Kind. Gracious. Loving. Yourself. Unique. Quirky. Good. Creative. An individual. A lover of the light. Strong. Humble. A world-changer. An encourager. Still. At peace. A peacemaker. Silly. Happy. Hopeful. Gentle. Joyful. Respectful. Helpful. Hospitable. A good neighbor. When I was a little one growing up in Southern California, I wanted to grow up to be … Continue reading Be…
Category: Uncategorized
One Chance at This Life
I've had a summer cold this week: congestion, brain fog, fatigue. Which has meant less exercise, less productivity, more staring aimlessly out of windows. Yesterday a project that should have taken about an hour took four hours instead. To say I've slowed down is an understatement. Enter this quote reminding me to pay attention. To … Continue reading One Chance at This Life
Reading: April-June 2022
During these busy few months, I've read fifteen books, a fact that simultaneously surprises me and doesn't surprise me at all. It should be surprising that I've been able to carve out significant time to read, and yet, reading is my still spot on the horizon when the world does loop-de-loops. Reading entertains me, educates … Continue reading Reading: April-June 2022
Create a Safety Wall
On our recent trip to Kauai, we went snorkeling twice. We asked around for recommendations and chose two locations: Anini Beach and Lydgate Beach Park. We started near Anini, though I donāt think we found the recommended spot. The guys eagerly swam away. Itās been a long time since Iāve snorkeled, so I moved slower, … Continue reading Create a Safety Wall
The Welcoming Prayer
As New Yearās Day 2020 dawned, many expected a year of clear vision. We could clearly see our priorities and accordingly set attainable goals, perhaps in an ambitious list of 20, like walking 20 minutes a day. And then the world toppled sideways. Our intentions for how weād conduct ānormalā life fell out the window … Continue reading The Welcoming Prayer
The Hutch
Each time I pass the sliding glass door to our deck, I glance toward the bunny hutch. Dave designed and built it eight years ago, using old redwood boards from a portion of fence he had replaced. One of our sonās friends bought a baby bunny. A month later, her parents demanded that she rehome … Continue reading The Hutch
Writing as a Spiritual Practice
I will be leading a 4-week workshop on Writing as a Spiritual Practice (via Zoom). If you can tell a story to your neighbor when you meet at the mailbox, you can write. And if youāre a person of faith, you can use writing as one more tool in the toolbox to deepen your relationship … Continue reading Writing as a Spiritual Practice
Reverend Ricketts, Reptile Wrangler
A funny story about the importance of listening well & fact-checking: My husband Dave has been a pastor at our church for 15+ years. Our church tries to prioritize being FOR our local community, loving our neighbors well. If you know Dave, you know he is all in. Dave is also an environmentalist. And a … Continue reading Reverend Ricketts, Reptile Wrangler
Reading: Feb-March 2022
Lots of reading recently... I've been doing research for a Writing as a Spiritual Practice class I hope to teach next month (stay tuned for more info) and I've also participated in an online book discussion group with other writers. And then there's all the fiction I read to procrastinate on the actual work projects … Continue reading Reading: Feb-March 2022
Finding Peace Outside
Recently I have been wrestling with a deep (and unnecessary) disappointment, a let-down that pressed hard on still-tender tissue beneath old scars. Things didnāt have to go this way, and yet they did and Iāve done all I can do. I have also noticed something interesting in my response to this turn of events: I … Continue reading Finding Peace Outside