Category Celebrating Loveliness
Lovely Lesson ~ How A Single Word Can Change The Way You Look In The Mirror
Recently, I picked up my daughter from after-care at her elementary school. As a mom of a new kindergartner, I asked the typical “How was your day?” and “What did you learn?” questions. This particular afternoon, she told me, shoulders hunched, that a boy on the playground had called her “fat.” I gasped in horror! “Evelyn,” I said, kneeling down […]
In Praise of Gentleness
Happy Birthday to my husband, Mike Woodward, a true gentleman. “Gentleness is the ability to bear reproaches and slights with moderation, and not to embark on revenge quickly, and not to be easily provoked to anger, but be free from bitterness and contentiousness, having tranquility and stability in the spirit.” ~ Aristotle Think On […]
Lovely thing ~ Snapshots
I was able to capture a few photos during the total solar eclipse event that I attended in Waterloo, Illinois on Monday. We had just over two minutes of totality, and my students and I stood in awe of the impressiveness of our God and our universe. Here are a few of my favorite photos […]
Your Special Day
When I was pregnant, I was diagnosed with a rare pregnancy condition called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. Basically, during mid-late pregnancy, my bile acid levels increased to heightened levels, deposited under my skin, and left me with agonizing itchiness. The condition would reverse after delivery, but with it worsening in my last few weeks, it […]
To the Good Guys
My toddler son is very into good guys and bad guys. Amazingly, he can name scores of good and bad Star Wars and Marvel super hero characters by name. And to top it all off, he frequently leaves the house in costumes that range from Darth Vader to Spiderman. One summer morning, I had to […]
Lovely Thing ~ Summer Rain
After several hot, summer days in the Midwest, our spring green grass begins to show signs of browning and crunches under bare feet. Flower petals look sad and pouty, and we tire of fighting with the garden hose and sprinkler. A few dry days later, the weather becomes collective conversation in grocery store lines and […]
In My Life
The talent show at my middle school was the main event of the school year. I remember watching teenage grunge bands, gymnasts, and dancers. The cheerleaders acted out short skits and sister trios sang Going to the Chapel. Most talent shows ended with a finale by an amazing tap soloist, who has since performed on […]
Lovely Thing ~ Children in the Park
Summertime brings free concerts in the park near our home. As the only empty-nesters on our cul-de-sac, my husband and I often ride bikes there with our neighbors and their children. We settle on our blankets and enjoy the music, but I have the most fun watching the kids flitting around us like beautiful butterflies. […]
Ten More Lessons From My Dad
Last Father’s Day, when I wrote Ten Lessons from My Dad, my father had passed away just a couple weeks before. If you’ve lost someone very dear, you know it takes some time getting used to it. For months, every time I thought of him, my breath caught and my stomach dropped as if taking an unexpected […]
Finishing Touches
We are hard at work finishing and editing the manuscript for our book, Lessons in Loveliness ~ available for purchase this summer. We hope the weather where you are is beautiful and breezy. Wishing you a blissful day ~ Alicia and Natalie
Lessons in Loveliness 