I was secretly dreading Mother’s Day. Actually I refused to even think about it. Planning my daughter’s wedding that same weekend, I couldn’t possibly look beyond the toasts and speeches. Up until that year, I’d always looked forward to Mother’s Day. Who doesn’t enjoy being pampered and spoiled and appreciated? Sketchy breakfasts and homemade cards presented by pudgy hands are the absolute best! But kids grow up, and mothers clutch their hearts as they watch the rhythms of time march to an ever-changing beat—yet still Mother’s Day merrily rolls around…

Which are you—morning lark or morning snark? Are you singing at sunrise with a skip in your step or do you drag your derriere out of dreamland in drudgery? Unfortunately, I’m the snarky, draggy type and I wish to goodness I could be more lark-like. More of a shiny and alert and in-my-Bible-singing-the-Psalms kinda girl. I’m actually super optimistic and joyous most of the time—but first thing in the morning? Give me a wide berth. Or a wide cup of coffee…

When you think of hospitality, chances are you will be in one of two camps: either your heart will swell and you’ll fling your front door wide open with a welcoming smile, or your pulse will race and you’ll turn off all the lights while you hide in your bedroom. Try saying the word “hospitality” out loud— do you hear “spit” in the middle or “tea” at the end? Disclaimer: I am no expert in the hospitality department by any stretch of the imagination, so today I am totally #preachingtomyself… but with Easter looming, swiftly followed by Mother’s Day and then a whole summer of BBQ’s and opportunities to iron the tablecloth (no, I don’t do that either), let’s take a prompt peek at the why’s and how’s of hospitality…

Honestly, how brave are you and how do you even know? I’m fairly sure I’m a big baby and a chubby chicken when it comes to courage and fearlessness, but maybe it’s not a matter of my own bravery after all. In light of a phenomenal book I just finished reading and then the harrowing events in London this week, bravery has been on my mind. What makes us brave when we desperately need to be? And what is bravery anyway…

What’s your “Achilles heel” in life? Mine is literally my Achilles heel. I kid you not. I injured it for the second time in November (why does my late 40’s body refuse to work like it did in my 20’s, please?) and so I’ve been whining/ hobbling/ strengthening/ mostly whining about it ALL WINTER LONG. And here in Kelowna, B.C. it’s been a really long (whiny) winter! But it’s given me the opportunity to gingerly step out of my regular routine and see what other Achilles heels I might have lurking around…

Do you ever wonder where your “kingdom” is? Your sphere, your “place” in life, that sweet spot where you soar? Or are you always looking beyond the here-and-now, waiting to be at the right place at the right time so you can truly live? Whether you’re up to your pits in diapers, run ragged by teens, or struggling with the fact that you’re not getting any younger and your body keeps reminding you of that fact—your kingdom is right where you are today, and you get to be queen…

Glossy hair, dewy skin, shimmering legs, highlighted locks, and illuminated cheekbones—we are obsessed with the ability to shine! Have you ever considered why? Does it make us look thinner, prettier, captivating and a little alluring perhaps? That extra shaft of light catches the eye and stops us in our tracks, enticing us take a second look. It’s beautiful…

What does grace actually smell like? I’m pretty sure it’s breathtakingly beautiful. We don’t often think about our sense of smell—until we have the opportunity to inhale a good waft of something wonderful. A green apple. Clean laundry. Freshly baked bread. Lavender. And then we gulp it in greedily and go back for more, flaring our nostrils and absorbing the delight of the aroma, again and again.

Of course, there’s the other side of the proverbial coin, where we accidentally breathe in something disgustingly pungent and offensive, whereby we hold our breath, pinch our noses, and run for cover. I may not be in the diaper stage anymore, but I do have an English bulldog—I know what I’m speaking about here…

I know, I know, we’re all pouring out our goals and resolutions and even our “one word” for 2017 —there’s just something fresh and appealing about starting the year with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Personally, I’m not a fan of anything I can dismally fail at, so resolutions are a no-no. Goals are cool, and I have plenty for 2017—some lofty and others teeny-tiny (and achievable!) But I’m a wordy girl and therefore the #oneword365 is my favourite, as I get to focus on one word throughout the whole year. And my “one word” is…

As 2016 draws to a close, the bookish reader-types among us contemplate and consider what our best book experiences were during the past year. OH SO MANY. Asking me to choose a favourite book is akin to asking me to pick my favourite child—so I’ve come up with “six sweet reads” for you. Hope that’s acceptable! Let’s dig in…