Published in Middle-Pause·PinnedMember-onlyBurn the Pretty CandlesWhy saving things for a special occasion is a bad strategy — We’ve all seen them. The carefully hoarded treasures that were saved for special occasions now lay strewn across a picnic table labeled “make offer” at a local yard or estate sale. Some items have yellowed or tarnished over time. The candles have melted and the china is outdated. These special-occasion…Downsizing4 min read
Published in Koinonia·PinnedMember-only10 Essential Simple Living Principles to Creating a Simple, Slow LifeHow to keep things simple — It seems almost impossible to live a simple life these days. Even when you let go of one thing, finish that latest project, or pay off a debt, something new creeps into your life and takes over your time, attention, and energy. When life is complicated and rushed, finding time…Christianity8 min read
Published in Middle-Pause·PinnedMember-onlyWomen Can’t Wear Long Hair After 40 and Other Lies My Mom Told MeFind freedom by examining your beliefs and opinions — All my life my mom wore her hair short. She was in her late 30s by the time I was born so her adage that women shouldn’t wear long hair after 40 was already reflected in her choice of hairstyle. I wore my hair long until after my children were…Mindset Shift6 min read
Published in Middle-Pause·PinnedMember-onlyThe Dirty Word Women Need to Stop Saying‘Should’ is the modern woman’s shackle. — ‘Should’ is the modern woman’s shackle. It ties us to guilt and shame and “never good enough.” — Mary Gallagher I have my list of personal ‘shoulds’ and I am sure you do too. I’ve carried them around like a ball and chain. …Expectations5 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Aug 4Member-onlyI Bet You Can Write a Clogyrnach Even if You Can’t Pronounce itPoetry prompts to ignite the poet within (even if you don’t think you’re a poet!) — This is the latest installment in my series of poetry prompts. To see the other prompts, please read to the end. Every Sunday morning I read a book about writing and give it a go with a writing prompt. Since being published in a poetry anthology, Writer On Fire: Poetry…Poetry3 min read
Published in Middle-Pause·Jul 29Member-onlyPart 2 of Lies My Mother Told MeLetting go of the weight of insecurities and anxieties about life — Mothers. They influence us more than we know. I always chuckled at women who said, “I’m turning into my mom!” Never gonna happen to me, I’d smirk. I’m nothing like my mother. The first time someone told me I was “just like my mother” was when I went trick or…Mothers And Daughters5 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jul 25Member-onlyIf You Can Say Your ABCs You Can Write PoetryHow to write an abecedarius poem — Every Sunday morning I read a book about writing and give it a go with a writing prompt. Since being published in a poetry anthology, Writer On Fire: Poetry Prompts to Ignite the Poet Within, I have been using the prompts in this great…Poetry2 min read
Published in Age of Awareness·Jul 22Member-onlyMy Search for a Tiny Home Community Is OverAre you ready to join the tiny home movement? — The tiny home movement is growing, but it’s not a new thing as some would have you believe. There have always been homeowners who want something small, sustainable, and easy to care for. My search for a tiny home began in 2018, not long after I had sold my large…Sustainability7 min read
Published in Koinonia·Jul 22Member-onlyGod Asked Mary if She Wanted to Be a Part of Something…Her response: I’m all in! — Morning1 min readPhoto by Fuu J on UnsplashGod Asked Mary if She Wanted to Be a Part of Something…Her response: I’m all in!----1
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jul 19Member-onlyA 15-Minute Free Writing Exercise to Raise Your Creativity and Improve Your WritingFrom Writer on Fire: Poetry Prompts to Ignite the Poet Within (even if you’re not a poet!) — Poetry prompts are the easiest and most non-threatening way to try your hand at poetry. They’re also a good complement to your everyday writing practice. Even if you only write prose as your mainstay, venturing into the landscape of poetry writing can enhance your creativity as a writer, stretch your…Poetry4 min read