Have you ever heard of the Aran Islands? They are a set of three small islands off the west coast of Ireland, famous for their rich wool sweaters and being a heart of Irish cultural preservation. When we lived in Ireland, we could see these islands from our living room window—when it wasn’t raining, anyway. Folk used to say, “If …
I recently accepted a job. This job was an answer to prayer in so many ways—and it’s a job I said I’d never do again. Before we ever went overseas, I taught first grade for a year. That was one tough year. First year teacher, mid-year created class, and a group of students who hadn’t been told why they had …
Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, you can’t escape your past? Somewhere along the way, something you did, or something you said, or whoever you are or whoever your parent is came back to haunt you. And it keeps coming back. Like whatever your mistake was – or perceived mistake, or guilt by association – is branded …
Dear Neighbor, I just want to take a moment to say: Thank you. Yes, you with the tween daughter just like mine, who took my girls under her wing and gave them a familiar, friendly face on the first day of school. Who has been that friendly face day in and day out since then — who has opened so …
Back in December, I posted this on Instagram: We had been back in the States for about 4 months, with zero clue as to what we were doing next. We had no idea if we would head back overseas or stay here in the U.S. I remember during that time, however, I had so many, many moments like the one …
I slowly sipped the steaming coffee, letting it soothe me with it’s warmth. As I cupped the mug in my hands, my eyes lingered on the faded Scottish flag painted upon it. We had bought it while in Scotland on a work trip back years ago. Back then there was no mistaking the stark white X slicing through the vibrant blue …
I woke up with a jolt. Something wasn’t right. I sat up in bed and surveyed my surroundings. Pale blue light seeped lazily through the slats in the vertical blinds, and my husband slept, undisturbed, next to me. No children stirred down the hall, no bird welcome the day with his song. I’d heard something. It was a pop. Or …
I started a new job last week. And after a decade of living the non-traditional expat lifestyle, I can tell you the learning curve was steep. Not just the learning curve, but the mental energy stamina. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve used my brain in this way. Oh, I’ve learned new stuff while we lived overseas, sure. Languages, …
This has always been a very safe place for us, friends, hasn’t it? We’ve always been able to talk freely, and be vulnerable with one another. We’ve talked about everything from parenting funnies to spiritual constipation to culture shock to hair styles. And we’ve always been there for one another, lifting each other up, encouraging one another. That’s why I …
Ok, guys. Yes, I’m about to do a post about my hair. I don’t normally do “beauty” posts, and certainly not tutorials on it, but when I posted this pic on Instagram: You all went crazy for it (thank you, by the way!!) and kept asking how I did it. I came across this style sort of by fluke. I …