I grew up on the Atlantic Ocean on the Africa side in a small but important country called Liberia. This land became independent in 1847, run by freed people of color and former slaves. A small but fiercely independent country, Liberia is a mix of the New World transplants and indigenous people. I lived in … Continue reading The Atlantic Ocean
Six years ago I was given Ann VosKamp's "The Greatest Gift" Christmas Advent devotional. It stayed on a shelf for an entire year. I'd done Advent for years and years. I wasn't too keen on another book to read in the midst of such a busy season. Five years ago I opened her book and … Continue reading The Greatest Gift
What is your favorite Christmas song? I saw a friend's recent Facebook post asking favorites. Everything from Bing Crosby's White Christmas to you guessed it, Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You. My grandmother Pat LOVED Dean Martin's Let it Snow and Matt is partial to O Holy Night. My kids are fans … Continue reading What’s Your Favorite Christmas Song?
Do you feel like we are in a science fiction movie? Perhaps it's just a really bad comedy? 2020 has been the longest, shortest year of my adult life. The twists and turns of these months are like a Disney roller coaster; whipping me around bends that I didn't see coming. Did you know that … Continue reading No Filter Advent
Several weeks ago we started a basement remodel. I know, I know. Adding this huge project in the midst of a pandemic seemed a bit crazy. But we are crazy like that; what's one more thing right? The excitement was real as I trekked up and down the wood stairs, hauling box after box of … Continue reading Living with Stacks of Stuff: 2020’s lessons
Dear Melody, When you turned 10, you convinced your parents that having the entire class of 4th grade girls for a sleepover would be a great idea. A basketball game, candy, Long John donuts in the morning along with so many presents made turning a new decade one of your favorite childhood memories. Almost 10 … Continue reading Letter to my 45 year old self
I didn't want to hike. I was OVER Fall before it began this year. Strange for me as Fall is usually the most favorite season of mine. I love the crisp air and wondrous smell of decaying leaves alongside the most brilliant of colors. This year I found myself staring at the leaves changing, seeing … Continue reading Fall Hike Ruminations
