I kept asking God to show me a sign about motherhood until a book about following dreams taught me the wrong question. Sometimes the journey is the treasure.
Personal Growth
The Valentine’s Day I Finally Learned to Love Myself
Alone on Valentine's Day, I saw the truth in every romantic memory: I was the only constant. Here's what I wish I'd told my boy-crazy younger self about love.
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.
The Ring Bearer Pillow I Can’t Throw Away
My aunt embroidered butterflies and my wedding date into a pillow for my failed marriage. Years later, at another wedding, I understood why I still keep it—scars and all.
Why I Couldn’t Have Fun at the Halloween Party
Dressed as a flapper with the man I love, I should have been happy. Instead, I felt empty. Here's what loneliness taught me about looking for God in all the wrong places.