cultivating the beautiful ordinary by sharing our tales and our tables
I remember the day I first met my neighbor. As I strolled down the street, she greeted me with a warm smile, and we struck up a conversation. Little did I know that this chance encounter would blossom into a close friendship. Her family had been a part of the neighborhood for quite some time,…
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On a crisp evening during my time away at college, a group of friends and I set out for a night of revelry, landing at a bustling house party. As the clock struck midnight, a few of us felt the pull of fatigue and the desire to return to campus. Fortunately, the boyfriend of one…
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The only PE experience I remember was during my elementary school years, with Coach Smith. I was playing flag football, and Coach put me in as a wide receiver. It was my first time competing against both girls and boys in a running capacity, and I loved every minute of it—especially as I discovered I…
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As I navigate the deep end of the pool, each stroke propelling me forward, I can’t help but draw a parallel to life’s journey. It’s a constant balancing act of letting go, surrendering to the unknown depths, while also setting boundaries to protect my own well-being and navigate the currents with wisdom and resilience. Amidst…
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As I sit here, sipping my morning coffee and gazing out the window at my two teenage sons, I can’t help but daydream about the days when they’ll be off to college and my husband and I will be empty nesters. I love my kids more than anything in this world. They’re the light of…
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This January was filled with work, family, friends needing support, colleagues reaching out to share, and a significant, out-of-pattern ice storm in central Texas. On most days I felt overwhelmed, tired, and unmotivated. Some concerns shared with me by friends and colleagues weighed heavy on my heart. I had to relearn how to practice self-preservation.…
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“I think about today. I think about tomorrow. I don’t give much thought to yesterdays.” — Yellowstone Our relationship has been far from easy. Unkind words have been exchanged and mean looks used to play a part whenever we communicated, but there have also been words of love, kindness, and support followed by a hug…
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Am I where I’m supposed to be? Do I have the inner strength, gentleness, and wisdom to venture out once again into the unknown?
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I wake up most mornings at 5:30am, journal, read, and enjoy a cup of tea. An hour later, I’m making sure our youngest is awake and preparing for his morning run. He meets his running group and I start my 4-5 mile walk. My days are filled with household chores, lunch with my husband, writing,…
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My head barely hit the pillow around 11:03 p.m. when I heard the word “Mom.” My husband was out-of-town, our youngest was at Pine Cove, and our oldest was chatting with his friends in Discord (an online chatting service)…or so I thought. I rose from my sleep, looked over to the left, and saw him…
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