I opened my Merriam-Webster Dictionary app and the word of the day, CRUCIBLE, flashed at me in psychedelic neon. (I made that last part up.) OK, it may well be in black and white print, but the effect on my...

I’m convinced that the fundamental and distinctive characteristics and qualities of an individual - call it their moral and spiritual DNA, is formed by what is taught and trained, ingrained in them day-by-day over years and years. This process creates...

After 34 years of parenting, I’ve put on a lot of miles in my journey as a mom. I’m now one of those people you young parents scratch your head and ponder…an empty nester. Yes, I’ve crossed to that mysterious...

We hosted dinner guests from India tonight. Jordan and Nicole. Missionaries' kids who met and married in India and are relocating to New Zealand. Early 20s and so precious. Jordan is a gifted musician/artist and Nicole is a photographer. It's so...

The U.S. stock market is experiencing remarkable highs, increasing individuals’ 401Ks 50, 60 and even 70%. Living here in the Seattle area where Bill Gates and Paul Allen began their little startup called Microsoft, I often hear folks wistfully reflect,...

Four years ago today, in the early hours of this July summer morning, hubby and I quietly and somewhat soberly drove the long trek to the Medical Center in Seattle where our son and dear daughter-in-law were preparing for an...

While I was doing my laundry in the basement with quarters, I buried my face in the fragrance of hubby’s clean shirts and felt thankful. At the moment, I live in a big old drafty urban apartment building. I wash...

Some mothers seem to sail through, knowing just what to do and when. Never obsessing about the details. Not me. I am Queen of Obsession. I can fixate on any minute detail – your choice. Just ask my kids. I’ll...

Here we go again. Barely got past Christmas, then the Super Bowl and now… Red. Hearts. Everywhere. Digitized, printed, wrapped, hung and glued on the whole universe: billboards, cards, candies, candles, lingerie, jewelry, steaks, and all that our men can...

I’ve been looking at real estate. Eyeballing all sorts of houses boasting miles of rich wood flooring, grandiose fireplaces, and kitchens equipped for kings, but I’m reminded that a house is just sticks and bricks if it’s devoid of life...