Writing is my happy place, and last night I had some fun creating a parody of Dr. Seuss’s classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I’m sharing with the hope that it can bring someone a smile during this difficult time. The Virus Who Tried to Ruin Easter So many humans on Earth liked Easter a lot… But COVID-19 clearly did not! The virus hated Easter! … Continue reading The Virus Who Tried to Ruin Easter
That slogan: Make America Great Again We’ve seen it on everything from bumper stickers to baseball caps. On podiums and podcasts. But have we ever come to a consensus about what makes a “great” nation? Maybe Monaco is great. They have the longest life expectancy of any nation in the world. Denmark was named the happiest country in the world, so that’s pretty great too. Finland’s exemplary … Continue reading Defining Great: 1.0
We blinked, and time catapulted us to this place where our daughter is suddenly ten. Ten! I expected to be a blubbering ball of nostalgia when my youngest child hit double digits, wounded by a sentimental arrow to the heart. But it didn’t happen. Sure, I miss the adorableness that was toddlerhood… but that phase of life was exhausting. The only time we got a moment … Continue reading Total Eclipse of My Heart
I’m late posting my fourth gratitude. The shame!! The guilt! First it was because the History Channel aired a two hour documentary about marijuana legalization, which is a topic on Alaska’s ballot next month. Clark and I carved out some time to watch it and have a grown up conversation (imagine that). It didn’t leave much time for publishable blogging. The next night was due … Continue reading Gratitude Challenge: Intermission
We all get 24 precious hours each day. A full 168 hours a week. So why does there never seem to be enough time? Granted, work and sleep can eat up half our daily allotment. Throw in time spent commuting, preparing meals, running errands, and racing through household chores and I don’t even want to do the math. Who has enough time to chase their … Continue reading Astounding Yourself
Of all the Christmas books and stories and legends, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is my absolute favorite. It’s a joy to read aloud, with its brilliant combination of silly Suessical lyrics and a serious sentiment that is impossible to miss: Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means … Continue reading Christmas Hangover
On Sunday Clark decided to take the kids hunting. A light dusting of snow had fallen the day before, so apparently the conditions were ripe for tracking without trudging. Clark has been dreaming about this day since the kids were conceived (probably longer) just as much as I’ve been dreading it. Don’t get me wrong: I’m grateful Sam and Maggie have a dad whose greatest … Continue reading Bunnies and Pachyderms
We have lived in our new home for about 18 months now. I’ll never forget the day we found this place: it was a crisp, clear January afternoon. Clark had found the listing online that morning, and we decided to do a drive by. Imagine our surprise when we discovered there was an open house, and we could tour the home that very day! We … Continue reading Blown Away
Growing up, I would often hear women refer to themselves as “football widows.” It never resonated with me, since college football was more of a lifestyle than a hobby in my family. My mother and grandmothers and aunts were very much alive and present on game days, cursing and screaming throughout every play. In fact, when I look back, the whole world seemed a few … Continue reading Classic Marriage
My brother and I grew up on a gravel road, several miles from the nearest highway or town. But you bloom where you’re planted, right? So one day we decided to give the lemonade stand thing a go. We set up shop at the bottom of our driveway, and parked ourselves in the sweltering heat. The traffic on our old country road averaged one car … Continue reading The no-lemons-but-only-lemonade-day!
Profoundly Ordinary 