Despite all of the turmoil in our country, and around the world, I feel thankful for so many things. It's not always easy--costs are up, days are short, the news is dismal. But there are still so many good things in my daily orbit. There are new books to read, with complex characters and wonderfully creative plots. On the dark days of winter, my home is warm, and I have food to eat. We have friends and family nearby, and we enjoy spending time together. My children are health

November first is always the unofficial start of the holiday season. The commercials reflect this even earlier, and all the stores have rotated in their holiday decor and foods. It projects a very happy time of year. However, this year has a bit of a different feel. There are people without paychecks and people without food. Small businesses have been hit by huge tariffs to produce and import their shop goods, and they are struggling. Nonprofits that provide items like clothi

When Halloween falls on school and work day, it's always a bit tricky to get things in order in time for dinner and trick-or-treating. I've created an easy checklist to refer to as you prepare for Friday night's festivitites, especially for those who are hosting! The Quick & Easy Checklist for Halloween Night: Attire/Gear Halloween costumes, layers/coats (if the weather is chilly) Candy bags or buckets Flash lights Glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces Food Dinner (chili, pizz

October is special for And She Writes ! Our co-founders, Fay and Samantha, celebrate their birthdays this month. To honor this, we’re...

This is one of my favorite posts about fall, written back in 2020: Monday Musings: The Magic of Fall “Life starts all over again when it...

A few weeks ago, our family's Perisan cat unexpectedly crossed the rainbow bridge. Since it was sudden, and Milo was just eight years...

I'm eager to welcome fall this year. We've had several warm days lately, so I delight in knowing that soon temperatures will drop,...

This week marks 24 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks that changed the world forever. I remember this day for the sorrow, bravery and...

Happy Labor Day! I hope you spend time today resting and recharging. Labor Day is a special holiday to celebrate the American worker. To...

Last August, I reflected on my oldest embarking on her final year of high school . Writing the post was therapeutic and one of my...

It's probably the longer summer days or the time away from an intense sports season with my kids, but I've been increasingly focused on...

The calendar flips to August, and an internal switch instantly screams "hurry up and get ready!" Our kids don't start school for several...

I try to keep an updated reading list so when I finish something, I keep the momentum going. Whether I'm headed on a trip and want to...

Reflecting on five years of And She Writes , I can't help but list my 2023 '90s reflection piece as one of my favorite posts. Recently,...

As we reflect on five years of blogging, I have to say that my favorite posts are all those in the Top Shelf category. They're a great...

Every few years, I reread Pride and Prejudice , by Jane Austen. It's my favorite novel, and I never get tired of the story, the...

In celebration of And She Writes' 5th Birthday, we'll spend the next few months sharing some of our favorite posts since the blog's...

Every year, I have an established goal of reading at least two books each month. Usually, I surpass this with no trouble, thanks in large...

It’s hard to believe that we’re near the midpoint of 2025. My word for this year is release . After a busy and stressful fall, I was...

Today is a day we can all come together to honor. We can cross divides, aisles and other ideological barriers to agree that those who...