When I make bone-headed decisions, or, in the case of this past cortisol-infested pandemic year, lash out because of stress or fear, I remember the wise words of Maya Angelou. The saying is steeped in grace, isn’t it? It allows us to acknowledge our shortcomings, and yet, it gives us hope that maybe we can grow past them and become … Read More
Is Our Hate Bigger Than Our Heart
I teared up as I watched the 46th presidential inauguration. Good lord, the past year alone, our country had endured so much heartache and pain. Afterward, I called and friend and told her how much I loved Biden’s speech. It eased my heart to hear him talk of unity, calling on both parties to stop this uncivil war and work … Read More
Understanding Accountability
The dark events of this past week were so horrific that most people I know shy away from even discussing it. But I can’t ignore what happened–it feels disingenuous and wrong. Like most Americans, my heart broke as I watched an animalistic mob invade the seat of our democracy, the very symbol that countless brave men and women have died … Read More
2021- The Year of Resilience
If you’ve been following me, you know I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I focus on one aspect of life I’d like to nurture and grow. I choose a catchphrase that embodies the concept. It becomes a mantra of sorts, creating a common theme that runs throughout the twelve months and shapes my experiences. If you’re into jumping down … Read More
The Year in Review
Those that have followed me for a while know that I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I take one word that encompasses personal growth, a word that I concentrate on every day. I deemed 2020 The Year of Prosperity. And the fates laughed out loud before they wove this past year’s dark threads through the tapestry of time. … Read More
Practicing Gratitude
Every morning I wake with my brain already running full tilt. Thoughts race with everything from creating grocery lists to subplots I should add in the latest work in progress. It’s like my subconscious keeps working while I go to sleep. In college, I’d listen to whatever song I had to memorize before going to bed. In the morning, I’d … Read More
Legislating Integrity
Selfishness has gripped this nation in a way never seen before, and “news” shows use fear-mongering and misinformation to create alternative realities for our most intellectually vulnerable. Straw man, false equivalence fallacies, and conspiracy theories have muddied the communication waters, making it almost impossible to keep our communities informed and safe. The willfully ignorant hate facts that contradict their beliefs. … Read More
The Life We Choose
There are people in this world that light up a room when they enter it. They live so boldly, love so deeply, and have an ocean of compassion, so much so that it’s a joy just being around them. Ann was such a person. Fierce as a lion with a heart the size of Texas, she was a force all … Read More
An Art’s Intent
For those that haven’t read the Kailmeyra series, in book two, The Secret of the Keepers, Nora, the protagonist in the series, develops the ability to feel an artist’s intent simply by touching their work. She sees their memories, hears their thoughts. She understands their heart, their passion, and their inspiration. It’s a trait I’ve always dreamed of having. Historically, … Read More
What is it about this man?
Some will view this as a political post. It isn’t intended to be. This is not a criticism nor an endorsement of any political party. It’s a question I’ve had on my heart a long, long time. I have a diverse group of friends that represent a wide range of points of view. They come from different countries, different political … Read More