Sometimes What Matters Most Is Being in the Pool

I grew up less than two blocks from a couple of swimming pools. I spent most summer days there…doing crazy jumps off the board, diving for treasure, creating stories, and generally horsing around. Notice “swim laps” was not in that little rundown. Though I love swimming, I’m no real swimmer. I mean, I can swim—my dad made sure I knew how—but I could never be competitive in it.

Continue reading “Sometimes What Matters Most Is Being in the Pool”

The “Lasts” Go By in the Blink of an Eye

Odd, anxious kid that I was, when the dog that I grew up with got older, I used to “practice” saying goodbye to her. I would think to myself, “What if this was the last time you’re ever going to get to pet her?” And…in those moments, I could never stop petting her until I let go of that morose notion. Continue reading “The “Lasts” Go By in the Blink of an Eye”

On This Memorial Day

This is my fourth Memorial Day post for the Juggle Struggle. In reviewing my previous ones for this holiday, I find that my original one from 2013 still…strikingly…applies to today’s cultural climate.  Continue reading “On This Memorial Day”

In Honor of Harper Lee…Remembering the Day She Wrote Back

Harper Lee 2
Harper Lee in 2007

My heart hurts today with the death of Harper Lee. She was a woman who has impacted my life in ways that I can’t fully explain. Continue reading “In Honor of Harper Lee…Remembering the Day She Wrote Back”

The Leaky Wheel Gets the Grease 

Or…You Don’t Miss the Water Till the Faucet’s Run Dry

As a 21-year-old, I wore some atypical hats. Saying I became the “man” of the house with my dad’s death might be a stretch, but I definitely took over maintenance of my mom’s home. Repairs became my terrain, and I ended up being a relatively handy woman. That’s why when our kitchen faucet recently began to leak, I donned my pseudo plumber’s hat and tried to fix it. Continue reading “The Leaky Wheel Gets the Grease “

10 Things I’m Thankful for Every Day 2.0

Gratitude has scientifically proven benefits—and what better week to emphasize that?

Last year my post for Thanksgiving week offered ten things for which I am grateful, and…it’s still pretty damn accurate, so…I’m going to share 1-9 again and add a new #10.  Continue reading “10 Things I’m Thankful for Every Day 2.0”