“She’s so sheltered!” my young friend exclaimed, a look of utter disbelief on her face over relaying a story of a friend’s first experience with a stadium event. And it got me thinking over this word, “sheltered” that is tossed around so much in the area we currently call home, and I’m sure, in many … Continue reading So Then, I’ll Shelter →

Early this morning I drove the familiar rolling road, passing by a cattle ranch on the way home. The cattle had thick dustings of snow on their backs, and they huddled together near the barn rather than lazing around a nearby Maple as they prefer to do on warmer days. It's March 10. It's customary … Continue reading When You’re Tempted to Look Back… →

We have ideas and dreams, and when we are brave, we shoot for them--taking one small step at a time. We celebrate the little victories along the way, and dare to believe it’s really going to take shape. Except then sometimes it doesn’t. We’ve missed the mark. What is your default when this happens? Inevitably, … Continue reading When You Miss the Mark →

I remember vividly the first earthquake I ever experienced. I was sitting on a couch talking with the veterinarian I worked for, when I felt a rumbling, shaking sensation beneath my seat. I thought his dog had gotten caught under my couch somehow and so I jumped up to rescue him, when I saw the … Continue reading Rock Beneath My Feet →

A thoughtful friend sent me an article this morning. It was kind of her to read it and think of me, and the article itself was true in every way and resonated deeply with me. The author described her uneasiness and her unsettledness in the face of various moves--her realization there would never be a … Continue reading When Home is Long in Coming →

It was eerily quiet. The type of quiet that makes my "mom spidey sense" go off. I quickly took stock of each of my people. Husband at work. Eldest son at work. Baby daughter napping. Four middle sons outside, as evidenced by the laughter and whoopin' & hollerin' going on outside. Sitting at the dining … Continue reading Mountain View and Duct Tape →

Years ago, I began a blog. Mostly because we had moved a world away from family and friends, I wanted a way to keep them involved in our life in Alaska, and I could not keep up with hand-written letters. Our family had grown, share-worthy stories increased, and so, "Tales from Boyland: stories and thoughts … Continue reading Beginning Again →