Long story short: Gather ye rosebuds petals while ye may! That’s the super-abridged version of what it means to practice mindful living. But since when have I ever kept things brief? Come, Holy Spirit, come! Help me to say what I long to say about these stunningly beautiful trees. First, the bad news: The springtime … [Read more...]
An Unparalleled Ascent to an Amazing Mother’s Day
Okay, so whose idea was it to schedule Mother’s Day in May, when calendars are packed and tensions run high?! How can our families possibly meet our expectations when they’re running off to soccer games and/or coming down off their spring concert highs? It’s not fair. I say we switch dates with dear old Dad, who gets a nice chill time slot in … [Read more...]
Our Very Downton Abbey Christmas: Wayward Shepherds Notwithstanding
No animals were harmed in the writing of this Downton Abbey Christmas post. However, a Golden Retriever did scarf down 100's of spilled Reeses Puffs AND a digital thermometer was thoroughly torched. Okay, so maybe not 100's. Still, the dog was pleased to be treated to such a junky snack and what's more, I let him 'cause I had a … [Read more...]
Am I not your Mother? Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mine and YOURS ♥
This post was originally published on 12/12/13. I am sure you appreciate my recycling! What do you love most about today's feast? Is it the beautiful, colorful, miraculous image? Is it the humility--the littleness--of Saint Juanito Diego? Or is it the very good excuse to eat good Mexican food? Pour me another margarita, … [Read more...]
Going Places: a Midlife Reflection & Modern Map Art Review
Once, for Christmas, my four sisters and I drew names for a gift exchange. My sister Mary was surprised, I think, when I told her the "boring" gift that I had in mind: an atlas. I wanted an atlas. Because I wanted the world. To this day, I love maps and traveling, but am not {currently} at a stage in my life when I can go very far. … [Read more...]
Gearing up to Say Goodbye
He leaves for the hotel tomorrow and then... There's the swearing-in & departure for Boot Camp on Monday. This Marine Mom's being super strong and hasn't shed a single tear! (Do you believe me? I've got a bridge to sell you.) … [Read more...]
On Celebrating my Independence
(From this Blog ;-) ) So here I am, sheepishly admitting that 30 Posts in 30 Days is SO not a doable goal at this time. Did you win the bet? What do I owe you? I blame this crew for giving me a solid push off the good-resolution wagon: ...because we went camping on Sunday and wouldn't you know? I totally forgot to pack my … [Read more...]
Going Home to North Dakota
The June 2017 Edition This will be a post largely told in pictures because when it comes to an altogether too brief family reunion... ...who needs words? Okay, here's a little background. We went home last week—five of my kids and me—to see my Daddy, my brother, my cousin Jim (who was on his way to my parents' hometown), … [Read more...]
Words of Advice from a Grateful Heart: Ten Funeral Tips for the Grieving
This blog post has been on my heart since the funeral. Many of you are or will be going through this process with your parents. With that in mind, I'd like to share ten funeral tips to hopefully help you along the way. * * * We buried our beautiful mother on May Day, four short weeks ago. We laid her to rest on the Feast of St. Joseph the … [Read more...]
Rest in Peace, dear Mama
We’re never ready to lose the people we love, even when we know they are ready to go. My dear sweet Mama passed away on Monday morning—peacefully, in her sleep, around 9:00 a.m. in Breckenridge, Minnesota. It was a bittersweet departure, as she was to be joining my father that day at his Assisted Living facility. God has a greater plan, … [Read more...]
