I wrote a piece recently on my personal blog about a beloved rocking chair that my dad restored. He’s been gone for many years, but the sweet little rocker is a cherished memento of something he lovingly touched as he restored it. I’d say he improved it…the luster is pretty fabulous: When I wrote about … More Grace & Patience
Living in a very small, semi-rural town is important to me and I can’t imagine ever embracing big city life. I grew up one town over, although that town has changed dramatically since 1960 when my parents bought my childhood home. I believe the planners call it urban sprawl. Fortunately my current small town has … More The Essence of Community
When Vicki and I were talking with Brenda on this podcast about the title of her blog, Curiosities, Castles and Coffee Shops, we landed on another “c” word that is so fitting for Brenda – community. From the way she’s built up community on her own blog, suggested ideas to support new bloggers with a … More Episode 15: Writing into a Full and Balanced Life with Brenda Harrison
I swear, this will not be a post about bubble baths. I think the market is so flooded at this point with so many misconceptions about self-love, what it is, and what it looks like. It’s now a watered-down buzz word, and it’s unfortunate because it’s a very real thing that we should all be … More Self-Love Is Not Very Fun Or Easy
Two weeks ago, I asked my wife to read one of my blog posts. She had already read it two other times, but she agreed, giving it one final review and told me that it looked fine. When I pressed her on an important change in wording, she laughed and said, “Yes, I saw that, … More Out of my comfort zone
Last week, my dear colleague, Vicki and I were talking about how in an uncanny way a post of hers that she written, but hadn’t yet published, dovetailed with something I’d just recorded in the podcast with Deirdre. It was something that could be interpreted as a beautiful moment of synchronicity but when it happens … More Originality
In my teaching career, it didn’t matter much to me whether the class was a lecture or a smaller discussion group. Making connections with my students and seeing them build a sense of community with each other always felt like job #1. Yes…learning names was the starting point…but I found it useful to go deeper … More The Power of Poetry & Place
Today, April 22, marks Earth Day. Next Friday, April 28th, marks Arbor Day. I continue to hope when I think about these two days. I direct that hope towards an increasing number of people gaining awareness of why these two days are marked yearly on our calendars and towards those who strive to learn the … More Quiet Reflection
There are five or six people in my life that are going through some big personal or professional stuff. Which brings up for me how I can be there for them. There is nothing I can solve and for the most part, I’ve retired my “advice monster” or at least I’ve tried to. But still … More Episode 14: Holding Space with Deirdre Wilcox
I believe in the phrase, ‘better together’. My friends and family like to joke that it’s just Vicki’s sunny version of ‘misery loves company’. No…it’s not. Misery is coming…if you haven’t experienced it yet, you won’t be immune forever. Living, loving…misery. It all swims together and the ocean of life can become bumpy with high … More Gratitude & Grit
The Heart of the Matter 