I couldn’t believe this was actually happening! My boyfriend and I were practically floating back to our car in downtown Seattle after leaving an appointment with the jewelers on a brisk January evening. We had just chosen the stone that would be used in my custom engagement ring, and we were bursting with joy, excitement, anticipation, and some really big love. There was laughing, hand holding, mile-a-minute chatter, and sweet kisses. This night could not get any better. And then . . . . .
Reader Story: The Destined Intertwine
Greetings from Seattle! My husband and I are traveling in western Washington this week, visiting our friends and family. Already, the time here has been so sweet. I can't wait to share more when I'm home. And I will! But enough about me—let's meet Katie! So here's something that makes me so excited about life. If you haven't heard (seen) me say (write) it before, one of the primary reasons I tell my stories is to connect with other people in their experiences of grace, grief, hope, delight, . . .
When the Unexpected Wakes Me
When I woke up on the same Saturday that Darren speaks to here (but two hours later than he did), I shuffled out into the living room, my eyes still opening and my bedhead reaching new heights, to see him writing. He acknowledged me but kept on typing, as if he could not get the words out fast enough. (As a writer, few things make me more envious than that.) I love that he writes to process big feelings. I appreciate that he wants to be a part of what I am doing here, and that he is willing to . . .
When We Can’t Keep Up: Brock Turner, Orlando, and Permission to Grieve
I'm struggling this week. I cannot stop sleeping. I'm so sad, angry, deflated of hope. Every mass shooting impacts me, but there is something about the Orlando shooting being so targeted towards a specific community of people that has me really torn up. I do not know what it is like to live life as a person in the LGBTQ community. I don't know how it feels to have my life choices judged, debated, voted on, etc. I mourn this week with my friends in the LGBTQ community, aware that I cannot . . .
Gaining Traction
It’s the most anxiety-ridden time of the year! College seniors are being sent out into the “real world,” high school seniors are preparing for college, and parents of children everywhere are wondering what in the Sam Hill their kids are going to do all summer long. For anyone impacted by the school year calendar, there is some sort of transition taking place during this time. I remember quite clearly the discomfort of graduating from college. Every “Congratulations!” was met with a “So, what . . .
Guest Post: Filling the Void
I'm so excited to be sharing at The Redbud Post today. The Post is a monthly publication of work by members of the Redbud Writers Guild. This dynamic group of women have been a phenomenal support system for me as I grow as a writer. I'm deeply honored to be a part of this community. To read my post, on dealing with the death of my sweet Grandma, head on over here: The Redbud Post. Grateful to have you here, Mallory . . .