love
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Investing in Quality: The Importance of Good Foundation
Quality comes with a price, and some things are worth the extra time and money, including bras. No, I did not return to Victoria’s Secret in pursuit of undergarments. I opted for a department store, but I still experienced sticker shock, even with a half-price sale and deep discounts for being a credit card holder. Continue reading
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Cherishing Small Town Memories: A Grandmother’s Reflection
APOLOGY: I am so sorry this is late. This is a busy time of year, and I am preparing to do one more market before the freeze, when my attention will turn to cleaning out the gardens. And, I’m so disappointed I cannot find that photo of me as a cheerleader.) Maybe not all of Continue reading
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The Joy of Watching Grandchildren Grow
There is no greater joy than grandchildren. Somehow, while raising my children, I missed out on observing how a child progresses from non-communication to endless questions and observations. My friend Shelley maintains we are too busy as moms making sure they are fed and cared for to notice the nuances of the toddler stage. Being Continue reading
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A Year of Healing: Birthday Reflections After Cancer
March is a month of birthdays in our family. Growing up, my dad did not acknowledge birthdays. When the subject was broached, his answer was, “It’s just another day.” There were no huge birthday parties growing up. No mountains of gifts, and no grandparents in attendance, but we did get birthday cake, I think. When Continue reading
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A Kaseman Carol: A Family Christmas Reflection
A few years back instead of sending a regular Christmas card to my family, I wrote a short story and created a Christmas Card booklet. I think it was before the advent of Shutterfly and Blurb because I printed, folded, and stapled a cover on it myself. It’s not a New York Times bestseller, but Continue reading
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Finding Joy in December: Reflections on Life and Love
It’s Sunday, December 8, and there’s rain in the forecast. Very little snow and no cold makes it difficult to believe it’s December in North Dakota. Cold is relative, of course. When we say it’s not freezing in North Dakota in December, we mean it’s not below zero with no wind chill. Preparations are underway Continue reading
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Overcoming Cancer Doubts: A Journey of Faith and Reminders
Some days I feel so normal, whatever that means. Some days there are moments I can forget I have cancer. My body seems to be working just fine. I can make it through the day without napping every hour. I can weed for hours on my hands and knees on a beautiful August morning. I Continue reading
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50th Class Reunion: Rediscovering Memories
As a journalist, I had the privilege of interviewing many people for newspaper articles and the two books I wrote about Germans from Russia. Most interviewees begin by saying, “I have nothing to say that anyone would want to listen to.” By the end of the interview, they would say, “Thank you so much for Continue reading
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Winter is coming
The Stark family’s words, “Winter is coming,” resonate as the author reflects on entering the “winter years” of life post-cancer treatment. Facing uncertainty and limitations, they share lessons learned: cherish family, be generous, embrace individuality, and live in the present. Embracing this new phase gracefully, they find solace in focusing on what they can still… Continue reading
About Me
I love to write. My background is graphic arts and journalism. My roots are German-Russian from McIntosh County, North Dakota.
My time is spent reading, writing, gardening, cooking, blogging, fiber arts – you name it, we try it.
INDYchildrendotme 