Friends, I'm so excited to introduce you to Leanna today. She is a force—one of strength and kindness and creativity. I admire her authenticity and perspective; I've tried to explain to Leanna how I see her but I feel at a loss for words. She's got that something, you know what I mean? Her authenticity, perspective, force, and that something are why I'm so glad she has begun this work as a photographer. I believe she is doing with her camera what I try to do with my words: Tell stories that are . . .
When Green Grass Steals My Focus
Fourth-grade Mallory cracks me up, you guys. I love her and I think she’s precious but, also, just so nerdy. I can still see the layout of Mrs. Hermann’s fourth grade classroom. During this school year, I did a book report on Nevada, was sent to the principal’s office (for the first and last time, mind you), and began discovering that thing about the grass looking greener on the other side. I had straight blonde hair, my face was peppered with freckles, and, oh my goodness, I [apparently] . . .
Everbloom is Here!
Today's the day!!! Everbloom is officially for sale in stores and online! It has been six months since I first submitted my piece to be considered for this book. As I shared last week, it was an emotional process to write and edit the chapter that has now found its home beginning on page 86 of Everbloom. As my words, along with the incredible work of the book's other authors, are released into the world today, I feel it all—fear, hope, pride, gratefulness, humility, more gratefulness. To . . .
Thank You for Your Work
I graduated from The Seattle School in 2013 with a master's degree in Theology & Culture. Immediately after graduating, I began working at the school as an Assistant Instructor (what some of you may know as a Teaching Assistant). After two years as a student and two years as an Assistant Instructor, I left the school shortly before getting married and moving away. Before leaving, I was asked to speak at the school's year-end banquet. It was an honor (as was so much of the work I did at . . .
Living Vows: A Birthday Toast
We are breaking from our regularly scheduled blog programming because TODAY is Darren’s birthday! My Darren—my husband, my teammate, my closest friend. I often tell him that he’s my “best part’a life”—and I really, really mean it. I can’t believe I get to be partnered up with him on this wild journey. Leading up to our wedding in August of 2015, I wrestled with my vows to Darren. I could write them, of course, but speaking them to him, with nearly 200 friends and family bearing witness, . . .
The Futility of “Never”
I love making lists. The more detailed the list, the better. (Read: The more chances I have to cross things off said list!) Although I have a deep affinity for creating lists, I do not have a Bucket List—that is, a list of things I want to do before I die. If you have one, I think you’re forward thinking and organized, and I’m a little bit jealous. As of right now, the only item I’d know to add to my informal and undocumented Bucket List is this: 1. Make a Bucket List So I have some . . .