For two-thirds of my life, my schedule has been controlled by the school calendar. I graduated from college in May, and when the next August rolled around, I had an unexpected sense of dread. Then I remembered, “Hey, I graduated. August doesn’t change anything for me!” It was a revelation. But ... Read More
Bad Endings, Fake News, & Good Stories
One of the worst story endings I’ve ever read was served up to me last year in a long-awaited novel. I had high hopes, but when I read the final pages, I thought, “Pfffft! That’s ridiculous. That would never happen.” One element of the ending was so unbelievable that I felt irritated. I’ve ... Read More
Learn THRICE at VBS
The famous French essayist Joseph Joubert wrote, "To teach is to learn twice." I have found it to be the absolute truth. Not only does the teacher learn it once for herself and again when she teaches, she remembers the truths longer and perhaps more accurately after she’s served them up to her ... Read More
What’s that smell?
Last week I took my regular walk down to the water. I rounded the curve, and the expansive lake spread out before me. Sometimes I round that curve, and the breeze blowing up the shore carries the most unappealing smells. Often, I smell a rotting carcass, and as the smell gets stronger, I ... Read More
How to Flourish with a Sink Full of Dishes
Mothers day is just around the corner, and it is my pleasure to welcome to the blog one of the most insightful mothers I know. Emily Allen is the founder and visionary behind KindredMom.com, an online community and podcast dedicated to helping women find joy and purpose in motherhood. She is the ... Read More