Thanksgiving in February ~ Blog
‘They Don’t Make Things Like They Used To’ ~ It’s Not Your Imagination
Products are often designed to fail so we’ll buy more stuff. How a knock-down, drag-out battle over a button inspired me to dig a little deeper.
From this Mess, May Something Beautiful Rise
I learned to trust that beauty rises from failure, new growth rises from discarded scraps. This Mess must become something beautiful.
Missing Someone? Take it Out on the Bread Dough
The best, most cherished family recipes help us turn longing for loved ones into comfort and connection. My go-to is my grandmother’s Slovak Easter bread we call “pascha.” How about you?
One Thrilling Catch and Connection To Share
Seeing families out on the first day of fishing season left me hopeful about our relationship as humans to the natural world — despite a very challenging reality. There is still so much beauty and love to be found in our relationship to nature.
Kids Love ‘Em — and 9 more Reasons to Plant Sunflowers
When the reality of the world wears on me, I return to the simple joys like planting sunflowers with children to cultivate my own peace — and share it. “Kids love them” tops my list of 10 Reasons to Plant Sunflowers in 2022.
Sunflowers, “Soniashnyk” in Ukraine, the New Face of Flower Power
Sunflowers now remind me of the brave woman who cursed a Russian soldier with seeds, and the extraordinary power of ordinary people to unite for peace.
Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s Make Some Peace
During our Thanksgiving-in-February festivities, I leaned into the power of gathering over food to heal and strengthen the fabric of our families and communities. These days, we need this more than ever.
Sharing a Winter Feast with Hungry Visitors
As bluebirds feasted on the juicy berries outside my kitchen window, they soothed my sadness in an isolating time of collective grief — and changed my view.
What Do New Grandparents Need to Know?
My husband and I are on the threshold of becoming grandparents. Only in my dreams can I ask my grandmother all of my questions.
Searching for a Beautiful Finish in a Rough Oak Table
In the old, oak table, I saw a bargain, potential and a bridge between loved ones who barely met. And — I had something to prove to myself.
A New Year Offers Hope — Right? Yes, We Must Hope
In these troubling times, how do we keep finding hope? When I’m struggling, I climb the mountain, finding hope up on the ridge, in a deep breath, a prayer — over and over again. Hope is active. A conscious step out of fear and into love that we must keep taking.
When One Long-Awaited Gift Arrived on Christmas Eve
On the coast of Maine, I built a life of my own and sought peace. One Christmas Eve, sharing what I found there with my Dad was a long-awaited gift for us both.
Wishing you the Shared Sweetness of the Holidays
I bake to share the sweetness. One small way to celebrate Christmas light and fight the darkness in this world. Cookies are such a simple, delicious item to share with people. Sweets won’t guarantee a “perfect” Christmas, but they can help salvage a difficult one.
How One Tiny Home Repair Comforted a Broken Heart
One sad weekend, my Dad visited with his girlfriend and tools to help me with fall home repairs. But that wasn’t what my broken heart needed most from him.
How to Crush the Meanest Monkey Mind? Try Butter & Biking
Early in our romance, my husband and I decided to host big family holiday dinners. I just needed to learn how to do it without losing my cool. This year, I crushed the meanest monkey mind with biking — and some butter.
Burn the Perfect Pictures — and 15 more ways to Enjoy Hosting a Holiday
You’ve got this. Wherever you are in the prep, know that it will turn out beautifully. It’s already good enough. Already beautiful and wonderful. When you welcome family and friends into your home with a gracious and grateful heart, the rest is details.
November’s Streaks of Light Offer Rich Reminders of Love & Loss
If we pay attention, November’s soft light washes us in clarity, offering golden reminders of the lessons of love and loss.
The Mighty Oak
Early in our courtship, my husband introduced me to “The Oak Tree” — a very good sign we were meant for each other.
House Rules: From Peanut Butter Pranks to One Big Rule
As my stepsons and I became family, there was no map or guide-book. We made up some house rules, from peanut butter pranks to one big rule: Come Home Safe.
Take Good Care of You
Take good care of you. Be gentle with you and your sad, battered heart. Do what brings you comfort. Whatever it is.
Swimming in our Toxic Sea of Judgment
We live in an exhausting, toxic sea of judgment, heightened by muddling through this pandemic. Can we try some “judgment detox” to help us mend?
