After Jim passed away, I found myself constantly saying “This sucks!” When people asked how I was doing. When people talked about their upcoming events. It was my unwanted mantra – This sucks! I couldn’t envision smiling again let alone being happy. I questioned everything, and at some point I made the decision to embrace […]


It's been a while!
I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.
My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways.
If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.
I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.
And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.
That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)
I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was
about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard.
So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.
That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.
This blog is the first page of my next chapter.
If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.
So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.
Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.








If you know me at all, you know that Dallas and Sassy are my babies. My everything. Well my poor little Sass had to get her shots on May 27, which I hate. She’s always been sensitive and after just getting my 2nd COVID vaccine the week before…. I have a whole new level of […]


It's been a while!
I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.
My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways.
If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.
I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.
And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.
That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)
I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was
about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard.
So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.
That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.
This blog is the first page of my next chapter.
If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.
So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.
Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.








What an insane 6 months it’s been… personally and in the world. I really can’t think of any other way to describe it, can you? It started for me with The Boulder Fires, an experience I would love to forget but will never ever be able to erase from my mind. I’ve seen horrendous fires […]


It's been a while!
I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.
My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways.
If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.
I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.
And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.
That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)
I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was
about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard.
So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.
That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.
This blog is the first page of my next chapter.
If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.
So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.
Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.








Dak, you don’t know me, however I felt deeply compelled to reach out to you. First and foremost, there are simply no words. I am so deeply sorry for your tragic loss. I don’t know how you’re back on the field. I hope it’s what keeps you going. I hope the team is your family… […]


It's been a while!
I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.
My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways.
If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.
I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.
And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.
That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)
I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was
about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard.
So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.
That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.
This blog is the first page of my next chapter.
If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.
So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.
Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.








Returning to school for the 20-21 school year is in full swing and the excitement behind the usual back-to-school shopping, preparation and celebrations will be a far cry from ordinary. I’m seriously concerned for not only the physical health and safety of our kids and teachers but also their mental health. Anxiety is at an […]


It's been a while!
I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.
My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways.
If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.
I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.
And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.
That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)
I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was
about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard.
So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.
That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.
This blog is the first page of my next chapter.
If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.
So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.
Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.








Let’s talk truth. What’s your definition of toxic? I initially think of chemicals. But there’s emotional toxicity, too. We’ve all dealt with people who blame and deflect instead of just taking responsibility and apologizing. I have someone who makes this into an art form, to the point that I question myself. Bottom line: I know […]


It's been a while!
I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.
My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways.
If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.
I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.
And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.
That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)
I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was
about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard.
So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.
That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.
This blog is the first page of my next chapter.
If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.
So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.
Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.








Often, our best learning doesn’t come from textbooks or lectures. Our most memorable lessons almost always come from our role models. Role models come in all different forms, from family members to celebrities. In recognition of the incredible impact these people have on our lives, November is National Inspirational Role Models Month. In honor of […]
It's been a while!
I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.
My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways.
If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.
I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.
And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.
That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)
I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was
about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard.
So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.
That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.
This blog is the first page of my next chapter.
If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.
So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.
Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.
Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.
Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.
I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.
These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.
So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.
With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.







