Both/And…keeping it real

We can do hard things. Acknowledging both the good and hard in everyday life.

  • October 16 or “someday.”

    Have you ever had a someday? What I mean is, have you ever said to yourself, “someday, I will be ready for that role. Someday, I will pursue that dream or be prepared enough to take on that challenge. Someday, my _______ will be right, and then I will be happy. Someday, when I meet______…

  • “Thank you for giving me my life.”

    When I met her, I noticed first that she had a brand-new beautiful baby. She expertly carried the car seat on one arm and I was jealous of how at ease she was. Our eyes met, across a couple rows at church and I rose to introduce myself. That Sunday and many following, I couldn’t…

  • Who are you, great mountain…that you should not bow low?

    I climbed the steep, wooden stairs, trying hard not to think about slowing down those behind me. I looked at the worn wood stairs, instructing my steps one at a time: step up, then again, then again. Some of the planks of wood were worn in spots to the point of seeing the path so…

  • Redefining what it means to be Badass.

    I wonder if you’ve ever watched an event, a TV show, or a person when something about a particular feat that resonates within you. Somewhere deep inside you find yourself thinking, “that is simply, __________.” You can fill in your own blank. I realize that for some, the word badass may not be the first…

  • “You have solid steel I-Beams, Stace.”

    “Mom, they are going to demolish that building soon.” My son told me as we drove through town. “Yeah?” We were talking about the former municipal power plant building, much of which was already demolished. “Yes, they are getting the explosives set on the beams. The I-beams are the only thing left.” My brain raced…

  • The smell of coffee, Gram’s Oil of Olay and Tiffany Rose Gold: oh the memories I have…

    I walked in the door and couldn’t help but inhale deeply. The rich, deep, comforting smell of coffee both assaults and eases into every part of my olfactory system. The funny thing is? I don’t even like DRINKING coffee. But my body, heart and mind are instantly comforted with the smell… Growing up, the coffee…

  • Anger is easier than vulnerable…

    After a week full and by full, I mean 11 sports events for my two oldest kids, my body is completely spent. My muscles have been tight and reactive, causing my back to tighten up and sending everything else into spasms as well. When I walk, I feel like these legs have become sticks, or…