Random Thoughts
Taking cues from nature: the pattern of our daily rhythms
On a recent Simply Write by Polly Campbell podcast, the host talked about patterning our schedules and daily rhythms to align with the seasons. I’ve always considered winter a dormant period—especially since my husband and I relocated from the Valley of the Sun to our little cabin in Northern Arizona where we get snowed in…
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Stop and drop: rolling with the punches
If you grew up in the 70s, then you’re probably familiar with the phrase “stop, drop, and roll, ” popularized as a fire safety technique to teach people what to do if their clothes catch on fire. While I’m not making light of the natural disasters experienced in the U.S. this past year, I have…
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Day in the life: what a leaky faucet taught me (or lessons from a drip)
Since my husband and I purchased our cabin in Northern Arizona nearly three years ago, the kitchen faucet had been a source of ongoing grief. And despite Bob’s valiant efforts to remove decade’s worth of built-up calcium and hardwater deposits, we battled regular leaks above and below the sink. Considering the myriad projects we assumed…
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A universal language: laughing is always the best medicine
Laughter is the language of the soul. ~ Pablo Neruda Today my story in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s most recent book—Laughter’s Always the Best Medicine—is available in stores and online! “Fall Risk” is about a funny prank my fodder-loving husband, Bob played on me during my inaugural trek on the trails post-wrist surgery, and…
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A funny thing happened on my way to 60: learning how to love myself
No, I haven’t turned 60, yet. But a few months ago, I blogged about intentional acts of kindness, and my plans to prepare for a milestone birthday and brand-new decade at the end of 2025. So far this year, it’s included activities such as donating to Goodwill, writing a note of encouragement to an acquaintance…
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The story of the bison: facing obstacles head-on
A popular meme that’s been circulating the internet jokes about returning the new year after we’ve tested it out for a few weeks. Can you relate? On a recent hike, my husband and I stumbled upon a downed tree blocking a trail that, a few weeks earlier, had been clear of debris. After a quick…
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A ‘word’ for 2025: the compass for directing our paths
For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on my vision board for 2025, with a “word” serving as my navigational tool. From there, I choose an overarching scripture verse to inform the year ahead. Some years, it’s proven a simple process, but this year my family experienced a bumpy start, including challenges and setbacks…
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Highlighting the wins: an exercise in celebrating our achievements
On the last day of 2024, I received an email from another author who suggested beginning the year by filling a page with my accomplishments—big and small—from the previous year. A few that ended up on the list included walking 10,000+ steps for 249 consecutive days (and still going strong); the release of my debut…
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Happy, healthy + whole: regaining control in 4 simple steps
Research states that by now, 43% of New Year’s resolutions have been broken. Though I haven’t made resolutions for years, I’ve already run into setbacks with my health and wellness goals two weeks into the month. Most change is hard, but my daughter reminded me recently that we choose our hard—meaning we get to decide…
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Day in the life: when the unexpected happens, yell ‘plot twist’ and move on
On Sunday evening, my real-life prince entered our bedroom with his palm extended. “This isn’t good,” he said. My eyes shifted to what looked like a tooth in the center of his hand. After a reduced holiday workload, visions of my Monday morning plans at my desk dissolved and I mentally yelled “plot twist!” The…
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