At almost thirty-four, I'm straddling two lives: one where Charming chooses me and I leave Hampton, one where he doesn't and I stay. Here's why that compromise is slowly killing me.
Relationships
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.
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.
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.
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.
From Legendary Dreams to Ordinary Love: What My Yearbook Theme Taught Me
Designing a 'Legendary' yearbook theme forced me to face the truth: I used to chase fame and renown. Now I just want a life worth living with the man I love.
My Students Asked About Heroes—Then Life Gave Me One Who Wasn’t Superman
A year ago, I named him Charming in this blog. My sophomores were studying archetypes, and I was certain I wasn't a damsel in distress. Turns out, the best heroes don't wear capes—they help you finish your own quest before starting a new story together.
When Love Asks You to Wait: A Year in Photos and Hard Questions
I created a photo album of our entire relationship to answer one question: Was he worth waiting for? Sometimes the hardest conversations happen with ourselves first.
When Love Isn’t About Timing: Four Days Without My Prince Charming
I broke up with Charming over our timing conflict—I'm ready for marriage, he's not. But driving away in a storm, God ministered to me through worship music. Is he worth the wait?
