This past Saturday, my fellow author friend, Karen Grunst and I shared a booth at a book fair. We arrived around 8:30 to setup a tent, tables, and books. Thank goodness for the tent because the wind picked up throughout the day, so we had some protection. Nothing beats fighting the elements, as you’re grabbing books, stands, and other items …
Quiz for Christmas at Sonshine Barn
Finished reading Christmas at Sonshine Barn? Test how well you remember certain facts in the book! (If on a mobile phone, swipe on the quiz to continue. If on a laptop, click on the right arrow.)
How Les Misérables Connected Robert and I
Over six years ago, I wanted to take a leap of faith and do something out of my comfort zone. I was single, so I refused to attend events alone. I never went to the movies alone and only occasionally ate out alone. I hated feeling the stigma of singleness that I carried. So, I told myself to attend a …
Lessons from our stint with an extraordinary young boy
Ever experienced a situation where you are helpless but have to trust God? Recently, my husband and I faced a decision where we had to surrender to God for the outcome. Our time fostering a precious boy is over. We couldn’t keep him anymore, but this outcome wasn’t what we expected. We planned on keeping him for the long term; …
Nature’s Embrace: A Family Retreat in Broken Bow
Nature’s Embrace: A Family Retreat in Broken Bow As I immersed myself in the final edits of Love at The Mayo, I found myself at a crossroads: a five-day family getaway to Broken Bow loomed ahead. Should I sacrifice precious editing time to join Robert and Sadie, our goldendoodle puppy, on the annual Ward/Dausses family vacation? Ultimately, I chose to …
Sweet Nostalgia: Crafting my Grandma’s Rohličky
Rohličky are delectable Czech pastries often enjoyed during special occasions and holiday seasons. Their name translates to “little horns” or “crescent rolls” in English, referring to their shape. When rohličky won the poll, I had mixed feelings. This pastry takes two days and requires TLC as you fill each pastry. I messed up a batch last winter, so I was …
A Mediterranean Culinary Adventure
(About a four-minute read) My husband and I share a passion for cooking, especially exploring ethnic cuisines. Thanks to friendships with some Afghan families, we’ve tackled dishes like chicken biryani and borani banjan. So, when the opportunity arose to take a Mediterranean cooking class for a date night, we signed up. No messy kitchen to clean, just fun recipes to …
Four Books Conquered: My Productive Month of Reading
About a five-minute read In June, Tulsa libraries launched their annual summer reading program. Aimed for all ages, the library advocates literacy and learning for kids and adults. I signed up, as motivation to finish books I had started. I have a bad habit of starting but not finishing books. Any readers relate? In my defense, as a writer, I …
Pun-Off at The Philbrook Museum
(About a two-minute read) Ever participated in a pun off? Robert and I ventured to this inaugural event at Philbrook Museum of Art in June. Robert, a connoisseur of puns—my mother even gifted him a daily pun calendar—was looking forward to this date. In the museum’s South Formal Gardens, we sat on a giant, wrought-iron swing, enjoying the evening under …