I believe in the transformative power of stories. I am a high school English teacher, serendipitous farm girl, LEO wife, step mom, and writer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
“I remember my childhood names for grasses and secret flowers. I remember where a toad may live and what time the birds awaken in the summer — and what trees and seasons smelled like…” -John Steinbeck, East of Eden While I do not enjoy saying goodbye to summer, I love the feeling of transition that … More Cilantro & Lime Infused Shrimp Tacos with Crunchy Cabbage
August is almost here and I would love for you to join me in savoring the last days of summer by participating in a Green Smoothie Challenge. The goal is to drink one Green Smoothie a day (using my recipes or yours) and you can post on my Facebook page, on your social media accounts … More Savor Summer with an August Green Smoothie Challenge
“Respect your body. Eat well. Dance forever.” ― Eliza Gaynor Minden My nine-year-old step daughter Avalon never walks. She prances, glides, and pirouettes. Even when she runs, Avalon has the grace of a gazelle. Her little brother is her best pupil and she teaches him all of her latest dances. His jazz hands are exquisite! … More I. You. We Are Worth It!
“I am a frayed and nibbled survivor in a fallen world, and I am getting along. I am aging and eaten and have done my share of eating too. I am not washed and beautiful, in control of a shining world in which everything fits, but instead am wondering awed about on a splintered wreck … More There Is No Better Time Than Now
“April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain.” ― T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land It is far from lilac season in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This fact is reinforced by the presence of our second snow day of the week … More Setting Healthy Goals
Our house was always filled with dogs… They helped make our house a kennel, it is true, but the constant patter of their filthy paws and the dreadful results of their brainless activities have warmed me throughout the years. ~Helen Hayes Ahhhhhhh, weekends – time to breathe and recharge! Though I think it is fair … More The Versatility of Homemade Pizza
“There is no technique, there is just the way to do it. Now, are we going to measure or are we going to cook?” ― Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun I haven’t read Under the Tuscan Sun in ages and this is my reminder to do so soon. It was one of my favorites when … More Lemony Tomato Sauce with Dill
“We inhabit ourselves without valuing ourselves, unable to see that here, now, this very moment is sacred; but once it’s gone – its value is incontestable.” –Joyce Carol Oates Snow day #3 today in schools across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and I am making time on my day off to write. Blogging is a … More Time to Make Myself a Priority Again
“Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.” ― Susan Sontag As an English teacher, I make a living out of helping my students find connections … More Quadruple Berry Salad with Caramelized Pecans and Raspberry Vinaigrette
“Talking about abstract things is important. Having big, wild conversations about concepts like art, music, time travel, and dreams makes it much easier when you’ll eventually need to talk about things like anger, sadness, pain, and love.” ―Tom Burns In my past two posts I introduced you to my step-daughter Avalon and today I am … More Luke’s Kiwisaurus Green Smoothie
