My Gratitude to The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show is in its final days of airing. And yes, I am watching. This is noteworthy only because I haven’t made The Oprah Winfrey Show part of my daily must-see TV schedule for the better part of the last five years. Instead, I’ve opted to re-watch highlights online and subscribe to O, The Oprah Magazine.
Reflecting Back on Past Essays and Writing
The stack is about three inches tall—roughly nine manila file folders’ worth. Inside them lies three years of intense writing from my undergraduate studies, created 15 years ago while earning my degree in journalism with a minor in creative writing. The sheer volume of writing I crammed into those years burned me out, prompting me to pivot to the business world for employment immediately after college. It would take me five years to pick up a pen and notepad again, this time as a reporter for a small rural newspaper in Wisconsin.
Mexican Casserole Recipe: Simple, Delicious, and Customizable
One of the dinners that is most nostalgic for me to make is something my mom called “Mexican Casserole.” I’ve come to realize it is actually a real recipe, but when she used to make it for us growing up, I thought it was something that she just created herself.
Her version was quite unique. It included layers of ground beef with chopped onion, refried beans, and corn, topped with cream of chicken soup and shredded Mexican cheese.
Americana on the Rails: Lessons and Memories from Amtrak Travel
It has been five years since I last rode Amtrak. It has been ten since I really rode Amtrak. Five years ago, my husband Andrew and I took a relatively short (in train time) trip from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The longer trip, five years prior, was from Washington State to Connecticut. Yes, I rode Amtrak all the way across the country.
At this point, I could interject about my flying issues, but that’s not what this blog is about, so I won’t. I will say, however, that I have flown in recent years—Atlanta to San Francisco and back, New York, Washington, Minnesota, Texas.
Embracing My Title As Writer: Gaining Confidence and Self-Acceptance on My Writing Journey
I'm not aspiring anymore!
I just got done reading a blog post in which the author writes about the process of writing being a very personal process, and in speaking for herself, she will not be rushed!
YES! I agree. Because I really do enjoy writing, but it is the expectation of the writing that I compose that often gives me angst and makes frustrated sometimes.
Manage Gift Clutter: How to Stop Guilt from Taking Over Your Home
It happens all the time: someone gives you something you don’t want or need. You probably fear hurting their feelings (or getting busted for ditching the gift), and you may even feel guilty for not liking the gift. These feelings often cause us to do nothing rather than something. Before you know it, you’ve amassed a pile, a drawer, or a closet full of clutter—stuff you didn’t even ask to bring into your home.
All of these unwanted gifts create disorganized clutter that keeps you from enjoying your space and appreciating the things you do need and want in your life.
From Puppy to Senior: The Heartwarming Life of My Dachshund Reggie
This is the story of how Reggie, that adorable spitfire Dachshund, came into my life. He gave me so many moments of joy, but there are some moments in life that one just doesn’t forget. And as I get older and collect more “moments,” it’s the most indelible ones—like oil through water—that always rise to the top.
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love dogs and how my dogs are really my kids. Just like the bumper sticker a dear friend recently gave me reads: “All of my children have paws.”
Learning How To Overcome Perfection: 5 Actionable Tips for Creatives and Artists
I recently realized something about myself: I am a terrible multi-tasker, and I’ve decided to stop trying to do it. But that’s not the only realization I’ve had. I’ve also come to terms with another part of my personality: I’m a recovering perfectionist.
Being a perfectionist fit comfortably into my Type-A, detail-oriented personality. It came naturally. In many ways, it served me well. It motivated me to work hard and demand a high standard for everything I did, no matter how big or small the task. My basic philosophy was, "If you’re going to do something half-assed, don’t bother doing it at all."
MWF Seeking BFF: Good (local) Girlfriends are Hard to Find
I’ve moved around the country a lot. From the Midwest to the South and now to the West, I’ve approached each move with a sense of fun, adventure, and new beginnings. And I’ve done them all without having a tight group of girlfriends along the way. Sure, I have a best friend from high school, and I make friends pretty quickly in new environments, whether it’s school or work. But the whole BFF thing? Me? Nah. I’ve typically been fine flying solo.
California in Crisis: Reflecting on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Time as Governor
I was sitting watching television a couple of nights ago when a trailer for the upcoming action-adventure movie The Expendables came on. The announcer started naming off the leads: Stallone, Willis, Li, Schwarzenegger. What?! Schwarzenegger, as in Arnold? As in our Governor? I thought to myself that I must have heard wrong. This can't be true.
Why I Love Graphic Design
Graphic design is more than just a career for me—it’s a passion that fuels my creativity and brings me joy every single day. It’s a field where art meets purpose, where creativity solves problems, and where imagination transforms into something tangible and impactful. Here are some of the reasons why I love graphic design and why it holds such a special place in my heart.
One of the things I adore most about graphic design is its ability to tell a story without words. A single image, logo, or layout can evoke emotions, convey messages, and spark connections.
Apple Unveils the iPad: A New Era of Technology
In March, Apple made headlines once again by unveiling its highly anticipated new device—the iPad. Described as a revolutionary product that bridges the gap between smartphones and laptops, the iPad is poised to redefine how we interact with technology. Set to hit the market in April 2010, this sleek tablet has already sparked excitement and debate among tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.