Being in the garden with my grandma while she tended tomatoes and cucumbers was often educational and always relational. Watching her sew on buttons and whip up a meringue was magical. It was a way for us to connect. She taught me well. I love to cook, garden, knit, and quilt. I come from a long line of women who enjoy making and growing all sorts of things. When I was first living on my own, I would call Grandma often. Knowing how to get the powdered sugar just right on the chocolate ...read more
Why It’s Time to Open Your Blinds
If you’ve ever been to Colorado Springs, you know we’re located about seven inches from the sun. Anyone here with windows facing West in the summer is very familiar with the battle of window blinds versus blazing sun rays. This time of year, though, when the toasty rays warm up chilly rooms, it’s sunshine perfection. It makes for the perfect Sunday afternoon nap. On this particular Sunday I’ve opted for a book and cup of tea before napping. ...read more
25 Things Little Boys Wish Mommies Knew
When my nephews were little tykes, I loved nothing more than being creative and silly with them. We loved writing goofy stories, camping in the basement, visiting every zoo and museum from open to close, and bringing home pets and toys only barely tolerated by their mother. There was one stipulation to each of these encounters: no possible injury. They called me Safety Aunt. It was meant as an endearment…I think. I’d agree to just about anything as long as there was little chance of physical ...read more
How to Ruin Your Most Important Relationship in 16 Steps
My best friend recently came to visit. Twenty-six years ago she and I road the same bus to and from junior high school everyday. There was a conversation early in the friendship when we decided to be friends. Best friends. The conversation went something like this: You know what we should do? No, what? We should be best friends. Yeah, we so should! Ok, then we are! Best friends! ...read more
The Treasure Hunt for Truth
My sister-in-law and I used to get up early on Saturday mornings, grab a beverage and hit the garage sales. Her first child was only a toddler and I was in my first apartment. Prime garage sale circumstances. We were garage sale snobs. We beautifully mastered the “garage sale disgrace”. We would drive by the garage sale very slowly. The passenger would give the sale a quick inspection. If your sale wasn’t stop-worthy, we’d give you the drive-by. So many garages, so little time. You gotta ...read more