Six months ago I learned the truth about slavery. There are 27 million people living in slavery worldwide. A slave is someone who is forced to work for little or no money and is not free to leave. In our modern society, there are 27 million slaves. Many of these are children. As I've learned… Continue reading I’ve Become an Abolitionist (Ruth’s SOLS 18/31)

On Monday I attended an All-Write meeting with literacy coaches across Indiana & Michigan. One line from the meeting has been glued to my mind. Kristen Horrell and Karla Hayden commented about Workshop teaching: "It's so simple!" they said. Sometimes we spend our time making things more complicated than they need to be. If we… Continue reading It’s So Simple

I've been serving on a committee at my church for a couple of years. It is a committee which was formed for a purpose and now the purpose is almost complete. I was heavily involved in the process early on, but haven't been as active the past several months. I was honored to be asked to be… Continue reading Perspectives (Ruth’s SOLS 17/31)

While talking with Stacey, Sam demanded that I staple a handful of pages he was pushing at me. I tried to quiet him. He was having none of it. "Momma, this needs stapled!" I covered the phone and said, "I'm on the phone with Stacey right now, go find Dad." "I know you're working on… Continue reading First Book EVER! (Ruth’s SOLS 15/31)

Two years ago our daughters came home. We celebrate today in honor of the remarkable way families are made. I'm reminded how family isn't about blood and genetics and giving birth. Family is about love and support and time together. Sometimes I forget we don't share the same genes. There are times when they are… Continue reading Got’Cha Day (Ruth’s SOLS 14/31)

After my husband read today's slice, he said, "It reminds me of my favorite quote when I used to play sports:" Winning isn't everything. It is the only thing. --- Vince Lombardi After school Stephanie and I holed up in the studio for a little while. She was working on making a card for her… Continue reading An Athlete’s Mindset (Ruth’s SOLS 12/31)

When I'm writing and the words are coming, I'm in a zone. Do you know what I'm talking about? That zone where you feel you can work forever, because things are clicking along. Hours pass in a single breath and nothing interferes with your concentration. It feels good to concentrate like that. Sometimes it doesn't… Continue reading Writing (Ruth’s SOLS 11/31)

All five of us went for a bike ride tonight. Five bikes; four people. The little guy rides on a seat on the back of my bike. This will be his third summer riding on the back of my bike. I love having him close. Sometimes we chat. He tells me what he's thinking. He… Continue reading A Bike Ride (Ruth’s SOLS 10/31)

Two weeks ago one of my best friends moved and now lives two hours away. She was in town yesterday and today presenting at my school. We were able to chat a little, but not enough. She was sharing with me how her new house doesn't feel like home. Which made me begin to consider:… Continue reading What makes a home? (Ruth’s SOLS 9/10)

All three of the kids were together as we were talking about the day's plans. "So tonight I won't be home. I have a hair appointment, then I'm going out to dinner with some friends." They all nodded. "That means you'll be hanging out with Dad all night." They all burst into cheers. Serious cheers… Continue reading Yipee! (Ruth’s SOLS 8/31)

Despite a cold that caused him to miss church this morning, my husband surprised me when I got home from service. "Do you want to go to the hockey game this afternoon?" I cut my eyes to him, thinking about the laundry and the cleaning and the writing that needed done. "I didn't think you felt well."… Continue reading A Surprise (Ruth’s SOLS 7/31)

Sam: Momma, tell me something about electricity. Me: Electricity is interesting, isn't it? What do you know? Sam: I know it comes in through wires and goes to the breaker box. Then when we turn on the light switch it makes the lights go on. Me: Do you know anything else about electricity? Sam: Yes.… Continue reading Electricity (Ruth’s SOLS 6/31)