Sometimes, I feel like happily-ever-after romance gets a bad rap. “It’s not realistic,” the nay-sayers proclaim. “Just wait until AFTER the honeymoon,” they warn. “Endings shouldn’t always be happy!” they demand. And sure, I get it. Relationships take a lot of work, and too many marriages these days end up broken and dissolved. I’d bet […]
Being Late Led Me To My Future Husband + #giveaway
I can’t believe it, but on this day 22 years ago, I was upstairs in our church loft, wedding gown on, ready to walk down the aisle, watching guests arrive and park across the street as I peeked out the small window. Organized to a fault, I’d padded the schedule to make sure nothing, no-thing, […]
Anniversary Ideas & a #Giveaway
It’s been a busy month. My husband, son, and I took a trip to New York for my younger brother’s wedding. Then my son and I headed to West Virginia to visit some family friends. After that, I started teacher orientation to help get ready for the new school year. Halfway through that, my son […]
Real-Life Romance: Angelina & Dale PLUS #GIVEAWAY
As an observer of people, I enjoy hearing tales of real-life romance. I confess I still watch the royal headlines because I am rooting for both of Princess Diana’s boys and their marriages. Recently, I learned of a real-life romance closer to home that is one of the most beautiful arrangements of God’s hand I’ve […]
It’s the Little Things by Melanie D. Snitker
July has been an eventful month so far. We’ve had multiple doctor’s appointments for our son who will be having his tonsils and adenoids removed on Friday. Getting ready for a surgery like this isn’t easy. Between the additional challenges that autism presents and his fear of doctors in general, it’s going to be a […]
Open Windows
I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” That statement has resonated quite deeply with me lately both in my life and as an author. In truth, when my husband had his double stroke, practically every door in my figurative house slammed shut on me. I’ve […]
The Perfect Anniversary Gift
Sing with me to the tune of the Brady Bunch theme (if you’re old enough to remember it): Here’s the story of a lovely lady who was busy writing books, and couldn’t clean So her house turned upside down, without a vacuum and the bunnies won. Okay, so I stink at poetry and […]
Life in the Great Outdoors (or Thereabout)
We have plans to visit some friends in sunny Florida later this summer, and I asked our friends for suggestions about the things we could do while we’re there. One idea they came up with was a safari ride. Outdoors. In an open-sided bus. In the summer in Florida. Oh, and the biggest selling point […]
18 Years and 8 Reminders by Melanie D. Snitker
My husband and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary this month. I thought I might share the unusual way in which we met, and then decided to do so using eight things that remind me of the journey that brought us together. Howdy – Doug and I first met online in October of 1997. At […]
All You Need Is Love…And?
Even though they were a little before my time, the Beatles are one of my all-time favorite groups. My mom had every single album of theirs and we used to play them when I was young. (side note: I still have a record player and lots of records and really, you can’t beat the sound […]