Freshly Pressed + Gus

Gus in the NICU

Today, my plan was to give you a new spin on an old story. I’ve re-written our NICU experience in 800 words or less for a parenting memoir submission, and although many of you already know Gus’s story, I bet you haven’t heard it in 800 words or less. I bet you haven’t heard me […]

All Things in Moderation

Katrina and Friends

My metabolism is on vacation. Better she than I, though. She looks much better in a bikini. I, in fact, haven’t looked good in a bikini since I was sixteen. And that, my friends, was quite a few years ago. So, I’m wishing her well, bidding her adieu until she decides to return. I hope […]

Adaptation

Ten short months ago, we received word that Mississippi State University wanted Chris. (Cue the Billy Squier music.) Ten short months ago, we broke the news to the kids. Sam and Gus smiled nervously and nodded their tentative approval, George bit back tears, Mary Claire exploded into full-on, body-thrashing, vitriol-spewing anger. “Nooooooooo!!!!” she screamed as […]

The Gift of Letting Go

When I write fiction, I write about relationships. Siblings, spouses, children, parents, friends. Our lives are shaped and molded by our relationships. And sometimes they can be tricky. So, I write about them to help illuminate what’s important, what’s universal, what we all struggle with, what we all sink into and find comfort in — […]

The Recipe for Success

Katrina and Jenny

I’m mesmerized by those who do it well. The assurance, the graceful and fluid movements, the alchemy, the aroma, the moans of pleasure that inevitably result. But alas, cooking remains a mystery to me. When I’m in the kitchen, I spill things, burn things, forget to put eggs in the meatloaf (thus resulting in the […]

A Maternal Tribute

My mom is the Best Mom in the World. You may argue that yours takes the prize, and that’s okay. If every child thought his or her mom was the Best Mom in the World, I believe this planet would be a much kinder and gentler place. I hope that someday my kids say I’m […]

The Secret

Katrina and Chris' Wedding Recessional

People often ask me what our secret is. Chris and I have been married for 17 years, have been together for 24. We are happy, content, have settled into our lives with grace, love, and acceptance. That doesn’t mean it’s all been sunshine and unicorns. When we were first married, I was a bit of […]

2012

2012. I like the sound of it. 2011 was a year of Big Changes. This one is going to be a year of Grand Adventures. I love the possibilities. We wrapped up the Old Year in high gear. Lots of visits with wonderful new friends and treasured old friends. Hugs for grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles. […]