Dream, Plan, Do
Use this time to prepare and when the government says, “Ready, Set, GO!,” we’ll all run out the door ready to turn our dreams into reality.
Loving the Tuscan Sun
Tuscany, you have captivated me, and I don’t wish to be free. The tears started flowing standing beneath Frances Mayes’ house, Bramasole. I hoped she’d spy me from her window, invite me in and ask me to be her bosom friend. Frances Mayes She was the sole reason my family was sitting in a van, […]
A Moment in Provence
Just like a child eagerly anticipating Christmas with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, we drove to Provence and I was giddy with anticipation. How could I not be? Provence was the object of my daydreams, the European promised land, the ultimate destination that inspired my love for France. It’s My Mom’s Fault It […]
Once Upon a Time, She had New Eyes
Once upon a time, a French man took a quill in hand and became the father of the fairy tale. Charles Perrault, inspired by the magical towers and pinnacles of Chateau de Usse wrote, La Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty) in 1697. While visiting the Loire valley, home to endless chateau, I was stunned […]
Join me on a Journey!
“I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself.” For the past 20 years I have occupied a small but important spot in the middle of the corn fields of the Midwest. I have stayed close to home and created a place where I nurtured and taught my five children. Our home […]
Last Minute Summer Trip Ideas
School supplies already fill the shelves at my local Walmart. I am not ready to leave summer or even entertain the idea of autumn. I’m enjoying every warm and sunny day, but alas, I realize that August is fast approaching. How the heck are we halfway through July!!! For those of you, like me, who […]
Do you Need to Reboot?
As a homeschooling mom of five children I had many more stay-cations than vacations. Every summer when it was time once again to consider a trip to some fascinating place, we always chose to put the money toward some home repair or home recreation need. An above ground pool seemed a wiser choice that would […]
Jammies Required
The weather outside is frightful so invite some friends over and have a delightful time. You won’t need an ugly sweater for this get together but some footy pajamas might be required. It’s Christmas party time and last week I had the most comfortable party ever. We all came in jammies. I love girlfriend time […]
The Best Ways to Create Warmth
“If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.” An early chill has rushed in to central Indiana. One day it was 87 degrees and the very next day my aching joints were screaming, “What happened to autumn?” Our region is famous for bipolar weather but a one day 50-degree shift is […]
The Very Best Reasons to Read Aloud
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read to a child.” Dr. Seuss Memories are made on a mother’s lap. Intelligence and wisdom are formed on her tongue. Love flows from the arms that hold a child and a book. Parents, put your phones down. The very best […]