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).

Reading: August 2020 Pt1

In January I set a goal through the Goodreads reading challenge to read 55 books this year. Reading four to five books each month seemed doable. Not a pushing-myself challenge, but something to keep me on track. Here it is mid-August and I have completed the challenge: I've read 55 books, with more in progress, … Continue reading Reading: August 2020 Pt1

3 Things I’m Learning About Anxiety and 5 Things that Help – part 2

This is part 2 of a two-part series on anxiety. Read part 1 here. Let's jump right in. Here are a few things I'm finding helpful in dealing with anxiety: RoutinesThe pandemic taught me that I rely on imposed routines. When all normal routines vanished, it took me a while to find my way back … Continue reading 3 Things I’m Learning About Anxiety and 5 Things that Help – part 2

3 Things I’m Learning About Anxiety and 5 Things that Help – part 1

Maybe I’ve had anxiety for years and called it “stress.” Maybe this is new. Either way, anxiety put me in a choke-hold when shelter-in-place orders went into effect in March. Among the long list of things I hadn’t expected was an entirely personal masterclass in mental health. Five months later and I’ve mostly settled into … Continue reading 3 Things I’m Learning About Anxiety and 5 Things that Help – part 1

Reminder: YOU are Essential Even if You’re Not an Essential Worker

Essential: s·sen·tial/əˈsen(t)SHəl/adjectiveDefinition: absolutely necessary; extremely important. Who knew the word essential would take on such significance in 2020? At midnight on March 17, 2020, Californians were suddenly under lock-down orders due to an unprecedented pandemic. Everyone but essential workers would stay at home, leaving only for exercise (and that on foot or bike) or essential … Continue reading Reminder: YOU are Essential Even if You’re Not an Essential Worker

Challenging the Challenge: Why I Passed on the #challengeaccepted

When Instagram began to fill up with black-and-white photos of women tagged #challengeaccepted, I googled it. The lead article mentioned some female country singers promoting natural beauty - no makeup/hair, no special lighting or filters, no glam, just women being themselves. Women supporting women being real women. But that wasn't what came across my Instagram … Continue reading Challenging the Challenge: Why I Passed on the #challengeaccepted

Reading: July 2020 Pt2

I normally read a lot on vacation, and this year I didn't even have to pack and travel to accomplish that "more than usual" book consumption. Staying home I had more time than ever! Book titles link to Amazon for more info + easy purchasing. Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from … Continue reading Reading: July 2020 Pt2

As the Rattle Shakes: All’s Well that Ends with the Rattler Relocated

The first time I personally encountered a rattlesnake we were hiking the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley. Not the gentle walk to the bottom of Lower Yosemite Falls, but the Serious Hike to the top. If I’d read in advance descriptions of the hours of strenuous switchbacks, I would have … Continue reading As the Rattle Shakes: All’s Well that Ends with the Rattler Relocated

Who Will Be the Good Samaritan?

When someone tells you they’ve been hurt, you wouldn’t tell them they haven’t.When someone shares with you about their experience, you wouldn’t tell them that can’t have happened because you have a different experience. When a whole group of people tell us they’ve been hurt, a compassionate response involves listening.When a whole group of people … Continue reading Who Will Be the Good Samaritan?

Reading: July 2020 pt1

Nothing like a global pandemic to shut down summer travel! During a typical summer, we would spend a week on the Monterey coast. We would probably also get away for some camping or to visit family. Guy and Q16 had reservations for a Scout bike trek in Maui, and Q would also have gone to … Continue reading Reading: July 2020 pt1

My Days of Wine & Movies

Yesterday marked what would have been the third anniversary of my first shift working at the sweetest little wine bar. Three years and one week ago, I arrived at the bar for the first time to attend a private party in honor of a friend. Some months earlier, I had seen an ad that the … Continue reading My Days of Wine & Movies