about my self-doubt and writing obstacles, her encouragement soothed me. Assuring me that my feelings were normal, she recommended Robert Benson’s Dancing on the Head of a Pen…

Gun violence cannot be prayed away — Lord have mercy. Another horrible headline today from Texas — an elementary school shooting. At the time of this writing, 20 people have died in Uvalde, Texas after an 18-year old shooter opened fire. Eighteen of them are children. High-profile school shootings like today’s, along with Columbine, Sandy Hook, and…

Will you answer it? — The Sunday school room in my childhood church had a picture of Jesus knocking at a door. It hung straight ahead as you walked in. I loved it — a familiar sight in a familiar place. The picture also fascinated me. There was a luminescence about Him, a holy glow…

If you are a current subscriber, there’s a secret deal — Last year when my in-person writers’ conference was cancelled, I signed up for Masterclass. As a writer, learning more about craft is important. I figured I’d learn from home if I couldn’t travel to do it. …

Hooray for spring! — Good gracious! It’s been a long winter. Spring slips in and out, teasing us with her balmy weather and earthy scent. Winter grapples with her, wanting to throw a few good freezing jabs our way before he finally relents and lets her take center stage. Just wanted to check in…

Renewal and beauty abound — Springtime and winter have been wrestling lately in my corner of the world. One day, I’m layering on a sweater and scarf over my clothes and scraping ice from the windshield. The next, I’m stepping out of the house without a coat. Morning birdsong sounds louder and more urgent. …