Chasing Cozy

I am a freelance writer, among other things. Sometimes it makes me kinda sad, like when I don’t get any Christmas lunch out with the office. Sometimes it makes me so happy, like when I don’t have to go drive on snowy roads early in the morning. Sometimes it feels like my word well has run dry. I mean bone …

Dearest Carl and I just finished a 14 day trial of the Ketogenic Diet. I’d heard positive things about it and I thought to myself “Two weeks of cheese and champagne? I can do that.” So the two of us, along with a couple in-law siblings, tried it out. 14 days of no sugar and only 20 grams of carbs …

As a kid, I spent Halloween at our church’s Harvest Festival, playing games and scampering over inflatable playgrounds. As an adult, we’ve spent the holiday in various ways. Parties with family, parties with friends, hosting at home, etc. Last year we gathered a few friends for a costume contest, fun treats and a couple episodes of Stranger Things Season 2. …

Fall is my favorite. I know I talk so much about soup and cider, bonfires and boots, candles and camping. I can’t help it! But we’ve lived in our old house in this small Indiana town for four years and this year, for some reason, I’ve noticed some other things. The little things that you only really notice with time. …

I have a theory. It might be a controversial one but it’s a theory nonetheless. We’ve had some pretty big elections of late and certain people came to positions of power, making someone or other mad about it. How on earth did they get up there? How can people believe their lies? #notmypresident and so on and so forth. No …

It’s kind of amazing how Fall can almost be self-care in and of itself. The fresh frosty air, the golden sunshine, the bright leaves, all inviting us to breathe deep and full. Last year, Dearest Carl and I were packed with commitments from October through the New Year. I kid you not, there was something every day on my calendar …

It was a normal Tuesday. I parked in my usual spot and gathered my purse, phone and list. When you pull into Walmart, you almost prepare yourself for the worst. The squeaky carts, the riled children, the empty space on the shelf where that one thing you needed should be. But this particular day, as I took a deep breath …

Growing up, it seemed my mother always had some devotional sitting atop her Bible. Early mornings found her at the kitchen table or on the porch swing, coffee in hand, reading the scripture and finding encouragement from like minds. Since devotionals were common in my upbringing, it’s not surprising that devotionals found their way into my own Bible study time. …

My nephew loves animals. At 7 years old, he knows more about them than I ever have. We went to the zoo when they stayed with us a few weeks ago and I learned that African elephants have large ears to help keep them cool and the lines on a cheetah’s face act as sunglasses in the bright sun. And …

Yes, I think I skipped one of my quarterly updates for my resolutions… but oh well. What else can you say? I’m updating it now. Here’s how I’m doing. Read: No matter how much I read, my stack always grows faster than I can keep up. I’ve read nine books this year so far and I’m currently starting into At The Water’s …