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52 Weeks of Prayer
Over the years I have waffled between making New Year's resolutions, at times calling them goals, and other years simply rolling into the year sans plan. In 2020 I wrote on the inside cover of my bible 'the kind of woman I want to be in 2020...' followed by a list of...
Back Together for the Holidays
"One of these days you're going to have to tell me how Christmas Eve brunch came to be." My daughter's words dripped with curiosity. "Oh, I just sent my siblings a text. They all said, Yes." The look on her face the picture of disbelief. "Okay, so it was a God thing."...
Regrets
I often hear people proclaim, "I have no regrets!" or, "I live life without regrets." As if having regrets is a bad thing, a disappointment, something to be ashamed of. When I looked up the word regret here is what I found: v. to feel sorry, repentant or upset aboutv....
Five Words We Don’t Say/Hear Enough
Words are my love language. It took me a while to determine and accept this. Many have read or heard about the Five Love Languages. They include: Receiving of Gifts, Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Acts of Service and Quality Time. I believe there could be a...
Put On Notice 4-24-21
I'm just going to put this right here. On March 29, 2019, I went to court and successfully obtained a Protection/No Contact Order against my ex-husband who continued to harass myself, my husband and my children through Facebook posts, comments on my blog (here),...
Enlightenment
"Enlighten me", something said with a tinge of sarcasm when in the middle of a disagreement. Spoken to one with an opposing view. Spoken by one who desires less to be enlightened and more to prove the other view wrong. And yet, rewind. Try again. Say it one more time,...
In Times Like This
Hello there, It seems appropriate to start this post with a greeting. So many of us are missing face to face, voice and physical contact these days. While some are going about their lives as normal (don't get me started on the Spring-breakers in Florida!), others are...
Temporary Relief
I entered the court house my daughter now a grown woman, at my side. The bursting file I held in my hand, evidence. What was supposed to empower me hindered by my thoughts of doubt. Were his words harsh enough? Would the judge read between the lines and hear the...
Grieving in Silence
I attended a Zoom conference today with the author of, 'Motherless Daughters', Hope Edelman. I wasn't exactly sure of what to expect from the conversation as I have not yet read her book. As I logged in, others were logging in as well. Women from all over the world....
Current Read: Carry On Warrior
I will begin this blog post with the fact that I know very little about Glennon Doyle Melton. Not an avid follower of her blog, in fact I do not believe I have once opened the page. Now that I mention it, I will open it once I am done here. I have read one book of...
Giving Way to My Voice
'Daddy, why are you so angry? Why do you have to hit me with a belt? If I promise I won't do it again, do you have to hit me with the belt?' 'Why does mommy lock herself in the bathroom and cry?' 'Mommy, what's wrong? I'm sorry that daddy hit Bill. I'm sorry that Bill...
It’s (not) Just Verbal
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." This little limerick rings clear in my head. Kids all across America have grown up chanting this on the playground, in their neighborhoods, or sneering at their own siblings. "I'm rubber, you're...
Smell of Rain
On the walk to the bus stop I noted it must have rained in the night. The gravel beneath where my husband's truck had sat light grey whereas the gravel around it was dark. "Mama, I can smell the rain. Isn't it strange, how we can smell the rain?" My son said as we...
My Dilemma
The battle rages between my mind, my heart and my fingers as I sit here ready to type. Three blog posts started, words flowing, fingers flying across the keys. One click is all it would take. In that moment, finger hovering over the button, the arrow floating above...
Voice Unleashed – Warrior Uncovered
Oh to be able to speak my mind. Believe me, one day I will. I should say, at times right now, I do. I speak it loud and clear. And yet, at times I bite my tongue, hold my thoughts, clench my jaw. Not because I fear what you all may think. Oh no, I am well beyond...
Book Blurb – Five Men Who Broke My Heart
I have sat with this book in front of me, next to me, within eyesight for three days. To write a review or not, that is the question I wrestled with. The battle was real. I cannot write a true review as I have read but 90 of the over 200 pages. And yet, maybe that is...
Lent 2019 – Living Life, Moment by Moment
Reflecting on Lent today, I found myself thinking of living life, each day, every day, moment by moment, action by action. Until a few years ago I did not know what Lent was. Growing up in a Pentecostal Church and then 10 years in a Baptist Church, Lent was not a part...
