“I thought, “What if my grand purpose is to live a life of kindness, gratitude, and the quiet celebration of small, beautiful things? To reflect the goodness of the Make of the Universe in every step?” And that seemed like a worthy goal.” – Nanea Hoffman (Forgive the grainy photo, but this was taken recently…
Happy here
“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for big happiness.” – Pearl S. Buck I gotta admit…the window between New Year and Easter kind of drags for me a little bit. Big picture: the cold, the lack of color, the shortened daylight hours…it can all just bum me out. And if I’m not…
Glimmers
“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” — Kurt Vonnegut Even if it’s just an impression…
Nothing sounds good
“Welcome. There’s a lot to look at here and nothing to do.” Those were some of the first words we heard when we arrived at our resort in Mexico. And honestly, truer words have rarely been spoken. When I travel to new places, I usually like to cram my daily itineraries with activities from morning…
New heart(s), new year
“A new heart for a New Year, always!” — Charles Dickens I got to ring in 2026 with my first stamp in my passport, thanks to my older son’s destination wedding. ¡Hola, México! I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful, relaxing place to begin the year. When I got home and was combing through…
Ivy and her cookie
I recently made some Christmas cookies that were inspired by my son and daughter-in-law’s dog, Ivy. And I received this little image from them a little later. It occurred to me that I took my first decorating class seven years ago this week. Who knew that I’d get to do something so fun one day….
Moody
After a misty walk through the park and a visit to the art museum to see Anselm Kiefer’s “Becoming the Sea,” I noticed a little theme for today: muted and a just a little moody. Quite a sharp turn from the vibrant colors of the holiday season. But definitely winter appropriate. The sheer scale of…
Detour
On a whim, I took a short detour through Fulton, Missouri, to see the Churchill Memorial. My favorite part was the “Breakthrough” sculpture, which includes eight sections of the actual Berlin Wall, created by Churchill’s granddaughter, Edwina Sandys. Given that the college the memorial calls home is on holiday break, we had the place entirely…
Do the thing
“Do the thing that brings you joy. Buy yourself the flowers. Drink your coffee (or tea) from your favorite mug. Laugh with a friend until your stomach hurts. Watch the sunset. Dance in the kitchen. Take the long way home. Because joy isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you choose, amidst the struggle and…
Winter Solstice
A new season is here. Not too long ago, our temperatures were painfully cold, but it was accompanied by some of the most delicate little gifts. Frost flowers! I thought the Winter Solstice was an ideal time to share them. Like snowflakes, each is completely unique. I understand it’s a pretty small window for these…
I hope this post finds you well
“When I say, “I hope this email finds you well,” what I mean is this: I hope you get to drink your coffee before it gets cold. I hope you’re in a sweet season of life. I hope you witness a miracle. I hope something good happens to you. I hope you see a dog….
Attention
“Your attention is basically a currency. And what you spend it on matters. You can spend it on outrage, and the world feels angrier. You can spend it on kindness, and the world feels a little softer. The thing is, you only have so much to spend, right? It’s a finite resource, so what will…
Nostalgia
If we’re really lucky, we get to have at least one person in life that makes us feel like we’re just the bee’s knees. Like they overflow with warmth for us. Like their company is the safest possible space because nothing could dull our shine in their eyes. My grampa was that person for me….
Poetry
Our first snow of the season happened overnight and we woke up to poetry. These photos were only taken from my balcony, but you get the idea. It all made me want to read Robert Frost. Especially this last image taken with my phone before the sun was up completely. “…The woods are lovely, dark…
Ordinary things
“I am in love with the ordinary things in life. Fresh air. Acts of kindness. Deep soul conversations. Watching things grow. Listening to the rain as it empties its heart towards the earth. Remembering the times I ran through it unafraid, spontaneous, freedom-filled. I find pure joy in the joy of others. I am drunk…
Let them be
“You know what’s underrated? Letting people be. Letting them mispronounce a word, talk too much about a show they love, or get excited about something you don’t understand. You don’t have to get it, just be kind. Everyone’s got something that lights them up. Let them shine, even if it’s not your thing.” — unknown…
Both. Equally.
“There are two types of tired: one that requires rest, and one that requires peace.” — unknown A succession of inordinately hectic and high pressure workweeks has come to a close. I snapped my laptop shut a little early this afternoon and took Finn for a damp and overdue walk. I spent some extra time…
Impact
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of; there is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” – Fred Rogers Yesterday a wonderful friend and former colleague stopped…
It’s that time…
The Christmas tree is up, stockings are hung above the fireplace (the first time in my adult life I can say that), and, most important of all, my grampa’s little handmade chapel is on display. It isn’t Christmas without it. Even when I haven’t decorated any other way, it’s a non-negotiable. I even did a…
Happy chaos
This is such an interesting time of year. Halloween is behind us and the leaves, while past their peak, are still turning. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but Christmas is waiting in the wings. I had to laugh along our walk this morning when I saw various houses combining all of the above ……
In closing
Closing the week with little notes of gratitude. A crazy busy week is over and my work went really well. One more crazy week to go. I’m hopeful. I saw many old co-workers or colleagues from other states this week and received more hugs in a span of three days than I can remember. It’s…
No filter fall filter
The late afternoon sun combined with autumn’s changing leaves makes for the most beautiful warm glow. Letting the season provide the natural photo filter is a no brainer. (34 of 41)
It is well with my soul
“When peace like a river, attends my way,When sorrows like sea billows roll;Whatever my lot, You have taught me to knowIt is well, it is well, with my soul.” — hymn by Horatio Spafforc I was just pausing to reflect on gratitude for beauty, blessings, and answered prayer. As far as beauty, this was my…
hey there, friends 