After much deliberation, I decided on what I was sure was just the right camera. I spent the whole month before and after Christmas debating about which camera to buy. I e-mailed my photographer friend, Curt Brinkmann for advice. Even though it was the best logical fit something about it didn’t feel quite right. Even…

Last year I taught fifth and sixth grade. At the year’s onset I was nervous, as many teachers are this time of year. The kids are coming and we know that very soon we will be “on,” and we will have names to memorize and planning to do. I wrote this note of hope in…

I love summer. . . and it is winding down. (Sigh) One thing I love about summer is more opportunity to write–but I haven’t taken time to share anything. This Eleanor Roosevelt Quote has crossed my path multiple times lately, so I’m daring myself (and you!) to do ONE THING each day left before school…

“But if your strife strikes at your sleep, remember spring swaps snow for leaves.” -Mumford and Sons This spring marks six years of writing here at the ole blog. Six. A lot has happened in that time. Instead of a one-year-old, my tall first grader is turning seven. She just cut her hair. She looks…

At the start of this month, I went to see the movie A Star is Born by myself.  As the credits rolled, I sat sobbing. In a scene that I’m still thinking about, the famous country singer (played by Bradley Cooper) invites the unknown songwriter (played by Lady Gaga) to come out on stage and sing.  As…

“Remember that we are always in the presence of the sacred. . .the sacred nature of life apparent to those who are open to it.  We are a part of the infinite, which is in this moment expressing itself through us and in every facet of daily life.” – John McQuiston, Always We Begin Again…

Today I am thankful to my friend, Doug, for sharing his words of gratitude.  It has been a challenging year for so many farmers.  Thanks again Doug–you and your family are part of why I love our small-town, farming community.  *** Most of you have heard the Dodge ad featuring Mr. Paul Harvey’s voice from…

Screenshot from tinygratitude.com. Is your e-mail in-box the bane of your existence?  Mine used to be.  I would joke to colleagues that it was like a zit I had to pop every day or it would get out of control.   So, after that delightfully gross comparison (yes, I work with middle grades kiddos), I…

Photo from historyadventuring.com. “We know love by this. . . to lay down our lives for one another.” – 1 John 3:16 I put up my Christmas tree.  I know, I know, I’m part of the problem.  I should wait until after Thanksgiving.  But as I sit here in the glow of my twinkle lights, I’m…

“Everything is a gift.  The degree to which we are awake to this truth is a measure of our gratefulness, and gratefulness is a measure of our aliveness.” – David Stendl-Rast Junior high me was gangly.  She had just swapped glasses for contacts, and she wore a scoliosis back brace.  Her notebooks were littered with…