The Heart of the Matter

woman shooting a photograph at pink flowers

When In Doubt, Do What You Know

November 30, 2023

I’ve been sharing a lot lately about hitting a wall creatively, because I’m in one of those uncomfortable places that all creative people reach at some point. I’ve actually reached this point many, many times in my creative career. This experience feels similar to wandering through desolate prairie lands (not that I’ve ever wandered through desolate prairie lands, but I can imagine) and finally reaching a lonely outpost, only to find that this outpost offers no real direction. At some point, one just has to decide whether to go back from whence they came, or pick a direction and move forward without any clear answers. As I’ve been dancing in front of this creative wall for several months now, I’ve been coming up with all kinds of ways to do things differently this time, because my default has always been to pack up shop, jump ship, and quit my practice, only to return again after several months of tortured guilt, uncertainty, and restlessness. But no, not this time. This time, I’m going to pick a direction and see what happens. I believe only good can come from this. But wow, it’s tough, and these bleak Lonesome Dove vibes are no joke! … More When In Doubt, Do What You Know

Role reversal: Learning from my kids

November 29, 2023

When my daughter was in high school, I would look over the essays that she submitted to her English class or for college admission applications. I would get out my red pen, it was really the “Track Changes” Tool within Microsoft Word, and highlight where I thought she should cut, use tighter language, or rephrase … More Role reversal: Learning from my kids

A Concentrated Dose of Emotion

November 27, 2023

I’m not much of a football fan. I say that to preface any errors that I might include in my description of an incredibly human moment in a football game. This past weekend, my alma mater, the University of Washington (UW), played Washington State (WSU) in the Apple Cup, our in-state rivalry game. The tension … More A Concentrated Dose of Emotion

Well Said Saturdays – November 25

November 25, 2023

It seems like these days pass so quickly that we often finding ourselves reading, appreciating the gift of a post, and then moving on too quickly. To extend some of the great notes of the week, we have Well Said Saturdays – bringing a few quotes from recent posts forward. From Mashed Potato Madness by … More Well Said Saturdays – November 25

Episode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss “O”

November 24, 2023

In this episode, I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and my delightful daughter, Miss O. Miss O shares a personal narrative that’s she written as an assignment in 3rd grade. And then she tells us what a hook is and what she’s learned about drawing in an audience by using one. She fills us … More Episode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss “O”

Cheers to Lois!

November 23, 2023

We couldn’t be more excited for our friend – author and podcaster – Lois Roelofs whose book “Marv Taking Charge: A Story of Bold Love and Courage” is a finalist for a Chicago Writers Association Award! Read all about the finalists – including Lois’ beautiful book here: 2023 Book of the Year Awards (chicagowrites.org) Wynne … More Cheers to Lois!

A grateful heart

November 22, 2023

My wife winced as soon as she woke up. She had a splitting headache. I told her to lie back down and I would try to get rid of the pain by rubbing her temples and neck muscles. When she got back up after a few minutes and said that the headache was gone, I … More A grateful heart

Happiness Research

November 20, 2023

I recently heard that there’s been a shake-up in the world of Happiness research. On a Ten Percent Happier podcast on which Dan Harris was interviewing happiness researcher, Elizabeth Dunn, she said she went back to review the research done on the five things that have traditionally been recommended for improving happiness: Practicing gratitude Social … More Happiness Research

Mashed Potato Madness

November 19, 2023

Heads Up, and Gobble Gobble… I can’t help but share a ‘take two’ of this Thanksgiving piece. Of all the things I wrote on WordPress last year, a post about mashed potatoes still gets a lot of attention. I suspect it has little to do with the holiday itself – or the spuds in question … More Mashed Potato Madness

Well Said Saturdays – November 18

November 18, 2023

It seems like these days pass so quickly that we often finding ourselves reading, appreciating the gift of a post, and then moving on too quickly. To extend some of the great notes of the week, we have Well Said Saturdays – bringing a few quotes from recent posts forward. From I Love Her Better…Now … More Well Said Saturdays – November 18

A place where we write and talk about inspirations…our journey to discover what matters most.