Musings of a multi-genre author, passionate about faith, family, and all things books…
MY “ONE WORD” FOR 2020
Happy New Year, friend— and Happy New Decade! As we part ways with 2019 and forge ahead into the very grandiose 2020s, do you have any goals or resolutions? It has become a practice in these parts to claim “one word” for the next twelve-month period… a word to ponder and pray over as the year progresses. Honestly, I was dying to use “clarity” for 2020 as it was just SO perfect (20/20 vision and all that) but it seems I have another word I am to hold front and center for this coming year:
SIX SWEET READS IN 2019
Where do you love to read? I vacillate between preferring a summer scenario with a book on the beach, lazily listening to the lap of water on shore—and then curling up with a comforting hot drink under a cozy blanket reading in the dead of winter. Whatever the circumstances, books are always a good idea! And I’ve picked six of my absolute favorites I devoured this year for your perusal…
GOOD NEWS & A BOARD BOOK GIVEAWAY!
When is it too early to read to a child? Umm, never. I say this as both author and mother. My kids might all be in their twenties (pinch me) but I treasure the precious memories of reading to them when they were tiny. What is more heartwarming than cozying up with a book, a blanket, and a baby? And today, I have good news AND a giveaway for you…
HOW TO SIMPLIFY HOLIDAY HOSPITALITY
It’s approaching that time of year when the word “SIMPLIFY” sounds wonderfully appealing on multiple levels. With tentative thoughts on opening our festive homes and hearts to guests galore, we can find ourselves in danger of unraveling like a big ol’ roll of shiny gift wrap. So how can we be hospitable over the holidays in a way that is efficient, effortless, and enjoyable? Lean in and let’s talk all things simple…
COOKBOOKS: HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
With the holiday season right around the corner, most of us need all the help we can get! And so this seems the perfect time to share some of my favorite cookbooks with you. You can grab a copy for your festive food prep right now, glean some glorious gift ideas for the foodies in your life, or add one of my suggestions to put on your own Christmas list! It’s a win-win-win…
HOW GRANDMA DID HOSPITALITY
Every October I remember Nanny, my maternal grandma. Partly because October was her birthday month and partly because it’s when we celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving—and I tend to get a tad mushy and nostalgic. It makes me wish I could have just one more cup of tea with Nanny in a floral bone china teacup. And ask how her generation did hospitality so effortlessly and so well…
FIVE READS FOR FALL
Now that flipflops are packed away and cute boots have appeared in the closet, it’s time to cozy up with some good books. Am I right? As much as I adore reading on the beach, there’s something comforting about snuggling under a warm throw with a cup of tea, emergency chocolate, and a gripping read. Hello, autumn. And I have five reads for fall especially for you…
RHYTHMS IN THE EMPTY NEST
Here we are, a full year into the phase of life commonly referred to as “the empty nest”—some of you are nodding sagely and others can’t begin to imagine such a time will come. I’m no expert (one whole year) and to be honest, I feel a bit of a cheat as our youngest was home from Uni for the summer, but the nest is in empty mode again and I can hear my fellow empty-nester moms collectively sigh. Part heartache, part relief, part anxiety. So listen in as I share how the hubby and I plan to navigate the nest with a new rhythm…
WHY MOMS HATE AIRPORTS
I knew it was coming but it still hit me like a sledgehammer—today was the airport goodbye with my youngest heading back to University. It seems like 5 minutes ago I was ecstatic with a full heart picking him up from that airport ready for a l-o-n-g summer at home. But in a flash, it’s over and I’m failing miserably at holding it all together as we bid him farewell until Christmas. So I’m here to pass a Kleenex and grab hands with whoever needs a little mom-encouragement today…
MY FIVE FAVORITE PODCASTS RIGHT NOW
What’s not to love about multitasking? Simply knowing we are accomplishing at least two things at the same time (and looking like a pro) is something we hold in high esteem. As a writer, I spend much of my day hovering over my desk like a feminine version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and am therefore very aware of the necessity to exercise daily. Zumba has me covered 3 days a week, and the rest—I’m all about the walking. But what has me all enthused about traipsing around the neighborhood or hitting the gym? PODCASTS. Listen in and I’ll tell you why…