• Young family watching television.
    Essays,  General Thoughts

    The importance of traditions

    Childhood memories What do you remember most from your childhood? It’s likely you remember big events and any trauma you might have experienced. Those types of things tend to leave an impression. Another way memories stick with us is through repetition, often in the form of family traditions if we’re fortunate. Holiday traditions Traditions I remember most from being a kid were centered around holidays. Getting to open one present on Christmas Eve. Waking up at the crack of dawn on Christmas Day, only to be told to go back to bed for an hour while the house warmed up. Raking leaves the day after Thanksgiving (weather permitting). Waking up…

  • Essays,  General Thoughts

    Christmas, Truth, and Childhood Innocence

    Childhood innocence eventually becomes a thing of the past. If we’re lucky, it becomes fond memories and reason for nostalgic reflection when we’re adults or the need to keep that innocence alive in our children for as long as possible. Last week, my almost 10-year-old son asked me two innocence-ending questions. The first was about the existence of the tooth fairy. He doubted it and said he was pretty sure we put money under his pillow and took his tooth after he went to bed. Jonathan and I had already agreed to tell our kids the truth when they ask questions like that, so I told Drew the truth—that he…

  • General Thoughts,  Novels (my writing updates)

    Thanksgiving

    I have so much to be thankful for this year. On Monday, I received word from the publishing company that Caroline’s Lighthouse was available on Amazon and the Archway Bookstore. Very briefly on the second day after announcing its availability via Facebook and Twitter, my Book was #95 in the top 100 of one of my categories. I’ve dropped out of that now, but I was there! Soon, the Ebook version will be available, which will be a cheaper option for those who wish to read it in that format. I am thankful for the amazing support of my friends and family and humbled by the positive messages people have sent…