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A Life Lived in Stories
Some people tell stories. Others—like the prolific and beloved Jerry Apps—live inside them and invite us in. It was with a sad heart that I learned he passed away on Dec. 23, 2025. During his 91 years, Jerry was a teacher, authored more than 50 books, and was an amazing—but also humble—star of many PBS […]
Calling for a Moose
Patience has never been my strong suit. I like productivity and fast results. But winter—and my ten-year-old grandson—had a different lesson in mind for me. While at our cabin in northern Wisconsin, Mason snowshoed off into the woods alone. He returned minutes later, eyes wide. “I heard a moose!” We’d talked before about how, several […]
Hidden Worlds, Right Before Our Eyes
A new year has a way of reminding me how much of the world I still haven’t seen, experienced, or truly noticed. There have been moments in my life when I’ve stopped short and thought, Wow—there’s a whole other world out there. I hope I find myself thinking that often in 2026. The first time […]
A New Year’s Guide—Courtesy of My Mandevilla Plant
In the past, as New Year’s approached, I’d buy a fresh journal—the kind with blank pages for weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. I would sit down with good intentions and my favorite pen, a Pilot G-2, determined to reinvent myself. I’d write lists, read inspiring quotes, watch Ali Abdaal’s motivational YouTubes, and vow to become an improved […]
Keeping Traditions Alive Through an Old-Fashioned Christmas
Some families choose bright lights and bustling schedules at Christmas. This year, we chose something quieter. No waterparks. No venturing off to buy batteries or take advantage of sales. No packed schedules. We're trading dependable Wi-Fi, a dishwasher, and extra space for a small, remote cabin in northern Wisconsin. It begins outside, where we strap […]
A Season for Noticing
I was excited when the mockup for my latest picture book arrived in the mail. The cover of When an Octopus Crashes Your Party was colorful, imaginative, and fun. I eagerly flipped through the pages, scanning for typos or layout issues, and found a couple. A week later, during the swirl of Thanksgiving preparations, the […]
Embracing the Night (Even When You’d Rather Hibernate)
As the days grow shorter and the sun slips away before many of us have even thought about starting supper, I find myself wanting to do what any sensible woodland creature would do: crawl into a warm den, curl my paws around a mug of chamomile tea, and not emerge until April. One night, while […]
A Thanksgiving Lesson From Josie
Josie the Cockapoo’s worn pads click across the kitchen floor. Fifteen years old. My husband and I display a photo of her as a puppy—see photo above—and often comment on how quickly the years have gone. Bare patches show where she’s scratched herself raw from persistent allergies. Still, when I ask if she wants a […]