I have felt powerless often these days; Powerless against so much chaos and division, Powerless against the changing tides of culture, and seemingly relentless swells of hate. I’ve spent a lot of time wringing my hands, praying, and planning for...
I thought myself a real domestic queen as I stood baking a homemade peach cobbler with peaches from my daughter, Alena, and her husband Aaron’s tree. Some nights I just feel the urge to make something. Completely random, I thought. The desire to...
So, the shortest summer in history draws to a close, and it is time again for back-to-school shopping. As a mother of four daughters, I assumed this would be an easy task. Girls love to shop, right? Wrong. Whoever thinks this has not met my 13...
Fifteen years ago, my mom’s best friend, Lyn, died of cancer. She had battled it a long time, as it spread through her body, starting as just a back ache that ended up being more. My mom went with her on a cruise after the diagnosis to laugh and...
My 18 year old, Chloe, is back from a week at camp. After what happened to all those daughters in Texas, I feel gratitude, and also the lingering weight. Every day, with each new headline, I cling tighter to my children. I picture their faces, and...
A couple of months ago, police lights flashed behind me early one morning, and I was so confused as to what was going on that I was positive they must be pulling over someone in front of me. The confusion grew greater when, as I pulled to the side...
We have had family here visiting this last week. We have had constant plans, and life has been bustling. We have gone into town, and way out to one of the farthest points by the ocean. At each place the family circles around with arms reaching out...
Today, in the summer time, it snowed in Lake Tahoe. Grey skies, instead of June’s usual blue. Cold where warmth was expected: Something appearing that didn’t belong there.  We were entered into the middle of a war without approval from congress...
Normally, it takes a few weeks of summer before I am looking for places to farm my kids off to. Normally, it’s a much slower build. Normally, we have at least already gone swimming, and to the park, and have had a few barbeques before a kid starts...
It’s this week: The moment you have waited for, when you will both cross that big stage. You have worked towards this goal for so many years. You’ve planned your dresses, and your nails. You told me you’d ditch out awhile with your friends after...