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 and creates a common theme. If you’re into jumping down rabbit holes, here is a rundown of the past. Last year, I named 2021 “The Year of Resilience” out of a fierce, … Read More
In a Forgotten World
It’s suicide prevention week. I know, it’s a tough subject. One that most people would rather not discuss. But it’s becoming an epidemic in this country. As a teacher, my heart breaks when I hear that a former student has taken their life. And it’s happening more often. The question is, why? Numerous studies correlate excess social media exposure and … 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
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
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
Enough
Enough I’m so tired of hate. I’m tired of people excusing hate. I’m tired of people giving their loyalty to politicians that never earned their trust. I’m tired of lies. And conspiracy theories. And alternative facts. And willful ignorance. I’m tired of this damn virus stealing bright souls that served as beacons in this dark world. I’m tired of greed. … Read More
We Must Do Better
I once tried to pay for gas with counterfeit money. True story. It was years ago. I’d just taken the kiddos to one of those summer carnivals that had sprung up overnight in an old mall’s parking lot. The kids always loved to go, even though I wouldn’t let them ride the shoddy roller coasters. We went for the smaller … Read More
The Truth of it All
Aristotle said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” Most artists I know feel this way. Art is an expression of inward truths manifested in words, brush strokes, movement, and sound. The most powerful art leaves its audience reflecting on the experience and how it pertains to their lives. … Read More