Post #2 of my infertility series. I know this topic is emotional for some people, but I felt the need to share snippets of my journey for those going through it or grieving the loss. Whatever our situation, isn’t it always nice to know we’re not alone. Although my stories are a reflection of my personal […]
Infertility: The Hope of Spring
Post #1 of my infertility series: The April walk around the reservoir was a perfect place to share the news with my family. A phone call would’ve been quicker, but there are some things that need to be said face to face. Or should I say, more fun if shared in person. After a few laps […]
Notarnicola New Year’s Eve Tradition
(all food & photos by and from BarefootWilley’s kitchen) “Food should be nutritious and sustain you. Bring joy and flavors into your life. Dazzle your palate…” (TSW) During middle-school my family moved down the road from the Notarnicola’s, a family of eight with six kids. Becoming fast friends with their daughter, well, once she and […]
The Dis-ease of Christmas
“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that __________” my reputation won’t be ruined by this unplanned pregnancy that my husband won’t divorce me that my family won’t disown me that my girlfriends’ will still want to have coffee with me that the boys’ won’t throw stones at me. Like I don’t […]
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The Truth in Judy’s Eyes
Her brown eyes looked absorbed in fear but it was really hard for me to know because I wasn’t the one wearing the drab hospital gown. The sterile antiseptic smells confused the reality of our family’s new normal. I’m not sure what I was seeing in her eyes. Maybe what I was seeing was her […]
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Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Does it really? Have you experienced a heart growing fonder in the absence of that special someone? An old friend? Relatives? Children who have gone to camp, college or married? How about when your spouse is away on a trip? When mine is gone, I get the remote control! LOL But how I miss him and can’t […]
Will You Dance the Fragile Dance with Me?
Celebrating 30-years of marriage August 2026. We received a card from CJ and Bill, with a note from Bill asking, “Is he still hanging around my wife?” So it seemed fitting to share the story of how we met. Below is an excerpt from the chapter The Fragile Dance in Wounded Song. THE FRAGILE DANCE […]
Are You a Father?
If you’re a man and have children, you’re a father. You help shape and influence how your children begin to view their world. The role father’s play are invaluable and can affect how we parent, see ourselves and navigate life. If we are born, we’ve all had a father. Everyone’s Dad has meant something personal to them, […]
Writing Through the Pain
Memorial Day weekend I decided to participate in a contest titled How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life (in 1000 words or less). Below is my attempt to answer the question. Journaling, poetry and short stories were haphazard as a child. Expressing myself on paper continued into adulthood. My graceful attempt to write flowed more […]
Fighting the Fight
Do you sometimes feel like you’re in a battle?Do you find yourself asking, “Why do I keep doing the same stupid thing over and over?”“Why are some days harder than others?”Maybe you’ve heard, “Well, change what you’re doing and maybe you’ll get different results.”Sometimes the battle is: stopping an addiction; food, shopping, eating, TV, drinking, […]