Stitching Together as One in a Jeweled Net — or Beautiful Quilt
That we are stitched together as one, into a jeweled net or beautiful quilt, gives me comfort and hope.
Pie & Peace Alike Are Handmade from Scratch, and with Love
I believe we make our own peace, with love, handmade and from scratch. The same way we make great apple pies, our homes, big family dinners and quilts.
Good Kitchen Gear Makes for a Happy Cook
Don’t like to cook?! The right tools might turn a frustrating task into a more satisfying and relaxing experience.
The Rugged Beauty of “Our” Trees Shines in Winter
Winter is the sycamores’ time, when their rugged beauty and subtle shades contrast with their surroundings.
Made to Twirl, Dance, Start a Party — and Inspire Hope
These Shoes Were Made to Twirl, Dance, Start a Party — and Inspire Hope
Too Much of a Good Thing
With no big Thanksgiving dinner this month, I poured my energy into a deep-dish, thick-crust apple pie. It turned out beautifully. But it was a bit too much of a good thing.
All is Fair in Love and Scrabble
I’m determined to become a better, more competitive Scrabble player — and eventually catch my husband!
Sharing the Wild Peace of the Sea
Soon, I’ll get to share the wild peace of the sea with our family.
Comforting Letters Offer New Gift
My grandfather’s letters home from the Pacific during World War II provide a new gift: ordinary days in extraordinary times.
Brighter Still, Whisper the Fireflies
Your light lifts me. My light lifts you.
Passing On the Laughter — For Now
Of all my mom has taught me, laughing, especially at yourself, is most important right now. How we all need to laugh together again, in person.
Welcome to Love Notes
Welcome to Love Notes. To celebrate February 2021 and inspire connection, I’m writing a Love Note every day and giving away prizes. Join the celebration!
Next Time, We Will Dance Together on the Mall
For Inauguration 2021, my small dance party to celebrate the peaceful transfer of power in America will be in my kitchen. Next time, let’s dance on the National Mall.
United States in 2021? Lessons from a Miracle
The movie “Miracle” reminds us of all we can accomplish when we work together, as a team of Americans. 2020 brought me heartbreak over our divided country. May 2021 bring Americans together to defeat the virus.
Kicking the Christmas Blues
Be vigilant. Kick the holiday blues if you can — because someone out there can”t and needs our help.
A Squirrel on the Cutting Board
A Stepmom’s Tale of Making Food and Family One...
A Calm Center in the Storm
I was in my late 20s, a single newspaper writer living in a small Maine town, when I fell in love with the color, pattern and potential of fabric. Over 20 years of making this quilt with an orderly center despite surrounding, chaotic color, I’ve learned a lot about the constant work of making peace.
Thanksgiving Won’t be the Same (& it’s OK)
Simpler, smaller Thanksgiving dinners. Maybe a Thanksgiving picnic? THIS is how we shall take care of each other this year, and it is beautiful.
Autumn Joy — One Unexpected Ride
I ran away to a place deep in the forest, just...
About that BIG Birthday
As the birthdays add up:
Cultivate the garden of your soul, enjoy your youth, buy the best shoes — and other gear — you can afford. And most importantly: Give, as best you can, from your own sense of joy and peace.
Ms. Judgment
I’d judged the “Ice Queen” as cold. She was different and seemed unfriendly. Then I learned just how loving she could be.
Loving Each Other
We can love each other through these times. One...
Fill Your Well
We must fill our own wells and recharge our...
Time to Pick Up the Phone?
There’s no better time to reach for someone we...
Strange Gifts
The framed picture of four guys dressed in purple caught my dad’s eye. So he bought it for me. Those quirky, mysterious guys lived in my attic for years. But now, I keep them in view to remind me of what’s been true all along.
You Had Me at Pears
I didn’t know pears symbolized longevity and affection — until the handsome man who showed up at my door one Thanksgiving evening taught me with a sweet gift.
When Father’s Day Is … Complicated
By June 1996 — as Father’s Day approached — I was an adult about to turn 26, and decided to stop punishing my dad. By then, we’d had our first real, honest, heart-to-heart conversation.
How One Tough Mama Raised a Strong Daughter
Sister Louise looked like she’d bit into a frog....
