For the Pleasure of It
Today I remember the letter Kurt Vonnegut wrote to a group of students with some amazing writing advice. I read the letter because one of my favorite websites, Letters of Note, unearthed it this week. Visit this great website to read all sorts of letters written by famous people. Kurt Vonnegut wrote perhaps the best […]
What I Love Most About Getting Older
Today I turn 38 years old! It’s been a great day. I realize that what makes this day so full of birthday flair: I know what I love and who I am. It’s taken a long time to get here. I love being older and knowing that I love coffee, long stretches of writing with […]
And Yet! And Yet!
I’m taking out the garbage, and I happen to glance at the withered raspberry patch. Wait a second! There’s another harvest! What in the world!? I recall back in 2010 when the same phenomenon happened with my peppers. I had put the garden to rest in my mind, but the garden had other thoughts. But wait, […]
The 6th Annual Halloween Boo Platter
I almost didn’t make the traditional Boo Platter this year. But, if you remember, this platter just might represent my most memorable act. The email comes in from the 3rd grade teacher that we’re still in need of veggies for the class Halloween Party. OK, OK, I’ll do it. I love the Boo Platter. It’s one […]
Let Them Cook
I’ve let my oldest daughter loose in the kitchen. We’re having a great time together. It’s messy, a little inconvenient, and time consuming, but cooking with my daughter is one of my favorite activities as a mom. I’m passing something on; it feels like we’re participating in the ancient rhythms of hearth and home. We’re […]
The Big Goal: Participating in the Divine Nature
This morning, I glance at a new study guide called How People Change, by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp. I’m struck by the governing question of the text. It’s this: What hopes and goals give direction to your life? Well, I’m so glad you asked. I realize how easily I veer off course in my […]
The Countdown to National Novel Writing Month! Let’s Do This!
Dear Friends, On November 1st–a mere 5 days away–I’m going to begin my new novel as part of National Novel Writing Month. Won’t you join me and start your own novel? So far, two of my friends have joined up. From November 1 through November 30, YOU can join us and commit to writing 1667 […]
Neck of the Woods
Today I learn that the phrase “neck of the woods” refers to a narrow region. A “neck” means a narrow stretch of something. So, in my narrow little yard–my neck of the woods–we love to go outside to catch falling leaves. When I was a little girl, I loved to catch falling leaves. We thought […]
A Fun Pumpkin Craft: Paint Them Silver
Today, I learn that you can spray paint little plastic pumpkins silver, and they look beautiful against candlelight. You can leave them around for Christmas, too. We spray a primer coat on them first. Then, we apply the silver coat. I never imagined I could enjoy silver pumpkins, but I love them! _________________
“Who Can Show Us Any Good?”: Encouragement for Sad Days
This morning as I sat in my minivan after another night of comforting sad children over the death of our beloved cat, I felt the weight of sorrow in my heart. So much sorrow! Not just for pets that die, but for all the other sorrow in my own community and across the whole world. […]