I was fortunate as a child to grow up in Washington State on the Puget Sound. It was wonderful to be able to look west out our front window and see the beautiful blue-gray inlets and harbors framed by the strong evergreens. The view also included the perfect panorama of the majestic Olympic mountain range. Sunsets were never lovelier than right out my front door. (more…)

I’ve decided to do a series of posts based on memories of my dad. I feel that he deserves to be remembered in this way and more importantly I want to document my memories here so that my tiny children will one day be able to read about him and learn to love him like I do. (more…)

Dealing with the death of my father has definitely changed me as a person. This type of experience really helps you to focus on the things that really matter in life, at least for a little while. I’m sure that I will go back to taking things for granted sooner or later. I also came to appreciate friends and family that gave me and my family support during this trying time. (more…)

I don’t like karma because karma likes to bite me on the proverbial bum. For the most part my life runs along pretty smoothly until I make a judgmental statement about someone and then…Ouch! There goes karma again. (more…)

In the back corner of the yard amidst the trees, grass, and flowers there was a kiln. It was made of roughly hewn, golden yellow bricks, stacked with loving care. The kiln was about 6 feet tall and the opening was arched, leading to a dark belly where simple dirt was changed into something strong and enduring.

The kiln was made by a young potter whose skill in making pots was renowned. The potter was tall and lean with arms and hands made strong from molding and shaping the clay. He had a firm jaw, full lips, and hair the color of wildflower honey. Glasses framed in thin gold wire rested on the bridge of his straight nose.

Each morning the Potter would come to load his creations into the kiln. In the evenings he would return to check on the baking pots making sure their transformation was complete. (more…)

I have always loved to dance. I’m what you would call a “self-taught” hoofer who has had minimal exposure to dance instructors. This handicap has never stopped me from fully immersing myself in a good dance groove when the mood has struck. I can often be seen shakin’ my stuff while cleaning, doing dishes, or whenever I get the chance. (more…)

I hate waking up early in the morning. If I had it my way I wouldn’t wake up until I was completely ready and then my housekeeper would tiptoe in with a tray of hot cocoa and pastries. I would then read in my bed until I was ready to face the day. (more…)

What is your role in your family? Are you the over-achiever? The wild child or black sheep? Maybe you’re the fun one, the nerd, or ultra righteous child. Me, I’m the peacemaker. (more…)

A few years ago I became aware of a little yellow fellow named SpongeBob Squarepants. My children and husband found him to be quite funny and I was intrigued by the constant laughter coming from them as they watched his show. (more…)

I have returned to the valley of the sun after a brief visit to the evergreen state. I was hoping for rain during my visit since this sunny valley hasn’t seen any rain for over a hundred and twenty days. I was disappointed in my hopes. It was beautiful, sunny, and cold the whole time I was there. Oh well, I’m sure there will be other trips to the land of continual rain. (more…)

I’m writing to you from the great Pacific Northwest. A place of tall green pines, beautiful waters, and a people who feel the refs in the superbowl really did a number on the Seahawks. I tend to agree with them. (more…)