, , , , ,

From Grief to Gathering: How One Pot of Soup Sparked Sunday Supper Tradition

, , , , ,
From Grief to Gathering: How One Pot of Soup Sparked Sunday Supper Tradition

I’ve always loved entertaining.

When I married my husband—who happened to be the second oldest of eleven children—I quickly became the unofficial hostess for family gatherings. Most of his siblings lived nearby, so birthdays, holidays, and “just because” dinners often meant preparing for 25 or more people.

If you could peek inside the metal cupboards in my basement, you’d see the remnants of those years: neatly stacked dishes in multiple sets, glassware for every type of beverage, and shelves lined with serving pieces collected over time. I’ve never been a paper-plate kind of hostess. And wine, in my opinion, deserves to be poured into something beautiful…

, ,

Showing Up Anyway: How One Evening Reminded Me That It’s Okay to Be New

, ,
Showing Up Anyway: How One Evening Reminded Me That It’s Okay to Be New

I met some new neighbors last night.

My community hosts a monthly event at the clubhouse called Thirsty Thursday. The idea is simple: bring your favorite beverage and a snack to share, and enjoy some casual mingling with the neighbors. Though I’ve lived in our neighborhood for over ten years, I’ve never attended.

It’s not that I’m unfriendly or uninterested—I simply hadn’t gone. 

Last night, after dinner with the lovely couple next door, we drove past the gathering on our way home. They’re regular Thirsty Thursday attendees and insisted I come check it out with them. I hesitated, but agreed…

, , ,

When Grief Returns: Listening to Your Body’s Signals

, , ,
When Grief Returns: Listening to Your Body’s Signals

Grief has its own calendar, marking anniversaries in our bodies before we even recognize them. As certain dates approach, we may feel unexpected waves of sadness, heaviness, or restlessness—often before our minds even register why. This is anniversary grief, a quiet reminder of love that never fades. Instead of resisting it, we can learn to honor these moments with grace. Here’s how to recognize grief’s signals and find comfort in remembering.

, ,

Honoring a Life Well-Lived: Our Annual Tribute to George

, ,
Honoring a Life Well-Lived: Our Annual Tribute to George

Grief changes, but love remains. Each year, my daughter and I honor my late husband, George, with a meaningful adventure—traveling to places he would have loved and creating new memories in his honor. From the mountains of Colorado to the beaches of the Cayman Islands, our tribute has become a cherished tradition of remembrance, healing, and celebration. Here’s how we turned loss into an annual journey of love.

, ,

A New Year Begins: Navigating Transitions with Grace

, ,
A New Year Begins: Navigating Transitions with Grace

The New Year arrives without pause, leaving little time to reflect before we jump into resolutions and fresh starts. But what if we allowed ourselves a moment to breathe? Instead of rushing into unrealistic goals, we can transition with intention—reflecting on the past, setting mindful intentions, and embracing the year ahead with grace. My word for the year is FORWARD. What’s yours?

, ,

Thanksgiving & Grief: Finding Gratitude Amid Loss

, ,

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but for many, it’s also a reminder of loss. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or carrying memories of those who are missing, finding thankfulness amid grief is possible. By embracing both love and longing, we can create space for healing, remembrance, and appreciation. Here’s how to navigate Thanksgiving when gratitude feels bittersweet.