Meet Nike, my little plastic chicken. Nike sits in front of me each day, right below my computer monitor. Whenever I face a fearful situation, this yellow toy chicken reminds me to face my fear and “Just Do It”. So, OK, my Nike was kinda named after THAT Nike. But the original Nike is a winged Greek goddess. How cool is that? Since I look at my plastic Nike so much, I Continue Reading

3 Items to Pack on Every Trip

Looking Back Featured

I hate to pack. My last two trips, I packed the morning I left. Thankfully, I’ve packed often enough that I have mentally ingrained lists for each type of trip. All of those lists, regardless if for canoeing through the Boundary Waters or hopping a plane to visit family, have three items in common. Pack on every trip: 1. A Plan Every outing requires a plan of some Continue Reading

Why All Weather is Good Weather

Random Ruminations Featured

It’s April. We’re well into spring. It’s snowing. And we already have several inches of white stuff on the ground. Why won’t the weather cooperate? Last April, we played outside in short sleeves. The world had turned the green of spring, with new life visible everywhere. Yes, last year was freakishly warm, and ultimately bad for the plants, but it sure felt Continue Reading

How to Practice Proactive Patience

Looking Back Featured

I’m a person of action. I like to move and do. I don’t like to sit still. I certainly don’t like to wait. Given all that, it comes as no surprise that patience comes hard to me. This time of year, I especially struggle with patience. I want to play outside in the longer spring days, but snow still covers the ground. The snow’s deteriorated beyond cross-country skiing, and Continue Reading