It’s a Mom Thing
The click of the buckle barely noticed as my nose was assaulted by what could only be called, BO. What? How could this be? Surely I put my deoderant on this morning. I am a woman of routine. Car put into gear I began the drive to my next of 3 stops, all to be...
Living My True Life
I sat in the one place I felt truth was of utmost importance, listening to yet another man of God tell me to hide my sin. It was all I could do to bite my tongue, pressing my lips together holding my voice inside, tight within my throat. A hollow ringing began in my...
Book Blurb – White Fragility
I finished reading White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo, about a week ago. While I found a few small sections where the information sent my mind down stream without a paddle, for the most part the book held my attention and resonated in ways I found wonderfully...
30 Day Challenge Success
Okay, so I didn't post daily. Honestly, I imagined you getting bored with the day to day minutia of my eating habits. I know, I did. I would say this, I am 3 full weeks in and about to round the corner of the final week of the challenge. I have stuck by, oh about...
Crazy Cat Lady
A neighbor of mine takes the 'Crazy Cat Lady' to an entirely different level. I could say that names have been changed to protect the innocent, but there is no one innocent here. Guilty, guilty, guilty. Her name is Carrie. A small, okay, maybe not so small part of me...
30 Day Challenge Day 5-8
These days have been a breeze. Not a cool breeze on a hot summer's day, breeze. More like a walk in the park, breeze. Days 4-7 were lined out in the first email giving instructions for the 3 day detox. It was an easy transition from daily smoothies, to more smoothies...
Quickie Day 5
Today was a breeze. The fact that the meals now consist of more than a smoothie and there are snacks makes it easier to get through the day. I still don't know how women who work outside the home are doing this. I have the luxury of making my breakfast at a reasonable...
As Easy as it Was Hard
Today was Day 4 of the 30 Day Program and the first day that is not considered the cleanse. In some ways it was much easier. More food made it quite appealing to my stomach, mind and attitude. The plan consisted of morning elixir, breakfast, snack, lunch, snack,...
I think I can, I think I can….
Yesterday was Day 3 of the cleanse. My apologies for not blogging at the end of the day. I was tired. Instead I spent a little time listening to my son read to me and then crawled in bed with a cup of chamomile tea and my hubby. A lovely way to end the day. I labeled...
Chew, chew, chew! Day 2 Detox
I'll get right to the point, breakfast kind of sucked. Not taste wise, texture wise. Day one consisted of a smoothie for breakfast, a smoothie for lunch and a smoothie for dinner. They varied in ingredients, size and texture, but all erred on the side of a thick...
The Good, The Bad, and The…
Not so ugly. Today was Day 1 of the 3 Day Cleanse part of the 30 Day Challenge. It was a bit of a rude awakening to my mind when I entered the kitchen and remembered I would not be heating up my daily home-made banana-oatmeal-flax-seed breakfast cookie. I literally...
Green$ for the Greens
Morning Wake Up Day 1 Cleanse Drink Today was shopping day. Thankfully the program, Danette May's 30 Day Challenge, includes a check list for the 3 Day cleanse. After looking through my kitchen I was able to check off items I already had on hand and then those I...
New Year, New Me, New You?
In the past I have written New Year's Goals more so than New Year's Resolutions. It's not that I am against resolutions, goals just sit better with me. Whether planning an assignment in school, an agenda for a meeting, a business or life plan, I have always looked at...
NaNoWriMo 2018
Up until this year I had not participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I first heard about it in 2017. I would take that as meaning I wasn't truly a writer until 2017. Some may beg to differ with me, being writers themselves and still unaware of what...
It’s Okay if You Hate Me
He sat on the floor, his back against the dark wood dresser in his bedroom. His legs drawn up to his chest, his eyes cast down, not that he could see me anyway. He had responded to my voice. "Daddy, what did you do?" "Oh Kristi, it's terrible, just...
Living the Life You Dream About
I would never label myself a dreamer. In fact, most likely the exact opposite. dream er (n) a person who is unpractical or idealistic To me, a dreamer is someone who has grandiose idea(s) with no plan or means to act upon, complete or sustain their idea. . For me, a...
The Great Infusion
I have been asked (repeatedly) for my recipe for Rosemary infused vodka. Ignoring the fact this means I am seen far too often with a drink in hand, where in which I reply to the question, 'What are you drinking?', with, 'Rosemary vodka and soda.' "Rosemary vodka?...
