Only You
Today, I recall the First Lady’s quote, “I can only be Michelle Obama.” She doesn’t try to be anybody else. The statement resonates. I
December 12, 2011
Live With Flair
Enjoy the archive
They See What You Don’t See
I’m sending a novel pitch out to agents, and one responds with interest. This means it’s time to send a full proposal: synopsis, character sketches,
December 11, 2011
A Beautiful Answer to Prayer
My daughter gives permission to share the following true story that just delights me: I’m tucking my daughter in bed, and she opens up and
December 10, 2011
This Will Hurt
These past few days, I’ve been talking to students and my daughters about what it means to do the right thing. We decide this: It
December 9, 2011
What We’re Meant For
Today I notice the Weeping Cherry, and the beautiful intricacy of the ice on her limbs captures my attention. Ice on the Weeping Cherry A
December 8, 2011
It Begins When it Ends: Saying Farewell to Students
As the semester ends at Penn State, I face these students one last time. We’ll never be together like this–in this way–again. These freshman will
December 7, 2011
Everything You Need
My neighbor tells me that a little mouse is wintering in the sandbox by her woodpile. Her daughter discovered him yesterday when she lifted the
December 6, 2011
What Not to Say While Holiday Shopping
I’m standing in line at the store, and the salespeople rush around, trying to relieve the long lines waiting at each check-out station. Every intercom
December 5, 2011
Easy Does It (How to Survive the Holidays)
Tonight, we host a Christmas party for graduate students. We’ve learned, after all these years and all sorts of gatherings in our home, that easy
December 4, 2011
Unlikely Sucess
Today, Jack alerts me to a beautiful bird in the Weeping Cherry. He talks to the bird with that strange broken meowing sound, moving his
December 3, 2011