Author: Siv Ricketts

Hi, I'm Siv (pronounced "See-v") Ricketts, & I'm so glad you're here. In this space & on Instagram, I write to encourage you to have hope, seek beauty, and live joyfully. I have BA’s in English and Communication from Westmont College and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. I have focused my career working in and writing for the Church as a youth director, a communication director, and a freelance writer/editor. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband, two sons, and a menagerie of pets. You can also find me on Instagram (@sivricketts).

Keep Dancing

I see the writing prompt, QUICK, & I hear the voice of my seventh grade cotillion instructor teaching us the samba: quick-quick slow, quick-quick slow… How is it that I remember his voice but not his name? Oh well, he taught me a few basics, lessons well learned if seldom useful in my day-to-day life. … Continue reading Keep Dancing

Taking Risks

I faced my fears. I’ve been afraid of heights since childhood, a learned fear from my mom - also afraid of heights - who constantly yanked me back or warned me against getting too close to anything high-up, railings in particular. On our anniversary, Dave gave me a card with a sentiment about adventuring through … Continue reading Taking Risks

Sharing Cookies & Legacy

My son bought me a gingerbread man. While that may not seem like a big deal to you, for me it represents a generous role-reversal. For close to 20 years, my family joined my mom and nephew for one summer week along the Monterey Bay in what we called our “Cation House.” Because Mom and … Continue reading Sharing Cookies & Legacy

Sharing Stories Only You Can Tell

My mom died on February 4, 2023. Though she’d been declining over the past three years, when she left us it felt like a devastating earthquake, complete with aftershocks. Six weeks later, my sister organized a gathering Mom would have enjoyed: a garden party and lunch with her inner circle of dear friends. She arranged … Continue reading Sharing Stories Only You Can Tell

Keeping Things Simple & Sunday Soups

We’re keeping things simple this season. It’s December 15 and we haven’t yet finished decorating our house for Christmas. The tree is up and lit, as it has been for about two weeks, but no decorations. We’ve hung wreaths outdoors and in. Our year-round home decor is green, and with candles burning in the kitchen … Continue reading Keeping Things Simple & Sunday Soups

Efficiency Isn’t Everything

Society tells us to move faster and get more done. And when your To-Do list seems longer than Santa’s Nice and Naughty list, that’s tempting. Sure, some tasks can be done quickly and crossed off. And you could give yourself the gift of more time by crossing a few undone tasks off your list. Other … Continue reading Efficiency Isn’t Everything

Add De-Light

Our Christmas lights went up the weekend before Thanksgiving, earlier than ever before. I noticed that a few neighbors had lights up and my heart sang in response. Holiday lights added delight and I wanted more. I also noticed that I couldn’t open a single email that had Thanksgiving in the subject line. As a … Continue reading Add De-Light

It’s My Birthday!

It’s my birthday! Well, when I wrote this yesterday it was my birthday... So how about a birthday introduction? I love a good celebration, but I don’t enjoy being the sudden center of attention (spotlight = okay only when I choose it, thank you very much). The year I turned 7, I asked friends not … Continue reading It’s My Birthday!

Why Smile?

To make eye contact and smile is a kind of prayer, and it changes you. - Anne Lamott Lamott’s quote about the power of smiling has been on my mind most mornings when I walk my dogs past others in our neighborhood: the gaggle of women, the power pairs, the man who limps alongside his … Continue reading Why Smile?