It’s been one of my 2019 goals to listen to more podcasts. It has also been a goal to increase my spirituality as I immerse myself more deeply in holy scripture. Discovering The Scripture Study Project podcast has been a…
Blink and you might miss it. Tucked between bricks on a building, behind a picture frame, or perched on an inch-of-space baseboard, a tiny art gallery sits waiting for an observant eye to lean down — and perhaps grab a…
Writing is my passion. It challenges me, it invigorates me, and it excites me. Celebrating and crafting words fuels the fibers of my being and exercises my soul’s muscle memory. And even on those can’t-write-a-single-sentence, crippling-writer’s-block days, I still cherish…
Young adult literature is what made me want to be an author. A copy of The Truth About Forever given to me by a friend introduced me to a genre teeming with swoon-worthy stories, loveable characters, and relatable lessons. Every…
I am obsessed with flowers. Like, anything to do with florals. I’m totally enraptured. I secretly dream of growing a flower farm on our acreage, of always having fresh-cut, home-grown flowers on my kitchen counter. I dream of traveling to…
I never got the chance to meet my grandma Joey. Even though my middle name — Joann — is her namesake, she passed away a few months before I was born. I ache to know her, to be close to…
As a writer — or painter, poet, scientist, or whatever amazing profession you claim — continuing to improve your craft is important, not only to sharpen your saw and remain competitive in your field, but also to help you remember…
Just call me Indiana Jones, ’cause last week, I unearthed a true hidden treasure: my old high school yearbooks. Okay, that’s a tad dramatic, because let’s be real — I was the layout editor on my high school yearbok staff;…
When I got the idea for Talking Shop, I initially thought, “Hey, this will be a great way to get more content up on my site!” I realized quickly, however, that it would become SO much more than simple blog…
Are you tired of deciding where to eat for dinner? SAME. After too many “I don’t care, what do you want to eat?”s exchanged between you and your family or friends, have you ever just picked a restaurant at random…
I feel like one of true, genuine blessings in life is getting to cross paths with, and learn from amazing people. My life has been filled with such serendipitous and rewarding interactions. I knew Emily Kim for only a short…
One of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received was from my best friend, Amy. For my birthday last year, she sent me a little book filled with sealed envelopes. “Letters to my Friend,” the cover read. Inside was prompted…
