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.
I Believe in Infinite Love Above All Else ~ Some Thoughts on Faith
I'll talk and write about my faith — but...
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.