In addition to public library websites📚 — It’s true — the only time I splurge on purchasing a book is when I’m sure I’ll read it more than once. Raising a big family on one income, I can’t help but be spend-conscious. And you can’t beat FREE! …

Spot, stop, swap (say that fast three times!) — There’s always something new to learn. Especially along the journey of overcoming and becoming. Lately, I’ve spent more time being present and practicing stillness. In stillness, you have to sit with your thoughts. I recently wrote a short piece about how tending to thoughts leads to genuine happiness. Thoughts can…

We need its teachings now more than ever — My friend’s darling mutt Ace greeted me, his entire body wriggling. Our visit was long overdue. We’d chat and care for horses together — a perfect pause from the demanding duties of being a mother of six. Before pouring coffee to take down to the barn, she handed me an…

Another 13 sensational writers! ❤ — Did you miss Part 1? By all means, please read it here! 😃 My inspiration for this challenge (and instructions for taking part) can be found in this story. Today I’m lifting another 13 deserving writers with 1,000 followers or less. I’d love to see them receive greater recognition! Short…

Of course, I’m game! ❤ — When you’re the challenge creator, you better be game!! 😉 My inspiration for this challenge (and instructions for taking part) can be found in this story. Today I’m lifting 13 of 26 deserving writers with 1,000 followers or less. I’d love to see them receive greater recognition! Short on time…

Lifting 26 writers with 1,000 followers or less — As a new writer on Medium, being encouraged and supported by other writers has been an enormous blessing. Gratitude for my belonging among the writing communities here often overwhelms me! The talented fiction author, illustrator, and editor of Love Looks Like This, J.R. Spiers, introduced me to writer’s lifts. Lifting…

Like a gardener, you decide what to grow — The Daily Write Challenge’s writing prompt for June 30th, 2022: What makes you happy? Oh, so many things make me happy! I thought I’d make a list of 101 things that make me happy (which I did and included at the end of this article). But I also thought sharing…

Fun writing prompt (on my birthday) — The Daily Write Challenge’s writing prompt for June 29th, 2022: You just won 44 billion dollars, tax-free. What do you do with it? Oooooooh, I WISH!!! Instead of winning $44 billion, I joined the 40s Club today!! 😃 But if I won this obscene amount of dough, I know what…

Spring Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Nature Art” — Rocking family beach day with love! I love hearts. And I love my family more than anything in the world! My youngest son is two — we share a fondness for rocks. As I searched for specific colored rocks to make these hearts, I placed them in a little pile. My son had fun taking most…