I have a friend who is a brilliant carpenter. He truly has a gift. He does high-end wood finishing for private homes. His work is incredible. We are talking some very intricate finishes that are amazing to see in person. His manipulation of wood is second to none. His use of stain makes the woodwork come alive. Woodcraft has always come easy to him, and he had gone to school … [Read more...]
Behind the Scene: Local Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Our Teens
As the 2018-2019 school year quickly approaches, back-to-school shopping, meet the teachers, and class schedules are top of mind. First-day photos will soon fill our social media feeds, and just like that, summer is over. What we don’t prepare for (or at least until it’s too late) is a mental health crisis plan for our students. This article addresses a topic some consider … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: Signs of Middle Age
It is hard to believe, but here it is … another Mama’s Turn column from me. While you might just call this August’s issue, I call it the month I turn 49. To be honest, this birthday is kind of a non-event as I’ve been telling people I was “almost 50” since I was 40. Adding years always elicits a “wow, you look good for your age” response, and I am not against shortening my life … [Read more...]
Tough Things to Talk About: The Rising Cost of College
When I was younger, I remember my biggest dream being to grow up and attend a good college, hoping to make myself and my parents proud. I thought that by getting into a school with a reputable name and good program, I could set myself up for the rest of my life with ease. College has been somewhat of an unconventional process for all the individuals in my family. It took my … [Read more...]
ReThink Life: A Conversation About Life, Leadership and Relationships
Do You Have a Vision for Your Family? Several years ago, my family took a summer vacation to Steamboat Springs, Colo. It was beautiful! We did lots of hiking, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. As we were hiking one day, my in-laws, along with our younger nieces and nephews, became tired. They decided to ride the gondola back down the mountain. My wife and I, along … [Read more...]