Political Upheaval

Republican vs. Democrat

It’s that time again. Time to watch the candidates go at it. Time for everyone to take sides. Time for those so inclined to declare, “I’m right. You’re wrong.” When we’re in the heart of an election year, a little pit grows in my stomach. (You can’t see it, though, because it’s crowded out by […]

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 […]

Introducing Catherine

Chapter 1 of the Novel

My next book is almost done. Let’s all just ignore the fact that I said it would be done in September, k? We moved, I grieved, I put my big girl pants back on… that all takes time. And I must admit the closer I get to finishing, the more hyperventilating I engage in. Birthing […]

Girl Stuff

Mary Claire

“Girls become lovers who turn into Mothers. So Mothers, be good to your daughters, too.” ~ John Mayer She’s eleven. She’s growing into herself, unsettled in her own awkwardness, uncomfortable in her own skin. She’s traversing the middle school journey — the one fraught with mean girls, new experiences, beloved teachers, giggly girlfriends, and enough […]

The “Couches Across Indiana” Tour

Gus, George, and a Friend

We have the best friends in the world. Truly. The. Best. We moved out of our home in mid-June anticipating an earlier house closing and capitalizing on the one date the moving company had available. When we announced our need to find some temporary housing, our friends and family rose to the occasion. Offer after […]

The Wisdom of Age

Chris and Katrina at a John Mayer Concert

I had the honor of being a “guest blogger” on my friend, Nicole’s “The Year of Exploration” site. Of course, I was late with my submission. But because the committee members are kind and forgiving and enjoy sharing an occasional glass of red (thanks, Liz), they posted it anyway. Thought I’d share it here with you. […]

A Letter to Our Home Buyers

The Kids and Maggie Sitting on the Front Steps

Dear Home Buyers, Welcome! We are thrilled that you found us, that you chose to look around, that you’re planning to stay a while. We know this hasn’t been the easiest process to go through, and we appreciate your patience. It’s been frustrating for us — I’m sure it’s been doubly frustrating for you. But […]

The Journey

Welcome to Starkville Banner

Life is about the journey, isn’t it? No matter how strongly we have our heart set on the destination, it’s the journey that offers us the growth, the substance, the unshakable truth. We’re sailing unknown seas right now. Some might call it the journey of our lives. When I look back across the years, I […]

Imagine

It’s a strange feeling to know that he is dead. The man who caused so much suffering, so much hatred, so much turmoil, mistrust, and grief. His life was about ending the lives of others whose views he could not understand or tolerate. And now, Osama bin Laden’s own end has come. After a long […]

Love.

Chris Getting a Kiss on Both Cheeks

We were blessed to be part of a very special wedding yesterday. Just under a year ago — although it seems I have known them for at least ten lifetimes — my existence was turned upside down and inside out when I met and was welcomed with open arms into an incredible family filled to […]