Breaking Up and Making Up: When Love Isn’t Enough to Fix Everything

After Charming broke up with me to "free me from my dreams," I realized the problem wasn't him—it was me. Here's how a one-hour breakup taught me that I needed to reclaim the missing pieces of myself.

When Reality Refuses to Follow the Script You Wrote at Twelve

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.

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.

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.