Surviving a Hurricane
This summer, we finally joined part of my husband’s family on a vacation to Maui! Traveling together, aside from visiting parents and grandparents, has been a rare treat since our return Stateside, four years ago. We enjoyed the ocean, the beautiful scenery, and the perfect climate. … well, almost...
Waves of Grief
In recent weeks, I once again find myself in a place of grieving. Old losses surge like tidal waves leaving sadness, anger, emptiness, and anxiety behind. The cleanup continues with each aftershock. Eventually, maybe the waves become smaller and further apart, but not necessarily more manageable. For me, the...
On this Day
The on this day memory you do not see in my news feed The on this day that lives in the corners of my memories every day The on this day that changed me in unexplainable ways For on this day a piece my heart died This day,...
A new and different kind of Joy.
Our congregation planted a tree in honor of our elder. The children of the church helped pile the dirt over the roots. The grandchildren of our elder watered the soil and (with assistance) lowered the tree into the hole. This was an emotional few minutes. My sweet Madilynn (who...
Cruising Back to Reality
Last week, in order to make my home sing, I ran – or floated – away from home. After more than a year of transitions, after more than seven years of doing almost everything for and with my children, after almost nine years without a “personal vacation” – I...
Then we Made Memories
Today is Veteran’s Day. Nine years ago, this day held much less significance in my life. Then, everything changed. Eight and a half years ago, I married a soldier. By Veteran’s Day 2007, we faced our first deployment while I was pregnant with Dietrich. We realized the value of...
Making my Home and Heart Sing
Falling behind and attempting to catch up seems to be the most exercise I get these days. Dietrich gets many more “breaks” from school than I care to admit, but still feels tortured by the days I prepare his schoolwork and “make” him do school before playing Mario or watching Netflix....
A Flood of Memories
Some posts contain affiliate links. By purchasing through the link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Sometimes, the smallest trigger floods the mind with memories. When I vacuum, I remember the mother of a college friend. She cleaned houses to earn extra money to...
SQT: Matchmaker, Matchmaker and Friendship Reunions
This week seems to have flown by in some ways. In others, I’m just as tired and behind as ever. That must mean it is time for another Seven Quick Takes. ~1~ On Saturday, I attended a Ladies’ Day gathering with our church. I did not have to carry...
SQT: Where are my Ruby Slippers?
Another week comes to an end. Time for another seven quick takes. ~1~ “There’s no place like home.” I know I used another SQT to lament about long car rides with children before, but Dorothy’s ruby slippers sure would come in handy driving through west Texas. ~2~ Aside from...