Peace in Times of Turmoil

           Our hearts were all shattered last week as we heard of the horrifying tragedy in Connecticut. I’ve put off writing about it for days, because what can you possibly say after something so heinous? My heart hurts for the families of the victims as well as for the family of the perpetrator. What incredible pain they must feel knowing that someone they loved could…

Does Your Heart Smell?

Does Your Heart Smell?

Several months ago I told you about Polkala, our pet turtle. Well, Pokey continues to be a demanding little booger. Just last week, I emptied everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) out of his aquarium and gave it a thorough scrub down. I changed the filter, gave him clean water — the works, and do you know how he repaid this generosity? Well, it hit…

Out of Darkness

“I don’t know how you could write that. It must have caused you tremendous pain.” These words have been repeated to me time and again by people who have read Tears to Joy. My response? “Writing forced me to go to the dark places I didn’t want to go to and in the process I found healing.” One thing I’ve learned in the past few years…

Here we come a carolin’

Here we come a carolin’

“Hark the Herald, Angels Sing…” In high school, my friends and I would gather each year to celebrate Christmas. Before our annual Christmas progressive dinner and party, we’d go caroling. These Christmas memories are some of my favorites. There’s nothing quite like watching the surprise on a person’s face when they open the door to be greeted by a group of teenage girls dressed in holiday…

Legalization of Marijuana

Legalization of Marijuana

I know many of you will disagree with me on this post, yet I feel as if write I must. I was appalled tonight when I heard on the news about the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington. So many of the people who seek counseling do so because of addictions. You can’t tell me that the legalization of tobacco and alcohol sales caused…

Christmas Memories

Christmas Memories

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year. It’s a time for love, a time for cheer (Ok, I won’t sing). Seriously, for me, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ with family. As a little girl, my favorite part of Christmas was looking at all the lights. Every Christmas Eve, we would all pile into my grandmother’s car and drive…