My imagination gets me in trouble—always has. Snow days with Mom watching Anne of Green Gables taught me to expect magic. But first dances come with mohawks, not dance cards. Now I'm learning that unscripted moments with Charming and Super Mario might be richer than any story I could have imagined.
Author: Laura Joy Palma
Horseback Riding in Narnia While My Friends Miscarry: Learning to See Past the Baby Longing
At thirty-four, watching a TV couple announce pregnancy made me cry ugly tears. But riding through snow-covered pines with Charming, I realized: if I keep focusing on the children I don't have, I'll miss the Narnia I'm living in right now.
Introducing Charming to the People Who Loved Me When I Was Dead Inside
Joanie and Bob met me when I was a fallen woman hiding in my childhood bed after divorce. They loved me anyway. This Christmas, they finally met Charming—and emailed that he's 'handsome, delightful, and perfect' for the restored woman they always knew I'd become.
My Gift List Had Two Equal Columns—His World and Mine Still Haven’t Merged
Tangled in silver ribbon, I saw it: two columns of gifts, one for my people, one for Charming's. Thirty-five years of Bible study bonds at his parents' party made me sob for what I lost in Nashville. I wrap presents for new people, gambling they'll still be here next Christmas.
Why I Don’t Need a Ring to Know He Loves Me
Everyone expects a proposal by Christmas, but I know the real Charming takes his time. Here's what I've learned about love that doesn't rush, respect that doesn't demand, and fairy tales that aren't perfect.
Half My Christmas Lights Keep Dying—Just Like My First Marriage Did
Charming hung and rehung icicle lights three times this weekend. I kept thinking of my ex-husband and how we got better at fixing Christmas lights than our marriage. Some relationships have too many broken strands. But this little house still glows like a beacon—reminding me I'm never alone.
Learning to Trust When Life Falls Apart: What Friends’ Miscarriage Taught Me
When friends lost their baby overseas, I realized I'd been applying the logic of one failed marriage to every future possibility. Sometimes trust isn't about odds—it's about the One holding the camera.
The Man Who Pedals Wisdom Beside Me Finally Met the One I’m Learning to Love
Chuck understands emotions the way my father never could. For a year of weekday gym sessions, he's been translating my world to help me understand Charming's. When they shook hands over coffee, I saw how one man's wisdom had been quietly saving my love story.
Lost in Toledo Streets, I Found My Tribe: Why Childless Teachers Make the Best Tour Leaders
Chris jumped into my selfie in Plaza Mayor before I knew his name. Hours later on hotel stairs, this veteran tour leader showed me why not having kids at home means I can give my students the world—starting with Italy in seven months.
Voting for President While Packing for Spain—This Time I Won’t Order Make-Up for My Bread
I voted for the platform in politics today. With my first husband, I did the same—ignored the holes in character my journals documented. Tomorrow I fly to Madrid where Mulan and I once laughed about my ordering "maquillaje" instead of "mantequilla." This time I'm voting for Charming, character and platform both.
Writer's Growth 