The Day I Stopped Begging God for Forever: Learning to Love What’s Temporary

I spent years demanding permanent love until my ukulele taught me something radical: not all good things are meant to last forever. Some are meant to be gifts for right now.

Getting Right with God: A Beach Encounter That Changed Everything

A mysterious man named Ray at Fort Monroe Beach asked me a simple question that cut straight to my heart: "You want a husband? Then you need to get right with God." Here's how that encounter became a prayer.

Purging the Past to Prepare for the Future: Moving Forward Light

On my last night in South Carolina before moving back to Virginia, Mama Sue helped me pack and gave me wisdom: 'You're purging the past to prepare for the future.' Here's why I'm packing light.

Life Lessons on the Ukulele: Four & Seven Strings

After the fireworks subsided last week, I sought out a new sound to fill the silence.  Not live entertainment or even a date with a booming baritone, but a four-stringed, rosewood escape to paradise.    And it was only right that I introduce my tropical instrument to my happy place, Fort Monroe, and play through the sunset last night.  Just me and my ukulele.

Dating at 40: When You’re Still Holding Out for Fireworks

On Independence Day, I had a great first date but found myself wondering: am I holding out for chemistry that might never come again? Here's what I learned about being enough without the fireworks.

What I Learned Dating After Loss: Setting Boundaries Worth Keeping

After losing the love of my life, I returned to dating with new eyes. Here's what I discovered about self-worth, boundaries, and refusing to settle—lessons every woman deserves to know.

Growing Pains: How We Embrace Change and Growth

Growth and change are two of the most defining aspects of life. Whether it's a crab shedding its exoskeleton to make room for new growth or a human transitioning from one relationship to another, we all experience these shifts in our lives.  Female crab shells litter Fort Monroe Beach’s shores.  Alongside them are skeletons no one sees but me, phantom beach companions and even a charming proposal.