“Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you When you get where you’re goin’, don’t forget turn back around And help the next one in line Always stay humble and kind.” ~ Lyrics by Lori McKenna. Many of you may recall these words from Tim McGraw, singing the song, Humble and Kind.  It was fascinating to listen to Lori McKenna, the song writer, describe the creating of her lyrics for it. She was sitting at her dining room table, her children were at school, and she was

Photo Credit: @Vajramonkey on Substack These amazing love-filled beauties are waiting patiently outside the hospital rooms of sick children they’re about to visit and cheer up with a medicinal dose of real unconditional love. (Caption that was underneath the picture.) Who or what might be on the other side of our doors? Tears welled immediately within me when I saw the photo for so many reasons. The predominant one clutching my heartstrings is that Love is Love, and sometimes

Our Utah home we adored for almost thirty years. There’s always a day after … I am in that very odd, familiar, and not too sure of how to be on this day? What I have learned about myself with my almost seven decades on this earth, is that there will always be a day after, and a day after that, as long as I’m still earth side. I can recall many days after, both with elation and tremendous sadness. Yet, it’s how I allow myself to fully feel into, and not push away from the sid

The skin is the heaviest organ in the human body, weighing (9.9 pounds, 4.5 kilograms) on average. The skin is also the largest organ, making up about 16% of a person’s total body weight. This anatomy lesson will become pertinent in a bit, hang in there. I am always heartened and uplifted after our talks! Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with me.  After an early morning conversation with a dear pal, she sent me this text. The day progressed from there with my mont

Colleen, Andelene's daughter, and forever cheerleader doing what she does best. Smiling, creating, and loving her people. Maybe I am the problem, the one holding back. Whenever I think of Colleen, I feel not deserving of her presence. I don't want to burden her with my heavy emotions. Fighting depression is a daily battle for me. I don't want to contaminate her pure happiness with my depressed feelings. Really, I am not feeling sorry for myself and looking for attention, as I

My dad and me at our happy place, the beach. Both of us water signs, and most in sync when closest to it. I recall vividly hearing Kate Bowler, the author of several insightful and amazing books on a podcast say something to the effect that not always is everyone doing their best. No doubt we have uttered it as well and heard it said to us directly or about another. What if we can live within the messy paradox of life and embrace that sometimes we are doing our best and in ot