Building trust and strong relationships
I'm thinking a lot about my students and the struggles some face right now. It's a monumentally emotional time. I'm pondering how to best support them as they navigate adult problems while sixteen years [...]
Hardy columbine
These hardy columbine grow and even flourish in difficult situations and can thrive with little sunlight. When experiencing trials and suffering, it can be a challenge to search for ways to prevail, to press [...]
On facing trials like dental procedures
Recently, one of my teen daughters had a big dental procedure and was scared for it all week. And when she learned the appointment meant she’d miss a few classes, she was further disappointed [...]
two feet of snow
Several years ago, we lived in the Chicago suburbs, and at least two feet of snow fell over the course of seven days. A full foot of snow gently fell one night after my [...]
A Splendor Among Shadows
My upcoming short story, A Splendor Among Shadows, is available for preorder! Launching into the world on 2/22/22. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1948. As World War II concluded, the country in shambles, Vivianne Rademaker helped Amsterdam [...]
A deeper form of love
If you have suffered great losses and pain, have you noticed that seeing the world through a lens of grief means you can later observe joy and delight with greater ferocity? I don’t mean [...]
Sometimes the miracle fades
Washing dishes and Fighting off lies Jangling around in my head, Of not smart enough Or clever enough Or able Or just Enough. Tiresome nonsense. But Bubbles rise With serenading giggles And I see [...]
A story imprinted upon our hearts
In hustle of the December holidays two years ago, my husband and I went to the theater to see Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. We’ve both been fans of the franchise since childhood [...]
Tulips for Lotte
Tulips for Lotte is now available! Late 1944, Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. After more than four long years of war in the Netherlands, young Lotte Fortuijn prays for liberation. She has navigated betrayals and endured great [...]
Why I Became a Teacher
Why I Became A Teacher… We had an essay contest at school for educators to submit their writing piece and I hope this inspires or encourages someone who is considering education. It’s such a [...]