Find Happiness When Life Is Messy
“Happier than a pig in shit,” I said. I said that out loud after touring the Leinenkugel’s Brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. As my husband and I were sampling our beer, the words slipped out before my tiny filter could catch them. Laughter rose from my inner most being and it felt so good. Learning…
Read MoreOak Tree Memorial For Miscarriage
Miscarriage is hard. Five years ago, I had a miscarriage. Had I written this when the miscarriage happened, it would read differently. For me, understanding trickled in as time passed and God’s plan began unfolding in my life. Truth is, I never pictured myself as a mother. Call me crazy, but I didn’t spend my nights…
Read MoreLumineers Concert At Pabst Theater
The Lumineers kick off their world tour at The Pabst Theater. After picking up our will-call tickets, we enter the historic theater. Phones must be locked in the provided cases, ALL recording devices are prohibited. We head for the bar and I order the biggest can of White Claw I’ve ever seen. After mingling in…
Read MoreFinding Community Is Possible
Finding community is hard, but it’s possible. I’m so very proud of the community I live in. I decided to hold a FREE rummage sale this past weekend. Everything was free, although I accepted donations for the American Legion and the Humane Society. It’s the least I can do with the items I no longer…
Read MorePractice Gratitude During Hard Times
Gratitude and the strength to let go. Some days, some weeks, heck, even months are bad. When I’m in a rut, I remember the beauty that surrounds me EVERY DAY. I practice gratitude for all that I have in life, even during the hard times. I read the daily devotion from Jesus Calling every morning.…
Read MoreVillage Wide Rummage Sales
I don’t like going to rummage sales, nor do I like having them. As much as I tried over the years, I finally realized the truth. As a result, I’m having one last rummage sale during the village-wide sales. Plastic totes line the attic and basement walls. The time has come for major spring cleaning, these…
Read MoreAbstract Paintings By Midwest Artist
The process starts with abstract paintings. After fifteen years, I dust off my paints and brushes. It feels natural to paint again. With a minimal palette, I layer and blend acrylic paint into abstract paintings. Ironically, inspiration for my paintings comes from photography produced in the darkroom. My creative process cycles through my favorite mediums,…
Read MoreHarmony California Adventure
Harmony, California along the Pacific Coast Highway takes me back to where it all began. Not a care in the world, I journey north through San Luis Obispo to Harmony, California. Grey skies produce mist that fills the air. The tires of my rental car coast through the puddled gravel. Rolling hills go the distance,…
Read MoreJohn Paul DeJoria At Kentucky Derby
Prepare yourself to capture moments like this at the Kentucky Derby. I captured this photograph of John Paul DeJoria and his wife, Eloise Broady DeJoria at the Derby in 2011. There’s no better place to people watch, than the infield of Churchill Downs. John Paul DeJoria quotes continue to inspire me. “The biggest hurdle is…
Read MoreScreen Time Maxed Out
Go ahead and judge me for allowing my preschooler to watch more than the recommended screen time. Trying to rid the head lice on a strong-willed three-year-old isn’t easy. As a result, I allow her to watch shows on my iPad. Let’s face it, sitting still for hours as I wash, rinse, rewash, rinse and…
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