Keep In Touch
Hi. It’s me. Your Dad. We Came From Love, Part 2...
Leaving a Garden — and Finding a Forever Friend
Struggling in a new life, I set out to move my old garden. My quest led to a friend with lessons on plants, dancing with ladybugs and finding fresh strength.
Hot Enough … for Ice-Cold Chocolate Cake
My friend’s mom, Franny, says a cold piece of chocolate cake with milk is perfect when it’s too hot to sleep. She was right about that — and much more.
Back to the Earth
How a dilemma over a mountain of mulch at the garden center on my 53rd birthday became a favorite moment of this year’s celebration.
When I See You Again
As we prepare for a family wedding, I’m reflecting on a few of the pandemic’s lasting lessons to appreciate every gathering, hug and new chapter of life.
Hydrangea Heaven
With delicate ivory blossoms on tough plants, hydrangea hooked me on growing flowers. Now, they connect me to cherished people and places.
Searching Among the Ancient Trees of Cook Forest
The Cook logging family left the towering white pines and hemlocks near the Clarion River standing, a legacy that left me curious about their story.
Baby Steps Conquer the Tall Peaks
A friend’s injury on top of Saddleback Mountain in Western Maine drives home one life lesson of these beautiful mountains: the power of small, steady steps.
How one Stepmom Learned A Cool Perk: The Bonus Party
How to celebrate my stepson’s wedding with my lifelong friends and family? We created a “bonus” event — then had even more happy news to share.
Our Guiding Lights: Fish, Woods and Water
Families gathered at the creeks on the first day of fishing season spark my hope that we as humans can heal our relationship to the natural world.
Leaning in to Spring’s New Growth
My heart soars for Appalachian Spring, surrounded by new growth. Out there, and right here. Some news & the latest stories, plus a spring favorite.
Baking Bread Offers Connection
How do we cope with missing loved ones? Baking our family’s Slovak Easter bread helps me find strength and comfort in connection.
Afraid to Fail? Trust Your Stuff
We are all afraid of failure from time to time. Even Major League pitchers. Even writers. To conquer that fear: Trust Your Stuff.
Escape to Spring Training
Recalling visits to baseball spring training, watching the players and soaking up all that sunshine warms a restless and chilly night.
Dancing with Our Illusion of Control
Ah life! Anything can happen on any day. God is in control, many of us believe. Or fate. Or destiny. Even if it’s an illusion, I work toward a sense of control.
A Place in the Patchwork
My place, as one, flawed person struggling with the sorrow of the world, is do my part and show up with my stitch, my piece.
Gratitude into Action: Sharing to Fight Hunger
After my husband’s heart surgery, I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude — and inspired to channel it into some small, helpful action.
When Magic Perched at the Window
A whole flock of vibrant bluebirds visited one February, bringing their enchantment and inspiration right up to the kitchen window during a bleak, isolating winter.
Thank you and YES
An ongoing conversation I have with God is “Thank you and Yes.” Gratitude propels me forward, to the next step. Then the next. But it is not a cure-all.
“Hellloooo Baby!” in the Morning Goes a Long Way
What is the first thing you say to yourself every morning? Is it kind? My new morning ritual makes me smile. Here’s why it matters.
“I Am Sorry” Changes Everything
Ten years after my Dad’s death, I wonder if the lasting lesson from our story is the power of a sincere “I am sorry.”
These Little Lights of Ours
Want to help save the world? Be the light. Shine as big and bright as you can in your patch of this beautiful, broken world.
It’s OK to Muddle Through the Holidays
This beautiful holiday time can be excruciating for people who are grieving. It’s OK to muddle through. Let’s give and share the grace of being real and true.
Lighting the Holiday Spirit
Holiday hosting for me begins by envisioning how it will all look. Provided I don’t burn out my time and budget reaching for magazine perfection, the spark for my holiday spirit is welcome. Reaching for that vision is a form of self-care, even, the necessary prep for hosting.
Walking Among Fields of Gold
Thank you to our farmer-neighbor whose life’s work was tending the fields I admire daily. May your heaven be free of worries and full of ease and good land.
Welcome Back!
Welcome back! I am returning after taking a break. A new season of Thanksgiving is here — and we have a lot of work to do.