“Talking about writing isn’t writing.” This sentence, spoken from my writing mentor Sister Mara Faulkner, changed my life. I’m serious. Her simple, yet powerful words didn’t only alter how I write, but how I approach just about every task or project—and dare I say relationship?—since the day she spoke them. Let me back up and tell you a little more
My Social Media Diet
Social media…should you feast or fast? Hello friends! Anybody else feeling a little overwhelmed by social media these days? So there you are, just clicking through your newsfeed, hoping to see cute baby pics, silly memes, inspiring recipe videos, and friendly updates. But instead you are blasted by powerful negativity, polarizing politics and blanket putdowns. Isn’t it amazing to see
If 2020 was a math problem…
I’ve never been a fan of math word problems, which is funny because I’m a huge fan of words. Just not the math part. But given how this year has gone, this problem does not sound nearly as ridiculous as it did last year. Even though the year has been challenging in too many ways to count, many good
#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet J. Rosemarie Francis
I was recently asked to be a guest on a popular parenting podcast. Solo Moms! TALK is a place for moms to connect and explore the challenges they face in raising children alone. No matter where we are in our mom journeys, we can always use a sisterhood of supporters to help us not only survive, but thrive. And one
#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Crystal Nutt
When I first sat down for lunch with today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman, I quickly realized we had a lot in common. We were both born and raised in rural, southern Minnesota, and have an appreciation for livestock, farmers and small town living. We also have a shared love of writing–for business and for pleasure. Crystal, a gifted writer, applies her talents as
How can journaling help you?
What do you think of when you hear the word JOURNAL? Is it a sticker-covered notebook filled with your childhood scribbles? Flowers, hearts, rainbows, and peace signs? Or is it a lock-and-key diary where your wrote your deepest feelings about your first boyfriend? And hid it under your mattress, of course. (Mine was orange with a little gold key. 🔑