Mission Complete
A sweet melody joined by an equally captivating harmony fought together, a small army, lifting their battle cry in an effort to break through the roar which filled the sky surrounding their safe house. Each one singing as though their note, line, was the headliner...
Quest For Love (excerpt 1)
His gaze pulled her from across the crowded room. The constant hum of conversation growing louder as the guests consumed more wine. Their voices blended together in a symphony of highs and lows mixed with laughter. She tried to focus in on what those close to her were...
Everyday Necklace
I sat in my office in front of my laptop, facing the screen listening to the voices coming out of the speakers sent magically around the world through the air no less, on what is called wireless or wi-fi. Two voices came from Edmonds, WA, another from Portland,...
Thoughts on Common Metaphors, Similes & Idioms (Not to be confused with common idiots.)
I should be more specific. These are in fact, my thoughts, on common metaphors. In an effort to filter my at times unrequested thoughts and opinions on matters at hand, I have grown accustomed to having conversations with myself. First, I have a thought and then, I...
(Re) Defining Family
I remember when my daughter was in the sixth grade almost as though it were yesterday. That year was monumental in so many ways for her, for me and for our family going forward. I'd like to think it had a lasting impact on her teacher as well. In the middle of...
Live Out Loud
My post yesterday has been running through my head. I am in the process of writing a memoir. Part of that process is reading other people's memoirs and articles about memoirs. One interesting point that has stuck out to me in my reading went something like this:...
I Don’t Want to Be Like Him
A hard reality I have had to face, I am more like my father than I would like to be. Many times I have told myself in one of the many conversations I have had with myself over the years, I will not be like my father. I will parent differently. I will show compassion,...
A Sticker Back in Time
I lay the sticker on the window sill and I was back in my grandmother's kitchen. Her kitchen window that looked out upon the back yard amidst the crowded view brought on by vases of dandelions, wishing weeds, and other long since died flowers. Gifts from her many...
Do as I Do, Not as I Say
How often do we give an instruction to a child, our child or someone else's child that we have influence over, that in actuality we do not follow ourselves? I was raised by two Christian parents. Married for over 35 years before they both passed away. They never...
My Favorite Place
Quite honestly I think I am still searching for my absolute favorite place. I enjoy elements of several different places that I think I would find myself saying, "Oh, this is my favorite place!" A hike through the woods to a hidden lake, a warm summer evening sitting...
When Your Own Mountain Crumbles
Reminder of God’s Faithfulness I am far from perfect. Not even close. I love the Lord my God and truly have believed He had good for me through my entire cancer journey from beginning to what we hope is now the end. He provided me with a peace that I knew could only...
Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
As I near the end of my treatment I find myself looking forward to a time of healing. I envision time writing, time with my cancer survivors writing group (oh how thankful I am that I found you), time with my son every day, playing, laughing, connecting. And of...
Oh SPit!
Last year was the year of all years in many ways. It held a lot of firsts, a lot of change, a bit of pain (okay more than a bit) and yet it was full of peace and love and so much goodness. After two cancer diagnosis, chemo, 4 surgeries and a year of IV treatments post...
Thought Recording Devices. Squirrel.
If only I had a recording device in my brain. I suppose one could argue the point that is exactly what a memory is for. I would then need to admit that my memory fails me time and time again. You see, I write the most amazing articulate speeches in my head. I respond...
The Truth Shall Set You Free, or Not
The Truth Shall Set You Free, or Not. After very minimal research I am amazed to see how many people post on blogs or boards that they are or were in an abusive relationship. The type of relationship runs the gamut. From dating to decade long marriages, heterosexual...
Basking in Perfection
It's barely past noon on hump day. The sky is grey and thick with clouds that block out even the slightest glimpse of the blue sky that I gazed upon this morning. And yet, I find myself, hands wrist deep in warm sudsy water washing the dishes with stuck on food that...
Listening to My Body
Regret Nothing Just this past week I had a very difficult conversation with my husband. Difficult for me that is. I had a hard time excepting what I had to say. What I know I need to do. I have made this promise to myself more than once this past year. In fact on the...
It’s the Little Things
My son is my hero. Truly, he is. On Valentine's Day I gave him a card that I made for him. He seemed surprised at what it said on the front. Around the heart I had written, You stole my heart the day you were born. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband very,...
