This will be my husband Frank’s and my 50th Valentine’s together. In honor of the day, we had planned to exchange the Valentine’s Day cards I save each year — why spend money buying new ones? — and settle in…
January started out fresh and new, with crisp snow that made me eager to pull out the cross-country skis. For a while, winter delivered exactly what it promised: bright mornings, clean trails, and a quieter pace. But now, facing another…
On January 19th, my husband and I had to say goodbye to the puppy dog. After Josie struggled with labored breathing for hours, we got her to the vet. I held her as she panted, her small body tense against…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…