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Ordinary Days: Cultivating a life
This summer, I’ve been reading a book I think will become my required summertime reading. “Liturgy of the Ordinary” (by Tish Harrison Warren) is about finding God’s presence “in the cracks of our days.” Read more
Ordinary Days: On kitchen renovation and cardboard artwork
Back in the spring, we made the decision to renovate our kitchen. Read more
Ordinary Days: Parenting wisdom and other day-to-day necessities
The other day, my nine-year-old Kate came downstairs with something behind her back and a nervous expression on her face. Read more
Ordinary Days: Unexpected surprises along the way
Soon after “The Hideaway” was released, I had my first “appearance” at a bookstore in Marietta, Georgia, with two other authors. Read more
Ordinary Days: Perfection, but at what cost?
Lately I’ve been asking my friends if they’ve ever heard of something called FaceTune. Read more
Ordinary Days: Discovering closets full of childhood
My parents have lived in the same familiar house, on the same quiet street, in our hometown for 37 years, and now they’ve decided to move. Read more
Ordinary Days: Accidental lessons from my parents
These accidental lessons remind me that my own children are absorbing the same from me — things I unconsciously teach them while I’m actually working hard to teach them other, more meaningful lessons. Read more
Ordinary Days: The journey, not the destination, and other cliches
A couple months ago, my family went to the Smoky Mountains for a vacation. One day, we went on a hike that took us from a busy parkway up a trail and into the silence. Read more
Ordinary Days: The blessing of a sick day
A call from the nurse is never good news, though, and as I stared at those two words on the screen, I envisioned a sick child along with my afternoon plans dissolving. Read more
Ordinary Days: Shortcut to grown-up friendships
Adult friendships can be hard. Perhaps adult female friendships even more so. Read more
Photo by Sarah Finnegan.
What's cooking: Add a little sweet to your spooky spread with Rice Krispies pumpkins
Need a quick Halloween treat for a party? These Rice Krispies pumpkins are a fun and easy dessert that can be made in an afternoon, with help from your kids. Read more
Ordinary Days: Beating back the critical beast
Not long ago, I was rushing out the door to go to a book event and Kate stopped me as I put on my shoes. Read more
Ordinary Days: Strength and self-confidence … for adults
As Book 4 hovers in front of me, it’s possible a yearly membership at the climbing gym may be in my future. Read more
Ordinary Days: Coming to terms with the curse of indecision
As an adult, I’ve discovered something about myself that either wasn’t a trait of mine when I was younger, or I just wasn’t perceptive enough to realize it: I am a pretty terrible decision-maker. Read more
Ordinary Days: ‘You have to cling to the truth’
I overheard the most amazing thing at Target the other day. I was in the toy section with my daughters, looking for birthday presents for a variety of friends, when I heard someone in the next aisle giving an earnest pep talk to someone on the phone. Read more
Ordinary Days: On self-promotion and vanity
Of all the things I’ve learned so far on this publishing adventure, the one that keeps rearing its ugly head is the fact that self-promotion is weird and uncomfortable. Read more
Ordinary Days: Sela and the art of choosing your path
My 5-year-old daughter Sela recently caught a lizard in our backyard and begged to bring it inside so it could be cozy. Read more
Ordinary Days: Our children and the internet
There’s a pledge floating around Facebook called “Wait Until 8th.” Maybe you’ve seen it. The idea is that parents pledge to not give their children a smartphone until they’re in eighth grade. Read more
Mayor’s Minute
The City of Homewood continues to be blessed. At the end of January, I had the opportunity to present my Annual State of the City Address at The Club. Read more
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