Under the Quilt of Love
My childhood memories are few and far between . I have a small selection of snapshots of memories, mostly ones of pain and suffering that my father put our family through. Some are literally a photo that has been shared with me and a story to go along...
Quiet
Quiet frightening and disturbing paralyzed by the silence overwhelmed by the thoughts that race around in my head His voice never ending constantly condemning never approving Alone, afraid of the emptiness not knowing what I wanted what I needed...
Let Them Freely Say
Yesterday as I drove to a puppy play date I heard my 8 year old son say from the back seat say, "Mommy, I'm glad that we are known as the freedom country." I do not recall being into politics when I was a kid. I do not recall having thoughts or opinions on the...
Bailey, Guardian Protector
My heart was caught when I saw his blue eyes. Hook, line and sinker. I didn't know I wanted a dog with blue eyes. A few years ago I didn't know I wanted a dog at all. During my year of cancer (2016), 2 kinds, 4 surgeries, 12 rounds of chemo, 22 rounds of Herceptin...
Canadian Geese
The second writing prompt at Writing For The Moment today was a poem entitled Fisherman's Warf. I got hung up on a particular line about Canadian Geese. I start this writing with that quote..... "Canadian Geese, majestic, long-necked cruisers". Like an unknown...
Writing For The Moment
Today I did something I have wanted to do for such a long time but have been afraid to do. It is yet another blessing to come out of cancer. I have longed to join a writer's group. I have researched local groups in the area time and time again. I have looked up their...
A little less of me.
The year began like any other with me writing goals for the year more so than resolutions. Years ago I wrote a blog about New Year's resolutions. It came about due to so many people's posts on Facebook about how they didn't like New Year's Resolutions or why they...
Short Lived
Well, my 31 day challenge lasted exactly 2 days. Seriously. I got distracted. Between my health issues (total copout) and life as a mom and wife, well I just didn't make time for it. I am looking at joining a writing group. Hoping that will spark my creativity with...
Day 2 Discovering Me – 31 Days
Thankfully the 31 Day Challenge officially starts on October 1 and I as getting a head start. I already missed Day 2! There just was no time to write yesterday. Well, other than if I had set an alarm and gotten up earlier or if I had stayed up past my bedtime and...
Are You Who You Want To Be?
Several years ago I often heard a song on the radio and the lyrics went like this, "This is your life. Are you who you want to be?" Honestly, I do not remember much more of the song than that. And yet, those words have stuck with me and run through my mind (in perfect...
31 Day Challenge
A friend of mine posted that she has accepted a 31 Day Challenge. It's a writing challenge actually. Apparently it's not new. In fact this is the 8th year this particular site has had this challenge. The challenge starts on October 1st and runs through October 31st....
Lame, I know
Okay, so I will admit that poem was lame. At least by my standards it was. I had to try something different. I have never been a poem writer. I was sitting here thinking one day about what to write and it came to mind that I should write a poem. Lots of people do it...
Content to be
tick tock tick tock chirp chirp chirp hummm whirrr I close my eyes and cannot see the sounds that stir around me Each one having its own rhythm Its own purpose However simple or complex it may be Is it one bird or is two? Do they know what they are saying? If one...
Final Farewell
There was not a dry eye in the entire room. While there were tears of sadness of their loss there was just as many if not more from the shear extent of laughter that shook each person as they listened to stories shared of the one they had known and loved. The stories...
The Perfect Friend
The perfect friend.....what does that mean. I think back to my school days when I looked on in envy as many of the popular girls hung out with each other. It always seemed I was on the outside looking in. There they were with their perfect hair, their perfect jeans...
Once Upon A Time……
There was a time not that long ago that the story I would have written would have been about a person who had been victimized seemingly her entire life only recently finding happiness. And although happy, pain and hurt would continue to be the underlining theme...
In the Beginning of Me
In the beginning (of me) there was me. A strong confident red headed, some might say hot headed, little girl ready to take on the world. I think that's how my mom would have put it. I was brave, strong, persistant, curious, full of laughter and enjoyed life. My hair...
Hello world!
I guess I was supposed to edit this first post when I created the blog. Oops! I love to write. Well, at least I love to think about writing. I have long desired to write a book. I have no idea what I want to write about. When I see a good movie or read a great article...
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